Franchise - 2026 FDD
CruiseOne / Dream Vacations franchise
CruiseOne / Dream Vacations offers franchises for travel-sales businesses specializing in cruises, vacation packages, and other travel-related products. The businesses operate under the CruiseOne® and/or Dream Vacations Start HereTM service marks. These franchises are generally virtual businesses, primarily operated from a franchisee's home, but may also be run from an office or storefront. Franchisee levels and associated fees are based on prior experience in the travel industry.
Independent Franchise.com profile
CruiseOne / Dream Vacations 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, issued April 10, 2026. Existing outlets and disclosed development do not establish current market availability.
CruiseOne / Dream Vacations offers franchises for travel-sales businesses specializing in cruises, vacation packages, and other travel-related products.
Getting started
Standard Location
Item 7 stated investment$12,295-$20,695
Initial franchise fee$10,500
Typical time to open30-90 days
Recommended prototypeHome office
Ownership & operation
What the local business requires
Day-to-day operatorManager
On-premises during peak hoursNot specified; Manager must manage day to day at all times business is open
Key required roleManager
Owner performs the service personallyNot specified; owner or a trained manager must manage the business
System size
U.S. - year-end 2025
total units2,514
Franchised Outlets (latest disclosed FY)2,514
Franchised-unit change across the disclosed window+560 (+28.7%)
FPR categories disclosedYes Show moreShow less
Average sales for included outlets, broken down by sales level; and average sales for dormant outlets
System Size and Recent Changes
How large is the CruiseOne / Dream Vacations system, and how has it changed?
CruiseOne / Dream Vacations concluded 2025 with 2,514 franchised outlets, marking a significant expansion from the 1,954 outlets at the end of 2023. The brand operates exclusively through franchised locations, with no company-owned outlets reported across the disclosed fiscal years.
2023
1,954
franchised outlets
2024
2,175
franchised outlets
2025
2,514
franchised outlets
Card: net change note: The franchised outlet count increased by +560, or +28.7%, from year-end 2023 to year-end 2025.
Card: openings/reductions note (latest disclosed FY): In 2025, 505 franchised outlets were opened. Outlet reductions included 128 terminations and 38 non-renewals.
See development context, year-end system size and 2025 franchised outlet movement
Development context: As of year-end 2025, 26 franchise agreements were signed for outlets not yet open, and 506 new franchised outlets are projected for the next fiscal year. These figures represent potential future growth and do not reflect current operational outlets.
Year-end system size
| Year | Franchised outlets | Company-owned outlets | Total outlets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1,954 | 0 | 1,954 |
| 2024 | 2,175 | 0 | 2,175 |
| 2025 | 2,514 | 0 | 2,514 |
2025 franchised outlet movement
| Measure | Count |
|---|---|
| Franchised outlets at start of 2025 | 2,175 |
| Opened | 505 |
| Terminated | 128 |
| Not renewed | 38 |
| Franchised outlets at end of 2025 | 2,514 |
| Transfers to new owners | 6 |
All profile counts use the FDD's outlet terminology. Existing outlets, signed development and projections do not establish current territory availability.
Growing system
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Startup costs
How much does a CruiseOne / Dream Vacations franchise cost?
The total estimated initial investment for a CruiseOne / Dream Vacations franchise ranges from $12,295 to $20,695 for a new franchisee. Key cost drivers include the initial franchise fee, which is $10,500 for a new franchisee, and additional funds for the initial three-month operating phase, estimated at $500 to $2,500. This estimate may vary for intermediate and experienced franchisees, who pay reduced initial franchise fees of $3,195 and $495, respectively.
Where the money goes
$0-$2,000Computer Hardware/Software Equipment
$500-$2,500 for 3 monthsAdditional Funds - 3 months
$100-$1,200Initial Promotion and Advertising
$495 per person for additional personnel trainingtraining fee for additional personnel
Real-estate intensity callout: The franchised business is usually operated from the franchisee's home, meaning rent and related expenses are typically not incurred. While a physical Contact Location (office, home office, storefront, mail stop, or virtual mailbox) is required for advertising purposes, the business may be operated from any location.
Launch Planning
- Typical opening timeline
- The typical time to open a CruiseOne / Dream Vacations franchise is 90 days for new or intermediate franchisees, and 30 days for experienced franchisees. This timeline can be influenced by factors such as securing financing, installing equipment, and completing training.
- Contractual opening deadline
- Franchisees must be prepared to open for business no later than 90 days after signing the Franchise Agreement.
- Site and lease milestones
- Franchisees are responsible for selecting their business's site before signing the Franchise Agreement, which is then approved by the franchisor. Relocation within the same five-digit postal code requires 30 days' written notice, while relocation outside this area requires prior written consent and a $149 fee.
