For the 3rd year in a row, Cruise Planners takes the top spot
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – November 20, 2013 – Cruise Planners - American Express Travel, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the travel industry, was named at the Franchise Partner of the Year for Norwegian Cruise Line for the third consecutive year. This announcement was made even before year’s end by Andy Stuart at the annual Cruise Planners Convention in Hollywood, Fla.
“We are so honored to once again be lauded by Norwegian Cruise Line based on our sales and success this year,” said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners-American Express Travel. “Our 800-plus travel franchise owners have worked hard and we are proud of this recognition.”
In May 2013, Cruise Planners travel agents sailed on the Norwegian Breakaway inaugural cruise, which helped boost sales and inspire agents to keep the brand top of mind. To win this award, Cruise Planners continues to increase sales year over year with Norwegian Cruise Line Corporation, which is in line with overall growth announced at the annual convention.
"We are thrilled to award Franchise Partner of the Year to Cruise Planners for the third year in a row,” said Andy Stuart, Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Passenger Services for Norwegian Cruise Line Corporation. “Cruise Planners has embraced Norwegian in a very unique way and as a result of their great marketing and support – from both headquarter and franchise level – they have been named our Franchise Partner of the year once again."
Also in 2013, Cruise Planners and Norwegian Cruise Lines announced the new Sea of Love cruise, an LGBT same-sex commitment ceremony cruise along the soon-to-be debuted Norwegian Getaway out of Miami.
“We expect 2014 to be even bigger,” Fee said. “We value our strong partnerships and know our strong franchise agent network will continue to shine.”
About Cruise Planners–American Express Travel
Named No.1 Cruise Tour / Travel Agency by Entrepreneur for the past 10 years and recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology, Cruise Planners positions franchise owners for success by providing them with innovative marketing, booking and lead-generating tools as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry’s top executives.
Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla., Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line. Accolades include a record 11 Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly in 2013, Special Needs Group Accessible Travel Advocate Power Partners™ for 2012, American Express Travel Representative Excellence Award for eight years in a row (2004 – 2011), American Express Agency of the Year (2010), Royal Caribbean International Home-Based Partner of the Year (2007 – 2012), Royal Caribbean International President’s Award for Overall Achievement for 2012, Norwegian Cruise Line Franchise Agency of the Year (2011-2012) and Home-Based Agency of the Year (2010), Celebrity Cruises Southeast Region Travel Agent Partner of the Year (2010), American Express Vacations Globe Award (2008 – 2012), Globus Family of Brands Premier Agency Partner (2009- 2012), Platinum Circle Member with Viking River Cruises (2009-2012), Regent Seven Seas Cruises Top Producer and International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association Member. For information, visit www.cruiseplanners.com.
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Media Contacts:
Caitlin Murphy
Director of Public Relations, Cruise Planners-American Express Travel
954-344-8060
CMurphy@CruisePlanners.com
