Cruise Planning Made Easy
When you choose to cruise with Avalon Waterways, you dont have to wait to board the ship to begin your vacation. Our approach is that a happy and care-free cruise starts with your very first contact with us and extends through to your welcome home. Our Vacation Planners have in-depth knowledge about river cruising and theyll help you imagine your journey back to travel.
Join Our Franchise Owner Community
Our franchise network has been an invaluable resource to us and provides a level of confidence that we could not have without it. While we know we could always go it alone, we are certain we would not be as successful as we are without this outstanding network.
Annabelle and Alexander Valdes
Franchise Owners since 2018
What I love about being a franchise owner is the ability to work from anywhere. I am empowered to run my business as I see fit yet always have headquarters to support me. They support us with exclusive promotions, deals and fabulous training opportunities.
Allison Walker
Franchise Owner since 2013
I have found success in following my passion and selling what I love, travel. Luckily, owning a Dream Vacations travel agency franchise gives me the freedom to work from anywhere in the world.
Debbie Tatter
Franchise Owner since 2010
The thing I like about Dream Vacations is that the things I learned in my 29 years in the U.S. Navy work well in this company. At Dream Vacations, youre never alone, there is always someone to call or help you out, just like the Navy.
Ron Beverly, Sr.
My Cruise Planners Franchise Review
There are a lot of great things about Cruise Planners, so lets start with the obvious, their reputation:
- Cruise Planners has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
- They have consistently ranked as the #1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine
- They are an American Express Travel Representative
Besides having an excellent reputation, Cruise Planners also has a big heart. With their CP Cares Program, theyve raised and donated over $1.5 million to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as well as other charities and philanthropic organizations.
Another thing I like about the Cruise Planners opportunity is the six-day, in-person training in Florida. This training allows you to understand the industry and have your questions answered on the spot. This program also gets you up and running in no time flat, so you can start earning money quicker.
Of course, the initial investment might be a barrier. But if you consider the cost of going back to school or investing in a traditional franchise, the cost is much lower. With Cruise Planners, theres no inventory to buy, no storefront space to rent, or employees to pay which makes this a low-cost business to run as well.
If youre passionate about travel, I think the Cruise Planners franchise opportunity is an excellent option!
If youd like to find out more about Cruise Planners, you can sign-up for one of their free career webinars here. Or you can request additional information here.
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An Important Note About Our Methodology
The franchises on this list were ranked according to the number of units in the franchise system. If you are a prospective franchisee searching for franchise opportunities that meet or exceed certain performance benchmarks for sales, profits, and return on investment, please check out this list of Americas Most Lucrative Franchises.
How Much Does A Cruise Planners Franchise Cost
According to the Small Business Administration, the typical franchise investment is between $20,000-$50,000. Cruise Planners is a low-cost franchise opportunity, with your investment being considerably lower at $6,995, and a monthly admin fee of $70.
The Cruise Planners Franchise includes:
Cruise Planners also offers discounts and special incentives for first responders, military members, and their families.
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My Cruise Planners Franchise Business Review
There are a lot of great things about Cruise Planners, so lets start with the obvious, their reputation:
- Cruise Planners receives an 88% rating from Franchise Business Review
- They have consistently ranked as the #1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine
- High level of franchisee satisfaction
Besides having an excellent reputation, Cruise Planners is an inclusive company with a big heart. With their CP Cares Program, theyve raised and donated over $2 million that has benefited organizations such as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Kids in Distress, and SOS Village among other charities and philanthropic organizations. They also recently donated $10,000 to help Ukrainian refugees in partnership with AMA Waterways and partnered with the Dan Marino Foundation to help ready young adults with autism for independence.
Another thing I like about the Cruise Planners opportunity is the six-day in-person training in Florida. This training allows you to understand the industry and have your questions answered on the spot. This program also gets you up and running in no time flat, so you can start earning money quickly. Which is perfect for individuals looking for a career change and who dont want to go back to school.
How Is Cruiseone/dream Vacations Franchise Positioned In The Travel And Hospitality Industry
The Travel, Hospitality, and Leisure industries intersect with multiple industries, such as Food & Beverage, Hotel, Recreation, and Tourism. As it is both a capital and labor-intensive industry, it relies on investments in fixed assets. This industry generates over $1.6 trillion in economic output, representing 2.8% of GDP.
The travel and hospitality industry has grown tremendously over the last few years as flights have become more affordable and people are willing to spend their money on vacations and travel. Under the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry can expect some changes in consumers demand, where people will tend to travel more within the borders than abroad. Cruises are one of the rapidly growing markets within the travel and tourism sector. The largest market for cruises is seniors 65 years or older who have time and disposable income to spend on these types of leisure activities. CruiseOne franchise offers one of the most comprehensive options for customers, which is considered a head start for franchisees operated under the WTH.
CruiseOne and Dream Vacations compete in the Travel and Hospitality Industry against other travel agencies and in-house travel departments such as Cruise Planners, Expedia Cruiseshipcenters, and Itrip Vacations. CruiseOne and Dream Vacations franchises also compete against other franchisees in your territory.
