About Us
In 1996, after many years of operating as a traditional retail travel
agency, Bill & Leslie Kraus developed a unique business model for
selling cruise vacations that was destined to become a model for the
industry. By 1995 it was obvious that cruising was the fastest growing
segment within the travel industry with just 12% of the general public
ever having cruised before. At about the same time the Internet was
starting to make itself known Bill looked into his “crystal ball” and
saw the potential of the Internet as a tremendous marketing tool.
While a number of well know cruise industry executives told Bill &
Leslie not to waste their time marketing on the Internet, as the
Internet would never amount to a ”hill of beans” in selling travel, Bill
had a gut feeling that the Internet would eventually become an important
tool for marketing travel. As we all know today the Internet is
considered the single best tool for obtaining travel information.
To this end, Cruise Club of America was launched in 1996 based on a
unique membership business model that would reward members with the
ability to book any cruise in the world at a transaction fee of just
$35.00 per person over our standard wholesale agency cost. A key element
was not only providing members with the best prices, but also providing
a high level of service and support through highly experienced cruise
consultants.
Over the years our business model has changed as the industry changed as
more and more cruise lines developed new sales policies prohibiting the
discounting or rebating of their cruises. In one way, this was a very
positive move as it brought out the loyalty of our members who really
appreciated great service and support, 7-days a week, from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
While some members continued to “surf” the Internet looking for a
“better deal”, Cruise Club of America rewards its loyal members with
valuable amenities and/or onboard credits in lieu of discounts. Of
course for those cruise lines that still permit us to do so, we still
book cruises at a transaction fee of just $35.00 per person over our
standard wholesale agency cost.
Unlike other large agencies that regularly advertise misleading “smoke &
mirror” or low-ball prices to draw in customers, Cruise Club of America
has taken the high road and subscribes to a doctrine of providing its
members with honest pricing and availability. While these “other”
agencies may continue to boast about all the awards they have won over
the years, we prefer to keep offering our excellent service and great
client support.
Since day-one, our goal has been to provide our clients with the best
cruise and vacation values while simultaneously helping our clients
select and book the right ship to fit their specific needs. Too often
these days we hear from new clients that they are fed up dealing with
other large agencies whose staff either lacks the knowledge to guide
them in the right direction or are not available when a question arises.
Let’s face it, price is not everything, particularly when you take into
consideration that every cruise line and ship are different and may not
be well suited to your specific taste and needs. As professional travel
agents, who are constantly taking advantage of the latest training and
familiarization programs, we are in a position to provide
you with a level of support and knowledge that is the envy of many other
travel agencies.
Time and time again we hear from our clients that the one thing they
really appreciate with Cruise Club of America is that they can always
reach their agent or at least one of our managers seven days a week from
9:00 AM to 9:00 PM EST. Whether it’s a simple question or a new
booking, you can rest assured that our staff is always available…even
our president and vice president.
When was the last time you called one of the other large Internet or
traditional travel agencies and had their president or vice president
answer the phone…even in the evening or on week-ends? While the
presidents of most of these other large agencies delegate their calls to
others, Bill & Leslie enjoy picking up the phone and talking to their
clients. In fact over the past 14 years many clients have become
personal friends of Bill & Leslie.
In addition, our unwavering philosophy to treat every client as a friend
has resulted in a huge number of new client referrals from our regular
clients who continue to book with Cruise Club of America time and time
again.
While many of our competitors have tried to emulate and copy our
marketing, none have been able to duplicate the efficiency of our
operation or the strong bond and loyalty that is synonymous with Cruise
Club of America. In fact, most clients who have “surfed around” to save
five dollars usually come back so we must be doing something right.
We are extremely proud of our impeccable reputation for integrity,
service and an unwavering philosophy that our clients come first! That’s
why we invite you to join our family of tens of thousands of satisfied
members world-wide.