World Travel Holdings Ranked in Top 20 of Travel Weekly’s 2026 Power List

World Travel Holdings Ranked in Top 20 of Travel Weekly’s 2026 Power List

Annual ranking recognizes the largest, most successful travel retailers in the industry

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (July 7, 2026) – World Travel Holdings, one of the nation’s largest cruise agencies and an award-winning leisure travel company, has once again earned a place among the travel industry’s most influential businesses, ranking No.17 on Travel Weekly’s 2026 Power List.

Published annually, Travel Weekly’s Power List recognizes the largest travel agencies in North America based on total annual travel sales and highlights companies shaping the industry through innovation, customer service excellence and sustained growth.

“Earning a place on Travel Weekly’s Power List is a meaningful recognition and reflects the trust our customers place in us,” said Jeff Tolkin, Co-CEO of World Travel Holdings. “It also speaks to the dedication of our employees, Dream Vacations and CruiseOne franchise owners and their associates, as well as our partner brands and supplier partners. We are grateful for their continued contributions and partnership, which enable us to deliver exceptional vacation experiences every day.”

World Travel Holdings reported $2.36 billion in annual sales in 2025 and maintains a diverse portfolio of nearly 40 travel brands, including Cruises.com, Dream Vacations, Villas of Distinction, and Resort for a Day, along with extensive private-label partnerships across major airlines, leading hotel brands, and prominent corporations.

Over the past year, World Travel Holdings continued to expand its industry footprint through strategic investments and innovations across its portfolio.

Highlights from 2025 include:

  • Secured a strategic partnership with Citation Capital.
  • Dream Vacations/CruiseOne introduced AI-powered upgrades to its Learning Center, Business Center, marketing campaign creator and itinerary builder.
  • The Dream Vacations/CruiseOne training program became the first premier agency to earn CLIA elective credits.
  • com, CruisesOnly and Cheap Cruises launched an industry-first points-based Rewards program.
  • Villas of Distinction rolled out advisor branded marketing tools.
  • Resort for a Day expanded its resort day pass offerings to more than 35 ports of call.

As demand for leisure travel remains strong, World Travel Holdings continues to focus on delivering personalized vacation experiences while investing in the people, technology and partnerships that drive long-term growth.

For the complete 2026 Travel Agency Power List, visit https://www.travelweekly.com/Power-List-2026.

About World Travel Holdings
World Travel Holdings is one of the nation’s largest cruise agencies and an award-winning leisure travel company with a portfolio of nearly 40 travel brands. Through its owned brands and private-label partnerships with leading travel providers—including nearly every major U.S. airline, top hotel brands and prominent corporations—the company sells cruises, villas, resort vacations, resort day passes and luxury travel services. World Travel Holdings also operates a top-rated travel agency franchise and has a global presence, including a United Kingdom division operating multiple cruise brands. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more information, visit WorldTravelHoldings.com.

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Military Veterans Can Win Free Travel Agency Franchise as Dream Vacations Marks 15 Years of Operation Vetrepreneur Contest During America’s 250th Anniversary

Military Veterans Can Win Free Travel Agency Franchise as Dream Vacations Marks 15 Years of Operation Vetrepreneur Contest During America’s 250th Anniversary

Dream Vacations travel agency franchise launches 15th annual “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (July 1, 2026) — Dream Vacations, a leading homebased travel agency franchise, is now accepting entries for its “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest, marking 15 years of helping veterans transition to business ownership. The contest will award three military veterans a free travel agency franchise.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the milestone reflects on the values of independence, service and opportunity that define the nation. For many veterans, those same values carry into civilian life through entrepreneurship. Celebrating 250 years of American independence alongside 15 years of Operation Vetrepreneur, Dream Vacations continues its commitment to helping veterans build their own businesses and achieve the American Dream of ownership.

The contest runs from July 4th through August 31st. Since launching in 2012, Operation Vetrepreneur has awarded 65 franchises to veterans across the country. In addition to receiving a free franchise, winners will also be awarded a ticket to the franchisor’s Land Summit 2027, an exclusive training and networking event designed to help entrepreneurs catapult their businesses.

