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Carnival Cruise Line enhances booking experience for agents

April 16, 2024

Carnival Cruise Line is introducing a series of new features to its online booking tool for travel advisors, GoCCL Navigator.

The enhancements streamline the booking process, providing travel advisors with the tools and resources they need to maximize efficiency and improve their overall experience to support their business and income growth.

Along with a new design that makes it easier for searching, viewing and comparing offers, the platform’s variety of enhancements also includes:

• Enhanced Offer Details – Fares will be easier to review and compare to other offers with a simplified list of key benefits and fine print details.
• Special Offers Red Tag – Red tags will now be shown spotlighting when clients have a special VIFP offer on a sailing.
• Accessible Staterooms – Booking accessible staterooms will now be available on GoCCL.com, eliminating an extra step of calling in for the request.
• Side-by-Side Offer Comparison – This feature will be enhanced to include price and benefits at-a-glance.
• Desktop + Mobile Access – All updates are available across desktop and mobile to book wherever and whenever.

Adolfo Perez, senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing for Carnival Cruise Line, said: “We deeply value our travel advisor community, whose expertise and passion are an integral part of our success. The latest updates on GoCCL.com are based directly on advisors’ feedback and make it easier than ever to match clients’ needs with the perfect Carnival cruise to deliver exceptional service, all while saving valuable time by doing it quickly online.”

The new enhancements to GoCCL.com are part of Carnival’s ongoing commitment to travel advisors as part of its Travel Agents Rock! program. The newest features further solidify GoCCL.com as one of the easiest and most accessible booking tools in the industry.

Go to www.GoCCL.com for more.

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Carnival cruise line to offer 350 agent ship visit spaces this year.

Carnival Cruise Line will host "more travel agents than ever before" during its 2024 ship visit programme – its largest to date featuring seven dates across the UK.

Launched on Wednesday (1 May) to coincide with Global Travel Advisor Day, CCL will offer 350 agent ship visit places this year onboard 2,124-passenger Carnival Legend.

Agents will be able to get onboard in Dover (28 June), Liverpool (9 July, 5 August and 14 August), Edinburgh (30 July), Greenock (7 August) and Belfast (17 August).

Guests will be given a tour of the ship followed by lunch at the Lido restaurant. Carnival Legend is sailing a series of nine day British Isles and western Mediterranean departures ex-Dover from June to August.

Iain Baillie, CCL vice-president international sales, said: “Travel agents are the cornerstone of our industry and we are committed to supporting them in every possible way.

"This ship visit programme is a celebration of our partnership and our goal is to provide an educational and enjoyable experience, with informative sessions and warm hospitality.”

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Personal Vacation Planner Agent

Company overview.

The FUN begins with Personal Vacation Planners! This outbound telephone sales position provides you with a database of guests with whom you will build relationships to drive sales. These warm leads consist of guests actively planning a cruise, past guests, and individuals that have expressed an interest in cruising with Carnival. This is a high-volume, fast-paced sales environment where quotas and metrics must be achieved. Enjoy a flexible schedule after the first year, unlimited earning potential, and a highly-engaging and supportive work environment. If you have a winning personality, a passion for sales, and are motivated by financial success, then we want you to join our team.

• No travel required, fully remote
• Average Salary $80 - $85k

Our Culture Essentials

What makes a successful PVP team member at Carnival? Check out the top traits we’re looking for and see if you have what it takes to become our next star!

• Entrepreneurial
• Goal Oriented
• Competitive
• Strong Communicator
• Good Listener

Responsibilities

Job description.

We are seeking Personal Vacation Planner (PVP) to be part of our team. Currently considering residents from ONLY from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas .

As a remote PVP, you'll be the face of Carnival Cruise Line, making outbound calls to potential customers, building strong relationships, and converting leads into unforgettable cruise experiences. You'll have the freedom to work independently, meet monthly targets, and create memorable moments for our guests.  Don't miss your chance to be part of something extraordinary! Whether you're a seasoned sales expert or just starting out, our team is ready to welcome you aboard.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Excellent attendance and punctuality are an essential function of the job.
• Promote cruise sales by initiating telephone calls, acting on leads and/or prospects. Present cruise products and make travel recommendations.
• Establish and maintain customer relationships by delivering excellent customer service, meeting customer needs and expectations to meet/exceed sales goals.
• Maintain customer contact database of new and existing accounts to close sales.
• Participate in mandatory trainings and meetings to stay current with knowledge of products to present cruise product features, benefits, and pricing.
• Perform other job-related functions as assigned.
• Must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. 

