Cruise Planners/American Express, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the cruise industry, was once again recognized by Royal Caribbean International as the Home-Based Partner of the Year for 2009 for the third consecutive year. The honor is associated with the cruise line’s coveted Travel Partners of the Year award.
“Over the years we and Royal Caribbean International have developed a strong and professional relationship thanks to the dedication of our team here at headquarters and the success of our franchise owners,” said Michelle Fee, cofounder and CEO of Cruise Planners/American Express. “Our focus is to continue to bring business to the cruise line for 2010 and work diligently to make this year a successful one by connecting our clients to the perfect cruise getaway with Royal Caribbean.”
“Cruise Planners is completely deserving of this award and it is evident that our partnership has grown results throughout the years since this is their third recognition from us,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president of Sales, Trade Support and Services for Royal Caribbean International. “The diligent dedication from Cruise Planners home-based agents illustrates how they continue to produce and make cruise travel an appealing vacation option for travelers. As our only home-based partners they have proven themselves successful time and time again, and we are truly looking forward to another productive year with Cruise Planners.”
The corporate connection between Royal Caribbean and Cruise Planners goes further than just a cruise line and travel agent partnership. Royal Caribbean recently requested Fee to shoot a 30-second commercial on Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas. Fee played a travel agent providing a vitality report about the ship’s spa giving detailed accounts of passenger’s spa treatments and overall experiences on Oasis.
The Royal Caribbean International 2009 Partner of the Year honorees consist of travel agents and agency partners in different regions of the U.S. such as Texas, Florida, Ohio and New Jersey. Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one under construction. The cruise line offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.
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 seven 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 Royal Caribbean International Home-based Partner of the Year (2007 – 2009); Regent Seven Seas Top Producer (2009); and American Express Travel Representative Excellence Awards (2004 – 2009). For more general information, please visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
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