Princess Cruises offers consumers security through their travel agent training program

Princess Cruises Certified Experts Logo

Princess Cruises offers travel agents a rigorous training program to familiarize them with all the aspects of selling their cruises to the consumer/cruiser.  This program consists of 25 classes, each taken online with a quiz at the end of each class and an extensive final exam before graduation.  The amount of time it takes to complete te 25 classes depends on how well the agent learns using online, non-interactive class methodology.  As an average, it is about 1 hour per class.  That would mean a 25 hour investment in their knowledge of Princess Cruises.  The agent then has "Commodore" standing with the cruise line.  At various trade shows there are frequently special events held only for Commodores by the cruise line.  It sets the Commodore agents apart from the average agent.  Upon completion of passing the final exam, the travel agent then has the opportunity to take a cruise on Princess to experience the cruiseline personally. 

During this graduation cruise, they meet with a variety of the ship's crew, complete a questionaire and experience both some of the best Princess has to offer, as well as experience what the average cruiser will experience.  If an agent wants to have the graduation cruise cabin that is offered, they will stay in an interior cabin for the cruise, compliments of the cruise line.  If they wish to have an oceanview, a balcony or a mini-suite, they will pay additional money.  They also pay the on board gratuities, as well as any other fees, such as specialty restuarant cover charges or laundry/drycleaning, alcoholic drinks, sodas/bottled water, ice cream and the like.  So the experience is just like what the consumer has.

After completing these classes the agent must take "refresher" classes every year to maintain their certification.  Usually the time invested for this is in the neighborhood of 4 hours.  I completed my training initially in November 2006 and have updated each year thereafter.  The cruise line also offers ongoing sales tools classes, destination classes and niche market classes.  These are all optional classes and your travel agent should take most of them.  While nearly all the cruise lines, as well as many of the suppliers offer online training now, Princess Cruise Lines has one of the most comprehensive, well designed and user-friendly training programs in the industry.  An agent who has completed the program has the right to use the Princess Specialist logo on their marketing materials, business cards and website as well.  The picture above is the logo you should look for at a travel agency.

Princess Cruises sails to Alaska every season from Pier 91 in Seattle.  Pier 91 is located near the Magnolia Bridge from Elliott Avenue. Earlier this year there was an article about 4 reasons to sail with Princess Cruises to Alaska in 2010-special features from Princess Cruises  that you might like to read about sailing Princess Cruises out of Seattle to Alaska. Here are the driving directions to Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at Terminal 91: 

Address: 
2001 W. Garfield St.
Seattle, WA 98119

From Interstate 5 North

1. Head south on I-5 and follow the signs to the Mercer Street Exit
2. Take exit 167 to Mercer Street (right-hand off-ramp)
3. Take a right turn on to Fairview Avenue North ( 400 feet)
4. Take a left turn on Valley Street (0.18 miles)
5. Valley Street bends to the left and becomes Broad Street (0.75 miles)
6. Turn right to Denny Way (0.32 miles)
7. Bend right to Western Avenue ( 0.22 miles)
8. Western joins Elliott Avenue West (1.18 miles)
9. Follow signs to Magnolia Bridge
10. Turn right at 14th Ave West (signal light intersection) (0.14 miles)
11. Stay to the right and follow ramp joining the Magnolia Bridge (West Garfield Street) (0.35 miles)
12. Exit right. Follow signs to “Smith Cove Park” (0.55 miles) and Cruise Terminal
13. Turn right at bottom of ramp and follow signs for cruise terminal parking or cruise terminal

From Interstate 5 South

1. Head north on I-5 and follow signs to the Mercer Street Exit
2. Take exit 167 (left-side off-ramp) to Mercer Street
3. Take a right turn on to Fairview Avenue North (400 feet)
4. Take a left turn on Valley Street (0.18 miles)
5. Valley Street bends to the left and becomes Broad Street (0.75 miles)
6. Turn right to Denny Way (0.32 miles)
7. Bend right to Western Avenue (0.22 miles)
8. Western joins Elliott Avenue West (1.18 miles)
9. Follow signs to Magnolia Bridge
10. Turn right at 14th Ave West (signal light intersection) (0.14 miles)
11. Stay to the right and follow ramp joining the Magnolia Bridge (West Garfield Street) (0.35 miles)
12. Exit right. Follow signs to “Smith Cove Park” (0.55 miles) and Cruise Terminal
13. Turn right at bottom of ramp and follow signs for cruise terminal parking or cruise terminal

From Interstate 90 West

1. Take I-90 West to I-5 North
2. Then follow directions for "From Interstate 5 South

For more info: Princess Cruises - www.princess.com

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