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: .

• Currently considering residents from ONLY from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. 
• Minimum High School Diploma  or  GED.
• Inside / outside field 1 year sales experience with proven sales success.
• Experience developing new business and new accounts with a customer service background.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Results and goal-oriented sales professional with excellent verbal and written communication skills sufficient to successfully communicate with customers via telephone.
• Superior prospecting, presentation and closing skills.
• Comfort working in an environment requiring achievement of monthly sales targets and goals.
• Effective time management, organization, and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to maintain strong working knowledge of cruise products.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain individual lead database.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Monday through Friday 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM (EST).
• Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM (EST), and Fridays 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM (EST). 
• Since this is an incentive-driven position, when business needs dictate, PVPs may be required to work the last Saturday of a month. 
• The starting hourly pay rate for this role is $15/hour for the first 5 pay periods. For pay periods 6 through 10, the rate is *$11/hour plus participation in the sales incentive program.  From the 11th pay period onward, the annual base salary will be $16,500 with continued participation in the sales incentive program. The sales incentive program is tiered and includes a 6-month incentive guarantee. Average annual earning for this role is $65,000 - $70,000 with high performers earning $100,000+.

                           *Or your State or City minimum hourly wage if higher

• Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources
• Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match
• Employee Stock Purchase plan
• Holidays – All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 7 company-wide holidays, plus an additional floating holiday to be taken at the employee’s discretion.
• Vacation Time – All full-time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year.  All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure.
• Sick Time – All full-time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year. 
• Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends
• Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement

ETHICS & COMPLIANCE:

In addition to other duties/functions, this position requires full commitment and support for promoting ethical and compliant culture. More specifically, this position requires integrity, honesty, and respectful treatment of others, as well as a willingness to speak up when they see misconduct or have concerns.

In addition to other duties/functions,this position requires full commitment and support for promoting ethical and compliant culture. More specifically, this position requires integrity, honesty, and respectful treatment of others, as well as a willingness to speakup when they see misconduct orhave concerns.

CarnivalCruise Line is the most popular cruise brand in North America and operates a fleet of ships designed to foster exceptionally safe, fun and memorable vacation experiences at an outstanding value. Our employees have a responsibility to be accountable for all actions. We consider the environment in all aspects of our business and have a responsibility to put safety and sustainability first. We live and share a positive attitude which is based on fostering an environment of inclusion, trust, a willingness to listen, openness and integrity. Doing this helps us to achieve our ultimate goal, which is to include FUN in everything we do! Speaking of fun, we are officially certified as a Great Place to Work aboard our ships as well as in our global corporate headquarters!

Carnival Corporation & plc and Carnival Cruise Line is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. In this regard, it does not discriminate against any qualified individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin,religion, sexual orientation, age,marital status, mental, physical orsensory disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, federal, and/or international law. 

Employee Benefits

Flexible work environment.

Empowering work-life integration and flexible opportunities for your personal and career success

Wellness Programs

Comprehensive employer wellness programs featuring mental health support and fitness options, including an on-site gym

Cruise Benefits

An array of qualified complimentary and heavily discounted cruise options for the ultimate dream getaway

Parental Programs

Generous parental leave time and adoption assistance programs

Retirement Plan

Secure your future with our exceptional Traditional and Roth 401(k) options complemented by valuable company contributions

Employee Stock Purchase

Invest in tomorrow with the opportunity to purchase Carnival shares at a discounted rate from their fair market value

In addition to the above, we offer PTO and company holidays as well as a variety of medical, dental, and voluntary plans

I love working as a Personal Vacation Planner. I get the incredible privilege of helping my guests plan their vacations and create memories they will cherish forever. Every day I get to be part of a supportive and engaging culture. There’s nothing like working towards a common goal, achieving success together, and having fun along the way.

Victoria Personal Vacation Planner, Dream Chaser

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Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

Going online to book an airline ticket or hotel stay is a familiar and fairly easy transaction. When you book a cruise, however — particularly your first cruise — you might want to reconsider the impulse to handle the transaction yourself through a cruise line website or an online advertiser with cheap prices. This DIY approach might not be the best way to find your dream vacation at sea.

In reality, it's not that simple to book a cruise. You will likely run into a lot of questions to which you have no ready answer.