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The Best Travel Agency Franchises Of 2022
Last updated on March 9, 2022in Franchise Chatter Hot List, Travel Franchise
This annual list of the best travel agency franchises was revised and updated on March 9, 2022.
Although the internet has made it easy for anyone to book flights and hotel rooms, there is still a large market for travel agencies, mostly focused on booking full vacation packages for people who dont have the time or inclination to figure out all the details. By taking over the planning for travelers, agencies add value, reduce hassle, and draw in business. This is why cruise and travel agency franchises had a market size of $1.5 billion in 2021 and employ nearly 13,000 people in over 6,600 businesses.
Cruises play a large part in the business of travel agency franchises. This fits the model of these agencies, as cruises provide an all-in-one holiday package, the sort of thing that travelers go to agencies for. Theyre also relatively high value holidays that can provide a good commission relative to the work involved in arranging them. There are so many options, even within the cruise industry, that its often hard for customers to figure out which one is right for them, and an agency can help with this. Travel agencies can obtain discounts on cruise bookings thanks to their relationships with the cruise companies, saving consumers hundreds of dollars per cruise.
Should I Use A Travel Agent Or Book Directly With A Cruise Line
One of the most common questions I find myself passionately answering both in person and on online communities , is about how to actually book a cruise. Should you use a travel agent or book directly with a cruise line? Ill tell you right out the gate that whether youre looking into your first cruise or well on your way to the highest levels of a cruise lines loyalty program, I highly recommend using a good travel agent, but lets talk about why by addressing some common questions and misconceptions.
Read Also: How Do I Get The Cheapest Cruise Deals
Who Owns Cruiseone/ Dream Vacations Franchise
In 2021, World Travel Holdings announced that it is merging its Cruises Inc. independent contractor and CruiseOne/Dream Vacations franchise business models. Starting in 2022, the company will be operating one franchise unit under the CruiseOne and Dream Vacations brands. WTH offers customers a wide range of vacation options from owned brands and private-label brands.
At the start of 2005, Brad and Jeff Tolkin leveraged their years of experience as operating executives in the travel industry to co-found World Travel Holdings. Since then, WTH has expanded through multiple acquisitions of travel companies. In 2006, WTH more than doubled in size with the acquisition of National Leisure Group , the largest cruise seller in America. WTHs CruiseOne franchise business comes from NLGs expansion in 2003. WTH later launched the travel franchise Dream Vacations in 2016. Franchisees can choose to operate under either CruiseOne or Dream Vacations.
Since 2016, nearly 85% of the franchise owners operate under the Dream Vacations brand, and 100% of all new franchise owners choose to go to market under the Dream Vacations brand.
Instant Credibility With American Express Travel
Cruise Planners is the #1 cruise sales franchise for the American Express Travel brand, one of the most trusted names in business. With the American Express Travel affiliation, you will gain instant credibility and access to double the amount of group inventory and promotions. You can also utilize exclusive tools and travel programs for your clients, such as the Pay with Points Program, all while earning full commission on every sale.
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Travel Agency Franchise Or Host Agency That Is The Question
If you have stumbled onto this post, you have likely decided to enter the travel business but are debating whether or not a travel agency franchise is the best route for you. Well, beloved reader, you have found the right place! As is the nature of starting your own business, one question answered usually opens the door to another: What is the difference between a travel agency franchise and a host agency?
I have to admit, this article is long-winded and takes a long distance and microscopic look at franchises. If you’re short on time, I made a few shortcuts:
So if you are among those who are weighing options between purchasing a franchise or aligning with a host, well refill your mug with coffee or tea and settle in, because were going to explore some options and hopefully bring you closer to discovering a solution that works for you!
Looking For A Franchise Youll Love Watch Our Free Webinar Live Or The Recording Later
These are surprisingly low-cost franchises to purchase. The cost of entry is low, with little expenditure on equipment and training. This means that theres also plenty of competition, which can create both challenges and opportunities. In current circumstances, this is an accessible, high-risk option for a franchise, but one that holds potential for strong long-term profits if the tourism industry recovers to its pre-COVID strength. Talk of 59.7% growth in 2022 can make the sector seem very appealing, but before jumping on board, its important to ask, are these estimates realistic? And how does each individual franchise fit into a tumultuous travel landscape?
Also Check: How Much Do Cruises Usually Cost
What Are Cruise Planners Franchise Owners Saying About The Opportunity
I had no travel agent experience. Cruise Planners supported me with incredible marketing tools, live and recorded training webinars, and are there with me every step of the way. Maria Tilton
After unexpected career changes, we wanted to fulfill our dreams of owning a business. Cruise Planners instantly helped grow our business with its marketing programs, technology, and business development support. Sheila & Chris Korte
I took early retirement, but I wasnt ready to retire. Ive always loved to travel, and Cruise Planners offered me the independence, flexibility, and fun so I can travel with a different focus. Val Dorsey
What Are Others Saying About The Cruise Planners Franchise Opportunity
Of course, one of the best ways to find out more about the company is to get reviews and feedback from other travel partners and industry executives.
