Franchise · Travel & Hospitality

Expedia Cruises Franchise

Full-service retail travel agency specializing in cruise vacations since 1987

$100,000
personal capital
USD 156k – 275kk
investment

How much does a Expedia Cruises franchise cost?

Personal capital

Own funds required to complete the financing

$100,000

Total investment

Estimated total budget for the opening

$156,000 – $275,000

Minimum area

from 93 sq m

Locations worldwide

300

Figures declared by the franchisor — sources and verification date at the bottom of the page.

What it's about

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.

Fact sheet

Founded
1987
Type of business
Retail travel agency specializing in cruises and full-service vacation planning
Company
Expedia Cruises

Inside Expedia Cruises

Expedia Cruises — 1 Expedia Cruises — 2 Expedia Cruises — 3 Expedia Cruises — 4

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?
Full figures for total investment, franchise fee, and liquid capital are not publicly disclosed; requirements are determined individually during the application process. Because this is a retail storefront model with staffing and setup costs, it is typically more capital-intensive than home-based travel franchises.
Do I need travel industry experience to open an Expedia Cruises agency?
No prior travel experience is required, since comprehensive training is provided to new franchisees. What matters most are strong sales and customer service instincts, solid team management skills, and comfort with the operational demands of a retail location, including staffing and lease management.
What does an Expedia Cruises franchise sell?
Franchisees run full-service retail travel centers covering cruises, flights, hotel bookings, guided tours, car rentals, and travel insurance, with cruise vacations as the core specialty. The face-to-face storefront format positions the agency as a trusted alternative to purely online booking platforms.
How long has Expedia Cruises been in business?
The brand traces its origins back to 1987 and has been franchising since the late 2000s. Today it operates a network of retail centers across North America as part of a major global travel group, giving owners access to established booking systems and supplier relationships.
How do I request information about the Expedia Cruises franchise?
Submit an inquiry through this page to start the conversation. During the application process the brand shares a personalized breakdown of startup costs, financial qualifications, and the training and marketing resources included with the franchise.

Sources and data verification

The first step is the brochure

We'll send it to you, with the franchisor's official information document. Free and with no obligation.

Expedia Cruises

Free and with no obligation.

Expedia Cruises