That's where specialized cruise travel agents come into play. Their expertise can help you avoid mistakes, whether you are a first-timer or a repeat cruiser checking out a brand you have not tried before.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Why you should book through a cruise travel agent

You should consider booking a cruise through a travel agent because a knowledgeable agent can help you understand the nuances of a cruise purchase and help you make the best decisions for your vacation preferences.

When you book a cruise, you are making a vacation decision that goes way beyond a flight or hotel nights. Which ship you choose determines your dining and evening entertainment choices for the duration of your vacation. Which itinerary you choose impacts which destinations you'll visit and which shoreside activities will be available to you. It can be overwhelming to evaluate the options on your own if you've never cruised before.

In addition, cruise fares can be hard to understand and compare. You might, for instance, see a fare listed online without the port charges, taxes and fees, which you only see after you give your personal details.

Plus, the price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities — and in some cases drinks, tips, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and other extras. There's a lot bundled into some fares and not as much with others. A travel agent can help you determine what your cruise fare gets you. The cheapest base cruise fare does not always provide the best value or best overall vacation deal.

Related: 4 scenarios when you should use a travel agent

You aren't just booking general passage on a ship, either, as you will be asked to pick a specific cabin and when you prefer to dine. Making a mistake in these categories can ruin your cruise experience, as there are such thing as "bad" cabins and dining times (think noisy or claustrophobic cabins, dinner at 8 p.m. with cranky children, etc.).

With cruises, you typically don't pay for your whole vacation upfront but rather put down a deposit, with final payment due at a later date. A cruise travel agent can ensure you don't miss any due dates.

Remember, you might be a DIY type when booking airlines and hotels, but booking a cruise is more complex. If you enjoy doing your own research, focus on what to do and see in the ports of call. Read about different ships, cruise lines and itineraries. However, when it comes to booking the cruise, we recommend you still contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you learn a few tips and avoid any rookie mistakes.

Travel agents can get better deals on cruises

If you're concerned that working with an agent will make your cruise more expensive, don't be. Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines. Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee. It's worth it.

In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which could save you money on the cruise fare. The agent might also have first access to sale prices because the cruise lines notify their agent partners and loyalty club members first before they announce a sale to the public.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Some cruise travel agents even throw in booking perks , such as a complimentary bottle of Champagne, awaiting your arrival in your cabin.

How to find a travel agent for a cruise

Cruise lines prefer that you use a travel agent rather than going online and booking directly. They have small in-house reservation teams, and when you have a question while making a booking, good luck in getting an expert on the phone in a timely manner.

Companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line provide online directories to help you find an experienced cruise travel agent near you.

You can also find experienced and certified cruise travel agents through CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association , which is the industry's main marketing group. Asking friends who have cruised to recommend a travel agent is another good idea.

Related: 5 unexpected places that sell cruises

You might get more personalized care from smaller agencies than from the huge online agencies, though websites such as icruise.com, Cruise.com and Cruise411.com also have experienced cruise agents. These larger online travel agencies can be a good option for those who prefer to make decisions and ask questions via chat. Just make sure you get the name and phone number of the representative for any follow-up questions.

Questions to ask a cruise travel agent

In choosing a cruise travel agent, you will want to tap into the person's specific expertise about the cruise line and ship you are considering. Anyone can read a ship deck plan outlining ship spaces (which you can find online), but you are looking for people who really know their stuff.

Look for travel agencies that are cruise-only or a home-based agent who specializes in cruises. If you are using a full-service travel agency, ask for the cruise desk.

Here are some questions to ask a travel agent to determine their expertise:

• How often do you cruise?
• Have you cruised on the line I am considering?
• Have you cruised on the ship that I am considering, or do you have clients who have cruised that ship and provided a review of their vacation?
• Do you have firsthand knowledge about the cruise destination? The itinerary?

You will also want to ask the travel agent if they have a preferred relationship or negotiated agreement with any specific lines that could lead to special perks for you.

Be aware that not all agents work with all cruise lines; some represent only a few preferred suppliers or specialize in higher-end cruises. They get bigger commissions from their preferred lines.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, but be aware if the agent seems to be putting you off the line you were originally considering, as this could be the reason. On the plus side, an agent who is a preferred supplier might have negotiated rates with the cruise line and be able to call in favors, such as that bottle of Champagne or a cabin upgrade .

You should also ask if the travel agency offers 24/7 assistance (usually an 800 number) in case you have last-minute questions or something goes wrong before or during your trip.

