When researching franchise opportunities, one of the first questions people ask is simple: “How much does it cost?” If you’re exploring Cruise Planners, you’ll be glad to know it’s considered one of the most affordable, home-based franchises in the travel industry.
With over 30 years of success and a proven business model, Cruise Planners gives first-time business owners an accessible way to start a travel agency franchise—without the heavy overhead costs of brick-and-mortar businesses.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the franchise fee, initial investment, and why Cruise Planners stands out as a low-cost, high-value franchise opportunity.
The initial franchise fee for Cruise Planners is typically under $10,000, making it one of the lowest-cost franchises in the U.S. For perspective, many restaurant or fitness franchises require $100,000 to $500,000 just to get started.
That means you can get started as a business owner faster and with significantly less financial risk.
Unlike other low-cost franchises, Cruise Planners provides a turnkey business package. Here’s what’s included:
In short—you’re not just buying a brand name. You’re investing in a proven system that’s built to help first-time business owners succeed.
While the initial franchise fee covers setup and training, like any business, there are ongoing costs. The difference is Cruise Planners keeps them affordable and transparent:
Compared to franchises that require rent, payroll, and utilities, Cruise Planners’ ongoing expenses are minimal—making it easier to stay profitable.
When comparing any travel agency franchise, it’s important to look beyond the initial franchise fee and investment range. A strong business model should also deliver the tools, support, and network you need to grow with confidence.
Here’s what Cruise Planners provides to every franchise owner:
This combination of training, technology, and community makes Cruise Planners one of the most supportive and future-ready opportunities in franchising.
Here’s how Cruise Planners compares to more traditional franchise industries:
Franchise Type |
Typical Startup Investment |
Overhead |
Flexibility |
Training & Support |
Cruise Planners |
Under $10K |
Low (home-based) |
Work from anywhere |
Comprehensive, ongoing |
Restaurant Franchise |
$200K–$500K+ |
High (leases, equipment, staff) |
Fixed location |
Training limited to brand ops |
Fitness Franchise |
$75K–$250K+ |
High (facility, equipment, staff) |
Fixed location |
Moderate |
Cleaning Franchise |
$10K–$50K |
Medium (supplies, vehicles) |
Limited |
Varies |
As you can see, Cruise Planners keeps costs low while offering scalability, global market reach, and robust support—a combination few industries can match.
Yes. Cruise Planners is consistently ranked as one of the best low-cost franchises by Entrepreneur and Franchise Business Review. With a franchise fee under $11,000, no real estate requirements, and full marketing + technology support included, it’s an ideal entry point for first-time entrepreneurs.
Better yet, demand for travel is at an all-time high—making now one of the best times to launch a home-based travel agency.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, the question isn’t “Can I afford a Cruise Planners franchise?”—it’s “Can I afford to miss this opportunity?”
With low startup costs, full support, and the chance to build a flexible, home-based business in a booming industry, Cruise Planners offers one of the smartest franchise investments in 2025.
Claim $2,000 off your home-based travel business today and take the first step toward taking back control of your time.
Yes. The franchise fee covers training, technology, supplier access, and marketing support—everything you need to launch without guesswork.
No. Nearly 80% of Cruise Planners franchise owners had no prior travel industry experience before joining.
Earnings vary by effort, client base, and marketing. Many franchisees scale into six-figure businesses over time.
Live coaching, technology upgrades, webinars, and a dedicated business development team—all included.