Dream Vacations and CruiseOne River Summit Equips Travel Advisors with In-Depth Industry Insights and Business Growth Strategies

Dream Vacations and CruiseOne River Summit Equips Travel Advisors with In-Depth Industry Insights and Business Growth Strategies

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (April 16, 2025) – The recently concluded Dream Vacations and CruiseOne River Summit aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaKristina provided travel advisors with an immersive educational experience along the Rhone River in France. Dream Vacations and CruiseOne travel advisors expanded their expertise in the river cruise sector with supplier-led workshops, exclusive excursions, and strategic business discussions.

“River cruising is one of the fastest-growing sectors in travel, and our River Summit is designed to give our advisors an edge in this evolving landscape,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations and CruiseOne. “Beyond gaining firsthand product knowledge, events like these strengthen the relationships between suppliers, our headquarters team, and fellow franchise owners—creating a network of support and collaboration that fuels long-term business success.”

The 2025 River Summit is part of Dream Vacations/CruiseOne’s Immersive Education Series with the content focused solely on river cruising. The Immersive Education Series engages travel advisors to empower themselves through hands-on education, supplier relationships, and innovative business strategies. On top of the cultural immersion of the AmaKristina itinerary, advisors interacted directly with leading river cruise experts who presented updates on key developments, including AmaWaterways’ expansion into the Amazon River in Colombia and Scenic’s fleet growth plans through 2030. For the first time, land tour operators participated in the summit, offering insights into pre- and post-cruise package extensions that enhance the overall client experience.

Advisors also engaged in experiential learning through exclusive on-the-ground excursions, including a ghost reenactment performance in Viviers, a visit to the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard in Avignon, and an immersive Carrieres des Lumières art show in a limestone quarry, featuring works by Monet and Rousseau set to classical music.

Beyond professional development, the summit underscored the growing opportunities in the charter market, with several advisors leveraging supplier partnerships to expand their businesses. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in the charter market as more travelers seek unique and personalized experiences,” said Jessica Slater, a Dream Vacations franchise owner. “Participating in the River Summit gave me the in-depth knowledge and supplier connections needed to confidently step into this space. With the continued support and collaboration across the industry, this has become an exciting area of opportunity, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes next.”

Slater and several other Dream Vacations and CruiseOne travel advisors have already established successful river charters, including Mara Hargarther, Jennifer Swanson, Mike Ziegenbalg, Trapper Martin, and Denise Valente are just a few notable examples of advisors leading the charge in this arena.

As Dream Vacations and CruiseOne advisors continue to expand their expertise and grow their businesses through events like the River Summit, the power of a supportive network becomes clear. Those looking to turn their passion for travel into a thriving business with the backing of industry-leading education and supplier partnerships can learn more about franchising at www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com.

About Dream Vacations and CruiseOne®
Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® are home-based travel agency franchises that give their agents the flexibility to run their businesses their way. CruiseOne, established in 1992, and Dream Vacations, introduced in 2016, provide agents with powerful tools and resources to plan seamless, personalized travel experiences. As part of World Travel Holdings, they have been named franchise partner of the year by major cruise lines and are recognized for their dedication to supporting military veterans. Find out more at www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Cruises.com Announces 2nd Annual Gators® at Sea Fan Cruise

Cruises.com Announces 2nd Annual Gators® at Sea Fan Cruise

A One-of-a-Kind Fan Experience Connecting Gators Fans with Their Favorite Athletes at Sea 

Wakefield, Mass. (April 09, 2025) – Cruises.com, the Official Cruise Partner of the Florida Gators®, is thrilled to announce the 2nd Annual Gators at Sea Fan Cruise, setting sail June 19-22, 2026, aboard the stunning Royal Caribbean® Utopia of the Seas. This exclusive fan experience brings together University of Florida students, alumni, and devoted fans for an unforgettable voyage at sea.

With the University of Florida fresh off clinching the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball national championship, next year’s Gators at Sea fan cruise presents a unique opportunity to engage with Gator Greats and fellow fans in a meaningful way. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with current student-athletes and Gator legends, participate in exclusive fan experiences, and enjoy the best of Royal Caribbean’s newest Oasis Class ship.

