Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$1,945 - $20,505
Franchise Fee
$695
Total US Locations
3,009
Business Summary
CRUISE PLANNERS® operates a network of individually owned and operated travel advisor businesses. CRUISE PLANNERS® franchisees act as travel advisors, selling various travel products and services such as cruises, airfares, tours, lodging, car rentals, and travel insurance to both individual customers and businesses for corporate group bookings. The business model allows franchisees to work from home, leveraging the CRUISE PLANNERS® trade name and business system.
Corporate History
CP Franchising, LLC was formed in Delaware on July 25, 2005, and began offering CRUISE PLANNERS® franchises in July 2005. Since then, it has operated one CRUISE PLANNERS® business in Coral Springs, Florida, primarily to test new technology. Its parent company, Cruise Planners Holdings, Inc., was originally formed in Florida in December 1998, undergoing several name changes before assuming its current name in March 2013.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$1,945 - $20,505
Franchise Fee (Low)
$695
Franchise Fee (High)
$10,995
Royalty %
3%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$50
Equipment Costs (High)
$2,200
Working Capital
$1,375
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Cruise Planners appears to be in a stable financial position. The company reported positive working capital for both 2024 and 2023, with current assets exceeding current liabilities by $1,796,982 in 2024 and $2,086,781 in 2023. This indicates a healthy ability to cover short-term financial obligations. Furthermore, the independent auditors issued an unqualified opinion on Cruise Planners' financial statements, meaning they found them to be presented fairly in all material respects. The company has also explicitly evaluated its financial outlook and determined there is no substantial doubt about its ability to continue operations.
Financing Details
CRUISE PLANNERS® does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. This means CRUISE PLANNERS® will not guarantee any loans, leases, or other financial obligations for franchisees, nor does it intend to sell or assign any franchisee financing arrangements to a third party. Franchisees are responsible for securing their own funding.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
3,009
Franchised Units
3,008
Corporate Units
1
Franchising Since
2005
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
2
Litigation Summary
CRUISE PLANNERS® has disclosed two concluded litigation matters. One case involved CRUISE PLANNERS® filing a complaint in 2019 against a terminated franchisee for trademark infringement, breach of contract, and defamation. The franchisee counterclaimed for breach of contract, misrepresentation, and fraud. The court dismissed the counterclaim and, in November 2021, issued a final default judgment in favor of CRUISE PLANNERS®, awarding damages of $56,740 and enjoining the defendant from further defamatory actions. The other matter was an administrative proceeding in Maryland, initiated in 2011, where CRUISE PLANNERS® had sold a franchise while not registered in Maryland. CRUISE PLANNERS® entered into a consent order in November 2011, agreeing to cease unlawful offers, complete registration, and offer rescission to the affected franchisee. CRUISE PLANNERS® has no pending litigation.
Bankruptcy History
CRUISE PLANNERS® and its key personnel have no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
3 years
Renewal Term
3 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise, CRUISE PLANNERS® franchisees must not be in default of their current franchise agreement. They must also ensure that neither they nor CRUISE PLANNERS® has provided a 30-day written notice of non-renewal. Key requirements for renewal include signing CRUISE PLANNERS®'s then-current franchise agreement, which may have different terms, paying all outstanding fees, and renewing their Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance policy with CRUISE PLANNERS®.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
CRUISE PLANNERS® provides its franchisees with a range of assistance. Before opening, CRUISE PLANNERS® offers access to its operations and training materials, along with mandatory in-person initial training near its principal place of business. Ongoing support includes additional training programs, continued access to and updates for operating and training materials, and the use of a proprietary CRM system for bookings and services. CRUISE PLANNERS® also commits to honoring the integrity of franchisee accounts, collecting commissions from travel suppliers on behalf of franchisees, and fulfilling and accounting for travel products and services booked by franchisees.
Initial Training Hours
84
Training Location
Hotel or conference center in or near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with some online or phone training, and cruise ship visitation.
Ongoing Support
CRUISE PLANNERS® provides ongoing support to its franchisees through additional training programs offered as part of its annual initiatives. Franchisees also maintain access to CRUISE PLANNERS®'s evolving operating and training materials, available in written or electronic formats. CRUISE PLANNERS® supports franchisees by honoring the integrity of their acquired accounts and ensuring other franchisees do not knowingly solicit them. Additionally, CRUISE PLANNERS® provides online access to its CRM system for bookings and services, handles the fulfillment and accounting of travel products and services, and collects commissions from travel suppliers, deducting royalty fees before remitting the remainder to the franchisee.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
CRUISE PLANNERS® seeks candidates with varying levels of travel industry experience, from new travel advisors with no prior experience to seasoned professionals. Ideal candidates may include those with some experience in the travel industry, retail travel sales experience within the last 18 months, or seasoned travel advisors who hold a current IATAN card or CLIA certification and have generated at least $100,000 in Departed Commissionable Sales over the past 12 months or $5,000 in earned commissions in the last calendar year. The franchise assesses the applicant's experience and commission history to determine their suitable category.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Home-Based
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Staff Count
1
Territory Size Requirements
Cruise Planners does not grant franchisees any territory rights or minimum territory. Franchisees may operate their CRUISE PLANNERS® Business from their home or an office, and may face competition from other franchised or company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels. While there are no limitations on customers, Cruise Planners may restrict marketing and promotion in certain channels if other franchisees are actively marketing in those venues.
Staffing Notes
CRUISE PLANNERS® franchisees, if operating as individuals, are recommended to personally supervise their business. Franchisees, whether individuals or business entities, have the option to employ a manager who must successfully complete CRUISE PLANNERS®'s Initial Training Program. This manager is not required to have an equity interest but must sign a confidentiality agreement and adhere to competitive restrictions. Franchisees may also add co-owners or Associates, for whom additional E&O insurance and annual access fees apply.