Our Owners

"After 7 years with a host agency, we made the transition to CruiseOne in April 2007. The support we have received through our additional training and transition has been amazing. Regardless of our questions or issues, everyone at HQ was there for us from the time we asked to join CruiseOne, and the entire team in Florida has been prompt and professional in answering our calls for assistance.

CruiseOne offers an opportunity to earn the income we have built around our business plan and offers a plethora of marketing tools to assist us in continuing to grow our business. The costs for marketing materials are minimal and the return is well worth the investment. Our Annual Conference gives us the opportunities to not only learn from the workshops but to network with our peers with whom we exchange ideas.

We have noticed that when we contact a cruise line or our local Business Development Managers and mention that we are from CruiseOne, the response we receive is always positive. We are meeting more often with our local cruise line representatives and are always included in events taking place in Southern California. CruiseOne seems to be the magic word.

We are proud to be a part of the best cruise franchise company, and would encourage anyone who is looking for a great partner to contact CruiseOne and join our team!"

- Karen Burnham and Robert Petersen, Franchise Owner since 2007 San Elijo Hills, CA

 

"My husband Dale and I joined CruiseOne in 1996 so you may consider us moldy-oldies in the company. I work with the clients and Dale does the bookwork and we both plan marketing efforts. When we were trying to make the big decision whether to buy a franchise we asked ourselves what is the worst case scenario if this doesn't succeed? Once we were able to face that possibility, we were comfortable with moving ahead and bought our franchise. We were both blown away when we went for our initial training after we joined, it's really comprehensive, and if you forget something there is always someone at headquarters you can call and refresher training is always available.

After 12 years there are some days where I need help, (I call them my brain dead days!) all I have to do is call and they are there to help me with whatever I need. By the way our booking engine is exceptional thanks to our IT department.

"The many marketing resources we have at CruiseOne help us to reach out to current and prospective clients and we choose the ones that work best for us. There is even a Sales Development Team Leader personally assigned and available to assist me. They help brain storm ideas related to marketing and sales.

At CruiseOne, we really are like a big family, the tips and ideas that are shared amongst the franchise owners have helped me immensely in my business. Our annual national conferences are like "old home week" and we have a ton of fun while learning about what's new in the industry. The relationship between headquarters and the franchise owners is very unique. We always know that the upper management is there for us and willing to listen to our challenges or ideas. Our senior management is very accessible and works hard to help us all.

The level of respect CruiseOne has with the cruise lines is exceptional. We are proud to be a franchise owner with CruiseOne and are overwhelmed when we think of all the great people we have met and the experiences we have had since joining."

- -Becky Piper, Franchise Owner since 1996 Strongsville, OH

  

"I have been part of the CruiseOne family since 2007, and could not be happier. I love that I have the freedom of owning my own business and I have the support and expertise of a large corporate headquarters office. The week-long training was multi-faceted and set me firmly on a path for success. As my business has expanded, I have been able to count on the corporate staff to answer any questions and help me on my way. The booking technology far surpassed my expectations, as well.

As a work-from-home Mom, I have been able to build my client base in a manner that best suits me and the demands of my life. I am able to schedule networking and meetings around my family, which gives me a fabulous sense of overall success in creating a well-rounded lifestyle."

- Lisa Sipes, Franchise Owner since 2007 Pompano Beach, FL

"Almost seven years? Wow that went fast, I guess time really does fly when you are having fun! It was seven years ago when I decided to leave nursing and pursue my passion for travel. The freedom of working from home has been wonderful, I never expected that I could earn more from my home office then as a full time nurse. CruiseOne has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. The support from my headquarters team in Fort Lauderdale coupled with the unmatched volume of the World Travel Holdings Group has given me the ability to grow my business well beyond my initial expectations. While growing from that first customer to now, having over one thousand clients, CruiseOne has provided the training and support that enabled me to create lasting relationships. I wholeheartedly recommend CruiseOne for anyone who is serious about owning a Travel Agency."

