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Expedia Cruises Franchise Opportunity

USA & CAN
Minimum Investment

$250,000

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Established

1987

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Franchise Units

260

payments

Minimum Investment

$250,000

payments

Franchise Fee

$49,000

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Total Investment Range

$258,745

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Home Based

No

Description

Expedia Cruises, part of the globally recognized Expedia Group, is a leading retail travel franchise specializing in cruises, vacation packages, flights, hotels, and travel experiences. With more than 35 years of proven success in the travel industry, Expedia Cruises has positioned itself as a household name trusted by millions of travelers across North America. Known for its strong brand reputation, high customer loyalty, and powerful booking technology, Expedia Cruises offers entrepreneurs an opportunity to own a travel business backed by one of the most influential travel companies in the world.

The franchise operates in a robust and growing industry, where travelers continue to prioritize memorable vacations, personalized services, and trusted travel planning expertise. With storefront retail centers across the USA and Canada, combined with advanced online platforms, Expedia Cruises delivers a hybrid business model that caters to diverse customer preferences while ensuring franchise owners benefit from consistent demand and global recognition.


Why Invest in this Franchise?

  • Trusted Global Brand – Backed by Expedia Group, one of the most recognized names in travel worldwide.

  • High Demand Industry – The travel industry continues to grow, with cruising being one of the fastest-expanding segments.

  • Proven Business Model – A hybrid approach combining online booking technology with personalized, in-store travel consultation.

  • Multiple Revenue Streams – Beyond cruises, franchisees generate income from flights, hotels, tours, excursions, insurance, and vacation packages.

  • Strong Franchise Support – Comprehensive training, marketing, and operational support ensure owners are never alone in running their business.

  • Community Presence – Physical storefronts build credibility, brand visibility, and long-term customer relationships.



Background

  • Established Year: 1987 (founded as CruiseShipCenters, rebranded to Expedia Cruises in 2007 after partnership with Expedia Group).

  • Founder: Michael Drever.

  • Franchise Units: Over 280+ retail franchise locations across the USA and Canada.

  • Ownership: A subsidiary of Expedia Group, one of the world’s largest travel technology companies.

  • Headquarters: Vancouver, Canada.

  • Market Presence: Strong retail and online footprint across major U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

  • Industry Category: Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Franchise – specializing in Cruise & Vacation Planning.

Over three decades, Expedia Cruises has evolved from a small travel agency concept to a globally recognized franchise system that dominates the cruise retail space in North America. Its connection with Expedia Group provides franchisees with unparalleled credibility, access to exclusive partnerships, and top-tier marketing power.



Support Training

Financial Assistance Provided: Yes
Site Selection Assistance: Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance: Yes
Recruiting Assistance: Yes
Co-Operative Advertising: Yes

Training: Initial Training takes 4-9 months concurrently with store build-out. Franchise owners will first learn how to sell travel as an agent, before attending our 5 day Cruise Management Academy training in Vancouver, BC, which will focus on business management and team leadership. Two dedicated StartUp Managers at corporate office will guide new franchise owners through Center build-out and training with weekly check-in calls.

Sales Leadership Support – Since building a large team of agents is so important to the success of our franchisees, we provide comprehensive training for our Franchisees to help them recruit, coach and motivate their Vacation Consultants to sales success.

Systems Support – Our proven network marketing strategy is built to create Customers For Life. Print marketing programs are highly subsidized by our cruise line partners and are designed and distributed on behalf of franchisees. Our proprietary, web-based CRM platform, CruiseDesk is the most powerful in the industry and is continuously improved with $1.5 to 2 Million reinvested in the system each year.

On-going Support will come from our 100+ Corporate Support team and a dedicated Franchise Performance Coach who will help them set goals for their business and check-in regularly with calls and field visits. Program specialists in key areas like marketing and recruitment are available to coach franchisees in aspects of the business that are most critical to their success. Mandatory meetings for all franchisees are held bi-annually, including our annual National Conference aboard a cruise.



Ideal Candidate

The main role of the franchisee is to continuously recruit, train and lead a large team of Vacation Consultants (travel agents) who work as Independent Contractors selling travel on behalf of the store. Expedia Cruises proprietary, web-based software (Partner Central) also allows franchisees to support a large number of outside Vacation Consultants working from their home offices.

IDEAL CANDIDATE: Successful franchisees are proactive, outgoing leaders who want to leverage Expedia Cruises’ proven system to sell travel, earn income and build equity. They want to be active full-time owners and managers in a retail business. They are business minded and organized, but also nurturing with the ability to coach and motivate a large sales team.


Financial Detail

Cash Investment: $250,000
Total Investment: $149,500 - $258,745
Minimum Net Worth: $750,000
Franchise Fee: $49,000
Royalty: 9% of Gross Revenues 
Ad: 4%
Average Number of Employees: 20
Item 19: Yes
Visa Candidates: Yes
Passive Ownership: No
Home Based: No
B2B: No
Master Franchise Opportunities: No
Veterans Discount: Yes



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