The initial lineup includes Gator football greats James Bates and Alex Brown; All-American gymnasts, Trinity Thomas & Leanne Wong; defending Gold Glove Award winner Kendra Falby; Olympic swimmer Alfonso Mestre and more. Additional Gator athletes and special guests will be announced in the coming months. Fans can visit GatorsAtSea.com to book cabins and for more details, including itineraries, onboard activities, ship amenities, and announcements of additional Gator Greats joining the onboard lineup.

“The Gators at Sea Fan Cruise is more than just a vacation—it’s an immersive experience that brings the unparalleled energy and camaraderie of Gator Nation to the high seas,” said Tim Saccone, vice president of acquisition marketing for Cruises.com.

We are pleased to once again team up with Cruises.com on this exciting event that allows Gator Nation an up-close and personal opportunity to engage with our Gator Greats in a fun-filled, family environment and capture moments that will last a lifetime,” said Florida Gators athletics director Scott Stricklin.The Gators at Sea Fan Cruise is exclusively operated, facilitated, and administered by Cruises.com, part of World Travel Holdings, the nation’s largest cruise agency and an award-winning leader in leisure travel. 

Gator fans who are ready to sail should visit GatorsAtSea.com, email cruises@gatorsatsea.com, or call 1-800-259-6188. 

About Cruises.com
Cruises.com is the smart way to book. Our team of Travel Experts makes it easy to find and book the perfect cruise, offering a seamless, stress-free experience. Customers enjoy all cruise line promotions plus unlock exclusive perks through Cruises.com Rewards. For more information, visit Cruises.com, like us on Facebook at Cruises.com, or follow us on Instagram @cruisescom.

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Villas of Distinction® Expands Luxury Villa Portfolio with New Offerings in London, Costa Rica, Sweden, and Japan

Villas of Distinction® Expands Luxury Villa Portfolio with New Offerings in London, Costa Rica, Sweden, and Japan

 Increased Interest in These Destinations Leads to Added Destinations and Villa Options

Wakefield, Mass. (March 26, 2025) Villas of Distinction® continues to elevate luxury travel with the addition of new luxury villa options in London, Costa Rica, Sweden, and Japan, providing discerning travelers with more opportunities to experience their dream vacations in ultimate privacy and comfort.

“Today’s luxury traveler craves exclusivity, personalized experiences, and accommodations that seamlessly blend comfort with cultural immersion,” said Jamie Cash, chief operating officer for Villas of Distinction. “With our latest villa additions, we’re ensuring that our guests have access to some of the most spectacular properties in the world, whether they’re seeking an elegant urban retreat in London, a secluded rainforest hideaway in Costa Rica, or a serene waterfront estate in Sweden.”

London remains one of the world’s premier luxury destinations, and Villas of Distinction has expanded its portfolio to offer travelers an unparalleled stay in the city. New villa options include an elegant historic townhome in Kensington and a modern penthouse with stunning skyline views. One of the most coveted additions, Draycott Place III, is a sophisticated two-bedroom residence that captures the essence of London’s charm and contemporary style, making it the perfect home base for exploring the city in luxury. See all villas in London.

Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity have made it a top choice for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation. To meet this growing demand, Villas of Distinction has expanded its offerings with stunning properties in Puntarenas and Guanacaste. Among the new additions is Villa del Cielo, an eco-luxury retreat with panoramic ocean views, a spectacular infinity pool, and a tranquil jacuzzi. Whether exploring the rainforest, unwinding on a private beach, or indulging in world-class dining, these villas provide the ultimate Costa Rican escape. See all villas in Costa Rica.

For travelers looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of Sweden, Villas of Distinction introduces its first-ever luxury villa rental in the country. The Lily Croft, a 750-square-meter architectural gem, offers a serene escape in the secluded bay of Mahraviken. Surrounded by pristine nature, this exclusive retreat provides panoramic sea views and direct access to Sweden’s diverse wildlife. Whether guests are seeking adventure or relaxation, this villa delivers an unparalleled Scandinavian luxury experience.

