home based franchise

Industry leaders weigh in on why more people are transforming their wanderlust into a thriving travel career

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional network, just released its annual Jobs on the Rise list, highlighting remarkable growth in two key career paths: company founders, who ranked #9, and Travel Agents, coming in at #18. With exciting prospects in both entrepreneurial leadership and travel services, Cruise Planners—the nation’s largest home-based travel agency franchise—has firmly established itself as the top choice for those looking to pursue these careers. The company recently received its 16th recognition as a Top Franchise for 2026 from Franchise Business Review (FBR), underscoring an unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and exceptional support for its franchisees, as reflected by its advisors, who rated it an impressive 99 out of 100 in the Franchise Business Review (FBR) Satisfaction Report.

The FBR’s annual Top Franchises report is based on thousands of surveys completed by franchise owners who evaluate every aspect of their business experience, from overall satisfaction to the health of their franchise system. The research identifies the leading award-winning franchise brands across categories such as Top Low-cost Franchises, Recession-Proof Franchises, Best Franchises for Women and Veterans, and Most Innovative Brands. Brands cannot pay for a listing or higher placement on a list, providing potential franchisees with a true snapshot of the franchise business. The results provide prospective franchise owners with reliable, data-driven insights to help them make informed decisions about the investment that best aligns with their goals.

Cruise Planners franchise excelled across all these categories, with an “Excellent” rating in Training & Support, Leadership, Franchise Community, and the Franchise System ranking. The high marks reflect their dedication to providing their franchisees with the tools and support they need to succeed.

“We’re honored to once again be recognized on Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises of 2026,” said Michelle Fee, founder and CEO of Cruise Planners. “We continue to set the standard for how companies should support their franchise community, providing worldclass resources, best-in-industry technology, and exceptional marketing tools. It comes as no surprise that travel agents remain in demand, even in a fluctuating job market. Our recent ranking, combined with the growing interest in travel and hospitality, further demonstrates that owning a Cruise Planners travel agency offers a fulfilling, flexible and enjoyable career.”

LinkedIn reported a noteworthy 50% increase in the number of individuals identifying as travel advisors — a win for Cruise Planners, which serves at the forefront of this trend, thanks to its ongoing commitment to innovative technology and comprehensive marketing and training support programs that aid new franchisees in embarking on their journeys, even if they have no prior experience. The proprietary CP Maxx technology platform offers powerful tools for booking and customer relationship management, and the in-depth STAR University training program, along with continuous support and assistance from the Home Office Team, ensures that franchisees are well-equipped to be successful and navigate the fast-moving and exciting landscape of the travel industry. Cruise Planners thanks Franchise Business Review for this year’s recognition and looks forward to supporting new travel agents as they launch their careers.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — As professionals across generations rethink traditional career paths, Cruise Planners, the nation’s largest home-based travel franchise, is launching a bold new franchise recruitment promotion designed to introduce travel entrepreneurship for everyday people looking for a change. Beginning January 1, 2026, Cruise Planners will offer a FREE trip with the purchase of a franchise, inspiring qualified prospects to take the leap into entrepreneurship, and immediately equip new franchise owners with real-world experience.

“This promotion reflects what Cruise Planners stands for,” said Michelle Fee, Founder and CEO of Cruise Planners. “We invest heavily into our franchise owners from day one and taking that first trip as a franchise owner ignites a sense of wanderlust and also serves as a real-time training experience while earning commission immediately.”

A Franchise Model Built for Today’s Workforce

Cruise Planners’ franchise model is a good fit for many:

• Women often are juggling busy lives. A travel franchise offers flexibility to work at one’s pace, early mornings, evenings or whenever time allows. It is an opportunity to turn passion for travel into income, all while balancing family and life demands.
  
  
• Military Veterans’ leadership, discipline, and adaptability pairs nicely with Cruise Planners’ structured training and coaching model and provides a proven path to business ownership.
  
  
• Gen Z and Millennials are prioritizing work-life balance and fulfillment over traditional career ladders. Franchise ownership offers work from home or on the go flexibility and scalability.
  
  
• Gen X professionals are increasingly turning to entrepreneurship to leverage experience while building long-term financial security.
  
