What’s included in a low-cost franchise investment?

The best low-cost franchises include more than a license. With Cruise Planners, your investment covers a full training program, business development coaching, a CRM and booking platform, marketing campaigns, a consumer website, and ongoing support.

Are there hidden costs with a low-cost franchise?

Not all franchises are transparent about fees. That’s why it’s important to review the franchise disclosure document (FDD). With Cruise Planners, your biggest expenses—like technology, insurance, and marketing support—are already built into your franchise fee.

Can you make money with a low-cost franchise?

Yes. Success depends on the brand’s business model and the support you receive. Cruise Planners’ proven model, award-winning marketing, and industry recognition help franchise owners build profitable businesses even with low overhead.

Do I need experience to run a low-cost travel franchise?

No. You don’t need prior travel or business experience. Cruise Planners provides comprehensive training and support, so anyone with a passion for travel can become a successful business owner.

What is a low-cost franchise?

A low-cost franchise is a business opportunity that requires a relatively small initial investment, usually under $20,000, and includes built-in tools, training, and support that reduce ongoing expenses. These franchises allow owners to start a business with lower financial risk and the potential for faster return on investment.

What is commissionable revenue?

Commissionable revenue is the portion of a travel booking that is eligible for commission based on supplier rules. Travel advisors earn a percentage of this commissionable amount when clients book cruises, tours, resorts, travel insurance, or other qualified travel products.

What is ROI for a franchise?

ROI for a franchise, or return on investment, measures how much profit a franchise generates compared to the initial startup costs. Franchise ROI improves when owners keep overhead low, receive strong support, use effective marketing, and grow sales through repeat clients and supplier partnerships.

Low-Cost Franchise Investment

Q: What is considered a low-cost franchise?

A low-cost franchise is a business opportunity with a lower initial franchise fee and minimal startup costs, often under $20,000. Many are home-based, like Cruise Planners, which allows you to start without paying for rent, staff, or inventory.

Q: How much does it cost to start a Cruise Planners franchise?

With our current promotion, the Cruise Planners franchise fee is just $8,995—one of the most affordable franchise opportunities in the U.S. This fee includes training, technology, and marketing tools to help you launch successfully.

A Low Cost Franchise Opportunity with High Value

The travel industry continues to grow, making now an ideal time to turn your passion for travel into a profitable business. With Cruise Planners®, you can own a nationally recognized home-based travel franchise with one of the most affordable entry points in franchising.

For a limited time, we’re offering a $2,000 discount on the New Travel Advisor franchise fee, reducing your investment to $8,995.

Learn more about how our Travel Franchise Fees work.

Why Choose an Affordable Travel Franchise?

Starting a business from scratch requires significant time, cost, and risk. With a franchise, you gain:

A proven business model

National brand recognition

A complete technology and marketing platform

Training and support to launch with confidence

Predictable startup costs and minimal overhead

Cruise Planners keeps overhead low with a fully home-based model and no required storefront, which is why many entrepreneurs choose us over higher-cost options.

Franchise Incentive Programs

Cruise Planners proudly participates in the International Franchise Association’s VetFran Program.

Eligible groups may receive exclusive reductions in the initial franchise fee, including:

Travel Industry professionals

Military veterans and their families (active or retired)

First responders and their families

Initial Franchise Fee

Cruise Planners’ Initial Franchise Fee varies based on your experience level. All fees are determined at Cruise Planners’ sole discretion based on documentation provided by the applicant and information from industry suppliers.

Below is the full fee schedule exactly as disclosed in the FDD.

Initial Franchise Fee Table (Complete)

Initial Franchise Fee	Category	Definition of Category
$10,995	New Travel Advisor	No previous travel advisor experience.
$6,995	Some Experience in Travel Industry (“SETI”)	Applicant is currently or has recently been employed by or worked with an Approved Travel Entity, with advanced travel industry knowledge Cruise Planners deems satisfactory.
$3,995	Retail Experience in Travel Industry (“RET”)	Applicant has direct recent retail travel sales experience within the previous 18 months, deemed satisfactory by Cruise Planners.
$695	Seasoned Travel Advisor	Applicant holds a current IATAN card or CLIA certification and has significant recent commissionable sales history. (Contact Us to learn more)
$6,995 (after $4,000 VetFran Discount)	U.S. Veterans & First Responders	Applicants who qualify under the IFA’s VetFran program receive a $4,000 discount on the New Travel Advisor fee.