The cruise travel agent should have questions for you as well, to better understand your dream vacation desires. If you are calling a cruise agency for the first time, the agent should be interviewing you as much as you are interviewing him or her. The agent should be focused on helping you choose the cruise line , ship and cabin that is right for you. Making the correct choices is very important to your overall cruise experience.

Bottom line

Booking a cruise is a complex enterprise. A cruise travel agent will guide you through choosing your cabin and dining times, deposits and final payment, and options for shore excursions and specialty dining. If you need to cancel the trip, the agent will also help you through the refund process. You'll have a lot less stress before and during your vacation if you book with an experienced agent.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

• Travel Agents

Carnival Cruise Travel Agent

Find a carnival cruise travel agent near you, the best travel agency for carnival cruises.

Our travel agents can plan and book your next Carnival Cruise vacation to any of the many destinations that Carnival Cruise ships travel to. Whether you want a Cruise to Hawaii , Cruise to Bermuda , Cruise to Alaska , Cruise to Australia/New Zealand , Cruise to the Bahamas , Cruise to Canada/New England, Cruise to the Caribbean Islands , or Cruise to Mexico , Carnival Cruise travel agents experts can assist you in booking your cruise and all necessary travel arrangements in a timely fashion.

Did we also mention there are many added values that our personalized travel agents may be able to offer you that can not be obtained when you book through an online travel agency? Gain access to exclusive American Express Card member benefits and travel deals in which you can receive special amenities and low travel fares.

Not only will you enjoy value-added benefits and amenities, but you'll also have a personalized travel agency service working for you before, during, and after your vacation.

Contact a Carnival Cruise Travel Agent

Contact a Carnival Cruise travel agent today, let us simplify your cruise vacation by handling all the researching, planning, and bookings.

Our travel agents will send you several options to select from based on the travel criteria that you provide them with. Let's get planning for a fun and exciting Carnival Cruise vacation today!

For immediate travel assistance, contact a travel agent directly by calling 1-800-683-0206. You may want to locate travel agents that are within your city of residence, but we assure you that our travel agents will be able to get you great rates and book a great vacation no matter their location.

Cruise Planners travel agent is merely a selling agent and makes no warranty expressed or implied. Each Cruise Planners is Independently Owned and Operated. Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, has a tremendous reputation for quality, service, and very competitive pricing for ALL of your travel needs. Cruise Planners travel advisors will help you discover exciting adventures around the world. To learn more about Cruise Planners and the executive team, click here.

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The newer, the better: How wheelchair users can travel smoothly

Chris Ricci can walk only short distances at a time, but he has traveled the world on his scooter.

The 57-year-old U.S. Army veteran has limited mobility stemming from a foot injury he sustained in the 1980s and related complications has found cruises an accessible way to explore destinations like Alaska or the Caribbean. Just this month, he, his wife and friends took a week-long Royal Caribbean International cruise to Belize, Honduras and Mexico.

Ricci, who is based in Lakeland, Florida, simply had to drive to Tampa to board the Enchantment of the Seas. “I think it’s pretty easy,” he told USA TODAY. They booked an accessible stateroom for the first time, too.

“It was really big,” said Ricci, who chronicles his cruises and other travels on his YouTube channel, Scootin Around the World.  “I had no problem getting the scooter into the room.”

Cruise ships can offer guests who use mobility devices an accessible, streamlined way to travel. But some extra planning can go a long way toward ensuring the trip goes smoothly. Here’s what to know.

How this adult-only cruise line integrated accessibility into its experiences

Do cruise ships have accessible staterooms for mobility devices?

Cruise lines do offer accessible staterooms, but they’re not all the same. “Make sure that you have the accessible room that's best for you,” said Joy Burns, organization and PR manager at accessible travel booking platform Wheel the World .

For instance, some staterooms may be better suited to motorized wheelchair users, but the setup may not be conducive for passengers who use other kinds of devices, according to her husband, Bert, who has been paralyzed since 1982 and has taken more than 20 cruises.

“If I got a wheelchair-accessible room that's made for a power wheelchair with a Hoyer lift, the bed’s up real high,” he said. “I can’t transfer with a high bed. I use a manual wheelchair, so I’m down low.”

Standard staterooms may also be able to accommodate mobility devices, but guests should familiarize themselves with cruise lines’ requirements.

