Focused on Creating ‘Unforgettable Experiences,’ This Franchise Advances More Than 50 Spots on the Franchise 500
The team at Cruise Planners is charting a course for franchise success.
The team at Cruise Planners is far from just cruising along. The brand jumped more than 50 spots on Entrepreneur‘s annual Franchise 500, landing at #70, up from #122 last year. And for good reason.
Namely, the travel industry is back in a big way. According to a recent report, 66% of travelers surveyed said they’re more interested in travel now than they were before the pandemic and are planning for more travel than in previous years1. And it shows. Cruise Planners saw a net growth of more than 200 U.S. franchise units in the 12-month period that ended July 31, 2024.
As such, Cruise Planners scores in the top 10% in size and growth on this year’s Franchise 500 list and in the top 5% for brand strength. It’s no wonder Cruise Planners is back in the top 100 franchises this year.
Leveraging tech to excite current and prospective franchisees
Last year (2024) was a busy one for Cruise Planner’s tech initiatives, anchored by the continued evolution of Maxx Intelligence, the brand’s overarching AI-powered technology suite. Maxx Intelligence, which launched in 2023 and is powered by ChatGPT, is designed to enhance advisors’ productivity and marketing capabilities.
A key component of this suite is Ask Maxx, an AI-powered virtual assistant. Trained to analyze data within Cruise Planners’ proprietary systems, Ask Maxx allows advisors to quickly access information on destinations, suppliers, itineraries, and all Cruise Planners programs and tools.
Another standout development is Maxx Creator, an AI-driven tool that empowers advisors to effortlessly create custom emails, newsletters, flyers, and other marketing materials. Both Ask Maxx and Maxx Creator are accessible through CP Maxx Mobile, Cruise Planners’ proprietary app that allows franchise owners to work seamlessly from anywhere, ensuring they have the tools and information they need at their fingertips.
“At Cruise Planners, we’re always striving to advance the frontiers of innovation to provide our advisors with the best tools available,” says Cruise Planners founder and CEO Michelle Fee. “Our new technology, including the AI-powered Ask Maxx and enhanced features within CP Maxx, are specifically designed to simplify everyday tasks and save our advisors valuable time. By improving efficiency, we’re allowing them to focus on what they’re truly passionate about—selling travel and creating unforgettable experiences for their clients.”
Charting a course for franchise success
Whether you’re a retiree, a work-from-home parent, or looking for a career change, Cruise Planners says their business model is flexible enough to appeal to virtually anyone—so long as you share a passion for travel. There are more than 2,900 Cruise Planners franchise owners across the U.S. helping clients plan incredible cruises, land tours, all-inclusive resort stays, and more. And the community continues to grow.
“Cruise Planners’ fun-loving and positive culture embodies our core values and our continued commitment to our franchisees and the community,” Fee says. “Since starting this company over 30 years ago, we’ve accomplished so much and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Click here to learn more about Cruise Planners and their exciting franchise opportunities.
1 The way we travel now (McKinsey, May 2024)