Cruise Lines International Association is a marketing and training organization composed of twenty-five of the major cruise lines serving North America. CLIA was formed in 1975 in response to a need for an association to promote the special benefits of cruising. CLIA exists to educate, train, promote and explain the value, desirability and affordability of the cruise vacation experience.

CLIA became the principal external marketing organization for its member lines in 1984 following the consolidation of several other industry organizations into CLIA. Currently, over 21,000 travel agencies are affiliated with CLIA and display the CLIA seal, which identifies them as authorities on selling cruise vacations.

CLIA is consistently rated the most effective travel association in terms of overall support of the travel agency community, the value for the money, and the quality of its training programs. For example, CLIA's most comprehensive training is the Cruise Counsellor Certification Program, which requires agents to successfully complete a number of compulsory training courses and exams, attend cruise conferences and conduct ship inspections, among other things.

CLIA also offers Management and Sales Institutes, classroom training and training videos.

CLIA is administered by a New York City-based staff that carries out the objectives and activities of the collective member lines. Principals from the member lines make up the Managing Committee, headed by an elected chairman who serves a two-year term and is assisted by a vice chairman. A seven-member Executive Committee (including the Association president) serves as a steering committee/liaison with CLIA staff on activities between Managing Committee meetings. Also, a Marketing Committee works closely with CLIA staff in developing and implementing CLIA's programs.

The Official trade organization of the cruise industry, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) also works in partnership with nearly 21,000 affiliated travel agencies throughout North America to ensure the highest caliber of cruise sales expertise and service for cruise vacationers.

FAST FACTS ABOUT CLIA
CREATED IN 1975:
CLIA is an organization that operates pursuant to an agreement filed with the Federal Maritime Commission under the Shipping Act of 1984.
COMPOSITION:
Twenty-five member cruise lines that represent 97 percent of the cruise capacity marketed from North America.
FUNCTION:
"To provide a forum where companies engaged in the marketing of the cruise and passenger liner industry in North America can meet and discuss matters of common interest and develop and agree on policies aimed at promoting the concept of shipboard holidays." In simpler terms, the function of CLIA is to promote the cruise product generically to both the selling agent and buying public through the broad activities of travel agent training, public relations and advertising. CLIA's end objective is to raise awareness about the cruise experience.

OFFICE:
Cruise Lines International Association
500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1407
New York, New York 10110
PHONE: 212.921.0066
FAX: 212.921.0549
E-MAIL: info@cruising.org