Passengers booking a standard cabin on Carnival Cruise Line ships must have devices that can fit through a 22-inch-wide doorway, according to its website . The devices must also fold and collapse to allow for safe exit from the room (passengers cannot store mobility devices in corridors or public spaces).

“Guests who bring scooters that are larger than 21" (53.34 cm) wide, or travel with multiple scooters in the same stateroom, must purchase a fully accessible stateroom with a wider doorway (32”, 81.3 cm), or rent a smaller scooter appropriately suited for their stateroom,” the line said on its website. “Guests may be required to have their scooters sized at the time of check-in to ensure it fits in the stateroom.”

Major cruise lines typically have accessibility departments that can help guests navigate the process, according to Sylvia Longmire, an accessible travel writer who runs the blog and travel brand Spin the Globe .

“Talk to the accessibility department to ask the questions and let them know what kind of equipment you're bringing if you're bringing your own stuff,” said Longmire, who has multiple sclerosis and has taken over 30 cruises, most of which have been with a scooter or wheelchair. “Let them know what your ability or disability is, what your level is, what your accessibility requirements are. And that way, they can tell you what kind of cabin you might need, what location, (information) about the ship, and everything before you even call to make the reservation.”

For those booking through a travel agent, she said she “highly” recommends working with someone who has a disability or is an expert in accessible travel.

What cruises are best for guests with mobility devices?

Some destinations may also be better suited to guests with mobility devices than others. 

Once, during a New Zealand cruise, the Burnses’ ship hit some rough water, causing Bert to roll out of the casino and crash into the bar (though no one was hurt). Joy recommended researching the conditions of the seas. ( Click here for USA TODAY’S guide to the best times to cruise by region.)

She added that expedition cruises , which often feature activities that require guests to get on and off Zodiac boats, may not be as accessible.

What cruise ship is best for guests with mobility devices?

New ships tend to have more features that can make a trip easier for guests with mobility devices, said the Burnses and Longmire. Those include automatic sliding doors in public spaces, stateroom locks that allow passengers to wave their key to open the door and pool lifts.

“The newer the ship, the better the accessibility,” said Longmire.

Can I get a mobility device through a cruise line?

Guests can arrange to rent mobility devices through vendors like Scootaround or Special Needs at Sea (Longmire is a contract employee for Scootaround).

Rentals may also be available at the cruise terminal, and some lines have a limited number of scooters and wheelchairs available on the ship, according to Longmire. She estimated rentals can run from roughly $80 to $250 depending on the type of equipment, the length of time guests need it and other factors.

Do cruise lines have accessible excursions?

Yes, but options may be limited. Joy said accessible shore excursions available through cruise lines are “few and far between,” and she and Bert have taken cruises where there were none available through the cruise line at all.

Longmire noted that “cruise lines are entirely dependent on the availability of excursions with whoever they're contracting with.” If a given destination doesn’t have wheelchair taxis, for example, that limits cruise lines’ offerings.

Are there blind scuba divers? Here's the accessible way anyone can explore the ocean

When they are available through the line, Longmire said many of them are what she calls windshield tours – bus tours with a group of other passengers that might include one or two 15-minute stops to take photos. “And the rest of it is just seeing everything out the window,” she said.

However, she added that cruise lines “get a little bit better” each year about offering those.

Joy said passengers can also book accessible shore excursions through companies like Wheel the World. Longmire has had luck booking shuttles and tours directly through providers in various ports as well, though guests should take care to be back in time before the ship leaves.

Are tender ports accessible?

When it comes to accessibility at tender ports – where guests have to take a small vessel from the ship to shore – Longmire said it’s “not very black and white.” Cruise ships may let guests board tenders and some have technology to help passengers with wheelchairs do so, but the port’s capabilities may be different.

“Just because you're able to get from the ship to the tender doesn't mean that you'll be able to get from the tender to the dock,” said Longmire.

Rules may differ as well, with some lines allowing guests in manual wheelchairs to use tenders but prohibiting motorized devices. She recommended checking with the accessibility department about those policies.

The Burnses, for their part, have generally found tender ports to be inaccessible, and Joy suggested travelers review itineraries to see how many they include. 

Overall, Longmire said her experience on cruises has been “really good,” both for their accessibility and convenience (you can visit multiple places but unpack once, for instance). “I always recommend to wheelchair users for their first travel experience, like, if you don't get seasick and you’re okay with cruises, a cruise is the way to go.”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].