Elite Cruise Counselor (ECC)
The top of CLIA’s counsellor ladder, and what it asks beyond MCC.
Build Your Cruise CareerThe elite cruise counselor designation — CLIA’s Elite Cruise Counsellor, or ECC — is the top of the counsellor ladder. CLIA calls it the “ultimate” certification, for advisors who have reached the peak of their careers and want to act as ambassadors for the cruise industry.
Elite Cruise Counselor Requirements (2022+)
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite | Completed MCC, and active Individual Agent Membership throughout |
| Mandatory courses | Groups 201: Developing Group Business; Groups 301: Successful Group Management; Converting Prospects to Customers; Marketing 101: Developing Your Marketing Strategy; Customer Relationship Management |
| Certificate program | One CLIA certificate program |
| Industry impact activity | Engagement that supports the cruise industry’s reputation, CLIA policy priorities, environmental advocacy or disaster relief |
| Elective credits | 50, earned during the completion term |
| Ship inspections | 2, not used for any other level |
| Stateroom bookings | 60, not used for any other level |
| Personal cruise | 1 cruise of 10+ nights |
| Affiliation | Letter of verification, as at every level |
What Changes at the Elite Level
The coursework shifts from product knowledge toward running and growing a cruise business: developing and managing groups, converting prospects, marketing strategy and client relationships. The booking requirement nearly doubles from MCC, and the personal cruise lengthens to ten nights or more.
The industry impact activity is what most sets the ECC apart. Mentoring newer agents is one of CLIA’s listed examples — a natural fit for experienced advisors who already spend time helping colleagues.
Planning the Elite Cruise Counselor Years
Sixty bookings is the requirement that shapes most ECC plans. Advisors who reach it comfortably usually have group business — one group sailing can account for many staterooms — which is why the mandatory courses lean so heavily on groups. Because the ECC is enrolled only after the MCC is complete, bookings counted for the MCC cannot carry over. Map the five courses and the certificate program across the first year, choose the industry impact activity early so it is documented as you go, and leave the ten-night cruise for a time when your client calendar can spare you.
Full details are on CLIA’s ECC page. If mentoring new sellers appeals to you, Be a Travel Agent brings new cruise sellers into the business every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an industry impact activity?
CLIA asks for involved engagement that supports positive cruise industry awareness, its policy priorities, environmental advocacy or natural disaster relief, during enrollment or up to two years before. Its examples include volunteering with or donating to organizations that support the cruise industry, helping with disaster relief, and mentoring agents new to the industry.
How long do I have to complete the ECC?
Two years from enrollment, with active Individual Agent Membership throughout and the MCC already completed.
Grow Your Group and Repeat Business
Elite-level advisors run real cruise businesses. Be a Travel Agent helps advisors set theirs up.
Become a Travel Agent