  
• Baby Boomers and Retirees are looking for a fulfilling new career or part-time opportunity that offers exciting experiences and new sources of income all while staying active and exploring the world.

“No prior travel experience is necessary,” added Fee. “All that is required is a passion for travel. Our proven system of success provides the rest.”

Training, Support, and a Culture of Success

Cruise Planners’ long-standing reputation and deep industry partnerships make it a top choice for aspiring travel entrepreneurs looking to start a part-time or full-time business. New franchise owners benefit from the company’s training, support, technology, marketing, and collaborative culture, known internally as Cruisitude. As franchise owners build their business, they enjoy opportunities for ongoing training, strategic development, free marketing, travel industry networking, and travel benefits.

The free-trip franchise promotion launches January 1, 2026, and will be available for a limited time.

For more information about franchise opportunities with Cruise Planners, click here.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Training has always been at the heart of Cruise Planners, the nation’s #1 travel franchise for home-based travel agents, and in 2025 the company took its commitment to the next level with the introduction of CP Genie Learning, a dynamic, AI-enabled, on-demand training hub designed to give advisors smarter, faster, and more convenient access to the travel franchise training resources they need to succeed.

CP Genie Learning unites an existing full suite of training programs and tools, making it easier than ever for advisors to sharpen their skills, expand their expertise, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving travel landscape. The platform already includes Specialist Programs such as:

• Disney Specialist Program – helping advisors earn a Disney travel specialist certificate to create more magical vacations for their clients by mastering the details of Disney travel experiences.
• Enhanced Travel Insurance Program – giving advisors the knowledge and confidence to protect clients with comprehensive travel insurance options.

And coming soon, advisors will gain access to two new specialist programs:

• Expedition Specialist – equipping advisors with the insights to guide clients on bucket-list adventures to the world’s most remote destinations.
• Luxury Specialist – empowering advisors to craft bespoke, high-end experiences as part of luxury travel training.

And the momentum doesn’t stop there. At Cruise Planners’ annual convention, the company unveiled its robust lineup of 2026 training and in-person learning events designed to give advisors even more opportunities to learn, network, and grow:

• STAR University Trainings – Cruise Planners’ new franchisee training program, STAR (Sales Training to Accelerate Results) University, is an extensive six-day course designed to equip new Cruise Planner advisors with everything they need to launch their careers. Participants will learn from industry experts and supplier partners, attend an engaging trade show, and receive hands-on technical training on several of Cruise Planners’ top-tier, custom-built marketing, booking, and CRM tools, ensuring they are well-prepared for success.
• Boot Camps – To help advisors prepare for the 2026 travel season, Cruise Planners has organized two bootcamps. These three-day franchise workshops offer an in-person learning experience with expert presenters at convenient locations. The bootcamps will cover a range of topics, including supplier training, sales techniques, social media strategies, business analytics, and technology workshops, providing practical action items to achieve real results.
• CP Tech Days – Tech days at Cruise Planners Headquarters are focused on in-depth travel technology training for franchise owners on numerous proprietary and custom-built tools created to streamline the booking process and beyond for the Cruise Planner advisor network.
• Sales Academy – The Sales Academy is a training program designed by Cruise Planners to educate and empower their franchisees and focused primarily on sales and marketing skills. These trainings cover practices such as sales techniques, customer service, product knowledge and more and are hosted at either an all-inclusive resort or onboard a ship.
• Groups Academy – The Groups Academy focuses on ways to create, market, service and host successful groups.
• River Academy – This academy will focus on helping advisors perfect and grow their river cruise sales and is combined with the ASTA River Cruise Expo each year.
• Cruise Planners Elite Summits – Cruise Planners Elite Summit trips bring together top-performing advisors. Hosted by Cruise Planners executives and supplier partners, these events provide an opportunity for advisors to network, share insights, and celebrate their achievements and best practices. The Elite Summits will include one-on-one meetings with supplier partners, as well as exclusive receptions, dinner events, entertainment, and more.
• Luxury Forum – The Luxury Forum is a luxury travel focused event aimed at helping advisors either grow their luxury sales or begin selling more high-end luxury brands. The event offers expert speakers, product knowledge, supplier one on one time and more.
• Refresh + Reboot – Refresh and Reboot seminars are for advisors looking for a refresher in the areas of marketing and technology programs as well as business and time management skills that will help them grow their business quickly.
• Signature Travel Network Convention – Through Cruise Planners’ affiliation with Signature Travel Network, advisors have access to exclusive franchise training, including travel exchanges as well as Signature Travel Network’s annual convention with a pre-day Cruise Planners learning event.
• CP World Annual Convention – Cruise Planners Annual Convention, CP World, is their largest franchise convention and networking event held every year, hosting over 1,200 advisors, suppliers from all major cruise lines, tour companies and resorts. The annual convention discusses company performance, as well as exciting announcements of new technology, marketing and sales tools to set their advisors us for success in the coming year.

