Cruise Planners To Host Virtual Event During Nationwide “World’s Largest Cruise Event" Promotion

Oct. 1, 2009 - PRLog -- Travel agencies across North America will team up with 24 member lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to provide consumers with information on cruise vacations and exceptional offers.

If they choose, area residents can find out all they need to know about cruising and even take advantage of outstanding vacation offers without leaving the comfort of home because Cruise Planners is hosting a “Virtual” World’s Largest Cruise Event. By simply visiting the special agency Web page http://wlcn.cruising.org/CruisePlanners275, consumers can explore the incredible world of cruising and plan a cruise! Cruise Planners has chosen several short videos showcasing the exciting offerings and destinations from participating CLIA member lines. For extra convenience, the Web page will be live until the end of the October.

Travel agencies across North America will team up with 24 member lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to provide consumers with information on cruise vacations and exceptional offers through such activities as cruise nights, online “virtual” events, cocktail parties, luncheons and an ocean full of other cruise-themed activities.

World’s Largest Cruise Event is the highlight of Cruise Planners participation in October’s National Cruise Vacation Month, the once-a-year period during which travel agencies across North America sponsor unique events and promotions all focused on cruising—the most enjoyable, satisfying and value-oriented vacation option available in today’s marketplace.

Carol Garza-Thompson is one of over 16,000 North American travel agency and agent members of CLIA. CLIA’s 24 member lines represent 97% of the cruise berths marketed in North America. According to CLIA statistics, the wide majority of travelers - about 90% - book cruises through travel agencies, and for good reason: agents excel at finding the perfect cruise to match their clients’ vacation needs, lifestyle and budget. CLIA’s certified cruise counselors are the cruise industry’s premiere professionals, providing the best service and value for your vacation dollar.

In 2008, over 3,000 travel agencies generated more than 43,000 cruise bookings during the World’s Largest Cruise Night booking period.

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Founded in 1994, Cruise Planners is an American Express Travel Services Representative national cruise agency headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla., that operates a franchised network of 700+ experienced travel professionals who independently book cruises and other associated travel. Cruise Planners annual gross sales exceed $100 million. Cruise Planners has achieved the highest industry awards year after year; Royal Caribbean’s Homebased Partner of the Year (2007 and 2008), Carnival’s Pinnacle Club (10 years in a row), Carnival’s Agency of the Year (2005), American Express Travel Services Rep Excellence Award (2004-2008) and Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500® ~ ranked #1 cruise agency franchise (2004-2008), to name a few.

For more information or to book your cruise vacation, contact Carol Garza-Thompson at 877.530.5699 or visit www.compassrosecruiseplanners.com