Cruise planner is learning the ropes

As an Air Force veteran, Chris Silman qualified for a “Win a Franchise” contest sponsored by Cruise Planners of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The special veterans program required, in part, the submission of an essay that focused on “Why You Should be Awarded a Cruise Planner’s Franchise.”

Silman submitted his essay and waited, and waited. Fittingly, on Memorial Day, he received a conference call from the Cruise Planner’s Top Brass telling him that he had won.

“I was very surprised. I had searched franchise opportunities for a long time and Cruise Planners was one of my top picks. To win a paid franchise set-up was just amazing!” Silman said.

On July 27, Silman, his partner and wife, Stephanie, attended a weeklong cruise “boot camp” at the Cruise Planners corporate headquarters in Fort Lauderdale. There, they received the latest information on the cruise industry.

“There is literally a cruise package for almost every budget, age group, and destination.” Silman said.

Some of the recent trends in cruising include multi-generational cruising which serves complete families. Also, “Seminars at Sea” are becoming a popular way of delivering education to those in the medical, legal and other professional fields.

One of the biggest challenges for any business is setting up shop. Silman has created a business and marketing plan that reflects the special needs of the area.

“We have such a diverse population here, from the experienced cruisers of Green Valley, to the family cruisers of Sahuarita. And we have special programs to satisfy both kinds of customers,” Silman said.

Contact Chris Silman, Cruise Planners, at 520-407-6410; e-mail chris@cantwaittocruise.com.

Reach Mark Bollin at mbollin@cox.net.