All of NCL Corporation's business development team recently received their Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC) Certification from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). The group received their ACC certificates and CLIA pins during a recent meeting of NCL's business development team in New Orleans, where Norwegian Sun is currently based. Norwegian Sun was the first cruise ship to homeport in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

"We feel strongly that training and continuing education are key elements in providing the highest level of support to our travel partners," said Terri Burke, NCL's vice president of business development.

CLIA's Cruise Counsellor Certification Program recognizes dedicated agents who develop extensive cruise industry knowledge and superior selling skills. There are three achievement levels: Accredited (ACC), Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC) and Elite Cruise Counsellor (ECC). CLIA certification programs are recognized as providing a business advantage by increasing cruise knowledge and, more importantly, cruise sales.            

For the ACC designation, CLIA requires 100 credits be earned via a combination of training seminars, cruise experience, attendance at CLIA co-sponsored/endorsed conferences, ship inspections, CLIA Institute Participation, completion of Cruising - A Guide to the Cruise Industry, CLIA's textbook, and written exam, among others.