AQSC, Victory launch Steamboat and Victory Academy

It can be found by visiting MyCruiseAcademy.com or by logging on to the AQSC or Victory travel agent portal. The academy incorporates content from both AQSC and Victory and provides on-demand training modules and integrated quizzes for prospective Steamboat and Victory Academy-certified agents.

'Our travel partners are critical to the success of both American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines,' said John Waggoner, CEO and founder of AQSC. 'Following the many challenges of 2020, we wanted to create a program that empowers our partners to successfully and confidently navigate all aspects of our cruise offerings. This new academy allows us to further connect with agents and educate them on our latest policy updates and offerings, including enhanced health and safety, flexible booking policies and our new vessels, the American Countess for AQSC and Ocean Victory for VCL.'

International version added

The combined Steamboat and Victory Academy was launched domestically in May and in September an international version was added for agents outside the US and Canada. The program is made up of 12 on-demand training modules and supplemented with integrated quizzes.

The modules include introductions to AQSC and Victory, reservation logistics, shore excursions (included and premium tours), group reservations, travel agent portal and support and information on each vessel.

Agents will receive a certificate upon completion and a certified agent logo for use in email signatures and websites. Other benefits include access to reduced agent rates, invitations to officially hosted educational familiarization trips and access to live webinars throughout the year. Agents who previously completed the Steamboat Academy prior to the launch of the new combined academy on May 1 are grandfathered in and still qualify for the exclusive benefits of being an AQSC and Victory travel agent.

Record participation

'We designed this program to help agents build a solid foundation of knowledge about all aspects of the cruises, while also maximizing time and efficiency,' said Barbara Davis, director of product training. 'MyCruiseAcademy.com offers great benefits like real-time results and certification upon completion. The positive feedback from agents is astounding and it resonates with our record-breaking participation in the academy.'