* The Initial Franchise Fee is uniform, except as described below.

From time to time, we may offer reductions in the Initial Franchise Fee based on performance, special promotions, or other criteria. Also, we may vary the amount of an Initial Franchise Fee based on the qualifications, experience level and other resources available to a particular franchisee. In 2024, the amounts paid to us ranged from $0 to $10,995.

We currently participate in the IFA’s VetFran program. Currently, we offer a discount of $4,000 for New Travel Advisors who are qualified U.S. military veterans or first responders such as police officers and firefighters. From time to time, we may increase the amount of the discount.

See how royalties work with our Royalty Fee Structure.

What’s Included with Your Franchise Fee

2Comprehensive Travel Agent Training (1)

Training & Support

Six-day in-person STAR University training in Ft. Lauderdale

Hundreds of online courses through Cruisitude® Academy

One-on-one business development coaching

Vendor education and ongoing development

Technology & Booking Tools

Proprietary CRM and booking engine

Mobile apps for advisors and clients

CLIA and IATA credentials

Automated lead management and marketing

Marketing & Branding

Award-winning direct mail, email, and social media campaigns

Branded consumer website

Client mobile app

Optional managed social services

Estimated Initial Investment

Below is the complete and accurate Item 7 table from the FDD.

Estimated Initial Investment Table

Type of Expenditure	Amount (Low–High)	Method of Payment	When Due	To Whom Payment Is Made
Initial Franchise Fee	$695 – $10,995	Lump sum	When you sign the Franchise Agreement	Us
Office Equipment, Furniture & Fixtures	$50 – $2,200	As agreed	As agreed	Third Parties
Start-Up Marketing	$500 – $1,500	As agreed	Prior to opening	Third Parties
Administrative Service Fee (3 months)	$0 – $240	As incurred	Monthly	Us
Professional Fees	$100 – $500	As agreed	As agreed	Third Parties
E&O Insurance	$0 – $180	Lump sum	When you sign the Franchise Agreement	Us
Annual Access Fee	$0 – $95	Lump sum	When you sign the Franchise Agreement	Us
Initial Training Program Fees	$0 – $695	Lump sum	When you attend training	Us
Initial Training Program Expenses	$100 – $450	As incurred	As incurred	Third Parties
Licenses & Permits	$150 – $650	Lump sum	Prior to opening	Third Parties
Miscellaneous Opening Costs	$100 – $500	Lump sum	As incurred	Third Parties
Additional Funds (3 months)	$250 – $2,500	Terms vary	As incurred	Third Parties

Total Estimated Investment: $1,945 – $20,505

Cost Comparison: Cruise Planners vs. Other Travel Franchises

Feature	Cruise Planners	Other travel franchises
Initial Franchise Fee	$3,995 – $10,995 (or $8,995 with promo)	$495 – $10,500
Royalty Structure	3% → 2% → 1% → 0% at $1M	1.5%–3% (never 0%)
Monthly Fee	Approx. $70	Approx. $39
E&O Insurance	Included	Included in monthly fee
Technology	Proprietary CRM + apps	Standard CRM
Marketing	Automated, integrated	Professionally produced
Long-Term Cost Advantage	Strong due to 0% royalties	Higher due to permanent royalty

Why the Business Model Matters

Cruise Planners' model includes:

Automated marketing

Advanced travel technology

Comprehensive training and coaching

National buying power

Strong supplier relationships

A supportive community of advisors

This structure helps new franchisees build sustainable and scalable businesses.

Learn more about why entrepreneurs choose Cruise Planners.