“With our expanded training programs and this incredible lineup of learning events, we continue to invest in our advisors’ success,” said Michelle Fee, Founder and CEO of Cruise Planners. “Our advisors are entrepreneurs, and the more tools, education, and support we give them, the more confident and successful they become in building their businesses and serving their clients.”

With CP Genie Learning, one on one business development coaching and a calendar filled with in person learning opportunities, Cruise Planners advisors are gaining more than just knowledge—they’re gaining the power to grow their businesses, exceed client expectations, and shape the future of travel.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Cruise Planners, the nation’s largest home-based travel advisor franchise network, introduced several new travel technology enhancements during its annual convention onboard the Wonder of the Seas. These free tools streamline workflows, boost efficiency, and provide smarter ways for advisors to serve clients, reinforcing Cruise Planners’ position as a leader in travel franchise technology and innovation.

Highlights include:

FUTURE AI PROJECTS: Cruise Planners previewed their roadmap for exciting AI-driven tools including:

• Reservation Intelligence Engine: Personalized recommendations with AI-powered travel planning tools for trip components based on client booking patterns such as shore excursions recommendations, hotel recommendations, transportation and more.
• AI Search Filters: Advanced filtering in CP Maxx, Cruise Planners advanced proprietary CRM system for travel advisors, to refine results with natural language queries. For example, an advisor searching for cruise results will speak their prompts instead of using filter forms.
• AI Confirmation Import Tool: Using AI, advisors can now import confirmation emails directly into CP Maxx to automatically generate reservations and process pricing and commission data—reducing manual entry and improving efficiency.

TRIP SUMMARY 3.0: The Trip Summary proprietary tool has been completely rebuilt with a sleek, user-friendly interface. Key features include drag-and-drop functionality, an expanded range of travel component options such as cruisetours, flights, and rail, and the ability to bundle multiple itineraries into proposals for side-by-side comparison. The new consumer view allows clients to provide feedback, giving advisors actionable insights to tailor trips to each traveler’s preferences.

CLIENT ENHANCEMENTS: Advisors now have expanded client data visibility, powerful sorting and filtering, and new Favorites and Pinned client features to easily prioritize high-value relationships. Designed from advisor input, these upgrades provide smarter and faster ways to engage with clients in CP Maxx.

FIND A FLIGHT – GOOGLE FLIGHT PRICES: Cruise Planners works with several air partners. Advisors can now search flights directly in CP Maxx with Google Flights integration, comparing “Best Flights” and “Other Flights” instantly keeping all air booking tools in one platform.

MAXX MEDIA: A new centralized media management system for travel franchise advisors that allows advisors to upload, record, and manage all their images, videos, and documents in one location. Media can then be seamlessly integrated and added into documents, marketing assets and more across all CP Maxx tools, simplifying content creation and marketing initiatives.

MOVING CP MAXX INTO THE CLOUD: Cruise Planners has transitioned their CP Maxx infrastructure to a secure, cloud-based environment, improving speed, reliability, and scalability for the network.

“Technology is central to our advisors’ success, enabling them to work more efficiently while dedicating more time to serving clients and expanding their business,” said Michelle Fee, Founder and CEO of Cruise Planners. “We remain committed to leading in travel technology, investing in tools that save time, enhance client interactions, and drive business growth. These innovations are just the start, and we’re thrilled about the future, including the rollout of even more AI-driven tools to help our advisors deliver exceptional travel experiences.”

