Home based travel agents make up a sizable percentage of all travel agents these days. As the economics of running a storefront agency have become difficult in the last several years, many agencies have closed, and their owners and agents have opened offices from home. These agents are just as professional as an agent sitting in a store; they have just responded to the opportunity to change their business model to a more efficient one.
Cruise lines recognize travel agencies because of their professionalism and productivity, not their geography. A CLIA certification is earned by travel agents through their knowledge and expertise, no matter where they sit when they help their clients.