As Japan’s luxury travel market continues to thrive, Villas of Distinction proudly adds Yukihyo, to its portfolio. This architectural masterpiece, nestled in a peaceful forest of birch and pine, offers an immersive experience for travelers who appreciate refined design and natural beauty. Named after the Japanese snow leopard, Yukihyo is a secluded sanctuary where elegance and tranquility coexist, making it a top choice for those seeking an exclusive retreat in Japan.

With these new additions, Villas of Distinction remains committed to providing travelers with the finest selection of luxury villas worldwide, ensuring that every stay is as exceptional and memorable as the destination itself.

For more information about luxury villas in one of these sought-after destinations, contact your travel advisor or visit VillasofDistinction.com or call 1-800-289-0900.

About Villas of Distinction®
Villas of Distinction®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service villa experience creator with an exclusive portfolio of vetted and inspected villas in more than 60 destinations worldwide including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Central America, and beyond. Many villas feature excellent staff and state-of-the-art amenities – like private pools, home theaters, in-villa game rooms, and fitness centers. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1988, the Villas of Distinction team has made vacation planning effortless by helping travelers find their perfect vacation home and curating one-of-a-kind getaways at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction as the Gold winner for “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.VillasofDistinction.com.

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Dream Vacations Transforms Travel Booking Experience with New Website

Dream Vacations Transforms Travel Booking Experience with New Website

Win a dream getaway! Website visitors are invited to enter to win a $10,000 vacation giveaway 

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (March 20, 2025) – Dream Vacations recently launched a newly designed website, revolutionizing how travelers interact with their trusted travel advisors online. The upgrades were designed to transform travel planning and enhance each client’s experience with a suite of pioneering features. The website enhancements make it easier than ever for consumers to explore dream destinations, access exclusive travel deals, and connect with expert travel advisors for personalized vacation planning services.

“Vacations should be stress free and browsing for vacation ideas should be too,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations. “When you connect with a Dream Vacations travel advisor, you’re not just booking a trip, you’re about to embark on a vacation. With these newly designed websites, travelers can quickly discover their perfect vacation while enjoying a tailored experience that connects them with expert guidance and exclusive offers.”

Enhanced Travel Booking Experience:

  • Vacation Inspiration: A more intuitive menu helps customers effortlessly browse vacation options and promotions. Customers will be inspired to plan their next dream vacation by researching options on the newly revamped homepages as well as booking on the site or working directly with an expert travel advisor.
  • Personalized Advisor Experience: Customers can search for their perfect match – finding and engaging directly with a travel advisor, ensuring a customized trip-planning experience.
  • Integrated Special Offers: Exclusive travel deals and promotions are now more front and center, making it easier for customers to access the best savings.
  • Mobile Optimization: A fully responsive design ensures a seamless browsing experience on any device.

$10,000 Vacation Giveaway – Enter Now!

Dream Vacations’ Sweepstakes: The $10,000 Vacation Giveaway is already in full swing and runs through April 13, 2025. This is an incredible opportunity for consumers to turn their travel dreams into reality.

How to Enter:

The grand prize winner will be randomly selected on or around April 14, 2025, and announced on the company’s corporate Facebook pages. Each unique email entered qualifies as a subscriber for future exclusive travel deals and promotions.

Those passionate about travel with an entrepreneurial spirit who would like to be part of a travel agency network that cares more about its agents and travelers, should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com to learn about franchising with Dream Vacations. 

About Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations is a home-based travel agency franchise that gives its agents everything they need to plan smooth and memorable vacations for their clients—all while delivering great value. As part of World Travel Holdings and a proud member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations has earned top honors, including franchise partner of the year from major cruise lines. The franchise is also nationally recognized for its strong commitment to supporting military veterans. For more details, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. You can also connect with Dream Vacations on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Travel Advisor Wins National Business Award in Celebration of Women’s History Month

Travel Advisor Wins National Business Award in Celebration of Women’s History Month

Dream Vacations/CruiseOne honors female franchise owners with OPAL Award for leadership and community service 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (March 11, 2025) – In honor of Women’s History Month, Dream Vacations/CruiseOne is proud to recognize an outstanding female travel advisor with the OPAL Award for Women. This year’s recipient is Tina Tobin, owner of a Dream Vacations franchise based in Bel Air, Maryland.