What is Operation Vetrepreneur?
Operation Vetrepreneur is an annual contest from Dream Vacations that awards military veterans a free travel agency franchise, including training, marketing tools and ongoing support to help them launch and grow a home-based business.

The Dream Vacations franchise contest is open to former members of any of the six branches of the U.S. military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard) who are retired, off active duty or honorably discharged prior to the contest start date and are residents of the U.S.

To participate, candidates must complete an online entry form and schedule an introductory phone call with a Franchise Development Manager. Candidates will also submit a profile, business plan and video. Finalists will be invited to participate in follow-up phone interviews before winners are selected. Full contest details can be found at Operation Vetrepreneur website.

“I encourage any veteran who has thought about starting their own business to apply,” said Shane Gray, a past Operation Vetrepreneur winner and Dream Vacations franchise owner. “Winning gave me the opportunity to build a flexible business while doing something I love. You’re in business for yourself, but not by yourself. The training, tools and support system really set you up to succeed, and it truly changed my life.”

Past winners of the contest have gone on to build successful businesses across the country, creating a growing network of veteran entrepreneurs within the Dream Vacations system.

Military veterans and Gold Star families interested in starting a work-from-home business can also purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency franchise at a 30 percent discount, receive an enlistment package valued at no less than $5,000 and have administrative fees waived, valued at $1,800.

In addition to access to the Command Center, an internal portal with veteran-specific training and marketing assets, veterans and Gold Star families receive waived training fees for a business partner and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and fellow veterans as associates at a discount. Additional benefits include relocation flexibility, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups.

“This summer is especially meaningful as Americans take advantage of the 250th anniversary to explore historic destinations across the country,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations. “It’s also an opportunity to recognize the service and sacrifice of our military community. Their dedication allows us to live the American Dream, and one of its most meaningful expressions is owning your own business. This contest provides a clear pathway for veterans to pursue entrepreneurship and build something of their own.”

The only travel franchise to receive a five-star ranking from the International Franchise Association’s VetFran initiative, Dream Vacations proudly supports military veterans and is consistently recognized by leading industry publications as a top veteran-friendly franchise. The company has ranked first or second out of 150 franchises nationwide in Entrepreneur magazine’s top franchise for veterans since 2017. Additional top rankings include Military Times and Forbes. Dream Vacations has also been recognized by G.I. Jobs, U.S. Veterans Magazine and USA Today, as well as honored by MSC Cruises with its Seaside Salute Award. The Operation Vetrepreneur program has earned gold honors from the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards and recognition from the IFA Franchising Gives Back Awards.

Military veterans with a passion for travel and entrepreneurship who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations franchise and applying for the Operation Vetrepreneur contest can visit Operation Vetrepreneur website or call 888-249-8235.

About Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations is a home-based travel agency franchise that gives its advisors 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.

Open only legal residents of 50 US/DC, 18 years of age and older, and are former members in good standing of any of the six (6) branches of the U.S. military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard) who are retired, off active duty and/or were honorably discharged prior to 7/1/26. Void in PR, USVI, U.S. Military installations in foreign countries, all other U.S. territories & possessions, and where prohibited by law. Contest entry period starts at 12:01 a.m. on 7/1/26 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on 8/31/26. Contest includes 2 rounds of phone interviews, the submission of a candidate profile & business plan and a video. Subject to Official Rules, including how to enter, judging criteria, prize details, and restrictions, see https://www.operationvetrepreneur.com/contest-rules/. Sponsor: CruiseOne, Inc., 1201 W. Cypress Creek Rd. Ste. 100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.

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Dream Vacations Introduces New AI-Powered Discovery to Boost Advisor Visibility and Business Growth

Dream Vacations Introduces New AI-Powered Discovery to Boost Advisor Visibility and Business Growth

Award-winning Marketing and Technology Summit Returns to Educate Hundreds of Advisors Virtually

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (June 16, 2026)Dream Vacations unveiled a new wave of artificial intelligence (AI) functionality and enhancements during its 4th annual 2026 MarTech Summit, designed to help travel advisors increase visibility, save time and grow their businesses more efficiently.

