Dream Vacations and CruiseOne’s Training Program Becomes First Premier Agency to Earn CLIA Elective Credits

Milestone marks a new standard in travel advisor training and professional certification

 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (November 14th, 2025) – Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® have set a new standard in travel industry education, becoming the first Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Premier Agency Member (PAM) to earn CLIA elective credits for their franchise training program. Charity Santiago, Vice President of Training and Events, made the announcement during Friday’s general session of the 2025 Dream Vacations and CruiseOne National Conference. 

 

This unprecedented recognition underscores the depth and quality of the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne Initial Training curriculum, which guides new franchise owners through business setup, travel industry fundamentals, sales mastery, and the use of proprietary booking tools.

 

The evaluation process, conducted by CLIA’s Senior Manager of Industry Training, Maria Fonseca, assessed the program’s multi-phase structure—including online foundational learning, live instructor-led training, and an onboard ship inspection. As a result, participants who complete the program now earn 40 CLIA elective credits and one ship inspection credit, fulfilling more than half of the requirements toward achieving CLIA’s prestigious Certified Cruise Counselor (CCC) certification.

 

“This milestone underscores our mission to elevate professional standards in cruise sales and support our CLIA Premier Members with forward-thinking recognition of educational excellence,” said Charles Sylvia, ECC, vice president, industry and trade relations, CLIA. “By awarding elective credits to Dream Vacations and CruiseOne’s Initial Training, we’re empowering new franchise owners to accelerate their careers and reinforcing the value of certified cruise travel expertise across our community.”

 

The redesigned training program reflects a thoughtful approach to supporting franchisees in their dual roles as both business owners and travel advisors. Phase 1 focuses on Franchise Foundations, covering key topics like business setup, ethics, and operational excellence, while Phase 2 transitions advisors into confident sellers through instructor-led sessions on sales techniques, destination expertise, and Cruise Control, the franchisor’s proprietary booking engine.

 

“We’ve redefined what professional travel education looks like,” said Charity Santiago, vice president of training and events for Dream Vacations/CruiseOne. “From day one, you gain CLIA elective credits, real-world experience, and structured learning that blends foundational business skills with travel expertise. This isn’t orientation—it’s a launchpad for building a profitable travel business with recognized industry credentials and a competitive edge.”

 

As a CLIA Premier Agency Member, Dream Vacations and CruiseOne advisors also receive four complimentary CLIA courses, further accelerating their progress toward certification and professional mastery. Together, these opportunities empower franchise owners with both practical knowledge and recognized credentials—giving them a significant competitive advantage as they grow their businesses.

 

For more information about franchising opportunities with Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com.

 

Photo Cutline: Charity Santiago, Vice President of Training and Events, made the announcement during Friday’s general session of the 2025 Dream Vacations and CruiseOne National Conference. (Photo Credit: Paul is Everywhere)

 

About Dream Vacations and CruiseOne®

Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® are home-based travel agency franchises that give their advisors the flexibility to run their businesses their way. CruiseOne, established in 1992, and Dream Vacations, introduced in 2016, provide advisors with powerful tools and resources to plan seamless, personalized travel experiences. As part of World Travel Holdings, they have been named franchise partner of the year by major cruise lines and are recognized for their dedication to supporting military veterans. Find out more at www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.