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NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE HONORS CRuise planners WITH FRANCHISE OF THE YEAR AWARD

Award reflects strong partnership and sales commitment throughout 2011  

Coral Springs, Fla. – January 4, 2012 – Cruise Planners/American Express, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the cruise industry, was recognized by Norwegian Cruise Line as its 2011 Franchise of the Year, honoring the outstanding sales partnership and overall commitment to the success and growth of the cruise line.  

“Every year our professional relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line becomes stronger as we continue to be committed to this well-known brand,” said Vicky Garcia, executive vice president of sales and marking for Cruise Planners/American Express.  “Our franchise owners understand the importance of this partnership by never failing to satisfy their customers with the unforgettable cruise vacations offered by Norwegian.  We hope the upcoming cruise travel season continues to be a successful one for us and Norwegian Cruise Line.”   

“Cruise Planners’ travel agents have proved, once again, that they are a vital component of our success.  We appreciate the hard work and dedication coming from the franchisees across theU.S.,” said Andy Stuart, executive vice president of global sales and passenger services for Norwegian Cruise Line.  “As we look to another prosperous year in cruise travel, we are at ease knowing that Cruise Planners/American Express agents know our product and know how to sell the Norwegian brand to the consumer.”  

Cruise Planners/American Express has received additional accolades from Norwegian Cruise Line such as the Home-Based Agency of the Year award in 2010 and is six-time recipient of the President’s Club Elite Travel Agency of the Year award.      

About Cruise Planners/American Express

Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Services Representative, is the largest home-based travel agent network in the cruise industry with more than 800 franchise owners across the country that independently book cruises and associated travel. Named No.1 Cruise Tour / Travel Agency by Entrepreneur magazine for the past eight years, Cruise Planners positions franchise owners for success by providing them with innovative marketing, booking and lead-generating tools as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry’s top executives.

Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla., Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line. Accolades include Agency of the Year from American Express (2010), Royal Caribbean International Home-Based Partner of the Year (2007 – 2010), Norwegian Cruise Line Home-Based Agency of the Year (2010), Southeast Region Travel Agent Partner of the Year from Celebrity Cruises (2010), four coveted Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly in 2010, American Express Travel Representative Excellence Awards (2004 – 2010), Globe Award from American Express Vacations (2008 – 2010), Globus Family of Brands Premier Agency Partner (2009, 2010), Platinum Circle Member with Viking River Cruises (2009, 2010), and Regent Seven Seas Cruises Top Producer. For more information, please visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.

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Media Contact:

Holly Zawyer / Deseraé del Campo

Cheryl Andrews Marketing

P: 305-444-4033

holly@cam-pr.com / deserae@cam-pr.com