Military & Veterans

After dedicating yourself to service, the next chapter of your life should be as fulfilling and meaningful as the last. For many veterans, the transition to civilian life is more than just finding a job — it’s about discovering a career that empowers you to channel your leadership, purpose and passion. Imagine a career where your skills from service meet the excitement of helping others create unforgettable experiences.

At Cruise Planners, we're exceptionally proud that our low-cost franchises appeal to a broad range of investors. But our franchise opportunities for veterans are especially smart, as they allow this demographic to utilize the skills they've likely already developed through their military service. Keep reading to learn more about why veterans love the franchise model and can make the most of everything a Cruise Planners investment has to offer.

Picture yourself embarking on an exciting journey into entrepreneurship, but this time, you’re a military veteran ready to set sail into the world of travel and adventure. Cruise Planners has established itself as your ideal partner, offering a warm welcome to veterans looking to transition into a vibrant career in the travel industry. Saluting Your Strengths: Cruise Planners knows that military veterans bring a unique set of skills and qualities to the table. Think leadership, teamwork, problem-solving prowess, and a tireless work ethic all packed into one dynamic package. Cruise Planners not only recognizes these attributes but encourages veterans to channel their inner entrepreneurial spirit with gusto! Training That’s More Exciting Than Boot Camp: Starting a new business is a bit like embarking on a new adventure, and Cruise Planners ensures you’re fully equipped for the voyage. They offer an exhilarating six-day training program, Star University, complete with virtual modules and webinars, as well as seminars led by company executives that make learning more thrilling than ever. You won’t just be prepared; you’ll be ready to conquer the world of travel! Flexibility Fit for Your Next Mission: Cruise Planners’ business model is as flexible as your favorite adventure sport. You can run your travel agency from the comfort of your home, under an umbrella on a sandy beach, or anywhere with access to internet; Cruise Planners makes adapting to your unique post-military lifestyle easy. Whether you have family commitments or other interests, Cruise Planners’ flexibility ensures you can navigate your entrepreneurial journey with flair. Exclusive Benefits to Keep the Adventure Going: Cruise Planners believes in giving back, and that’s why they’ve tailored exclusive benefits just for veterans. You can enjoy discounted franchise fees and marketing packages that are like finding hidden treasure on your voyage to entrepreneurship. They make your dream business even more accessible. Along with these benefits, Cruise Planners has best-in-industry technology to make your transition into the travel market as seamless as possible. Riding the Wave of a Thriving Industry: The travel industry is as lively and dynamic as the most adventurous expedition. Cruise Planners offers you a business model that’s proven to weather storms and economic ups and downs. It’s an opportunity to thrive in a thriving industry, setting sail on a voyage of success. Joining a Crew of Like-Minded Explorers: Venturing into entrepreneurship might seem daunting, but with Cruise Planners, you’re joining a community of fellow explorers. It’s like having a group of experienced guides on your adventure, ready to help you navigate the ups and downs of the business world. Cruise Planners isn’t just a franchise; it’s your passport to an exhilarating entrepreneurial adventure. They understand your unique strengths, offer dynamic training, provide flexible options, have best-in-industry technology, and extend exclusive benefits to veterans. The travel industry is your canvas, and Cruise Planners is your paintbrush. If you’re a military veteran seeking an exciting journey into entrepreneurship, Cruise Planners is your cheerful, adventurous partner ready to make your dreams a reality.

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – March 27, 2023 – Military veterans and their families are the lifeblood of America and their sacrifice to serve our country is commendable. After they leave military life, there is so much more out there for them than just retirement. For many, a second career is exactly the right way to transfer the incredible skills they learned while in the military. Cruise Planners has a robust community of veterans and has been ranked by Franchise Business Review as a Top Franchise for Veterans. And for good reason—Cruise Planners offers the flexibility for veterans to create a life that works for them. Isaiah Banks, a Navy veteran says being a franchise owner has been a great way for him to segue his skills into an encore career. “As a former naval officer, it taught me how to prepare, plan, adapt, and overcome challenges and obstacles,” said Isaiah Banks, a veteran and franchise owner. “After I retired, I wanted a profession where I was in complete control of my destiny and a career as a travel advisor at Cruise Planners has been the perfect fit.” Similar to military life, once a new travel advisor has undergone extensive training, Cruise Planners’ technology, training, marketing and support helps them succeed. Cruise Planners’ best-in-class technology, industry experience and Home Office team experience and support have helped the organization become the leader in the industry. Being a business owner is also appealing to veterans because of the flexibility and freedom it provides. They can set their own hours and make decisions that will directly impact their success. Being their own bosses is also a great way for veterans to continue to serve their communities by creating jobs and providing services. “We are proud of the myriad of awards that we have won that highlight our commitment to veteran entrepreneurs,” said Michelle Fee, CEO and Founder of Cruise Planners. “From day one, you'll benefit from having access to cutting-edge technology, award-winning creative marketing campaigns, as well as professional coaching and advisor development throughout your ownership journey.”

How do you thank someone who has put their life on the line to defend our freedom? It is hard to fully encapsulate the gratitude we feel for the sacrifice that so many veterans and their families make in order to serve our country, but we try once a year to express it as much as we can. For us here, our gratitude toward veterans is personal-- many of our franchise owners and travel advisors are former and current military members, and we know it takes a very special heart to serve. Today, we take a closer look at one of our advisors, Bill Brown, a 21- year U.S. Marine veteran, who owns and operates a Cruise Planners franchise in Virginia Beach with his wife Sandy, and why he chose this career after serving in the U.S Military.

In a continuing effort to support business ownership for the very people who risk their lives protecting our country, Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, is honored to announce it has upgraded from a 1-star company to a 3-star member of VetFran. As an initiative of the International Franchise Association, VetFran helps military veterans find franchise opportunities – and Cruise Planners is among the elite few to receive this designation, making it the perfect business opportunity for veterans.