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Cruise Planners, the nation’s largest home-based travel advisor franchise network, was identified by Franchise Business Review (FBR) as one of just 50 franchise brands to be named an award-winning franchise in its 2025 report on the Most Innovative Franchises. This marks the fourth time since 2019 that Cruise Planners has been named to this prestigious list.

Franchise Business Review, a research firm that conducts independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction, provides the only ratings of franchises based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance. Franchise Business Review publishes its rankings of top franchises semi-annually in its Guide to Today’s Top Franchises, as well as industry reports throughout the year that highlight research on the top franchises in specific sectors.

To identify the companies on the list of this year’s Most Innovative Franchises, Franchise Business Review analyzed 18 months’ worth of data from over 35,000 franchisees representing more than 365 brands. Franchise owners were asked about their brand’s innovation and creativity as well as their trust in the franchisor, overall satisfaction with the brand, and likelihood of recommending it to others.

“In today’s competitive market, franchise innovation isn’t optional—it’s what sets the smartest, most sustainable opportunities apart,” said Michelle Rowan, president & COO of Franchise Business Review. “We’re proud to celebrate the brands that consistently deliver new products, services, and systems that fuel franchisee growth and strengthen their long-term success.”

Cruise Planners franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including leadership, training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Top 50 Innovative Franchise by Franchise Business Review. At Cruise Planners, innovation is at the heart of everything we do; we’re constantly developing new tools, resources, and strategies that empower our travel advisors to grow their businesses and deliver extraordinary travel experiences to their clients,” said founder and CEO of Cruise Planners, Michelle Fee. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and leading the way in the travel franchise industry.”

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Cruise Planners, the nation’s leading home-based travel advisor franchise network, recently wrapped its annual Luxury Forum at the stunning Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa in the Dominican Republic. Held August 4–8, 2025, this immersive, invitation-only event brought together over 120 Cruise Planners travel advisors and 70+ luxury travel partners for a week of elevated networking, hands-on training and inspiration tailored exclusively to the luxury market.

As more travelers seek out tailored, high-end experiences, Cruise Planners continues to strengthen its role in the luxury travel space. The Luxury Forum focused on giving advisors the tools, insights and supplier connections they need to serve the discerning luxury client with confidence and creativity.

“Luxury travel continues to evolve, and our advisors are right at the forefront,” said Michelle Fee, CEO and Founder of Cruise Planners. “This event gives them the tools, knowledge, and industry connections they need to stay ahead of the curve and deliver truly exceptional experiences for their clients.”

The event kicked off with opening remarks from Michelle Fee and Chief Strategy Officer Scott Koepf, who emphasized the sector’s explosive growth. With 28 million luxury travelers worldwide and the market valued at $230 billion, the potential for travel advisors is immense, especially as today’s travelers increasingly seek out meaningful and experience-rich journeys.

The program featured dynamic training sessions, supplier panels, and expert insights into consumer behavior in the luxury and expedition segments. A standout moment was the keynote by Karl Kannstadter, VP of Content Strategy at Exploration at Signature Travel Network, who delivered a deep dive into “What Story Does Your Client Want to Tell?” On delivering clients memorable moments and a story worth telling when they return from their trip.

A highlight of the week was the Luxury Agent Panel, moderated by Fee and featuring powerhouse producers Debra Thune, Carol Rice, Maria Tilton and Sue Palenik. Their candid discussions and field-tested advice offered fellow advisors valuable strategies on attracting affluent clients, delivering elite service and closing high-end sales.

Throughout the week, advisors connected directly with leading luxury brands through curated networking events providing them with expert insight on the innerworkings of the travel space.

“This event goes beyond just training,” said Scott Koepf, Chief Strategy Officer at Cruise Planners. “It’s about giving our advisors a fresh perspective, stronger industry relationships, and the confidence to elevate the way they serve high-end clients.”

The Luxury Forum is part of a broader lineup of in-person training events hosted by Cruise Planners throughout the year, including the Land Symposium, Bootcamps, and the company’s Annual Convention, all designed to foster ongoing education and advisor success.