The OPAL Award, which stands for Outstanding Performance And Leadership, is given to a female franchise owner who demonstrates exceptional business acumen, leadership, and dedication to community service. Honorees are deeply engaged in their communities and play an active role in the Dream Vacations/CruiseOne network.

“Tina’s dedication goes far beyond her business—she’s a mentor, an advocate, and a guiding light for families navigating autism support,” said Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer for Dream Vacations/CruiseOne. “Her passion for helping others, whether in travel or in her community, truly embodies the spirit of the OPAL Award. We’re honored to celebrate her leadership and the meaningful impact she makes every day.”

Tobin’s dedication extends beyond her business—she actively gives back to her local community, supporting various charitable organizations and fostering connections within the travel industry. Tobin is active in her local Chamber of Commerce and supports organizations like Extreme Family Outreach, which helps underprivileged children, as well as the Arc of Hartford County, where she mentors children with autism. Her enthusiasm and commitment to service have made a meaningful impact on both her clients and colleagues.

“I’m humbled and honored to be selected as the 2025 prestigious OPAL award recipient.  Being chosen is a true testament to the support and guidance I’ve received throughout my journey.  I’m so grateful to be a part of this industry and extremely proud to be a member of Dream Vacations,” said Tobin. “Travel is a gift and has the power to open minds and change lives. The memories we make with the ones we love are something that can never be taken away. To play a role in something so lifechanging is profound.”

Dream Vacations/CruiseOne remains committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, empowering all franchise owners, agents, and employees to reach their full potential. Through its dedication to mentorship, leadership, and community involvement, Dream Vacations/CruiseOne continues to support the success of travel entrepreneurs across the country.

About Dream Vacations and CruiseOne®
Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® are home-based travel agency franchises that give their agents the flexibility to run their businesses their way. CruiseOne, established in 1992, and Dream Vacations, introduced in 2016, provide agents with powerful tools and resources to plan seamless, personalized travel experiences. As part of World Travel Holdings, they have been named franchise partner of the year by major cruise lines and are recognized for their dedication to supporting military veterans. Find out more at www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Villas Of Distinction® Honored with A Regional Virtuoso® Award in Canada for Top Producing Hotels & Resorts Partner in Recognition of Their Exceptional Contribution

Villas Of Distinction® Honored with A Regional Virtuoso® Award in Canada for Top Producing Hotels & Resorts Partner in Recognition of Their Exceptional Contribution

Wakefield, Mass. (March 11, 2025)Virtuoso®, the leading global network specializing in luxury and experiential travel, presented its second annual regional Virtuoso Awards at its Canada Forum, which took place March 4-6, 2025, at Fairmont le Château Frontenac in Québec City. Villas of Distinction® received the award for Top Producing Hotels & Resorts Partner in Canada and was also a finalist in this same category in the U.S.

Villas of Distinction was among the network’s most esteemed Canadian travel agency members and global preferred partners honored with a regional award. These recognitions were given to those that set the standard in their given category based on sales performance or engagement within the network. The Top Producer in Hotels & Resorts award honors a Virtuoso member and partner with the highest overall network sales in the respective category.

“We are incredibly honored to be recognized as Virtuoso’s Top Producing Hotels & Resorts Partner in Canada,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product and agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “This award is a testament to the strong partnerships we’ve built with our valued travel advisors, whose expertise and dedication continue to drive success. At Villas of Distinction, we remain committed to providing advisors with unparalleled support, exclusive villa offerings and exceptional service to help them create unforgettable experiences for their clients.” 

Awards were announced at an elegant gala on the evening of March 5, 2025. The annual Forum brought together more than 120 attendees, including owners and managers from Virtuoso’s travel agency members in Canada and preferred partners from around the world.

Virtuoso wishes to congratulate Villas of Distinction and thank them for their invaluable contribution to the success of the Virtuoso network.