- Additional Funds
- Additional funds for the initial three-month operating phase range from $500 to $2,500. This estimate covers start-up expenses but does not include any salary or allowance for an owner's draw, royalty fees, or advertising contributions.
- Grand-opening marketing
- The estimated expense for initial promotion and advertising is $100 to $1,200, typically around $400-$800 per month for three months. The amount spent on advertising and promotion is discretionary and may vary significantly based on region and media markets.
- Fee commencement
- The Administrative Service Fee, currently ranging from $25 to $150 per month, is payable beginning on the first day of the fourth calendar month following training, but no more than 150 days after the Franchise Agreement's Effective Date. Royalty Fees commence on each Annual Commissionable Sale.
See the full Item 7 cost table
| Type of expenditure | Low | High | When due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial franchise fee New Franchisee | $10,500 | $10,500 | At signing of Franchise Agreement |
| Training expenses | $200 | $475 | As incurred |
| Additional Signatories/ Associates Training and Travel | $745 | $1,245 | Upon signing the Franchise Agreement (or if not already paid, 30 days before scheduled training) |
| Office Equipment, Supplies, and Furniture | $0 | $350 | As incurred |
| Computer Hardware/Software Equipment | $0 | $2,000 | You must have this equipment before you open for business |
| Insurance, Legal, and Accounting | $150 | $1,800 | As incurred |
| Permits, Franchises, Bonds, & Memberships | $100 | $500 | As incurred |
| Initial Promotion and Advertising | $100 | $1,200 | As incurred |
| Criminal and Civil Background Check | $0 | $50 | As incurred |
| Additional Funds (3- month initial phase for full-time franchisees) | $500 | $2,500 | As incurred |
| Financing Application Fee | $0 | $75 | Upon applying for financing |
| Item 7 table — stated total | New Franchisee | $12,295-$20,695 |
The franchised business is typically operated from home, so rent charges are usually not incurred. The initial franchise fee may be financed for qualified new franchisees, requiring a minimum $3,500 down payment. The total estimated investment is for the initial three-month start-up phase and does not include an owner's salary, royalty fees, or advertising contributions paid to the franchisor.
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Ongoing fees
What ongoing fees does CruiseOne / Dream Vacations charge?
Franchisees pay a continuing royalty fee based on a tiered percentage of Annual Commissionable Sales, which varies depending on the commission rate CruiseOne receives. An Administrative Service Fee is also charged monthly, which includes full access to all technology services. Additional fees may apply for training, support staff, and certain operational changes.
Royalty1.5%-3% of Annual Commissionable Sales, tiered by CruiseOne's commission rate
Total sales-based fees1.5%-3% of Annual Commissionable Sales
Fixed technology and licensing fee$25-$150 per month
Fixed monthly recurring total$25-$150 (Administrative Service Fee $25-$150/month)
| Economic category | Amount / basis | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Audit fee | Cost of audit, if reported Gross Revenue for any three consecutive months is more than 2% below the audited amount |
See secondary recurring and conditional charges
Marketing and technology
- Additional Email Accounts
- A charge may apply for any additional dreamvacations.com email accounts requested beyond the owner's.
- Third-Party Software Updates/Upgrades
- The estimated annual updating and upgrading expenses for third-party software will not exceed $500.
Training and operating obligations
- Sales Associates and Replacement Managers Training
- Franchisees must pay a training fee of currently $495 per person for sales associates and replacement managers to complete Mandatory Initial Training, plus their travel, lodging, and meal expenses.
- Annual Fee for Non-Owner Personnel
- A fee of $129 per year is charged for each person working for the franchised business in any capacity other than as its owner.
Ownership, staffing and support
How is a CruiseOne / Dream Vacations business staffed and supported?
CruiseOne / Dream Vacations franchises are primarily home-based businesses for selling cruises, vacation packages, and other travel-related products. The franchisor provides a comprehensive system including training, technology, marketing, and operational support. Franchisees are allocated to one of three levels based on prior travel industry experience, which determines their training and obligations.
Ownership structure card
- The Manager must devote best efforts to managing and operating the Franchised Business and provide day-to-day supervision at all times it is open.
- The Franchise Owner is the Manager unless the franchisor agrees otherwise in writing.
- If a manager other than the Franchise Owner is permitted, they must complete Mandatory Initial Training.
Local operating team card
- Franchisees are required to have a Manager who completes initial training.
- All owners are subject to confidentiality and non-competition provisions.
- All sales associates must sign a standard confidentiality agreement before starting employment.
Training and support card
- Mandatory Initial Training for New and Intermediate Franchisees includes a blended curriculum of eLearning and live instructor-led training (36 hours), plus online self-study (12 hours) and on-demand virtual training (40 hours).
- Experienced Franchisees complete an independent study program (70 hours total).
- The franchisor may provide continuing advisory assistance and refresher training programs.