The announcements, led by Vice President of Consumer and Recruitment Marketing Alicia Linden and Vice President of IT Sandi Szalay, showcased both new AI capabilities and enhancements to existing platforms, reinforcing the company’s ongoing commitment to equipping its network with innovative, easy-to-use technology.

Among the latest innovations is the rollout of local business schema integration across advisor websites and agent directory listings, with the goal of helping advisors stand out in AI-powered search results.

By leveraging structured data, this enhancement helps search engines and AI platforms better understand and surface advisors to consumers actively searching for travel expertise.

“This is a simple but powerful way to increase visibility,” said Linden. “When your website data is clearly structured for AI, you’re more likely to appear in relevant AI search results and convert more leads into clients.”

The enhancement extends beyond homepages to agent directory profiles, giving advisors multiple opportunities to be discovered. Future updates are expected to further expand AI-driven optimization capabilities.

In addition to new visibility features, Dream Vacations and CruiseOne highlighted enhancements across a wide range of existing tools that now incorporate AI functionality to streamline everyday workflows:

  • Marketing Campaigns: Built-in AI content generation enables advisors to quickly create marketing campaigns tailored to their brand voice, including emails, social media posts, text messages and landing pages.
  • AI-Powered Social Media Assistant: Helps generate content, respond to reviews and deliver insights across analytics, community engagement and reputation management.
  • Travel Planner: The AI-assisted “Smart Import” feature allows advisors to convert supplier confirmations into itineraries, significantly reducing manual data entry.
  • Business Center: Enhanced AI search makes it easier to find resources using natural language, improving speed and accuracy when locating information.
  • Learning Center: AI-driven recommendations create personalized training paths based on advisors’ goals, helping them build expertise more efficiently.

“These tools are already available to our network, but many advisors may not realize just how powerful they have become,” said Szalay. “AI isn’t replacing what advisors do best. It simplifies the work behind the scenes so they can focus on delivering exceptional service.”

The collective enhancements reflect a broader strategy to embed AI across the advisor experience, spanning marketing, client management, training and operations. This approach makes it easier for franchise owners to manage their business and scale their success.

“Our goal is to meet advisors where they are and give them tools that are practical and impactful,” said Szalay. “Whether it’s getting discovered online or saving hours of administrative work, these advancements are designed to help them grow.”

Hundreds of advisors who attended the event virtually also heard from World Travel Holdings Senior Vice President of Technology Josh Hawkins. Additional keynote speakers included Vice President of eCommerce Marissa Stefanik.

Maria Northcott, a Dream Vacations franchise owner based in Maine participated in an agent panel. Maria shared with the attendees how she leverages AI in her day to day.

“AI can feel like a big concept, but what I’ve learned is how practical and approachable it really is,” said Northcott. “Strategies like these help me save time, stay consistent with marketing and focus more on my clients. The MarTech Summit really brings it all together and shows how quickly you can start putting these ideas into action.”

Travel enthusiasts with an entrepreneurial spirit are interested in joining a travel agency network focused on supporting its advisors and customers are encouraged to visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com.

About Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations is a home-based travel agency franchise that gives its advisors 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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Villas of Distinction® Sees the Return of the Family Estate Vacation

Villas of Distinction® Sees the Return of the Family Estate Vacation

Multi-gen families traveling together are finding space, privacy, and unforgettable shared experiences through booking luxury villas

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (June 11, 2026)Villas of Distinction®, the world’s premier luxury villa rental company, is seeing continued demand for multi-generational travel as families prioritize meaningful time together in private villas designed for connection, comfort, and shared experiences.

From milestone birthdays and anniversaries to long-awaited family reunions, today’s travelers are increasingly choosing private villas over traditional hotel stays, allowing multiple generations to vacation under one roof without sacrificing personal space, privacy, or luxury amenities. Villas of Distinction offers a curated portfolio of Multi-Generational Villas around the world, ideal for large family gatherings, complete with personalized concierge services and custom experiences tailored to every age group.