- Dawn & Brian Dorr, Franchise Owner since 2002 Fuquay Varina, NC

"Ed and I purchased our franchise in 2004 and although we have not worked the business on a full-time basis until recently we have often made use of our Sales Development and Customer Care departments. Our headquarters staff has been invaluable in helping us grow our business by suggesting ways to "find" potential clients and creating loyalty. When we call for assistance, our questions and/or concerns are always answered on the spot or with a prompt return call. I have never worked with a company that has been so eager to keep us on top of our game with training, information and constant updates on the industry. And, they do it with a smile you can hear over the phone!"

- Frankie Pennington-Groff and Ed Groff, Franchise owner since 2004 Banner Elk, NC

"We became franchise owners in 2002 and we have to say, it has been the most rewarding career we ever had. What first impressed us and still does is the outstanding technical and marketing support from headquarters. You don't have to be a computer guru or marketing whiz to be successful with CruiseOne.

Another thing that makes CruiseOne stand out above the rest is the franchise owners themselves. In our business communication center, franchisees are able to share ideas, offer new franchisees tips for growing their business and work together as a corporate family.

I would urge anyone looking to be a travel agent to take a good look at CruiseOne. We're glad we did!"

- Matt & Bev Lewandowski, Franchise Owner since 2002 Virginia Beach, VA

"Although we have extensive business backgrounds, my Wife & I bought our CruiseOne franchise with no travel business experience in 2008. The decision to buy a CruiseOne franchise came after careful consideration of other franchise opportunities both in and out of the travel industry. We read every bit of material sent to us from CruiseOne, we contacted about a dozen current franchisees and even called people who were no longer franchisees. We were very encouraged by the fact that everyone told the same story, "It's a great organization with an incredible support staff and if you work hard, you will succeed."

The advice we got was 100% accurate. This company is seriously dedicated to my success. The training program is excellent and best of all, ongoing. You always find helpful, cheerful people on the phone when you call for support and our fellow franchisees are an endless source of support & knowledge. We couldn't be happier with our decision to purchase a CruiseOne franchise."

- Neil Lazinsky, Franchise Owner since 2007 Wheatley Heights, NY

"I have been with CruiseOne for 14 years and I have to say, they are as committed today as they were the day I started my franchise . Starting with the extensive in-depth training to the support staff ready to help your business grow, everyone is there for you. We have a state-of-the-art online booking system, tools and a system available for us to design our own marketing materials, and have lots of turn-key marketing programs done for us! Since we are top producers for most of the major cruise lines, their support is vital in our development. Joining CruiseOne was the best decision I have ever made!"

Thanks,

Pat

- Patricia Zale, MCC, Franchise Owner since 1995 Stratford NJ

"Trish and I purchased our CruiseOne franchise in 2001. Since that day, we have never regretted the decision. CruiseOne does a great job of providing the IT infrastructure, marketing toolbox and the support needed to build your business. The travel industry is ever changing, sometimes challenging. We feel our affiliation with CruiseOne has helped us capitalize on these changes and concentrate our efforts on servicing our clients and building our industry knowledge. We regularly participate in the marketing programs that are offered to CruiseOne franchises. Having this customized marketing available to us is an incredible value. Most of all, the support staff is there to assist us in achieving our goals. As with any business, many things impact your success. Trish and I feel that the CruiseOne team has always been an asset in helping us achieve success."

- Tim & Trish Martin, Franchise Owner since 2001 Beaverton, OR

“Cheryl and I started our CruiseOne franchise in 1999. We searched out different opportunities within the cruise and travel industry. We found CruiseOne from a recommendation by a friend. We came to learn that we had booked our own cruises with a sister company of CruiseOne for years. After doing all of our due diligence on the purchasing of a franchise, we selected CruiseOne. Why CruiseOne, because they were honest, friendly and informed us of all we could expect from them. We had another business at that time that we knew would not last but a few years more. We had to make a move in our business lives.

