Cruise Planners Earns Esteemed ESGR Seven Seals Award

By Evelyn Baker Updated May 13, 2025 Category News Read 4 min

Cruise Planners Earns Esteemed ESGR Seven Seals Award

Cruise Planners, the nation's leading home-based travel advisor franchise network, has been recognized with the highly regarded Seven Seals Award. This commendation by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) honors organizations that demonstrate notable support for National Guard and Reserve members and their families.

Acknowledging Commitment to Service Members

The Seven Seals Award is the highest honor from ESGR and the U.S. Department of Defense. It emphasizes significant achievements by employers in supporting citizen service members. The award is named for the various branches of the U.S. military, showcasing the collaboration between employers and service personnel.

Rita M. Broadway, Retired Army Major General and Chair of the Florida Committee for ESGR, stated, "ESGR proudly recognizes Cruise Planners for their unwavering support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Their commitment exemplifies the values we stand for, and we thank them for their partnership in supporting our military personnel."

Supportive Work Environment

The Seven Seals Award is specifically designed for employers who excel in creating an environment that is not only supportive but also encouraging for military service members. Cruise Planners thrives on enabling Guard and Reservists, as well as active-duty military personnel and their spouses, to successfully operate their travel businesses from any location worldwide.

CEO and Founder of Cruise Planners, Michelle Fee, expressed, "At Cruise Planners, we honor the sacrifices made by our military members and their families. Being recognized with the Seven Seals Award is a significant honor and reinforces our dedication to supporting our military heroes, both professionally and personally."

Continuing Celebrations of Support

This accolade adds to prior recognition from ESGR, where Cruise Planners received the esteemed Department of Defense Patriot Award. This award highlights exceptional support provided by employers to Guardsmen and Reservists.

Peter Caspari, a Florida ESGR Volunteer and Employer Outreach Director, remarked, "As the organizer of the Fleet Week Military Employer Recognition Breakfast, I had the privilege of nominating Cruise Planners for this award. Their ongoing support for military personnel sets a powerful example for other employers to follow."

Acceptance at Fleet Week

Cruise Planners accepted the Seven Seals award during the Fleet Week Port Everglades Military Employer Recognition Breakfast and Award Ceremony. This annual event acknowledges the vital contributions of civilian employers to national defense, celebrating over two decades of honoring service members.

The Legacy of Cruise Planners

Founded in 1994, Cruise Planners is recognized as the largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the U.S., setting the standard in the travel franchise industry. With an extensive nationwide network consisting of 2,500 franchise owners, Cruise Planners provides innovative marketing strategies, groundbreaking booking technologies, and comprehensive training programs led by industry experts.

For 18 consecutive years, Cruise Planners has been designated as the top travel franchise by Entrepreneur magazine and has garnered accolades for excellence from Franchise Business Review. The firm was recently acknowledged for achieving an impressive 99% franchise owner satisfaction score by Franchise Business Review for the year 2024.

Conclusion

Cruise Planners continues to achieve remarkable success, being featured in various publications for its technological innovations, recognized as a leading women-owned business, and listed among the fastest growing private companies. With a commitment to excellence, they remain a shining example in the travel industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Seven Seals Award?

The Seven Seals Award is a prestigious recognition bestowed by ESGR, highlighting individual or organizational support for National Guard and Reserve members.

Who presented the award to Cruise Planners?

The award was presented by ESGR during the Fleet Week Port Everglades Military Employer Recognition Breakfast.

What initiatives does Cruise Planners offer for military members?

Cruise Planners provides a business model that allows military members to manage their travel business from anywhere, offering flexibility and support.