“Families are looking for more than a vacation. They want meaningful time together and memories that last for generations,” said Jamie Cash, chief operating officer of Villas of Distinction. “Private villas create the perfect setting where extended family can reconnect while still having the space and flexibility everyone needs to truly relax.”

Among the company’s most sought-after villas for multi-generational travel are:

  • Leonardo in Tuscany, Italy — A six-bedroom villa located halfway between Montespertoli and San Casciano Val di Pesa. Villa Leonardo is a refined and elegant estate, ideal for an extended family looking for spacious accommodation, comfort, privacy and stunning views.
  • Secret Beach House in Kauai, Hawaii — An eight-bedroom beach retreat with 500 feet of ocean frontage, featuring wheelchair accessibility, a pool, and family-friendly amenities.
  • Trails Edge Lodge in Steamboat Springs, Colorado — A newly remodeled seven-bedroom lodge offering rare ski-in/ski-out access for families and groups seeking a huge, comfortable and luxurious home.
  • Bluff House And Cottage in Holetown, Barbados — A stunning eight-bedroom beachfront villa. This property’s timeless asset is over an acre of mature tropical gardens, which has been enhanced by a substantially redesigned pool and garden area.

As travelers continue to seek intentional experiences and quality time together, Villas of Distinction expects multi-generational travel to remain one of the strongest luxury travel trends in 2026 and beyond.

Travelers interested in booking a luxury villa in one of these sought-after destinations should visit VillasofDistinction.com or call 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 a “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” winner in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. VillasofDistinction.com

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Sun Sentinel Names World Travel Holdings a Winner of the South Florida Top Workplaces for 12 Consecutive Years

Sun Sentinel Names World Travel Holdings a Winner of the South Florida Top Workplaces for 12 Consecutive Years

 Nation’s Largest Cruise Agency and Award-Winning Leisure Travel Company Secures Back-to-Back Finishes in the Top 10 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (May 28, 2026)World Travel Holdings, the parent company of Dream Vacations, has been awarded a 2026 Top Workplaces honor by Sun Sentinel for a record-setting 12th year in a row (every year since the award’s inception). World Travel Holdings placed #7 out of the 55 companies ranked in the medium-sized employers’ category.

“This recognition means so much to us because we love that it is judged from what employees have to say,” said Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer of Dream Vacations. “We’re dedicated to our family atmosphere and ongoing commitment to creating an environment where people feel valued and inspired. Being the only employer listed as a Top Workplace for all 12 years reinforces that when you invest in your people, the results speak for themselves.”

The Sun Sentinel Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, to name a few.

The company’s 12th consecutive placement in the awards program reflects its commitment to fostering a positive work environment. To see the full list of the 170 winners, visit the Sun Sentinel Top Workplaces website.

To learn more about World Travel Holdings and its career opportunities, visit the company’s Careers page.

Photo Cutline: (From Left to Right) Michael Cadigan, Public Relations & Corporate Communications Manager, Dream Vacations; Natalie Loza, Vice President of Recruitment, Dream Vacations; Joelle Delva, Vice President of Operations, Dream Vacations; Sandi Szalay, Vice President of Information Technology, Dream Vacations 

About World Travel Holdings
World Travel Holdings is the nation’s largest cruise agency and an award-winning leisure travel company with a portfolio of nearly 40 travel brands. Through its owned brands and private-label partnerships with leading travel providers—including nearly every major U.S. airline, top hotel brands and prominent corporations—the company sells cruises, villas, resort vacations, resort day passes and luxury travel services. World Travel Holdings also operates a top-rated travel agency franchise and has a global presence, including a United Kingdom division operating multiple cruise brands. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more information, visit WorldTravelHoldings.com. 

About Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations is a home-based travel agency franchise that gives its advisors 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.