There’s never been a better time to get into the travel industry—and for a limited time, you can save $2,000 and own a Cruise Planners franchise! With demand for travel soaring, travelers are turning to trusted advisors more than ever. As a Cruise Planners franchise owner, you’ll be perfectly positioned to ride this wave and build a rewarding business from anywhere.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Cruise Planners, the nation’s largest home-based travel franchise network, has once again secured its position among the most powerful players in the travel industry, ranking #24 on Travel Weekly’s prestigious 2025 Power List.

This annual list honors the most successful travel agencies in the U.S. based on full-year sales volume and influence in the marketplace. Cruise Planners’ consistent presence on the Power List is a testament to its continued momentum, strong leadership, and the entrepreneurial spirit of its nationwide network of franchise owners.

Cruise Planners ended 2024 with a remarkable $1.23 billion in total sales, representing a year-over-year increase of more than $100 million. This upward trajectory continues into 2025, positioning the company for yet another record-breaking year.

“Being recognized on Travel Weekly’s Power List year after year is not only an honor, but a reflection of the relentless drive and passion of our franchisees and team members,” said Michelle Fee, CEO and Founder of Cruise Planners. “It underscores how our commitment to innovation, personalized service, and travel advisor support sets us apart in a competitive industry.”

Cruise Planners’ success can be attributed to its cutting-edge technology, award-winning marketing, and world-class training and support — all designed to empower its travel advisors to thrive in an ever-evolving travel landscape. As leisure travel demand continues to surge, Cruise Planners remains at the forefront, leading with purpose, passion, and performance.

As the company celebrates this latest milestone, it remains laser-focused on expanding its reach, supporting its franchise network, and continuing to deliver unforgettable travel experiences to clients across the globe.

Company Background: Cruise Planners was founded in 1994 and is the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network. As a leader in the travel franchise industry, Cruise Planners positions a nation-wide network of 2,500 franchise owners for success by providing innovative marketing programs, proprietary and innovative booking and technology tools, as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry’s top executives. The company continues to be an industry leader and was named the No.1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 18 consecutive years and awarded by Franchise Business Review as “Best-In-Category” for 2 years.

Cruise Planners received a 99% franchise owner satisfaction report from Franchise Business Review for 2024 and 2025. Franchise Business Review also ranked Cruise Planners #3 OVERALL on their list of Top 200 Franchises of 2022. Cruise Planners was recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology, has been consistently named as one of the Top Women-Owned Businesses by the South Florida Business Journal, is on the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America, and was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces by the Sun Sentinel.

Visit our website, www.cruiseplanners.com, for more information or to view the complete list of awards and honors. For those interested in becoming a franchise owner, please visit https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — Cruise Planners, the nation’s largest home-based travel franchise network, was recently named Best in Category in the travel sector by Franchise Business Review (FBR), for the 15^th consecutive year.

Franchise Business Review, a market research firm that performs independent surveys of franchisee satisfaction and employee engagement, provides the only rankings and awards for franchise companies based solely on actual franchisee satisfaction and performance.

“Franchisee satisfaction continues to be the leading indicator of franchise performance and system health, and we are pleased to report that owner satisfaction among the 2025 Franchisee Satisfaction Award winners averages 30% higher than other franchise brands,” said Michelle Rowan, president and COO of Franchise Business Review. “As an independent research firm, Franchise Business Review is committed to providing unbiased data to prospective franchise buyers to help them identify the best franchise opportunities based on actual feedback and experiences from current owners. Each of the award winners on this year’s list of the Top 200 Franchises received stellar ratings from their franchisees in the areas crucial to success in operating a franchise, including training & support, leadership, innovation, culture, and financial opportunity.”

Cruise Planners was among more than 350 franchise brands that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research. Cruise Planners franchisees were surveyed on 33 benchmark questions about their experience and satisfaction regarding critical areas of their franchise systems, including training & support, operations, franchisor/franchisee relations, and financial opportunity and received a stellar overall satisfaction rating from their franchise network of 99%.

“We are honored to once again be recognized as the top franchise in travel by Franchise Business Review in 2025,” said Michelle Fee, founder and CEO of Cruise Planners. “This achievement highlights our core value of supporting our franchise owners and their success. We take great pride in delivering industry-first technology, award-winning marketing programs, and a collaborative and supportive community that enables our franchisees to excel in their travel businesses.”