Home-Based cruise travel advisor business

Cruise lines pay you commission when your clients sail. Travelers usually pay the cruise fare through you or directly to the cruise line, and may pay a planning fee if you charge one.

Commission on each booking, typically paid after the traveler sails or the booking is fully paid. Some agents add planning fees, onboard credit perks or group booking bonuses.

• Customer service and listening
• Organizing details and deadlines
• Knowing cruise lines and destinations
• Patient follow-up with clients

• Some states require sellers of travel to register or hold a license or bond, check your state's rules (for example California, Florida, Washington, Hawaii and Iowa have specific requirements)
• Host agency fees and commission splits vary, read the contract before signing
• Commission is often paid only after the client sails, so cash flow can be slow
• Check whether you need a local business license or home occupation permit, and consider errors and omissions insurance
• Avoid any host agency that charges high fees or promises easy income

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $200 to $1,500, depending on the host agency you join, your tools and any business registration. Host agency fees and commission splits vary, so read the contract before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $200 to $2,500, depending on how many clients you book. Commission is often paid only after the client sails, so cash flow can be slow, especially at the start.

Some states require sellers of travel to register or hold a license or bond, so check your state's rules. For example, California, Florida, Washington, Hawaii and Iowa have specific requirements. Also check local business license, home occupation permit and errors and omissions insurance.