Cruise Planners for Beginners 

Is Cruise Planners good for beginners with no travel experience?

Yes. Cruise Planners is designed specifically for beginners. You receive step-by-step onboarding, STAR University training, supplier education, marketing support, automated tools, and unlimited personal coaching to help you launch successfully even with no travel industry background. 

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Why Cruise Planners Is Ideal for Beginners 

Cruise Planners is one of the easiest travel franchises to begin with thanks to its structured launch process, built-in support, and beginner-friendly technology. When you join, you receive: 

• A complete Getting Started Manual and Checklist
• 12 New Franchise Orientation modules
• Unlimited one-on-one Business Development Coaching
• Weekly group training and CP Live webinars
• Powerful technology, including CP Maxx and CP Genie
• Automated marketing tools to help you look professional immediately
• STAR University hands-on training
• Simple, transparent startup costs
• A proven franchise model with over 30 years of success 

Learn more about what sets Cruise Planners apart. 

Your Guided Roadmap as a New Beginner 

Cruise Planners uses a straightforward, structured onboarding framework built around: 

• Your Getting Started Checklist
• The Getting Started Manual (Sections 1–22)
• A 12-module orientation program
• Multi-stage BD Coaching
• STAR University training 

This ensures clarity from day one and removes the guesswork. 

Your First 30 Days with Cruise Planners 

Below is the exact 30-day roadmap followed by new travel franchise owners. This structure is designed to help beginners build momentum quickly. 

Week 1 — Get Ready 

Your first week focuses on orientation and foundational setup. 

You will: 

• Receive your welcome onboarding email
• Log into CP Central
  
• Complete all 12 New Franchise Orientation modules 
  
• Meet your Business Development Coach 
  
• Access training inside CP Genie 
  
• Review Sections 1–4 of the Getting Started Manual 
  
• Set up CP Mail 
  
• Join Cruise Planners’ support communities 
  
• Learn about STAR University 

Learn more about training on our travel advisor training page.

Week 2 — Get Set 

This week focuses on business setup and operational readiness. Using the Getting Started Manual: 

• Choose your business structure (Section 9)
  
• Review seller of travel requirements (Section 10)
  
• Complete applicable registrations (Section 11) 
  
• Learn seller of travel responsibilities (Section 12) 
  
• Enroll in the Cruise Planners Web Program (Section 13) 
  
• Choose your domain name and configure your website 
  
• Register with suppliers (Section 14) 
  
• Review branding requirements (Section 15) 
  
• Set up banking and accounting tools (Sections 16–17) 
  
• Review insurance (Section 18) 
  
• Build your marketing plan (Section 19) 
  
• Set up CP POD (Section 20) 
  
• Review franchise operations (Section 21) 
  
• Submit your W-9 (Section 22) 

To explore the technology that supports beginners, visit our travel advisor technology page. 

Explore our travel agent marketing page.

Week 3 — Go! 

During Week 3 you begin operating as an advisor. 

• Receive your STAR University invitation
  
• Attend supplier and product webinars
  
• Build and segment your client database 
  
• Launch your first social media or email campaign 
  
• Enter Sales Opportunities into CP Maxx 
  
• Attend CP Live weekly webinars 
  
• Continue BD coaching sessions 

Week 4 — Accelerate 

This week builds momentum toward STAR University. 

• Attend BD Coach webinars
  
• Continue supplier education
  
• Finalize your beginner marketing plan 
  
• Review your SOAR dashboard 
  
• Build your opportunity pipeline in CP Maxx 
  
• Prepare for STAR University 
  
• Continue weekly coaching 

STAR University — Your Launchpad 

STAR University is Cruise Planners’ six-day in-person training program. It covers: 

• Travel industry foundations
  
• Sales and client service
  
• Cruise lines, tours, hotels, and suppliers 
  
• Technology & booking workflows 
  
• Marketing strategies 
  
• Best practices for running your travel business 

Learn more about travel agent training  

Technology Built for Beginners 

Cruise Planners Franchise provides technology that beginners can master quickly. 

CP Maxx 

Cruise Planners' all-in-one CRM and booking platform that includes: 

• Sales Opportunity Manager
  
• Automated marketing
  
• Live inventory 
  
• SOAR analytics dashboard 
  
• Task Manager 
  
• Client database tools 

Learn more about CP Maxx & other technology

CP Genie 

Cruise Planners’ on-demand learning library that includes: 

• Video training
  
• Manuals and how-to guides
  
• Policies and tools 
  
• Marketing resources 
  
• Technology education 

Coaching for Every Stage of Franchise Ownership 

Cruise Planners is one of the only travel franchises offering unlimited one-on-one coaching. Your support includes: 

Foundation Coaching (Weeks 1–4) 

Focus: business setup, marketing launch, early confidence, first sale 

New Star Coaching (Months 2–4) 

Focus: who to sell to, what to sell, how to sell it, group opportunities 

Regional Coaching (Months 4–12) 

Focus: niche development, scaling your business, quarterly reviews 

To learn more about ongoing support, visit our Why Cruise Planners page.  

Cruise Planners vs Other Travel Franchises for Beginners 

Beginner Support Factor	Cruise Planners	Dream Vacations
Beginner Roadmap	Yes	Limited public detail
Orientation Modules	12	Not published
First Sale Program	Yes	Not stated
Automation	Strong	Standard
Coaching	Unlimited	Yes
Best for Beginners	Very strong	Strong

 

Beginner Travel Agent Franchise FAQs 

Is Cruise Planners beginner-friendly? 

Yes. Cruise Planners is built for people with no travel experience. 

What training do I receive with my travel agency franchise? 

Orientation modules, STAR University, CP Genie, weekly webinars, supplier training, tech days, and unlimited 1:1 coaching. 

How long does it take to launch my home-based travel business? 

Most beginners are fully operational within 1–2 weeks and aim for their first sale within 30–60 days. 

Do I receive support after the first month? 

Yes. Coaching, training, webinars, and tech support continue throughout your ownership.