Cruise Planners

About Cruise Planners

Cruise Planners is the nation’s largest home-based travel franchise, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to build an independent travel advisor business with a flexible, low-overhead model.

Founded in 1994, Cruise Planners supports a nationwide network of more than 3,000 franchise owners. Franchisees earn income by planning and booking full-service travel experiences including cruises, land tours, all-inclusive resorts, flights, travel insurance, car rentals, and more.

With no retail storefront required, owners can operate from home or virtually anywhere, making this a strong option for those seeking a service-based business that can scale over time.

Franchise Scale & Nationwide Growth

This franchise brand represents one of the largest and most established franchise systems in its industry, with a network of 3,009 operating units across the United States. Built on a proven business model and decades of operational experience, the brand continues to attract franchisees while expanding its market presence nationwide.

The franchise system has maintained impressive scale and stability while continuing to grow. In 2024 alone, the brand added 432 new units, demonstrating exceptional franchise development momentum and strong demand from entrepreneurs seeking to invest in a recognized and trusted brand.

With more than 3,000 operating locations, the franchise benefits from widespread brand recognition, mature operating systems, comprehensive franchise support, and extensive market penetration. Its ability to consistently expand while maintaining a large network of franchisees highlights the strength of the concept and its long-term viability.

Franchise Highlights:

• 3,009 Total Operating Units
• 432 New Units Opened in 2024
• One of the largest franchise systems in its category
• Strong national brand recognition
• Proven and scalable business model
• Extensive franchisee support infrastructure
• Consistent expansion and franchise development success
• Established market presence across multiple territories

For entrepreneurs seeking to align with a highly recognized franchise brand, this opportunity offers the advantages of scale, operational experience, and a proven growth track record. The addition of more than 400 new units in a single year underscores the continued strength of the franchise and its position as a leader within the marketplace.

Why Choose Cruise Planners?

• Flexible, Home-Based Model: Operate on your schedule from anywhere you choose, with no storefront required.
• Low-Overhead Business: Competitive initial investment with minimal ongoing overhead compared to many retail-based franchises.
• No Travel Experience Required: Comprehensive training and ongoing business development coaching help new owners launch and grow.
• Strong Brand Recognition: Cruise Planners has been recognized by Entrepreneur as the #1 home-based travel franchise for over 18 years.
• Franchisee-Focused: No corporate-owned locations and no competing corporate travel sales. The company is structured to support franchise owner success.

Why Invest in a Travel Franchise Now?

Travel continues to show strong demand as more travelers seek expert guidance, personalized planning, and support for increasingly complex itineraries.

Professional travel advisors play a key role in helping clients compare options, navigate supplier choices, and protect their travel investment. Cruise Planners franchise owners are positioned to benefit from this demand while operating within a modern, service-based business model.

Training & Support

Cruise Planners provides structured onboarding and ongoing support through a comprehensive training and development framework that includes:

• Training: In-person and online training options, plus ongoing education through live and on-demand learning resources.
• Business Development Coaching: One-on-one coaching to help owners establish their business, build repeat clients, and improve sales performance.
• Technology: A proprietary platform including a robust CRM and booking system, agent and client mobile apps, email automation tools, and integrated voice-enabled compatibility.
• Marketing: Tools and programs designed to help franchise owners build their brand locally and generate client engagement, including digital marketing support, direct mail options, social media resources, and customizable websites.

2026 Franchise Incentive:
Qualified new franchisees may be eligible for a FREE vacation as part of the 2026 franchise offering.

History

In the early 1990s, as the travel industry began shifting rapidly, Michelle Fee recognized an opportunity to rethink the traditional brick-and-mortar agency model. In 1994, she founded Cruise Planners using a home-based approach built around recruiting, training, and supporting remote travel advisors rather than operating retail storefronts.

Today, Michelle continues to lead Cruise Planners as CEO. The company has grown into the nation’s largest home-based travel franchise while maintaining a franchisee-first focus, with ongoing investment in training, technology, marketing support, and supplier partnerships to help franchise owners build sustainable businesses.

Ideal Candidate

Cruise Planners franchise owners come from a wide range of professional backgrounds and life stages. Ideal candidates are self-motivated, comfortable building client relationships, and interested in owning a flexible, service-based business.

This opportunity may be a fit for career changers, professionals seeking more control of their schedules, retirees or semi-retirees, and entrepreneurs who are passionate about travel and committed to business development.

Cruise Planners offers a service-based franchise opportunity supported by a nationally recognized brand, a proven home-based model, and ongoing training and coaching — designed for entrepreneurs who want flexibility, low overhead, and the ability to scale over time.