CruiseWorld Rolls Out Applications for Coveted STAR Program

Applications now open for a prestigious, partially hosted opportunity designed to elevate advisor success through exclusive access, networking, and VIP experiences.

 

Contributed By: Jennifer Kruse, Associate Director, Trade Recruitment & Engagement, Northstar Travel Group

 

CruiseWorld by Northstar continues its commitment to advisor development with the STAR (Select Travel Advisor Recognition) Program. This year’s event will take place November 5–7, 2025 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The popular STAR Program is a partially hosted opportunity designed to support the success of travel advisors by immersing each “STAR” in an enhanced and intensive VIP CruiseWorld experience. STAR Program participants engage in unique and customized programming that includes exclusive event content, one-on-one supplier meetings, and pre-event interaction — maximizing the event experience.

 

“The STAR Program is designed to help move the industry forward by partially subsidizing conference expenses for up to 200 advisors to attend CruiseWorld,” said Alicia Evanko-Lewis, Executive Vice President of Global Events, Northstar Travel Group. “Too often, advisors miss out on the valuable education and networking CruiseWorld offers due to financial barriers. Travel Weekly and Northstar Travel Group are proud to support the dedicated professionals who are shaping the future of our industry.”

 

These experiences enable STAR participants to stay up to date on the latest industry trends and best practices, empowering them to provide unique itineraries and consistently exceed client travel expectations.

 

 

The STAR Program curates a group of the most dedicated and professional travel advisors in the industry through an application and review process that includes reference checks and an evaluation of current business practices. Those selected to participate will receive complimentary conference registration and hotel accommodations for two nights, along with exclusive opportunities to connect one-on-one with suppliers before and during the event.

 

Qualifications for the STAR Program are:

1. Must be a full-time travel professional
2. Serious about growing their business
3. Actively seeking new opportunities to increase sales
4. Available to be onsite at CruiseWorld November 5–7, 2025 and in late October for virtual event components

 

 

Specific participation requirements and program criteria, as well as the application, can be found at www.cruiseworldshow.com/star-program. Potential CruiseWorld STARs must complete an online application and provide professional references to be considered. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

 

 

“I found my CruiseWorld STAR experience incredibly valuable for the growth of my business,” said Katie May of Katie May Travels. “The relationships I built and the connections I made with travel supplier partners were truly invaluable.”

 

For advisors who are unable to fully engage in the STAR Program commitment,

or who prefer a more flexible event experience, traditional registration for CruiseWorld will open in mid-May. Advisors can receive a $25 discount using code HBTA.

 

 

CruiseWorld isn’t just about cruising—the event brings together all facets of the leisure travel industry. Exhibitor categories include: airlines, attractions, business tools, car rental.

cruise, destinations, hotels and resorts, professional services, rail, tour operators, packaged vacations, and more. Suppliers interested in participating should contact Emmy Smotrys at ESmotrys@northstartravelgroup.com or visit www.cruiseworldshow.com/why-exhibit. 

 

To apply for the STAR Program, learn more about CruiseWorld,

or sign up to be notified when registration opens, visit www.cruiseworldshow.com.