Additional awards will be announced at each Forum around the world: Greater China/North and Southeast Asia Forum in Shanghai (March 11-12), Continental Europe Forum in Lucerne (March 19-21), UK, Ireland, Middle East & Africa Forum in Malta (March 25-27) and Latin America & the Caribbean Forum in Buenos Aires (March 31-April 3). Winners for the U.S. and Australia & New Zealand were honored at their respective Forums held earlier this year. Virtuoso’s coveted Global Awards will continue to recognise top members and partners around the world and are announced at the annual Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, taking place this year August 9-15.

For more details on Virtuoso’s network of the world’s best travel agencies, advisors and preferred partners, please visit www.Virtuoso.com.

For travelers ready to book a luxury villa, contact your Travel Advisor or contact Villas of Distinction – call 1-800-289-0900. 

About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 1,200 travel agency locations with more than 20,000 travel advisors in 58 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with 2,300 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. Normalized annual sales of (U.S.) $35 billion make Virtuoso a powerhouse in the luxury travel industry. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.  

About Villas of Distinction®
Villas of Distinction®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service villa experience creator with a portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 52 destinations worldwide including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Central America, and beyond. Many villas feature excellent staff and state-of-the-art amenities – like private pools, home theaters, in-villa game rooms, and fitness centers. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1989, the Villas of Distinction team has made vacation planning effortless by pairing travelers with their perfect vacation home and curating one-of-a-kind getaways at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction the Gold winner for “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.villasofdistinction.com

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Villas of Distinction® Reveals the Top Spring Break 2025 Destinations for Ultimate Getaways

Villas of Distinction® Reveals the Top Spring Break 2025 Destinations for Ultimate Getaways

From tropical escapes to ultra-luxurious retreats, these trending destinations are topping travelers’ lists

Wakefield, Mass. (February 27, 2025) – As travelers start planning their much-needed spring break getaways, Villas of Distinction®, the world’s premier luxury villa rental company, has unveiled the top destinations for Spring Break 2025. Based on booking trends, families and multi-generational travelers are driving demand for villa vacations. With private chefs, butlers, and resort-style amenities, Villas of Distinction properties cater to travelers looking for more space, privacy, and a personalized vacation experience in some of the most breathtaking locations worldwide.

Spring Break 2025’s Top 5 Destinations:

  • Hawaii leads the list, driven by its easy accessibility from the West Coast and the benefit offered by vacation rentals, which provide more space and amenities than traditional hotels.
  • Jamaica follows closely, renowned for its fully staffed villas featuring private chefs, butlers, and infinity pools, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking more value for their vacation dollar.
  • Martin remains a favorite for its versatility in accommodating various group sizes.
  • Barbados is emerging as a standout with its elegant villas, private pools, and access to world-class golf courses.
  • Turks & Caicos continues to draw luxury travelers with ultra-exclusive beachfront villas that offer both private space and resort-style amenities.

Compared to 2024, new destinations like Barbados and Costa Rica have emerged as popular spring break hotspots, while Mexico continues to experience consistent growth year-over-year.

“Spring break is about creating unforgettable moments, and our villa offerings in these destinations provide the perfect setting for families and groups looking to elevate their vacation experience,” said Jamie Cash, chief operating officer for Villas of Distinction. “From fully staffed estates in Jamaica to oceanfront escapes in Mexico, our curated collection of properties ensures travelers can relax in privacy while enjoying world-class service.”

For travelers ready to book their dream spring break retreat, visit www.villasofdistinction.com or call 1-800-289-0900.

About Villas of Distinction®
Villas of Distinction®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service villa experience creator with a portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 52 destinations worldwide including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Central America, and beyond. Many villas feature excellent staff and state-of-the-art amenities – like private pools, home theaters, in-villa game rooms, and fitness centers. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1989, the Villas of Distinction team has made vacation planning effortless by helping travelers find their perfect vacation home and curating one-of-a-kind getaways at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction as the Gold winner for “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.villasofdistinction.com

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Cruises.com Launches an Industry-First Points-Based Rewards Program, Giving Cruisers More Ways to Earn and Redeem

Cruises.com Launches an Industry-First Points-Based Rewards Program, Giving Cruisers More Ways to Earn and Redeem

Customers can earn points on every cruise and redeem for exclusive rewards 

Wakefield, Mass. (February 13, 2025) – Cruises.com is redefining the cruise booking experience with the launch of Cruises.com Rewards, the first-of-its-kind, points-based rewards program in the cruise industry. This game-changing program gives customers the freedom to earn and redeem points on any cruise booked through Cruises.com, unlocking more value and flexibility than ever before.

