For entrepreneurs passionate about travel and looking to build a business with real community presence, Expedia Cruises offers a compelling opportunity. Backed by one of the most recognized names in the travel industry, this franchise combines the power of a global brand with the personal touch of a local retail agency.
Franchise · Travel & Hospitality
Expedia Cruises Franchise
Full-service retail travel agency specializing in cruise vacations since 1987
How much does a Expedia Cruises franchise cost?
Personal capital
Own funds required to complete the financing
Total investment
Estimated total budget for the opening
Minimum area
Locations worldwide
Figures declared by the franchisor — sources and verification date at the bottom of the page.
What it's about
- Founded
- 1987
- Type of business
- Retail travel agency specializing in cruises and full-service vacation planning
- Company
- Expedia Cruises
Fact sheet
Inside Expedia Cruises
The right questions before you start
The concept at a glance
Expedia Cruises operates as a full-service, storefront travel agency franchise under the Expedia Group umbrella. Rather than following a home-based model like many travel franchises, Expedia Cruises franchisees run physical retail centers where clients can walk in, sit down, and plan their next vacation face-to-face with a travel consultant. The concept covers the full spectrum of leisure travel planning: cruises, flights, hotel bookings, guided tours, car rentals, and travel insurance, with cruise vacations serving as a core specialty.
Rooted in a brand that traces its origins back to 1987, and franchising since the late 2000s, Expedia Cruises has built a solid network of centers throughout North America, positioning itself as a trusted, full-service alternative to purely online booking platforms.
Why join this franchise?
Partnering with Expedia Cruises means aligning with a globally recognized travel brand while still owning and operating an independent local business. Franchisees benefit from:
- Strong brand equity tied to the Expedia name, which builds instant consumer trust
- A retail storefront model that generates walk-in traffic and local visibility
- A diversified revenue model spanning cruises, flights, hotels, tours, and insurance products
- Access to established booking systems, supplier relationships, and marketing resources from a major global travel group
- A structured business format designed to support long-term growth in the leisure travel sector
Who they're looking for
Expedia Cruises welcomes candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds. No prior experience in the travel industry is required, as comprehensive training is provided to new franchisees. However, because the model relies on a physical retail location with staff and client-facing operations, the brand is best suited to entrepreneurs who bring:
- Strong sales and customer service instincts
- Solid business and team management skills
- A genuine enthusiasm for travel, cruising, and helping clients plan memorable trips
- Comfort with the higher operational demands of running a retail storefront, including staffing and lease management
Requirements and investment
Expedia Cruises follows a retail-based financial structure that is typically more capital-intensive than home-based travel franchise models, given the need for a physical location, staffing, and setup costs. Specific figures for liquid capital, total investment, and franchise fees are determined individually and are not publicly disclosed in full detail; candidates are encouraged to request a personalized breakdown directly from the brand during the application process.
Ongoing support typically includes access to booking technology, supplier programs, marketing tools, and operational training, all designed to help franchisees run a professional, full-service travel agency from day one.
Key facts
- Year founded: 1987
- Franchising since: late 2000s
- Locations: Network of retail centers across North America
- Business model: Full-service retail travel agency specializing in cruises and vacation planning
If you're ready to turn your passion for travel into a business opportunity backed by a globally trusted name, now is the time to learn more. Reach out today to request detailed information about becoming an Expedia Cruises franchisee and start planning your entrepreneurial journey.
How much does an Expedia Cruises franchise cost?
Do I need travel industry experience to open an Expedia Cruises agency?
What does an Expedia Cruises franchise sell?
How long has Expedia Cruises been in business?
How do I request information about the Expedia Cruises franchise?
Sources and data verification
The figures on this page come from the following sources:
- International Franchise Association (IFA) — Expedia CruiseShipCenters: Total Investment $156K-$275K, Start Up Cost $100K, oltre 300 sedi, franchising dal 1987 (2026)
- FranchiseWire (ed. IFPG) — 'Smooth Sailing for Expedia Cruises': ufficio minimo 1.000 sq ft, oltre 260 sedi in 46 stati + Canada + Puerto Rico (2024)
- FranchiseWire (ed. IFPG) — 'Texas Couple Chooses Expedia Cruises for Second Career Business': network di quasi 300 sedi USA/Puerto Rico/Canada (2026)
The first step is the brochure
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Expedia Cruises
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