CLIA Membership for Travel Agents -
Get Certified Through BNT Travel Group

What is CLIA?

 

CLIA certification is one of the most recognized credentials in the cruise industry, and as a BNT Travel Group member, you can earn it while building your travel business.

While no federal certification is required to become a travel agent in the United States, CLIA membership gives you a professional edge. It signals to clients, cruise lines, and vendors that you are a trained, committed travel advisor, not just a hobbyist. It also opens doors to exclusive benefits, FAM sailings, bonus commissions, and priority access that general agents simply do not receive.

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The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) was established in 1975 and is the world's largest cruise industry trade association. CLIA represents the global cruise community, supports safe and sustainable cruise operations, and provides travel agents with the training, tools, and credentials needed to sell cruises professionally and confidently.

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What is a CLIA Number?

A CLIA number is an official industry identification number issued by the Cruise Lines International Association. Cruise lines and vendors use this number to recognize you as a credentialed travel seller and to associate your bookings with your host agency's account. It functions similarly to an ARC or IATA number - it is how the industry knows who you are and what you are entitled to. Without it, booking through a supplier as a travel agent is not possible.

Do I need my own CLIA number to start selling travel?
As a BNT Travel Group member, you operate under BNT's CLIA number. You do not need your own. The industry recognizes your bookings, your commissions flow correctly, and you have full access to supplier platforms - all under our agency credentials. Your own individual CLIA number becomes relevant only when you are ready to pursue personal membership and the exclusive benefits it carries.

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Does Every Vendor Accept CLIA?

CLIA is accepted across the cruise and travel industry by virtually every major supplier.
The primary exception is airlines, which operate under a separate accreditation system.

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Can I receive a CLIA Identification Card from BNT Travel Group?

 

BNT Travel Group promotes education and growth in the travel business.  We are happy to provide our agents with a personal CLIA Membership Card based on certain requirements that must be met, as set forth by the CLIA Organization, in combination with BNT Travel Group.

 

BNT Travel Group CLIA Membership Requirements:

Once you have been active with BNT for a period of time and have built a real cruise sales track record, you may want to pursue your own individual CLIA membership. This is an optional upgrade - not a requirement - but it brings meaningful personal benefits that experienced cruise-focused agents genuinely appreciate.

BNT Travel Group is a CLIA-affiliated host agency and can sponsor a CLIA Membership Card for qualifying agents. We require agents to demonstrate they are actively working in the business before we process a sponsorship.
 

To qualify for a personal CLIA card through BNT, you must meet all of the following:

• Be an active BNT Travel Group member for a minimum of 6 continuous months

• Generate $7500 or more in agent commission within a calendar year

• Complete and pass the required educational courses offered by each respective cruise line

• Submit a completed CLIA application along with the annual CLIA membership fee

Once you qualify, we will guide you through the process and get you set up with your individual CLIA number and membership card.

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 What Personal CLIA Membership Gives You

These benefits apply to individual CLIA cardholders and are separate from what you already receive as a BNT Travel Group member.
Think of them as personal rewards for building a serious cruise business.
 

• Personal Travel Discounts - CLIA cardholders receive exclusive discounts of up to 50% on cruise fares, onboard credits, and cabin upgrades available only to certified individual agents.

• Industry Recognition - Your personal CLIA card and individual ID number signal to clients and suppliers that you are a credentialed cruise specialist with a documented track record.

• FAM Trips and Ship Inspections - Priority invitations for inaugural sailings, training seminars, FAM cruises, and ship inspection events at the annual cruise3sixty conference.

• Bonus Commissions - Eligible for seminars at sea and bonus commission programs redeemable at the individual agent level.

• Training and Certification Access - Discounted pricing on select CLIA programs, certifications, and the cruise3sixty conference registration.

• Integrated Cruise Line Product Training - Access training modules from CLIA member cruise lines directly through your personal membership portal.

• Marketing and Sales Tools - Access to CLIA's sales toolkit including the Cruise Manual, FAQ brochures, and customizable marketing materials.

• Industry News and Updates - Direct communications from CLIA, member cruise lines, and travel industry partners on promotions, policy changes, and new product launches.

• Professional Development - Advanced certification and ongoing education through CLIA's professional development programs.

• Agent Certificate - A personalized CLIA Agent Member Certificate you can share with clients as a visible mark of your professional standing.

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