About Energage
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 16 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

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Dream Vacations Supports Career Transitions for Former Airline and Education Professionals

Dream Vacations Supports Career Transitions for Former Airline and Education Professionals

Webinar Highlights “Employee to Entrepreneur” Path in the Growing Travel Industry 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (May 20, 2026) – As the travel industry and workforce landscapes continue to evolve, many experienced airline employees and educators are finding themselves at an unexpected crossroads. For those looking to take the next step, from employee to entrepreneur, Dream Vacations is offering support, resources, and education on how to build a business while staying connected to travel. And the franchisor is offering a limited-time significant discount to help those with an entrepreneurial spirit ignite their journey.

Dream Vacations will host an informational webinar on Thursday, May 28th, designed specifically for airline employees and education professionals interested in exploring how their existing skills, customer service background, organization, and relationship building can translate into business ownership. Attendees will hear directly from successful Dream Vacations franchise owners who have previously worked as airline professionals and educators and have made the transition into entrepreneurship. Interested participants can register to learn more and reserve a spot.

The session will provide an inside look at what it means to operate a homebased travel franchise, including the flexibility to start part time and grow over time, whether participants are exploring a full career change or looking to build something alongside their current role. Dream Vacations is also offering a limited-time significantly discounted franchise opportunity to help make getting started more accessible for those impacted.

“The future growth of the travel industry is exciting, and we know many of these individuals already have the skills and experience to soar in a career selling travel,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations. “It’s about helping them see how those strengths can translate into something they can build and grow over time, whether that begins as a side business or evolves into something more long-term.”

Dream Vacations franchise owner Denise Valente understands that transition firsthand. After leaving the airline industry, she found a way to remain rooted in travel while gaining great flexibility and ownership over her career.

“In aviation, you’re part of people’s journeys every single day, helping them get where they’re going and, sometimes, bringing them home,” said Valente. “When I left the airline industry, I worried that I’d be leaving that sense of connection behind. Becoming a Dream Vacations franchise owner showed me that my travel experience still mattered. I was able to use what I’d learned to build something for myself while continuing to help others create meaningful experiences. For anyone facing uncertainty right now, I’d encourage them not to walk away from travel altogether! There are more paths forward than you might realize.”

Airline professionals and educators can register for the May 28th webinar here. For all others who are 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 advisors 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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In Celebration of Military Appreciation Month, Resort for a Day Launches 10% Military Discount on Day Passes

In Celebration of Military Appreciation Month, Resort for a Day Launches 10% Military Discount on Day Passes

New year-round offer honors active-duty service members and veterans with exclusive savings on resort experiences worldwide

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 30, 2026) – In recognition of Military Appreciation Month,  Resort for a Day, the largest provider of resort day passes for cruise travelers, is launching a 10% military discount program May 1, 2026. Verified active-duty service members and veterans will receive 10% off all Resort for a Day passes.

The initiative underscores the company’s commitment to expanding access to resort experiences while honoring those who have served. Through Resort for a Day, military members can access top-rated resorts in cruise destinations worldwide, with amenities including pools, beaches, dining and spa services at a discounted rate.

“We are incredibly grateful for the sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families,” said Lynn Walters, director of Resort for a Day. “By introducing this offer during Military Appreciation Month, we’re proud to thank those who serve—and help them take a well-earned break to unwind and recharge.”

The discount will be available on all bookings starting May 1st. Eligible customers can verify their military status during the booking process to receive the offer.

Resort for a Day continues to expand its portfolio of partner resorts, offering curated shore-day experiences for cruise passengers in destinations across the Caribbean, Mexico, the Mediterranean and beyond.

For more information or to book a resort day pass, visit resortforaday.com.

About Resort for a Day
Resort for a Day is the largest provider of resort day passes for cruise travelers, offering access to top-rated resorts in more than 30 cruise destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexican Riviera, Hawaii and the Mediterranean. Part of World Travel Holdings, the company allows travelers to easily book day access to resort amenities such as pools, beaches, dining and spa facilities, without the need for an overnight stay, making it a convenient way to enhance any cruise itinerary. resortforaday.com.

