Franchise Business Review Logo
  • Digital Guides
  • About FBR
  • Franchisors
  • Search
  • Reviews
  • Find Franchises
      • Featured
      • Top 200 Franchises
      • Top Low Cost Franchises
      • Top Food Franchises
      • Top Franchises for Women
      • By Investment
      • Under $50K
      • $50K to $99K
      • $100K to $199K
      • Over $200K
      • Special Interest
      • Most Profitable Franchises
      • Top Home-Based Franchises
      • Franchise Culture100
      • Rock Star Awards
      • Recession Proof Franchises
      • Second Career Franchises
      • Top Franchises for Veterans
      • Top Multi-Unit Franchises
      • By Industry
      • Advertising & Sales
      • Automotive
      • Business Services
      • Child Services
      • Cleaning & Maintenance
      • Education
      • Financial & Tax
      • Fitness
      • Food & Beverage
      • Health & Beauty
      • Home Services
      • Pet Services
      • Real Estate
      • Retail
      • Senior Care
      • Services
      • Sports & Recreation
      • Technology
      • Travel
  • Finance Center
  • Pathway to Franchising
  • Resources
      • Featured
      • Digital Guides
      • Resource Center
      • Finance Center
      • Blog
  • SUBSCRIBE

At a Cross Roads and at Age 49, Susan Palenik Made the Decision to Invest in a Cruise Planners Franchise

Published: September 26, 2019
  • Share Post

What was it about the franchise model and/or leadership that led you to purchase it?

I did my due diligence. I learned that Cruise Planners was the nation’s largest home-based travel agency franchise and stood out with its legacy of successful franchisees. I purchased a business-in-a-box and didn’t have to worry about startup costs, marketing tools, technology or a website. Cruise Planners gave me a feeling of being part of a family and provided support that gave me a sense of security that I could succeed.

What type of business experience, education, and/or skills did you have prior to becoming a franchisee that you have found particularly helpful?

I had no prior business experience. I was laid off in 2009 at my job in education for nearly a decade. I was 49 years old and at a crossroads. I always had a passion for travel and it brought me joy when I booked a cruise for a family reunion and realized I could possibly turn this into a business. Cruise Planners set me up for success and I was driven to succeed. Dreams can only come true if you implement the dream. 

What do you like most about owning a franchise?

There’s really something to be said about waking up every morning, looking in the mirror, and knowing you’re the boss. I’m in control of my own success. I’m grateful for the financial success I was able to achieve, but I’m most appreciative of the personal freedom and flexibility to work anytime from anywhere.

How did you fund your franchise? Did you receive any discounts/incentives?

I funded my franchise through the assistance of my husband's credit union. A Cruise Planners travel agency franchise has one of the lowest franchise fee compared to other franchise companies I looked at when I was doing my research.

What advice do you have for prospective franchise buyers? What do you wish you had known prior to going into franchising?

Talk to other franchise owners and see what kind of support and guidance is provided to you when you first start out. It’s also important to form relationships, especially in a predominantly digital world. People want to work with people they know and trust. Forming personal relationships is critical, because once someone knows you and has a good experience with you, they are more likely to recommend you to someone else, and you can really grow your network. Learn about destinations and enhance your vendor knowledge, use the Cruise Planners tools and support provided. It takes time but put it in the work and you’ll be successful.

What else would you like to share?

Cruise Planners travel advisors own and operate their own travel agencies and help clients plan all sorts of amazing travel experience, not just cruises, but also all-inclusive resort vacations and guided land tours. They provide a week-long new franchisee training in Florida and you continue to receive business development coaching and support as you establish and grow your business. Several times a year, there are other training opportunities that are virtual, in-person and experiential. I had no prior business experience when I started in 2009 and now I’m projected to sell $2 million in travel for 2019. 

Learn more about Cruise Planners franchise opportunities 

franchising digital buyer's guide cover

Award-Winning Franchises

SYNERGY HomeCareLogo

SYNERGY HomeCare

Cash required:
    $50,000


Initial Investment:
     $44,286 - $170,912


Learn More
Wetzel's PretzelsLogo

Wetzel's Pretzels

Cash required:
    $100,000


Initial Investment:
     $153,100 - $523,850


Learn More
Premier Pool ServiceLogo

Premier Pool Service

Cash required:
    $10,000


Initial Investment:
     $26,822 - $98,972


Learn More
  • Share Post

Related Content

Women are More Satisfied than Men in Franchise Ownership

Women are More Satisfied than Men in Franchise Ownership

As the pandemic created unprecedented challenges, and the “new normal” precipitated an unforeseeable future, many of us were forced to reflect on our lives, careers, and priorities.

“No Regrets” How Joel Wilder Transitioned from an RN to Full Time Owner of Cruise Planners Franchise

“No Regrets” How Joel Wilder Transitioned from an RN to Full Time Owner of Cruise Planners Franchise

Joel Wilder, of DeBary, Florida opened his Cruise Planners franchise in 2005. “Business is Great!” says Wilder having no regrets opening up his franchise business and leaving a long term career as an RN.

Multi-Unit Clean Air Lawn Care Franchise Owner Seth Wiersma Offers Important Insights into Starting his Business

Multi-Unit Clean Air Lawn Care Franchise Owner Seth Wiersma Offers Important Insights into Starting his Business

Meet Seth Wiersma, a multi-unit Clean Air Lawn Care franchise owner in the Atlanta Georgia suburbs of Marietta, Roswell and Sandy Springs.

How Jim Carteris went from Staffing Agency Owner to FirstLight Home Care Franchise Owner

How Jim Carteris went from Staffing Agency Owner to FirstLight Home Care Franchise Owner

Jim Carteris, of San Carlos, California is the owner of a FirstLight Home Care franchise which he opened in 2020. Jim currently has fifty employees and is looking to expand with more locations.

Want to be the first to know when new ratings and reviews are released?

Subscribe Now
  • Reviews
  • Find Franchises
  • Resource Center
  • Digital Guides
  • About FBR
  • Franchisors

Contact FBR: [email protected] | 866.397.6680


DISCLAIMER: The information contained herein has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed, and does not constitute any investment recommendation. A franchise investment requires a personal assessment of your objectives, financial situation, skills, goals, and many other factors. Before making any investment decision, you need to consider whether this information is appropriate to your situation and needs.

Copyright © Franchise Business Review by Franchise Business Review. All rights reserved. Terms | Privacy Policy