Ownership signal callout: This business model is well-suited for a hands-on owner-operator, or an owner who can designate an approved and trained manager to oversee daily operations.
How customers find the business
How does a CruiseOne / Dream Vacations business attract and retain customers?
Demand for the franchise's services comes from the general public, including individuals, couples, families, and larger corporate, religious, social, and other organizations in the market for vacation cruises and related travel packages. The business philosophy is to provide customers with local, full-service cruise expertise, supported by national company resources. Franchisees offer specialized travel expertise and customer service, backed by the franchisor's administrative and sales support.
What the system provides
- Promotional methods, programs, and materials are developed and provided by the franchisor.
- Access to an intranet BusinessCenter and online software and applications, including the MyCruiseControl reservation system.
- Marketing and public relations campaigns for the CruiseOne system.
- Advice on local advertising strategies.
- Training on sales techniques, business operations, booking and reservation systems, and marketing.
- Use of the principal trademarks CRUISEONE® or DREAM VACATIONS START HERE™.
What the local operator executes
- All advertising, promotions, or marketing materials must be submitted to the franchisor for prior written approval.
- Advertising is restricted to within the United States and to United States residents, including online advertising.
- All advertising materials must contain the CruiseOne® assumed-business-name, city, state, and other required information.
- Franchisees may advertise on the Internet as CruiseOne or Dream Vacations by strictly complying with the Operations Manual.
- Social media pages can be operated in accordance with the franchisor's social media policy and guidelines.
- Franchisees may not register domain names containing CruiseOne, Dream Vacations, or variations, and may not bid on these terms for Search Engine Marketing.
The operating tension: While the franchisor provides brand recognition and marketing support, the success of the business ultimately depends on the franchisee's adherence to standards and guidelines, as well as their entrepreneurial and managerial abilities and focus on customer service.
Brand and agreement basics
Key CruiseOne / Dream Vacations franchise agreement terms
Brand and ownership
- U.S. franchisor
- CruiseOne, Inc.
- Headquarters
- Ft Lauderdale, Florida
- U.S. franchising history
- Since 1992
- Parent company
- World Travel Holdings, Inc.
Agreement Terms
- Initial term
- 5 years
- Successor terms
- No renewal rights are granted; granting an option to enter a successor agreement is at the franchisor's discretion. If an option is not granted, the franchisee receives notice at least 60 days before the term expires.
- Territory
- No exclusive or minimum territory is granted. Franchisees may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels controlled by the franchisor.
- Multi-unit development
- No multi-unit or area development option is offered.
Note: The financial performance information provided is a historical representation based on the past performance of existing franchised outlets. It includes 2025 financial performance data for franchised outlets that had been open and continuously operating for at least 12 months as of December 31, 2025. The data is broken down by the franchisee's 'Sales Level,' categorizing franchisees into ten groups based on total sales, with Group 1 representing the highest sales and Group 10 the lowest. A separate table presents data for 'Dormant Outlets' which generated less than $25,000 in sales during 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
CruiseOne / Dream Vacations franchise FAQs
Does the owner have to personally perform the core service?
The franchises are generally virtual businesses, primarily operated from a franchisee's home, but can also be run from an office, storefront, kiosk, or other virtual place of business. The franchisor's business philosophy is to provide customers with local, full-service cruise expertise.
Is the territory exclusive?
Franchisees will not receive a minimum or exclusive territory. They may face competition from other franchisees, company-owned outlets, or other distribution channels and competitive brands controlled by the franchisor. The franchisor and its affiliates reserve the right to use their marks and system in connection with additional services, products, and marketing efforts, including the Internet, without regard to location.
Can a franchisee develop more than one location?
The Franchise Agreement does not grant franchisees any options, rights of first refusal, or similar rights to acquire additional franchises.
Can a prospective owner speak with current and former franchisees?
Yes, a list of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of current franchisees is provided in Exhibit E. Exhibit F lists contact information for franchisees who have ceased operations or not communicated with CruiseOne within 10 weeks of the disclosure document issuance date.
What is the total investment required to open a CruiseOne / Dream Vacations franchise?
The total investment necessary to begin operating a new franchise ranges from $12,295 to $20,695, including $10,500 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate. For intermediate or experienced franchisees, the total investment is $2,290 to $13,390, with $495 to $3,195 paid to the franchisor or affiliate.
How has the number of franchised outlets changed recently?
The number of franchised outlets has increased significantly, growing from 1954 at the end of 2023 to 2514 at the end of 2025, a 28.7% increase. In 2025 alone, 505 new franchised agencies were opened.
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Source and methodology
Source and methodology
CruiseOne, Inc. 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, issued April 10, 2026.
This profile is based on information from the franchisor's FDD, with key data extracted and drafted with the assistance of automated tools and reviewed by a human editor.
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