FAQs

Q - How long is the training program and do I have to pay for it?

A - Our training program runs from Monday morning thru Saturday afternoon and is included with your initial full franchise fee. We also include a 'private' hotel room, breakfast, and lunch. In addition, we provide complimentary transportation from the hotel to our corporate headquarters so that you may enjoy the comfort of our state-of-the-art training facility. We even provide a credit to put towards your airfare and ground transfers in Fort Lauderdale; ask your Sales Representative for full details.

Q - Can I operate my CruiseOne franchise out of a retail space?

A - Yes, with a CruiseOne franchise, you may operate out of your home-office, as many of our owners do, or run your business from a storefront location.

Q - What is the minimum equipment I need to get started?

A - The absolute minimum equipment needed to own a CruiseOne franchise is: 1) a dedicated business phone line with a minimum directory listing in the Yellow-Pages or similar; 2) High-Speed internet access such as DSL or Cable; and 3) A Windows-based PC, No Mac's.

Q - Do I only have to sell cruises? Can I sell land-based opportunities such as resorts?

A - Surprisingly, CruiseOne is amongst the highest producers when it comes to certain land-based destinations including tour operators such as Sandals, Globus, and Apple Vacations. CruiseOne even has exclusive access to Villas of Distinction, Trips of Distinction and Island Hideaways, for additional land opportunities. We encourage our owners not to turn away business and will support them in many ways outside the scope of selling cruises.

Q - Do I need to form a Corporation or LLC to purchase the franchise?

A - No, you can purchase the Franchise as an individual; however, we encourage you to research the benefits of incorporating by researching your local government website as well as speaking to your Legal/Tax Professionals for advice that best fits your interests.

Q - In this tough economy, are people actually taking a cruise vacation?

A - In 2007, 9.57 million Americans took a cruise vacation representing 76 percent of the total 12.56 million guests carried on CLIA member cruise lines. Based on this year's study, 33.7 million Americans stated intent to cruise within the next three years. The study also shows that travel agents, who sell the great majority of cruises, remain a vital part of the industry and are perceived by travelers as providing the best service in vacation and cruise planning. - CLIA

Q - When my contract expires, do I have to pay any renewal fees?

A - No, the initial franchise fee is a one time fee. There are NO renewal fees associated with the initial franchise.

Q - If I do not have to pay renewal fees, why does my contract expire?

A - From time to time we need to make changes to our Franchise Disclosure Documents and Franchise Agreements. Once your term is up, you would need to sign under the "new" agreement. This allows you to accept the new terms or discontinue without any penalty.

Q - If I do leave CruiseOne; do I get to keep my phone number and customer database?

A - ABSOLUTELY! CruiseOne operates NO independent locations and has no corporate sales team. We do not compete against our owners; therefore we have no need for your customer database and/or phone number. Your phone number and database are yours forever.

Q - May I transfer or sell my franchise?

A - Yes, CruiseOne allows you to sell or transfer your franchise. Whether you’re transferring your franchise to your kids or grandchildren, or selling your franchise outright, CruiseOne will walk you through the process. The fee is typically 30% of the initial franchise fee at the time of sale or transfer.

Q - Do I have to be licensed to sell cruise vacations?

A - Some states require a Seller-of-Travel license and CruiseOne does provide these licenses as part of your initial franchise fee. It is the Presumptive Franchisee's obligation to cover any additional licenses to operate a business if required by local governmental laws. In most instances, if you are operating as a home-based business, you are typically not required to hold additional licenses. AGAIN, check your local state and municipal laws.

Q - Do I need to be bonded?

A - Yes, CruiseOne does provide a $1,000,000 'Errors and Omissions' Bond at a discounted fee of $100.00 annually. If you desire you may also shop around for your own coverage.

Q - If I wanted to participate in the Corporate Marketing Programs, what is the cost?

A - Our corporate marketing programs start as low as $0.28 per direct-mail piece to $50 - $175 per quarter for opt-in Lead Generation programs. In addition, CruiseOne also provides our patented CruiseCreate marketing creation tool for on-demand, print-anytime marketing pieces and several other marketing program methods. Whether you choose to market on your own or participate in the Corporate Marketing Programs, CruiseOne Sales Development Team is available to answer any questions and find a program that meets your specific needs. No programs are required.

Q - Does CruiseOne offer Continuing Education?

A - Yes, through many different venues. CruiseOne utilizes a self paced eLearning Training Academy, scheduled webinars, Regional training opportunities with HQ-Staff, many different Seminar@Sea opportunities, as well as, our National Conference. All packed with industry leading educational opportunities, including the ability to earn CLIA credits for ACC, MCC certification.

Q - Can you estimate the total start-up cost associated with a CruiseOne?

A - CruiseOne's estimated start-up cost is between $4,575 and $26,165. Now, with most of our businesses being home-based you can expect be on the low end of that number. Below is a chart explaining 'as needed' expenses associated with start-up.

Q - Can I hire associates to work for my Franchise?

A - Yes, if you want. Here you even have the ability to control how you pay your associates and what agreement you want them to operate from. It's your business! You arrange the compensation agreement and we’ll train them for you. Each associate is just $495 plus applicable 'background' check one-time fee which includes access to the CruiseOne Academy for certification and instruction of CruiseOne policy and procedures. You control what level access they have to you business by utilizing our unique security schema's to protect sensitive client data.

Q - Do cruise lines recognized my franchise for the business it does?

A – Absolutely. When you purchase your franchise, you become an independent owner operator of you very own CruiseOne franchise of your city. This information is shared with our suppliers and is fully realized into their systems. This allows you local sales support from cruise line Business Development personnel and direct access to cruise line support systems. This is a benefit of partnering with CruiseOne.

Q - Do I get Travel Agent Benefits and Perks?

A – Yes. Once you complete your training and sales qualification; you can apply for membership in CLIA and IATAN, which provides travel benefits for qualified travel agents. In addition, CruiseOne offers special FAM and Seminar opportunities for its Owners as continuing educational experiences.

Q - Does CruiseOne provide financing?

A - No, however CruiseOne is a member of the SBA and a pre-approved company on www.franchiseregistry.com's small business loan programs. In addition, CruiseOne can offer additional financing opportunities though various 3rd party financial institutions to meet you needs.