With Cruises.com Rewards, travelers can not only earn points through cruise bookings but also by completing easy activities like profile updates and surveys. Points can be redeemed for Onboard Credit (OBC), cash back, merchandise and more, making every cruise booking more rewarding.

“For the first time, cruisers can earn rewards points for booking any cruise line through Cruises.com, access tailored promotions based on their preferences, and seamlessly organize their past and upcoming trips—all in one place,” said Rosemarie Reed, senior vice president of marketing for Cruises.com. “We’re giving our customers more value, more choices, and more rewards than ever before.” 

The Value Cruises.com Rewards Members Will Receive:

  • Earn Points on Every Cruise. Customers earn points on every cruise line booked through Cruises.com, maximizing their rewards.
  • Keep Track of Loyalty Numbers. Customers can conveniently store all their cruise line loyalty numbers in one place.
  • Combine Cruise Line & Credit Card Loyalty Benefits. Customers will continue to earn their cruise line and/or credit card loyalty perks while also earning Cruises.com Rewards points.
  • Exclusive Promotions & Offers. Rewards members receive personalized deals, including military discounts, special promotions, and customized offers based on their preferences.
  • Flexible Redemption Options. Points can be redeemed for onboard spending, cash back, travel perks, brand merchandise, and more, with new redemption options added regularly. Customers can redeem the points they are earning on the current cruise they are booking.

For more information or to sign up for Cruises.com Rewards, visit Cruises.com. Or for questions, call 1-800-288-6006 to speak with an expert Travel Advisor.

About Cruises.com
Cruises.com is the smart way to book. Our team of Travel Experts makes it easy to find and book the perfect cruise, offering a seamless, stress-free experience. Customers enjoy all cruise line promotions plus unlock exclusive perks through Cruises.com Rewards. For more information, visit Cruises.com, like us on Facebook at Cruises.com, or follow us on Instagram @cruisescom.

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Dream Vacations/CruiseOne Named #1 Franchise in The Travel Category In Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® Ranking

Dream Vacations/CruiseOne Named #1 Franchise in The Travel Category In Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® Ranking

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (January 15, 2025) – Dream Vacations/CruiseOne is ranked #1 franchise in the travel category and #41 overall in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking. For 46 years, achieving placement on the annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500 has been a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry and is recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees. Dream Vacations/CruiseOne is recognized for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“Earning a spot in the Franchise 500 is always an honor and is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations/CruiseOne. “It’s a reflection of the passion and commitment of our franchise owners and headquarters team, who work tirelessly to create amazing travel experiences while building thriving businesses. This recognition underscores what we’ve always known—that Dream Vacations/CruiseOne is not just a franchise; it’s a gateway to turning dreams into reality for both travelers and entrepreneurs.”

In Entrepreneur’s continuing effort to best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the company’s 46-year-old ranking formula continues to evolve as well. The editorial team researches and assesses several factors, including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500 in ranking order.

Over its 46 years in existence, the Franchise 500 has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. The homebased travel agency franchise’s position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

“The Franchise 500 is more than a list. It’s really a collection of life-changing opportunities, featuring strong and resilient brands that future franchisees will be proud to be a part of,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine. “This year’s honorees represent the bold ideas, operational excellence, and adaptability that make franchising a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success.”

To view Dream Vacations/CruiseOne in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2025 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands January 14th. Those passionate about travel with an entrepreneurial spirit who would like to be part of a travel agency network that cares more about its agents and travelers, should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com to learn about franchising with Dream Vacations/CruiseOne.

