Cruise Planners Lands on the Franchise 500 List Once Again as Travel Interest Peaks
This marks the 25th consecutive year the company has ranked on Entrepreneur’s annual list.
Cruise Planners continues to earn recognition on Entrepreneur‘s Franchise 500, climbing 27 spots from last year to rank #43 overall for 2026. Out of more than 1,350 companies that applied, this ranking places Cruise Planners in the top 4% of all franchise brands, a notable achievement in a highly competitive field.
That momentum reflects Cruise Planners’ steady growth, disciplined investment, and proven business model. Travel demand remains strong globally and is projected to continue into 2026, with more travelers turning to advisors as trips become increasingly personal and complex. Cruise Planners meets this demand by providing franchisees with a clear system to build profitable businesses without the cost of a storefront, while offering flexibility to work from anywhere.
With more than 3,000 open units, Cruise Planners reported a net growth of 101 units in the 12-month period ending July 31, 2025. That puts Cruise Planners in the top 2% of all franchises for number of U.S. franchise units open, and top 3% for total units worldwide.
Over the past year, Cruise Planners has fueled continued growth in part by expanding its proprietary technology ecosystem, CP Maxx. The platform brings client management, reservations, marketing, and reporting together in a single system, giving franchise owners the tools to run their businesses more efficiently. Recent enhancements include Maxx Snippets, a reusable content library that helps advisors move faster, and Maxx Shortcuts, a customizable dashboard designed to simplify day-to-day work. The company also rebuilt its client-facing Trip Summary tool, offering advisors a more visual way to present and refine itineraries for clients.
Cruise Planners has also shared its roadmap for continuing to expand AI across its technology platform. Upcoming tools are designed to automate routine tasks and enhance personalization for both advisors and their clients. Planned capabilities include importing reservation confirmations, AI cruise search, and intelligent travel recommendations. These efforts recently earned Cruise Planners four Gold Magellan Awards, reinforcing its leadership in travel technology.
Tools and training for long-term growth
Marketing plays a central role in supporting franchise growth. Award-winning campaigns such as Adventure Calling and the Princess Cruises Sea of Love sale have helped advisors connect with travelers seeking bucket-list experiences and capture peak booking periods.
Cruise Planners will launch a redesigned corporate website and upgraded advisor websites in 2026, making it easier for travelers to find the right advisor for their needs.
Training remains essential to the franchise model. In-person events, one-on-one coaching, and peer collaboration continue to support franchisees as their businesses evolve. For virtual training, CP Genie Learning, an AI-enabled on-demand education hub, brings certifications, and business education into one place.
Cruise Planners stands out as a low-cost franchise option. Owners can start a business with lower overhead, while the structure helps reduce risk for new entrepreneurs. Franchise owners build and maintain their own client relationships while benefiting from the support and credibility of a national brand.
With consumer demand remaining strong, technology that continues to evolve, and a flexible investment model aligned with modern work preferences, Cruise Planners remains a compelling option for entrepreneurs seeking a low-cost franchise that lets them work from anywhere and travel the world.
Click here to learn more about Cruise Planners and their exciting franchise opportunities.