
If you are looking for information on the Cruise Planners franchise business opportunity, Cruise Planner franchises or Cruise Planners franchising, then you have come to the right place.
Did you know you could own a franchise business you actually enjoy working? You can love what you do. Cruise Planners is a low-investment business opportunity which yields high returns with no travel experience required. Our home-based business model has a family of over 725 franchise owners and is one of the largest, privately-owned, nationally-recognized and continually-awarded cruise selling agencies in the country.
Americans have trusted the brand name American Express above all others in travel for over 150 years. We are an American Express Travel Service Representative agency which lends instant credibility to our new franchise owners with a trusted, well-recognized brand.
It's a fact: People want to travel. Studies find almost 34 million Americans plan on cruising in the next three years. And the cruise lines will be introducing 26 new ships into the waters at the same time. We will need travel agents now more than ever. It's time you joined a recession-resistant industry.
"This remarkable company rose to the challenge and achieved a ranking as #1 in category of home-based franchises. With vision, commitment and a steadfast determination, they have truly made a difference."
Entrepreneur Magazine
At Cruise Planners/American Express, we're anchored in your success. We look forward to welcoming you to the Cruise Planners' family. We have the team, the talent and the dedication to help you succeed. And we firmly believe your success is our success.
The information presented may have changed since first published. We recommend that you always verify fees, investment amounts and offers with the business opportunity directly prior to making a decision to invest.
1. What training and ongoing support do you provide?
You want to know what happens after you pay the initial fee. A strong franchisor provides comprehensive pre-opening training, site-selection help, operational playbooks, and continuous assistance with marketing, technology, and supply chains.
2. What is the total initial investment, and did actual startup costs match the estimates in Item 7 of the FDD?
The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) lists estimated startup costs in Item 7, but real-world expenses can run higher. Asking how closely current owners tracked to these estimates reveals if you need extra working capital or if hidden fees exist.
3. How do royalties and local/national marketing fees impact profitability?
You need to understand ongoing financial obligations-such as monthly royalty percentages and ad fund contributions-and evaluate whether the brand value and support justify cutting into your profit margins.
4. What are the common challenges new franchisees face, and how do you help them overcome them?
Transparent franchisors will openly discuss real hurdles like local competition, tight labor markets, or supply chain bottlenecks, and show you the exact playbook or field support they offer to solve them as well as allowing you to speak with other franchisees.
5. How many franchise locations have closed or left the system in the past few years, and why?
High turnover, store closures, or quiet franchise exits are major red flags. This question measures system stability, territory health, and whether the corporate team addresses struggling owners or lets them fail.