I've been a Franchisee since 2006. As a military brat growing up overseas and then a military officer myself, traveling around the world, owning a travel business was a no-brainer. I love to travel, so why not get paid to travel?! In looking for a franchise partnership, I found Cruise Planners to be invested in me...their training, coaching, hands-free marketing, award winning reputation, fantastic relationships with industry partners, technology that exceeds expectations and an organization that is always moving forward, challenging the status quo and making sure I have all I need to be successful in this business.
There's a reason Cruise Planners is ranked #1 host-franchise partner year after year.

Having been an independent contractor with a small Mom and Pop local travel agency that focused on Disney travel for about eight years, I had been looking to extend my wings and fly the proverbial chicken coop for a few years. Knowing there was more to travel than just Disney, I had been exploring options and investigating many agencies on and off for a couple years.

My family and I loved cruising, international travel and going to all-inclusive resorts, so I looked at 4-5 other well-known agencies, but really was impressed with Cruise Planners. No matter how many groups and consortiums I looked at, and which one I favored, I always kept going back to the "Team In Green!" They had ALL Travel covered and included, with great references, superb affiliations and a stellar reputation.

When Covid hit in 2020, that is when I decided it was the ideal time for me to make my franchise purchase with Cruise Planners. Crazy? Nope. Ingenious? Yep!! Business had slowed enough to make a smooth transition with my existing client base (all family, friends and referrals) to attend Star-U, set-up my files, get all the updates and training completed and just GO for the gusto!!!

The technology, the people, the support, and the connections at Cruise Planners are the best of the best. The powerful CP affiliation is a badge of honor that I wear with pride daily! It was/is honestly the BEST decision I have ever made for business. I set aside the start-up funds, looked over the paperwork, signed and send, please take my money. Now, I am the boss of me and I LOVE IT!

I am so glad I finally mustered up the courage to take the leap of faith, trust my gut, go with my instincts and become a "GREENIE!" Since February 2021 I have added two Independent Contractors, one in 2022 and the other in 2023. We have successfully made it into the "Millionaire's Club" based on our overall sales annually for the past two years. We will continue to flourish, learning about new & exciting destinations, making new connections with various vendors, visiting new locations and venues and most importantly travelling all over discovering the world one continent at a time.

Michelle Fee is such a heroine and role-model for women-owned businesses and I contribute most of my CP success to her and her vision, her dreams and her drive that she injects into each of us on the daily (through webinars, newsletters, seminars, conferences, boot camps, summits, invitational events, the list just goes on and on and on). Support, care, commitment, compassion, love, family and success are all attributes that are associated with being a Cruise Planners Family Member, and we are ALL one big, happy FAMILY!

Cruise Planners is my dream come true! I am forever grateful, totally blessed and forever thankful for the Cruise Planners model for Travel Franchise Owners. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love,
Charlene (Char) Daley
char.daley@cruiseplanners.com
www.travelfunseaandsun.com
610-909-4795
Essington, just outside PHL, PA
Have a great day!!

To be candid, my experience with my franchise salesman was unexpectedly disappointing due to his unprofessional and dismissive demeanor.

Throughout our conversation, it was evident that he was preoccupied as he frequently forgot details that had already been discussed. His inattentiveness was concerning and gave me the impression that my concerns were not a priority for him. Furthermore, his narcissism was unmistakable. Instead of addressing my questions and providing genuine assistance, he seemed more interested in discussing his own achievements and how great he perceives himself to be. His unprofessional behavior was disappointing, and I would have considered walking away had it not been for the strength and reputation of the Cruise Planners franchise itself.

This experience was particularly surprising given the high regard I hold for Cruise Planners' robust systems and advanced technology. Although I was already committed to proceeding with purchasing a franchise, his behavior made me question my decision momentarily. I am shocked that Cruise Planners would want this person to be the first point of contact for potential franchisees. It is crucial for front-line representatives to embody the company's values and exhibit a professional and client-centric attitude. Ensuring that all team members truly value their clients and uphold integrity in their dealings is paramount for maintaining the esteemed reputation of Cruise Planners. Despite this initial setback, I am very happy with my decision to proceed with purchasing a franchise.

When I purchased my Cruise Planners franchise, I had no experience as a travel advisor. They taught me everything I needed to know and gave me great tools to use. They are always upgrading and improving their tools so that I can grow my business quickly and easily. Then there’s the culture! The leadership of Cruise Planners can’t be beat. I’ve never worked with such incredible people—and I’m 68 so I’ve worked for Fortune 500 companies and medium-sized companies too. These people are the best!

I have been part of the Cruise Planners Family since 2011. I say family, because that is what we are. There are many of us, but the thought process for our CP brand is success for one is success for us all. We are not competitors, we are in this together. The technology is 2nd to none, the support from Home Office is valuable and the resources of other CP Agents is at your fingertips with our FaceBook Page. There is always someone (or many) a moment away with advice. All is a recipe for success! With the challenges of the travel industry, it is good to have someone there to help.

I have been with Cruise Planners for 7 years now. I was a professional Chef for over 40 years in corporate America. I never sold anything. I purchased my franchise with the expectation of selling a little travel and had no real goals. I engaged with my coaches and applied the tools that Cruise planners provided me and it has been a great run. I highly recommend this great organization. They have the best tools in the business, great support and an IT team that kills it every time. I love that we are like a family, and everyone is willing to help each other. I have made many friends that both work for Cruise Planners and other Franchise owners.

I purchased my Cruise Planners franchise in May of 2023 and I couldn't be happier! The Home Office and Executive teams are amazing! I have been to several training events and have learned so much. The technology is top-notch and everyone is willing to answer questions and help. I am very excited for many more years with Cruise Planners.

I purchased my franchise in early 2020 at an incredibly scary time for the travel industry but I would honestly do it again if I had to. Joining the Cruise Planners family was one of the best decisions of my life! Besides being able to just get myself out of the corporate world and run my agency full-time, I was also able to retire my husband from the corporate world and he now helps me run the agency. It's been a whirlwind experience and it's only been 4 years but I am incredibly grateful for our amazing leadership team at Home Office and the amazing support we get both on the technology side of things but also on the day-to-day operations via the care team. My husband and I have convinced probably over 10 families to invest in themselves and to purchase a franchise at this point. I know companies like to say they are the best all the time, even if they are not, but the amount of awards Cruise Planners wins every year from both suppliers and the industry as a whole speaks for itself. When the CEO sends you a get-well card when you're sick, you know you have found your home!

The success of our business can be greatly attributed to the incredible support we get from the Cruise Planners leaders and team. The resources they make available to us, and the backup we receive when we ask for help, are nonpareil. Systems are the most efficient I have worked with in my long career, and the IT folks are incredibly helpful when we need a hand to use them properly.

Setting sail with Cruise Planners as my guide in January 2023 has been the adventure of a lifetime. I knew I was in for a ride, but, wow, it's surpassed all expectations! What really anchors me to this incredible company is the stellar support system - coaches at the home office and fellow franchise owners aren't just colleagues; they're like navigators and cheerleaders all rolled into one.

Whether I'm penciling in a one-on-one with a coach, dropping an email with a quick query, or calling in with a challenge, the response is swift, supportive, and savvy. The home office crew has my back every step of the way. And it's not all about the nitty-gritty of business; it's about building a community, sharing the spirit of adventure, and growing together.
To the exceptional Cruise Planners team and my cohort of franchisees - thank you for filling my sails with relentless enthusiasm and guiding me through this thrilling entrepreneurial journey. Here's to the many more shared successes and the amazing adventures ahead!