I had no travel agent experience. Cruise Planners supported me with incredible marketing tools, live and recorded training webinars, and are there with me every step of the way. Maria Tilton, Franchise Owner
After unexpected career changes, we wanted to fulfill our dreams of owning a business. Cruise Planners instantly helped grow our business with its marketing programs, technology, and business development support. Sheila & Chris Korte, Franchise Owner
I took early retirement, but I wasnt ready to retire. Ive always loved to travel, and Cruise Planners offered me the independence, flexibility, and fun so I can travel with a different focus. Val Dorsey, Franchise Owner
Cruise Planners is more than just cruises. Their land sales are tremendous. From the perspective of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Cruise Planners is our best customer! Jeff Clarke, CEOUnique Travel Corp., the Worldwide Representative of Sandals Resorts
Its our privilege to honor Cruise Planners with the Presidents Award which is the highest honor given to any travel partner. We are pleased and proud to be a partner with Cruise Planners because of the world-class training and marketing programs and the terrific support that they give to each and everyone of their franchisees Vicki Freed, SVP of Sales & Trade Support Services Royal Caribbean
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Why Own A Travel Business With Cruise Planners
Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, is the largest home-based travel agency franchise in the nation with over 2,500 franchise owners in all 50 states. Cruise Planners franchise owners own and operate their own travel agency business and earn money helping clients plan amazing travel experiences such as cruises, land tours, and all-inclusive resort vacations.
Franchising With Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations-Cruise One is a low-cost, home-based business model. You earn commission on the sales of exciting vacation packages from tours across Europe to Caribbean cruises and luxury resorts across the globe.
When owning a Dream Vacations franchise, you are joining a family that values integrity and transparency. Franchisees do not view each other as competitors, but as colleagues. The Headquarters teams only customer is its franchisees. The company prides itself on demonstrating their devotion to franchisees, both personally and professionally. Franchisees are in business for themselves, but not by themselves. Dream Vacations has an open-door policy for franchisees feedback, which is apparent in their Franchise Satisfaction Survey results. They also have a multitude of committees where franchisees act as liaisons for the entire network.
The companys goal is not to be the largest travel agency franchise, but the most successful. Franchisee success is a top priority. New franchisees have access to innovative technology, training and support programs, exclusive promotions, lead generation initiatives and more.
Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings, which is one of the largest sellers of cruises in the world. This allows for incredible buying power with major cruise lines and exclusive promotions.
Dream Vacations has an award-winning training program that has been nationally recognized by travel trades, as well as by eLearning platforms.
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Franchisors Investment And Energy
She noted that the commitments for a franchisor, both financial and ethical, are significant.
Its also a very transparent business, she said, and not everyone is interested in doing the necessary legwork. The state franchisor agreements must be approved annually and require thorough audits of the company and its owners, she said.
Were an open book, so were very careful, Garcia said. Everything we build, every service we offer, every support we offer, its very intentional. We know were under a microscope with every single franchise owner, so we want to make sure we take care of them. We found the recipe.
Fiorino agreed that the reasons Garcia cited are why Dream Vacations and Cruise Planners are likely alone, for the time being, in the home-based franchising space.
I think it takes a lot of investment and energy to run a franchise organization, she said, and also pointed to the highly regulated nature of franchising, noting its a more difficult business model to build up and grow than, for instance, host agencies.
It would be hard for someone because of the brand recognition, the experience and the backing of World Travel Holdings, Fiorino said. Its not as easy to break into, and to have that faith in the company.
But could the right, motivated party enter the space as a new home-based franchisor?
I never say never, Fiorino said.
Youre Really Talking About A Select Group Of Agencies That Can Afford Monthly Fees But Also Can Take Advantage Of The Services We Offer
Roger Block, Travel Leaders Network
Purchasing a home-based franchise is a low-cost opportunity for individuals to own their own business, said Debbie Fiorino, WTHs senior vice president and COO of owned brands. And the combination of low cost of entry and relatively low operating costs was a big plus for many franchisees during the pandemic.
Fiorino has reasons to be bullish on franchising. While WTH wouldnt disclose the exact number of ICs who worked with the sunsetting Cruises Inc. brand, she said there were more than 500. Of those, twice the number she had expected to purchase a franchise had done so as of late last year.
The movement from independent contracting to franchisee predates the Cruises Inc. announcement, Fiorino said. Over the years, she has observed that advisors would often begin their industry careers as a Cruises Inc. IC, but as their businesses grew, theyd migrate to become franchise owners.
WTH isnt depending only on former Cruises Inc. ICs for its franchise growth. Its preparing to launch a multimillion-dollar recruitment effort aimed at drawing in potential ICs for its existing franchisees.
Franchises are available in many industrial verticals, but Garcia thinks the odds for success in travel are particularly good. In 2019, almost 10% of Cruise Planners active franchisees had more than $1 million in total sales, she said. Its top 50 sold, on average, $2.5 million, and that year, sales for active stores brought in more than $580 million.
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