If you have a passion for travel and want to earn extra income, starting a travel agency franchise with Cruise Planners® is the perfect opportunity. Recognized as the #1 travel franchise in the U.S. by Entrepreneur since 2002, Cruise Planners gives you everything you need to start your own business from home.
Whether you’re looking for a career change or a flexible side income, Cruise Planners lets you work full-time or part-time, be your own boss, and sell travel from anywhere in the world. With more than 30 years of success in the travel industry, multiple awards, and one of the lowest franchise fees, Cruise Planners is the best franchise to own if you’re ready to build a rewarding travel business.
Why a Travel Franchise Is an Amazing Business Opportunity
Unlike starting a small business from scratch, a franchise business model gives you credibility from day one. With Cruise Planners, you’ll benefit from:
Affordability
Our franchise fee is just $8,995 (discounted from $10,995)—making Cruise Planners one of the most affordable low-cost franchise opportunities in the travel industry. We also offer incentives for veterans, first responders, and current travel professionals. Because we’re a home-based franchise, your startup costs are minimal with no storefront required.
Flexibility
Work when and where you want. Cruise Planners franchise owners enjoy total flexibility, whether running their home travel business full-time or part-time.
High Commissions
Earn the highest commissions in the industry across cruises, car rentals, tours, hotels, travel insurance, and more. With no middlemen, you keep more of what you earn.
Training and Support
Our success depends on your success. That’s why Cruise Planners provides every new franchise owner with comprehensive training and support, including:
6-day in-person travel agent training in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida through STAR University
Access to hundreds of on-demand courses through Cruisitude® Academy
Personal business development coaching
Award-winning marketing programs and social media support
Proprietary booking tools, CRM, and a mobile app for you and your clients
Award-Winning Recognition
In addition to being ranked as the #1 travel franchise by Entrepreneur for more than 20 years, Cruise Planners has won countless awards in technology, training, and marketing—further proof of our strong franchise brand.
Travel Franchise vs. Starting a Small Business
Factor
Cruise Planners® Travel Franchise
Independent Small Business
Business Model
Proven franchise business model with 30+ years of success
Must build your own model, high trial-and-error risk
Startup Costs
Low franchise fee of $8,995, minimal overhead
Higher startup costs: rent, staff, marketing
Training & Support
Comprehensive training program + ongoing support
No built-in support, must self-fund education
Franchise Brand
Recognized national franchise brand with credibility
Must build brand awareness from scratch
Customer Service Tools
Proprietary booking platform, CRM, and marketing systems for great customer experience
Must purchase or build your own tools
Franchise Agreement
Transparent franchise disclosure document (FDD) and clear franchise agreement
No FDD or support framework, higher risk
The Perks of Being a Travel Agent
Owning a Cruise Planners franchise isn’t just about running a business—it’s also about embracing a lifestyle. Franchisees enjoy travel discounts, FAM trips, and exclusive perks that let them experience the world while growing their business. Learn more about how to travel more as a travel agent and why this career path is as rewarding personally as it is professionally.
Cruise Planners also offers travel industry discounts for franchise owners, making it easier to explore destinations while building expertise you can share with clients.
What Makes Cruise Planners Stand Out in Franchise Ownership
When evaluating a travel agency franchise, it’s important to look beyond the initial investment and compare the long-term value. Cruise Planners has built a proven franchise business model that balances affordability with world-class support.
Franchise Ownership With Confidence: As a Cruise Planners franchise owner, you operate under a transparent franchise agreement backed by a clear franchise disclosure document (FDD). This ensures you know exactly what to expect with your franchise fees and ongoing support.
Low Startup Costs, High Value: With one of the lowest initial investments in the industry, Cruise Planners makes it possible to launch a home-based business without the burden of heavy overhead or hidden marketing fees.
Powerful Marketing Materials: Franchisees receive ready-to-use marketing materials and done-for-you campaigns, from social media to direct mail, eliminating guesswork and saving valuable time.
National Brand Recognition: As part of a top-ranked travel franchise system, you benefit from strong brand recognition that gives instant credibility and trust with clients.
Customer Service That Scales: With proprietary booking tools and CRM platforms, Cruise Planners helps you deliver exceptional customer service and seamless client experiences from day one.
This combination of low cost, strong support, and a trusted franchise system makes Cruise Planners one of the smartest franchise opportunities available today.
Build Your Future With the Best Travel Franchise
A Cruise Planners® franchise isn’t just a business opportunity—it’s a way to create freedom, flexibility, and financial independence. Backed by more than 30 years of experience, a trusted franchise brand, and the lowest startup costs in the industry, Cruise Planners is the partner you’ve been searching for.
To see how our transparent earnings model and tiered royalty system make owning a Cruise Planners franchise even more rewarding, visit our Franchise Royalty Fees page for details.
Intrigued? Download the Guide to Cruise Planners to learn more about our travel franchise opportunity
Travel Agency Franchise Benefits FAQs
Do I need prior travel industry experience to own a Cruise Planners franchise?
No experience is required. Cruise Planners provides comprehensive training and ongoing support so you can successfully run your travel agency franchise, even if you’ve never worked in travel or owned a business before.
How much does it cost to start a Cruise Planners franchise?
Cruise Planners is considered a low-cost franchise opportunity compared to many other business models. Since it’s a home-based travel agency, you avoid the overhead of rent or a storefront, keeping your startup investment affordable.
Can I really become a travel agent from home?
Yes! Cruise Planners is designed for people who want to know how to become an at-home or online travel agent. You’ll receive a personal website, booking tools, and a mobile app so you can manage your business from anywhere.
How do I get clients as a Cruise Planners travel agent?
You’ll benefit from free, done-for-you marketing that includes direct mail, weekly email campaigns, luxury newsletters, and social media support. Combined with Cruise Planners’ strong brand recognition, these tools make it easier to grow your client base.
What kind of travel can I sell with a Cruise Planners franchise?
You’ll have access to exclusive partnerships with major cruise lines, Disney resorts, Royal Caribbean, and global tour operators. That means you can sell cruises, theme park vacations, luxury getaways, group travel, and more.
