Travel agents can experience one of the world’s most famous voyages - a transatlantic crossing - while boosting their cruising knowledge at this year’s International Cruise Council Australasia’s Masters Conference.

The Cruise Council today announced that its 2012 Masters event will be held on Cunard flagship Queen Mary 2 as she sails from Southampton to New York from October 14 to 21.

ICCA General Manager Brett Jardine urged agents to register quickly, with participant numbers capped at a maximum of 50 agents plus partners.

A popular event on the cruise calendar, the annual Masters event is open to all agents currently holding ICCA accreditation and employed by an ICCA member travel agent.

Mr Jardine said the 2012 program would feature a series of seminars to help participants boost their cruise sales and improve their business. The sessions will be led by Scott Koepf, a US-based trainer and cruise agent, who has overseen the past 13 ICCA Masters events.

After completing the course and a post-conference case study, agents will enter the prestigious Masters’ ranks. 

Mr Jardine said agents would also have plenty of free time to enjoy all the magnificent features of Queen Mary 2.

Priced at AUD$1795 per person twin share for a guaranteed balcony stateroom, the conference includes pre-cruise accommodation and breakfast in Southampton on October 13 and seven nights sailing to New York. For more details visit www.cruising.org.au

The International Cruise Council Australasia is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 1996, committed to training travel consultants and raising consumer awareness of cruising.