DESTINATION TRAINING EXCELLENCE

Aquila is the leading destination training provider for the global cruise industry. We offer training strategies and real-world-tested curriculum for international destinations, tour companies, tour guides and front-line operators looking to improve visitor experience through service excellence.

The Aquila Difference

  • 35 years’ experience in the cruise industry
  • Strategic training & consulting services
  • Multi-mode learning experiences
  • Living lab curriculum testing
  • Regular and timely new course additions
  • Expert, multilingual trainers and coaches
  • Values-driven partnership development
  • A commitment to cruise destination success

Our Leadership Team

training group

As the leading shore excursions training provider for the global cruise industry, we offer training strategies and real-world-tested curriculum for international destinations, tour companies, and front-line staff.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“I am proud that Aquila Centre for Cruise Excellence is our official and exclusive training partner. This partnership has led to immense benefits for both destinations and cruise lines, as training has a direct improvement on the guest experience that drives spending, ratings, and so many other factors that positively impact all facets.” Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Michele Paige, President, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association
For almost a decade, our fruitful partnership with Aquila has been a cornerstone to ensure service excellence in Puerto Rico’s cruise industry. The trainings offered by Beth and her amazing team have made a measurable difference: improving our port ratings and bolstering desirability of our destination in the context of the Caribbean, the industry’s most competitive area. We are eager to continue this partnership for years to come. PRTC Crystal Bell, Air & Cruise Access Director, Puerto Rico Tourism Company
Different tour operators and port agencies from Aruba recently joined the 'Excellence in Sustainable Destination Experiences' workshop by Aquila. It was a truly transformative experience. The insights and strategies shared were useful, greatly improving our sustainability efforts. The expert guidance and collaborative environment encouraged deep learning and creative thinking. We highly recommend this workshop to any destination looking to improve their sustainability practices and offer great experiences. Aruba Monica Bos, Cruise Manager Aruba Tourism Authority
This season (2023) holds special significance as it follows a Product Analysis conducted by Aquila. “…the findings from this assessment informed Tourism Trinidad’s efforts to enhance the cruise activity in Trinidad, ensuring that the country meets and exceeds the expectations of our valued guests! Trinidad Tourism Board Carla Cupid, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Trinidad Limited
One of my key takeaways was that our understanding of, and training upskilling from your Team now is for ‘whole of destination’. This goes far in creating a service excellence destination environment and a national culture of tourism excellence! Nikoyan Roberts, Manager Nautical Development, Grenada Tourism Authority
“I’m always excited to see Aquila conducting training around the Caribbean because their methods always result in happier staff and even happier guests.  Safety, customer interaction and guest satisfaction are key results of their courses.” Royal Caribbean International Megan Shaw, Account Manager, Shore Excursions, Royal Caribbean Cruises
"From the Yucatan Tourism Board, we consider that the courses represent an opportunity to keep our knowledge updated and learn about the cruise industry. Aquila has helped us a lot to improve the services that our tour operators offer in the Port of Progreso, Mexico to cruise passengers." Raúl Paz Noriega, Technical Director, Yucatán Tourism Board, México
“What the team at Aquila has created is exactly what our guests at Explora Journeys are looking for: curated and unique experiences that bring our guests close to the local communities!"  Nicholas Radin, Destination Experiences Expert, Explora Journeys
”Aquila’s Center for Cruise Excellence continuously develops and delivers engaging and valuable workshops... Over the years they have met and made friendships with our stakeholders who appreciates the high level of training they have come to know and expect. The team is always filled with anecdotes and stories that explain, clarify and encourage our stakeholders. Aquila’s experiential approach reinforces learning … We constantly get asked when will we have another training as the trainings never fail to inspire.” Belize Noriko Gamero, Director of Cruise & Destination Planning, Belize Tourism Board
“We could not envision just how comprehensive the training was or the reception and the enthusiasm that the course would solicit from the participants. The seminar was packed with a wealth of information… It also focused on achieving certain standards of excellence, skills for dealing with specific sectors… more than anything, it drew our attention to the fact that cruise tourism is an industry that at its core is about human relations and how well we conduct our customer service.” Jeanne Rogers-Vanterpool, Former President of the Office of Tourism of St. Martin
"The Aquila Training has made a total difference in Cartagena regarding the confidence of the tour guides… improving the service quality, which has impacted in a positive way the passengers satisfaction levels."   PROCOLOMBIA Maria Claudia Lacouture, Former President, PROCOLOMBIA
“We really enjoyed the AQUILA Tour Guide course. It's super easy to access, well-structured and very informative. It offers the perfect mix of topics for anyone looking to embark on a career in shore-based tour guiding. The lessons are delivered in a very relaxed manner and students are able to go back over the topics and learn at a pace that feels right for them.” Sarah, Tour Guide, United Kingdom

OUR TRAINING

Aquila’s training is tested in our Living Lab in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada - ensuring our programs stay current and respond to the needs of today’s changing industry around the world. Our team of expert Global Trainers can deliver our training programs in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.