We were not going into this business for the so-called perks and other travel opportunities. We were selecting this industry and this franchise to have a way to continue to eat. We have been fortunate. After beginning in 1999, we worked at this full time and worked hard. Today and since 2003, we are the highest producing franchise in the country. We have been able to make a good living and have received some of those perks I previously mentioned. Obviously, we highly recommend CruiseOne as the best choice you can make. The reason we do, is not just that we are part of the company, nor is it because we have been successful within but its’ because we have not found and or seen a better way to operate in this industry.

Good luck with your future. If you choose CruiseOne, you will be extremely happy you did so.”

- Cheryl & Ron Scavron, Franchise Owner since 1999

"As a recently minted CruiseOne Franchisee, I have nothing but glowing words for an organization that is totally dedicated to making us number #1 in cruise sales. They constantly support us with daily e-mails, reminders, travel tips, cruise specials and a technical support team that is exceptional in both technical and functional knowledge.

Before I purchased a franchise with CruiseOne, I had cruised for 37 years and thought I knew everything about cruising. From day one they taught me how to approach potential clients with insight and care. They trained me on their highly sophisticated cruise software and put me through intensive training In Ft. Lauderdale with other franchisees who have become good friends. My friends tell me that I am a changed man and I owe it all to CruiseOne."

- Jeffrey Taylor, Franchise Owner since 2008

"CruiseOne - Why do I love you? Let me count the reasons:

When I first called CruiseOne, and spoke with the head of franchising, he said, "I hear you want to join our family". You notice that the word family and not the company is a very important distinction. The company flew me to their headquarters for 6 days of intensive training. This was training all the way, and not brain washing to the CruiseOne way of operating. The training course is the most comprehensive in the industry. We were taught not just about the computer operations, but also about the extensive marketing, how to optimize advertising and how to use the internet to increase business. The head of CruiseOne training has been in the business since Noah built the ark, and had to fill the ship. She has assembled a training crew that is very smart and savvy, and knows how to give you the most extensive training in a short period of time.

While I was taking my training, I met and spoke with a lot of people who work in the CruiseOne headquarters and most of them have been there 5 years or longer. This tells me, that the headquarter staff enjoys their jobs, and likes working for the company. After my week of training, I went home to start and run my business. Of course I had plenty of questions, and forgot about half of what they taught me. NO PROBLEM since the corporate staff was there to provide refresher training, answer all my questions and help with any problems. They really do want us all to be successful. CruiseOne has the highest standards of any Cruise agency, and all of the cruise lines have only the highest regard and respect for the CruiseOne franchise owners.

Which company should you pick; it's really a no brainer, CruiseOne!"

- Mike Brodlieb, Franchise Owner since 2008 San Juan Capistrano, CA

"We have been Franchise owners since March 2008. We did extensive research among all of CruiseOne's competitors before we selected CruiseOne. Today, after just a few months in the business, we are completely satisfied with our decision. CruiseOne is delivering everything they promised, and that is what we wanted from a true partner. We believe this relationship between the hard working franchisees and CruiseOne will continue to grow and further our position as the number one cruise retailer in the country."

- Frank & Sara Castiglione, Franchise Owner since 2008

"Having just returned from Conference aboard the Celebrity Mercury, I wanted to dash off a few notes about the experience while still fresh in my mind.

Without a doubt, the entire event has raised my confidence about 100% for selling Alaska. And, in fact, my overall belief in my knowledge and abilities has increased as a result, also. This was my first attendance at national conference since coming "onboard" in March of 2007. Other agents had told me that I would really benefit from the conference experience, but I still wasn't prepared for the quality of the information presented in the seminars. And the way the different cruise lines catered to us was awesome.

I guess the best thing about the entire week was the renewed excitement I feel about having the opportunity to be in the business of selling cruises. Also, getting to meet and become friends with so many of my CruiseOne family is just the best.

Thanks to Dee and to EVERYONE at HQ who works so hard, long, and steadfastly to provide all of us with the very best support available anywhere!

Counting the days until conference '09."

- Cathy Curry, Franchise Owner since 2007