About Dream Vacations and CruiseOne®
Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® are home-based travel agency franchises that give their agents the flexibility to run their businesses their way. CruiseOne, established in 1992, and Dream Vacations, introduced in 2016, provide agents with powerful tools and resources to plan seamless, personalized travel experiences. As part of World Travel Holdings, they have been named franchise partner of the year by major cruise lines and are recognized for their dedication to supporting military veterans. Find out more at www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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Dream Vacations/CruiseOne Once Again Ups Its Training Game for 2025 with AI Upgrades and Award-Winning Events

Dream Vacations/CruiseOne Once Again Ups Its Training Game for 2025 with AI Upgrades and Award-Winning Events

Travel advisors gain smarter tools, innovative programs, and immersive learning opportunities designed for success

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (January 14, 2025)Dream Vacations and CruiseOne are changing how travel advisors learn, grow, and thrive. With AI-powered upgrades to its award-winning Learning Center and an exciting lineup of events in 2025, the network continues to offer training that drives real results.

“We’re always looking for ways to make learning more effective and accessible for our advisors,” said Charity Santiago, vice president of training and events. “The tools and events we’ve rolled out this year are built to help our network meet their goals and push their businesses forward.”

Smarter Learning, Real Results

The revamped Dream Vacations/CruiseOne Learning Center makes finding and completing training more straightforward. With a new, user-friendly design, advisors can now access intuitive learner dashboards, more intelligent search features, and an AI-powered learning assistant that directs them to the content they need—faster and more efficiently. Plus, the AI assistant summarizes key points, saving time and keeping everyone on track.

The focus on curating and balancing the prefect curriculum is making a real impact. In 2024, advisors completed more than 100,000 learning modules. The team’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, either. Dream Vacations/CruiseOne earned the 2024 Lenny Award for Best Customer Training from Litmos, joining the ranks of globally recognized brands.

Award-Winning Training Series

Dream Vacations’/CruiseOne’s dedication to training excellence earned the Business Intensive, Foundations, and Masterclass series a Silver Magellan Award and recognition for the MarTech Summit, which brought together fresh marketing and tech insights for the network.

This year, advisors can look forward to more powerful training, including:

  • Cruise Control Intensive: A deep dive into Cruise Control, the franchise’s proprietary booking engine, designed for agents who want to master the tool and stay on top of new updates.
  • Regionals: The Dream Vacations/CruiseOne Regional Trainings have evolved into mini-conferences full of valuable content and opportunities for advisors to connect, learn, and grow. This year Dream Vacations/CruiseOne is proud to host regionals in Orlando, Fla.; Dallas, Texas; San Francisco, Calif.; Chicago, Ill.; and Washington D.C. Dream Vacations/CruiseOne will also feature a Virtual Regional for its network.
  • Immersive Education Series: The Immersive Education Series gives travel advisors targeted instruction in dedicated subject matter. These tailored trainings provide meaningful experiences in destination or working with leading experts to deepen an advisor’s understanding of key concepts. Dream Vacations/CruiseOne offers the following immersive programs:
    • MarTech Summit
    • Group Summit
    • River Summit
    • Luxury Summit
    • Land Summit

Flexible Learning

With a wide range of learning opportunities and delivery methods, Dream Vacations/CruiseOne keeps agent engagement top of mind. More than 400 travel advisors participated in Zoom-based events alone, proving the effectiveness of these trainings. The virtual offerings provide a convenient and flexible learning option that can fit into advisor’s travel plans and busy schedules.

The 2025 Dream Vacations/CruiseOne National Conference will take place November 9 – 15, 2025. The training and events team is introducing a new conference format for 2025, combining a five-night cruise on the Star Princess with a one-day land event prior to the cruise.

Those passionate about travel with an entrepreneurial spirit who would like to be part of a travel agency network that cares more about its agents and travelers, should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com to learn about franchising with Dream Vacations.

About Dream Vacations and CruiseOne®
Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® are home-based travel agency franchises that give their agents the flexibility to run their businesses their way. CruiseOne, established in 1992, and Dream Vacations, introduced in 2016, provide agents with powerful tools and resources to plan seamless, personalized travel experiences. As part of World Travel Holdings, they have been named franchise partner of the year by major cruise lines and are recognized for their dedication to supporting military veterans. Find out more at www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

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