Combined, this is the largest travel outfit in the world. Many of it's sites and agencies were once sold off and then later with new sites added and some re-acquired, along with their partnerships, they've become a goliath once again. With all the parts they're unequalled in size. There have been rumors for a couple of years of them once again selling off major portions of the opperation.
nytimes, you seem to know an awful lot about this company already. How is it you're not sure of their reputation?
I wouldn't pay anyone for their training to represent and sell anything under them. If you are interested in being a cruise agent, my advice is to find a local and reputable Travel or Cruise Agency and speak with them. The CLIA classes that lead to designated certifications do cost money, however it is not an upfront fee.
Come on moderators and administrators... put this thread out of it's misery. The only things worse than internet travel scams are the people who try to market the ideas as being innocent personal endeavors.