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Dream Vacations Marks 10 Years of Expanding Travel Opportunities

Dream Vacations Marks 10 Years of Expanding Travel Opportunities

Celebrating a decade of growth within the franchisor’s three-decade legacy

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (April 9, 2026)Dream Vacations is celebrating 10 years of growth and evolution as part of the CruiseOne® and Dream Vacations travel franchise network, marking a decade of building on its strong cruise foundation while expanding advisors’ ability to serve travelers across a broader range of vacation experiences.

Introduced on April 6, 2016, Dream Vacations was created to build on CruiseOne’s longstanding leadership in cruise sales while offering travel advisors a brand that appeals to a wide range of traveler preferences. Since its launch, the brand has helped franchise owners diversify their businesses while remaining part of a trusted network established more than three decades ago along with the strength and stability of its parent company, World Travel Holdings.

“Ten years ago, I said that in order to remain a leader in the travel franchise industry, it is important that we grow and adapt to meet the needs of our customers – our franchisees and their clients,” said Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer for Dream Vacations. “To see the enthusiasm and energy the brand has created has been nothing short of amazing. From seeing Dream Vacations proudly shine in Times Square to being displayed just as proudly on a laptop at a kitchen table or a training, it’s incredibly inspiring to see what our franchisees and associates have built through countless hours of hard work and passion.”

Since Dream Vacations debuted in 2016, the network has grown to more than 2,500 franchise locations nationwide, reflecting both sustained demand for homebased travel businesses and the strength of the support, training, and resources provided across the CruiseOne and Dream Vacations system.

The growth has been paired with consistent industry recognition. Dream Vacations has been ranked the No. 1 travel agency franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for five consecutive years, a distinction that reflects the brand’s strength in areas such as unit growth, financial stability, and franchise support. The brand is also nationally recognized for its commitment to supporting military veterans, earning a 5-star ranking from VetFran, making it the only travel franchise to receive the organizations highest designation.

As traveler demand has evolved to include a wider mix of cruise and land-based experiences, Dream Vacations has empowered franchise owners to better serve their clients while continuing to leverage cruise expertise, industry relationships and the infrastructure that has defined CruiseOne since its founding in 1992.

“Dream Vacations was never about starting something new from scratch,” said Melissa Cohn, a Dream Vacations franchise owner and Circle of Excellence member in Dix Hills, N.Y. “When I decided to join the Dream Vacations brand coming over from Cruises Inc., the deciding factor for me was my trust in World Travel Holdings and their ability as a franchisor to set up the network for success – both in the short-term and in the long run. Just as importantly, I knew it was the right decision for my clients, giving me the tools, support, and supplier relationships needed to better serve their evolving travel needs. In the years since joining Dream Vacations, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I’m excited to continue building this business and bringing my son, Asher more into the fold.”

Over the past decade, Dream Vacations franchise owners have helped travelers plan countless memorable trips across destinations worldwide, supported by ongoing investments in training, technology, and supplier partnerships that enable advisors to build sustainable, long-term businesses.

“As we look ahead, our focus remains on continuing to evolve and grow alongside our franchise owners and their clients,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations. “The first 10 years of Dream Vacations have shown what’s possible when experience, innovation and advisor support come together.”

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 advisors 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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Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® Conclude River Summit Highlighting Advisor Education and River Cruise Growth

Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® Conclude River Summit Highlighting Advisor Education and River Cruise Growth

2026 Dream Vacations and CruiseOne River Summit Marks First Educational Charter Conference on Viking

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (March 19, 2026) — As river cruising continues to gain momentum heading into 2026, Dream Vacations and CruiseOne® have concluded their 2026 River Summit, an immersive educational sailing held March 6–11, 2026, aboard the Viking Rolf on the Rhine River. The event marked Viking’s first educational charter conference, underscoring a shared commitment to advisor education and firsthand product experience.