Independent Startup vs. Cruise Planners Franchise

Factor	Cruise Planners	Independent Travel Business
Business Model	Proven 30+ years	Build from scratch
Training	Extensive	None
Technology	Included	Must purchase
Marketing	Automated	DIY
Startup Costs	Low	Highly variable
Risk Level	Lower	Higher

Transparency You Can Trust

Cruise Planners provides full upfront fee transparency. Your largest expenses—including technology, E&O insurance, and training—are built into your franchise fee. All additional costs are listed in the FDD so you can plan with confidence.

Review our Franchise Royalty Fees for complete clarity on long-term costs.

Cruise_Planner_Laura_de_La_Horra_Laura_-_Headshot

“I used to work in finance and accounting for a large, global company, but 80-hour work weeks and constant restructurings left me looking for an exit strategy. Cruise Planners let me take back ownership of my life. I love that I can run a successful business and still have time to do the thing I love most — travel!”

Laura De La Horra

Franchise Owner

“I look in the mirror sometimes, and I can’t believe this is my life. I have been to so many places, and I get to do all these great things with wonderful people, and I have the support of Cruise Planners that has changed my life both personally and financially.”

Debra Kerper

Franchise Owner

Cruise-Planners-Deborah-and-Isaiah-Banks-traveling-in-Cuba

“As a military family, we have traveled the world and we have the dedication and discipline to get things done. Cruise Planners was a natural fit. The flexibility to work from anywhere has been vital, and we have had so much fun growing our business together.”

Deborah and Isaiah Banks

Franchise Owner

"My son is on the spectrum of autism. Cruise Planners gives me the tools and flexibility to be there for him while also growing a successful business. Because of Cruise Planners, both my son and my business are thriving."

Adriana Matos

Franchise Owner

“I was with another travel company, but I reached a point in my business where I just couldn’t keep up with everything. Cruise Planners’ proven systems, word-class marketing and revolutionary technology helped me take my sales to a level I never thought possible. I am far more successful with Cruise Planners than I could have ever been with my previous host.”

Rodney George

Franchise Owner

“When I was getting ready to retire, I had no idea what I was going to do next. I started Cruise Planners part time, but I loved it so much and was doing so well that I made it my fulltime job and even recruited my daughter to help me. I love that I get to travel and run a successful business with my daughter.”

Randy Hobday

Franchise Owner

Low-Cost Franchise Investment FAQs

What is considered a low-cost franchise?

A low-cost franchise typically requires less than $20,000 to start. Cruise Planners fits this category due to its home-based model and low overhead.

How much does it cost to start a Cruise Planners franchise?

With the current promotional discount, the franchise fee is $8,995. Total investment ranges from $1,945 to $20,505.

Are there hidden costs?

No. All expenses are listed in the FDD, and major costs like technology, training, and E&O insurance are included in the franchise fee.

What is included in the franchise fee?

Training, technology, marketing tools, booking systems, coaching, websites, mobile apps, and E&O insurance.

Do I need experience?

No. Cruise Planners offers comprehensive support for beginners.

Ready to Start Your Travel Business?

With low startup costs, award-winning technology, national brand recognition, and comprehensive support, Cruise Planners makes it easier than ever to launch a home-based travel franchise.

Take advantage of our $2,000 franchise fee discount and start your business today.

A Low Cost Franchise Opportunity with High Value

Why Choose an Affordable Travel Franchise?

Franchise Incentive Programs

Initial Franchise Fee

Initial Franchise Fee Table (Complete)

What’s Included with Your Franchise Fee

Training & Support

Technology & Booking Tools

Marketing & Branding

Estimated Initial Investment

Estimated Initial Investment Table

Cost Comparison: Cruise Planners vs. Other Travel Franchises

Why the Business Model Matters

Independent Startup vs. Cruise Planners Franchise

Transparency You Can Trust

Low-Cost Franchise Investment FAQs

What is considered a low-cost franchise?

How much does it cost to start a Cruise Planners franchise?

Are there hidden costs?

What is included in the franchise fee?

Do I need experience?

Ready to Start Your Travel Business?

Claim your $2,000 discountand jumpstart your new journey today!

Claim your $2,000 discount
and jumpstart your new journey today!