Starting a Cruise Planner Franchise in 2022

What is the Cruise Planners franchise opportunity?



Michael Dunning | Getty Images

In 1994, long before home travel agencies were even heard of, Michelle Fee, a young mother, travel consultant and visionary, founded Cruise Planners, a groundbreaking business model designed to change the world of travel. Today, Cruise Planners, a travel agent for American Express, is the largest home-travel agency franchise in the United States. Cruise Planners travel consultants work from home and sell full-service travel packages, including cruises and shore vacations, travel insurance, car rentals, and more. As a Cruise Planners franchise owner, you will: run your own travel advisor business from anywhere while having the support and use of the nation’s largest travel franchise network. We provide you with comprehensive training and ongoing coaching to set up and grow your business. As we like to say, you do business for yourself, but never alone.

As an independent consultant to the travel industry, you earn money helping clients plan great travel experiences such as cruise ship vacations, land travel, all-inclusive resort vacations and more. Our model gives you the flexibility to start a home business and work wherever you want – no shop window needed! As your own boss, you also determine a schedule that fits your lifestyle. Work the business full time, part time, your time!

Every Cruise Planners franchisee makes money doing what they love most – talking about the travel industry! The expert training you receive will help you plan cruises, land trips, all-inclusive resort vacations and more for your clients. Our home model gives you the flexibility to run your business wherever you want – no shop window needed! And as your own boss, you get to decide when you work, you’ll find there’s plenty of room to play when you create your own schedule. Just imagine running your poolside business at a resort in Mexico or on your dream vacation…not a bad way to spend a Monday!

We are proud of our name. It’s one of the most recognized names in the travel industry, and we’ve got the sales numbers to prove it! But you can sell more than just cruises. We are top producers with all major travel partners including cruises, land, travel insurance, excursions, flights, car rental and more. In fact, we are the #1 largest global producer for Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

What You Need To Know About Cruise Planners Franchise Opportunity

With nearly 30 years of travel franchise experience and the nation’s largest home travel agency franchise network, Cruise Planners, an American Express travel representative, knows what it takes for you to be successful in your new home travel agency business.

Cruise Planners business-in-a-box model (combined with a lot of heart, soul and personal attention) gives you everything you need to grow your own successful travel business.

How Much Does a Cruise Planners Franchise Cost?

To open your own Cruise Planners franchise, find here the financial requirements, cash required, and ongoing franchise fees associated with company property:

Initial Franchise Fee: $695 – $10,995

Initial Investment: $2,295 – $23,465

Veterans Incentives: 27% off Franchise Fees, Free Owner and 1 Guest Training, $250 Marketing Credit, $60 Design Credit, Marketing Assets, 1 Year Free Error and Omission Insurance

Royalty Fee: 1.5 – 3.0%

Contract duration: 3 years

A Cruise Planners travel agency franchise is one of the most affordable low-cost franchises to own with special incentive programs available to current travel consultants, military personnel, and first responders.

Request free information

What is included in the franchise fee:

  • 6 day training in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, hotel and airline fees included
  • Access hundreds of web-based training courses in Cruisitude Academy
  • Business development coaching and ongoing support
  • Award-Winning Marketing Programs
  • A robust, custom CRM and booking system
  • Social media page design and additional management
  • Mobile tools for access on your smartphone or tablet
  • Customizable mobile app that allows your customers to book trips
  • $1 million errors and omissions insurance protection
  • Membership of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
  • Membership of the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
  • Affiliation with American Express Travel Representative

Cruise Planners does not provide internal financing, but the brand does maintain relationships with external credit sources that offer funds to cover the franchise fee.

How much do Cruise Planners franchisees earn?

As with any business, this depends on several factors. While marketing your Cruise Planners business is important, the most important factor is you and the effort you invest in your business. We have franchisees who work five hours a week in their business and those who work 80 hours. It is completely up to you, but this too will affect your earning potential. While we can’t tell you how much money you will make, during your due diligence period you will have the opportunity to speak with other Cruise Planners franchisees about their experiences running a travel home business. Click here for testimonials from our travel franchisees.

Why You Should Start a Cruise Planners Franchise

Owning a Cruise Planners franchise does not require any previous travel agency experience! We provide comprehensive training and a personal business development coach who will guide you every step of the way to set up and grow your business. So whether you’re a work-at-home parent, a recent retiree, a veteran (who, along with first responders, receives a special incentive program) or simply looking to make a career switch, we’ll provide you with the training and resources to start and grow your own travel advisor business.

The marketing and technology (“MarTech”) at Cruise Planners really gives us an edge over our competitors. Our award-winning marketing and advertising programs are designed to do all the heavy lifting for franchisees without a heavy monthly fee. And our technology – built specifically for Cruise Planners’ franchise opportunity – includes a robust CRM and booking system, mobile apps for agents and customers, an email automation platform and Amazon Alexa compatibility so you can sell more and really work anywhere.

Request more information about franchising with Cruise Planners at: fill in this form to learn more and start the discovery process for your own franchise operation!

Request free information

Shreya has been with australiabusinessblog.com for 3 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider australiabusinessblog.com, Shreya seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.