The River Summit, part of the organizations’ Immersive Educational Series, brought travel advisors together at a time when demand for river cruising is rising among both consumers and travel advisors. As cruise lines extend their sailing seasons, starting earlier and ending later, river cruise bookings are beginning to outpace capacity growth. As a result, river cruising is evolving into more of a year‑round product.

Industry trends point to increasing confidence in the river cruise segment, particularly in Europe. 2026 departures are strong compared to year‑over‑year momentum, signaling that advisors and travelers alike are planning further out and prioritizing immersive, destination‑focused travel experiences.

Against this backdrop, the River Summit was designed to provide advisors a front‑row seat—in this case, a cabin—to the river cruise experience while reinforcing the importance of experiential learning in an evolving cruise landscape.

“Firsthand experience remains one of the most effective ways for advisors to build confidence in selling river cruising,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations and CruiseOne®. “The River Summit was created to meet that need, particularly as demand continues to evolve and advisors play an increasingly important role in guiding clients toward the right cruise experience.”

Sailing from Mainz to Amsterdam, the River Summit itinerary featured ports including Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Cologne, and Kinderdijk, along with scenic cruising through the Middle Rhine. Throughout the journey, advisors experienced Viking River Cruises’ product while participating in structured programming that blended professional development with destination immersion.

Onboard engagement included supplier presentations, office hours, and curated networking opportunities, all integrated into the daily cruise experience. The format allowed advisors to step into the guest journey while building practical product knowledge alongside peers and supplier partners.

“What stood out most about the River Summit was the energy and collaboration,” said Susan Essert, franchise owner of Susan’s Getaways Dream Vacations, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. “Learning alongside other advisors while experiencing the river cruise product was both inspiring and practical. It’s exactly the kind of hands-on education that helps advisors stay ahead of where the market is going.”

As river cruising attracts broader interest and operators expand capacity in response to forward demand, advisor education has become an important differentiator. The River Summit reflects Dream Vacations and CruiseOne®’s continued focus on equipping advisors with real‑world insight, supplier access, and destination knowledge that can be directly applied when serving today’s cruise clients.

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 advisors the flexibility to run their businesses their way. CruiseOne, established in 1992, and Dream Vacations, introduced in 2016, provide advisors 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 Launches Limited-Time Luxury Cruise Sale with Exclusive Offers and Rewards

Cruises.com Launches Limited-Time Luxury Cruise Sale with Exclusive Offers and Rewards

Offers include exclusive rates, onboard spending and prepaid gratuities on select luxury cruise lines 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (March 11, 2025) – Cruises.com, one of the nation’s leading cruise vacation retailers, announces the launch of its limited-time Luxury Cruise Sale running now through March 31, 2026. This sale offers travelers exclusive savings and added perks on select luxury ocean and river cruises. The month-long promotion features special offers from several leading luxury cruise lines, along with additional value through the Cruises.com Rewards program.

“Whether you are already a seasoned luxury cruiser or have been dreaming of sailing on a luxury cruise line, it’s the ideal moment to plan that lavish escape,” said Rosemarie Reed, senior vice president of marketing for Cruises.com. “During this sale, you are sure to get the best value and on top of the cruise deals, you can earn Rewards points, which you can redeem for cash to use on your cruise.”

The Cruises.com Luxury Cruise Sale includes offers from leading luxury cruise lines.

Featured offers include:

  • Exclusive: up to $2,300 to spend onboard on dining, spa treatments, excursions and more
  • Exclusive: up to $2,000 off select sailings
  • All-inclusive cruise fares
  • Prepaid gratuities on select sailings
  • Reduced fares and limited-time bonus savings
  • Earn 10 points per $1 spent and redeem cash for your cruise

Cruises.com’s dedicated Personal Cruise Concierge team assists travelers every step of the way, from selecting the perfect itinerary to arranging flights, hotel stays, onboard reservations and special requests. The goal is to provide a seamless planning experience.

The Luxury Cruise Sale runs through March 31st and features limited time offers on a wide range of luxury cruise itineraries worldwide.

For more information about the Luxury Cruise Sale, visit Cruises.com or 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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