How Much Do Cruise Vacation Planners Make?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re someone who loves cruising and has a knack for planning, then becoming a cruise vacation planner can be a great career option. But before you dive in, it’s crucial to know how much you can expect to earn as a cruise vacation planner. In this article, we’ll discuss the salary and income potential of cruise vacation planners.

What is a Cruise Vacation Planner?

Before we delve into the salary aspect of this profession, let’s first understand what a cruise vacation planner does. A cruise vacation planner is responsible for helping clients plan their dream vacations on a cruise ship.

They work with clients to determine their preferences, budget, and other requirements to tailor the best possible cruise experience for them. Cruise vacation planners also help clients book tickets, arrange accommodations, and select activities on the ship.

Cruise Vacation Planner Salary

The salary of a cruise vacation planner varies depending on several factors like experience, location, company size, etc. According to Payscale.com, the average annual salary of a cruise vacation planner in the United States is around $41k per year.

Experience

Like most professions, experience plays an important role in determining your income as a cruise vacation planner. Entry-level planners can expect to earn around $32k per year while experienced professionals with over 10 years of experience can earn upwards of $52k per year.

Location

Your location also plays an important role in determining your income as a cruise vacation planner. For instance, if you’re based in New York City or Los Angeles where the cost of living is high, you can expect to earn more than someone working in smaller cities or towns.

Company Size

The size of the company you work for can also impact your earnings as a cruise vacation planner. Larger companies often have more resources that they can invest in their employees, which can translate into higher salaries and better benefits.

Income Potential

Apart from a fixed salary, cruise vacation planners can also earn additional income through commissions and bonuses. Many cruise lines offer incentives to travel agents and planners who sell their packages, which can add up to a significant amount of money.

Commissions

Cruise vacation planners typically earn a commission on the total cost of the cruise package they sell to their clients. The commission percentage varies but usually falls between 10-15% of the total cost. This means that if you sell a $5,000 cruise package, you can earn anywhere between $500-$750 in commission.

Bonuses

Some companies also offer bonuses to their top-performing cruise vacation planners. These bonuses can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the company’s policies and your performance.

Conclusion

Becoming a cruise vacation planner can be an exciting and rewarding career option for those who love cruising and planning. While the average salary may not be very high, the additional income potential through commissions and bonuses can make this profession lucrative. With experience and hard work, you can grow your income as a cruise vacation planner while helping people plan their dream vacations.