CRUISE PLANNERS PRESENTED WITH GLOBE AWARD FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS VACATIONS

Cruise Planners/American Express, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the cruise industry, was one of 52 travel companies presented with the coveted Globe Award from American Express Vacations, one of the country’s premier private-label tour operators selling destinations worldwide. Award recipients are selected based upon business growth, innovation and partnership.

The awards were presented at the tour operator’s annual “Best of the Best” celebration held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, for top performing travel agencies and organizations that book travel through American Express Vacations or Travel Impressions.

“We are always so proud to honor our Globe Award winners because they truly represent peak performance in the travel industry,” said Steve Gorga, president and CEO of Travel Impressions. “These professionals are sincerely committed to delivering outstanding customer service and providing memorable travel experiences for their clients. We could not ask for better partners.”

The four-day celebration featured an executive forum with American Express Vacations’ President, Steve Gorga, a feedback session from attendees, round table networking sessions with attending suppliers as well as outdoor exertions from a catamaran cruise to a zip line adventure and golf tournament. In a gesture of sharing and thanks to the people of the Dominican Republic, attendees donated a variety of school supplies for distribution to Dominican school children.

“This recognition from our partner American Express Vacations is a great opportunity to take what we have accomplished this year and learn ways to make it better for the year to come,” said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners/American Express. “The Globe Award is for our home-based agents who know the importance of how travel partnerships create unforgettable vacation experiences for their clients.”

About American Express Vacations

American Express Vacations (AEV) provides premium, customized leisure vacation experiences to over 200 destinations and more than 2,100 resorts and hotels worldwide, including the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexico, Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Dubai, South Africa, Central and South America, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, the Islands of Tahiti, Canada, Hawaii and the Continental U.S. Vacation packages include concierge-style, pre-trip arrangements for dining, golf tee times, spa appointments and a wide variety of other activities, free international cell phone rentals, discounts on luggage delivery, GPS rental and passport expediting, and much more. AEV travelers are also eligible for Next Vacation awards for themselves and friends & family for future travel with American Express Vacations.

American Express Vacations is managed and operated by Travel Impressions, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Express Travel Services, Inc. Travel Impressions has received multiple industry awards for outstanding customer service, best overall operations, best technology, most knowledgeable reservations staff, and leading marketing materials – all of which are dedicated to delighting travel agents and their clients. American Express Vacations packages can be booked through any American Express Travel Office or Representative agency.

About Cruise Planners/American Express

Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Services Representative, is the largest home-based travel agent network in the cruise industry with more than 700 franchise owners across the country that independently book cruises and associated travel. Named No.1 Cruise Tour / Travel Agency by Entrepreneur magazine for the past eight years, Cruise Planners positions franchise owners for success by providing them with innovating marketing, booking and lead-generating tools as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry's top executives.

Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla., Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line. Accolades include Platinum Circle Member by Viking River Cruises; Royal Caribbean International Home-based Partner of the Year (2007 - 2009); Regent Seven Seas Cruises Top Producer (2009); Globus Family of Brands Premier Agency Partner (2010); Top Agency of the Year from American Express (2010); Globe Award recipient from American Express Vacations (2010); Travel Agent Partner of the Year from Celebrity Cruises; American Express Travel Representative Excellence Awards (2004 - 2009) and winner of four coveted Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly in 2010. For more information, please visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.

Media Contact:
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Cheryl Andrews Marketing
P: 305-444-4033
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