Cruise Planners just awarded Ariel Chavez its Franchise Business Review Franchisee Rock Star Award in the Giving Back category.
According to Cruise Planners, “This prestigious award recognizes Chavez for his remarkable commitment to community service, leadership and his ability to leverage entrepreneurship as a force for positive change.”
We reached out to Chavez, who owns New Frontier Travel, to chat all about this recognition, and to learn about his origins as a travel agent and his takes on the current cruise market.
How does it feel to receive Cruise Planners’ Franchise Business Review Rock Star Award?
It was a complete surprise — I had no idea I had been nominated. I feel incredibly honored that our Cruise Planners home office believed I was worthy of this recognition. There are so many franchise owners doing outstanding work in their communities, and many of them have personally inspired me. To be nominated, and then to receive the award, touched me in a deeply meaningful way.
How did you transition from a career in engineering to travel?
Traveling and living abroad was something I longed for since I was a little boy. I was born and raised in La Paz, Bolivia and moved to Mobile, Alabama to complete my degree in engineering, which I earned in 2005. I went on to work for nearly 10 years at a consulting firm specializing in highway design.
After graduating, one of my goals was to take a two-year sabbatical to travel the world. As I was saving and preparing for that journey, I started researching how to start my own business, something I had never done before. Initially, I considered doing engineering work while traveling, especially since I had a master's degree in transportation engineering and held my Professional Engineer license.
Then, while reading Entrepreneur magazine, I came across Cruise Planners. I had never taken a cruise or used a travel agent before, but the opportunity immediately spoke to my love for travel and my desire to help others. I took the plunge, and I never imagined it would bring me the experiences and opportunities it has. It’s truly one of the best decisions I have ever made.
What kind of leadership opportunities are you currently pursuing in your community?
Owning my own business has opened up unexpected and meaningful opportunities to get involved in my community. I’ve always enjoyed volunteering with various events and nonprofits, but having more control over my time and a flexible schedule has allowed me to deepen that involvement — especially in causes my husband and I care about.
I currently serve on the board of Fostering Together, a local nonprofit that supports children in foster care and the families who care for them. I’m also a board member of Prism United, which advocates for and supports LGBTQ+ youth in southwest Alabama.
During my very first river cruise in 2015, I met some Rotarians who introduced me to my local Rotary Club. Since then, I’ve become very active in the organization, and I was recently elected to serve as club president for the 2026-2027 year.
What sales trends are you seeing in the cruise industry right now?
I enjoy working with Baby Boomers and snowbirds; when I was younger, my mom used to say I was an “old soul,” and maybe that’s part of the reason I have always related so well to them.
Many premium and luxury travel brands are now offering more family-focused products and experiences to meet growing demand.
Lately, I’ve noticed more and more of my clients bringing their children or grandchildren on special trips. Many have shared that they’d rather give their loved ones meaningful experiences than material things. I don’t think I’m alone in observing this shift — many premium and luxury travel brands are now offering more family-focused products and experiences to meet this growing demand.
Are you selling mostly ocean, river or expedition segments at the moment?
During the 11 years I’ve been in business, my focus has shifted a few times. Personally, I really enjoy river cruises, which makes it easy for me to share their benefits and unique appeal with others. In recent years, river cruises and higher-end travel experiences have become my primary focus and niche — and it’s a space I truly enjoy working in.
