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How to Become a Cruise Consultant: Australian Careers in Hospitality

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What is a Cruise Consultant?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Cruise Consultant?

A Cruise Consultant helps clients plan and book cruise holidays. They advise on cruise lines, routes, ship facilities, and onboard activities to match each client’s budget and interests.

Day to day, a Cruise Consultant talks with clients to learn what they want from a trip. They research cruise options, compare itineraries, and book cabins, excursions, and dining. They also handle travel documents, insurance, and pre-departure needs.

After booking, Cruise Consultants stay in touch with clients. They answer questions, pass on schedule changes, and help resolve issues before or during the cruise. Strong client relationships lead to repeat bookings and referrals.

The role suits people who love travel and enjoy working with others. The cruise industry is growing, with new ships and routes launched each year. This makes it a varied and active field with real room to grow.

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Career snapshots For Cruise Consultants

Cruise Consultants work in travel agencies, call centres, and cruise firms. Travel Consultants number around 8,900 in Australia (Your Career, 2025). The workforce is mostly female (78%) with a median age of 43.

Average weekly earnings are $1,250, or about $65,000 a year (Your Career, 2025). More experienced consultants can earn more through sales bonuses. Future demand is rated as moderate. Growth in the cruise market keeps demand steady.

Australia’s cruise sector made $7.32 billion in 2024-25 (Australia Cruise Association, 2025). CLIA projects 37.7 million ocean-going passengers in 2025. This growth supports jobs for trained cruise consultants.

What will I do?

A Cruise Consultant advises clients and handles all steps needed to plan a cruise holiday. They work with cruise lines, travel partners, and clients to create smooth, enjoyable trips from start to finish.

  • Client Consultation – Talking through travel goals, budgets, and wishes to find the right cruise.
  • Trip Planning – Researching cruise routes and suggesting options based on client needs and dates.
  • Booking – Handling cabin choice, dining, shore trips, and travel papers.
  • Customer Support – Answering questions and fixing issues before, during, and after the cruise.
  • Market Research – Staying up to date on new ships, cruise deals, and industry changes.
  • Sales and Marketing – Promoting cruise deals through email, events, and online channels.
  • Supplier Relations – Building ties with cruise line reps to get the best deals for clients.
  • Problem Solving – Handling errors, cancellations, and other issues to protect the client experience.

What skills do I need?

Cruise Consultants need strong people skills. They talk with many clients each day. They ask good questions and listen closely to what each person wants from a trip.

Product knowledge is just as important. Consultants must know the key differences between cruise lines, ship types, routes, and onboard options. They keep this knowledge fresh as new ships launch each season.

Good admin skills round out the role. Consultants manage bookings, check travel papers, and process payments. Close attention to detail keeps clients happy and avoids costly errors. Skills with booking tools and CRM software are a useful plus.

Skills/attributes

  • Clear verbal and written communication
  • Customer service skills
  • Sales and negotiation
  • Knowledge of cruise products and itineraries
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem-solving under pressure
  • Time management
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Booking system and software skills
  • Passion for travel
  • Relationship-building and networking
  • Financial literacy for pricing and budgets
  • Research and product knowledge

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.