Cruise Planners franchisee Kyle Nichols was recently honored with Franchise Business Review’s (FBR) Franchisee Rock Star Award in the Millennial category.
According to FBR, the Rock Star Awards “highlight top-performing franchisees across North America who have excelled in leadership, business acumen and community involvement.”
Franchise boards pick the nominees, and FBR’s editorial team select the winners.
Nichols shared why he became a cruise-focused advisor, and what his perspective is on the current cruise travel market.
How does it feel to win the Franchise Business Review Franchisee Rock Star Award, especially in the Millennial category?
I am truly honored to have been nominated. Winning the Millennial Rock Star Award at 31 is incredibly humbling and empowering. Being so young in an industry where many are 20 years my senior can sometimes feel daunting, but this recognition reinforces my commitment and passion for my work.
What’s your background as an agent?
I began my career in the travel industry over a decade ago, starting with a minor in cruise line management from Johnson & Wales University and then working as a guest solutions agent with Carnival Cruise Line.
During the pandemic, I decided to turn idle time into an opportunity and started my journey with Cruise Planners in early 2020. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I always knew I wanted to be my own boss and make my own decisions. For me, there was no other path. I thrive on creating my own schedule and following my own vision, rather than adhering to someone else's plan.
Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I always knew I wanted to be my own boss and make my own decisions.
What cruise categories and lines do you predominantly sell?
I have found a niche in the premium and upscale markets, with Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Windstar Cruises, AmaWaterways and Viking being my top sellers.
As a history and architecture enthusiast, working with river cruise clients has been particularly rewarding. They often share my passion for these subjects, creating a strong bond and making the experience more enjoyable for both parties.
What words of wisdom would you share with other millennials looking to start their own travel advisor business?
If you're considering a career in the travel industry, go for it.
While it may seem like there are many advisors around, each one specializes in different areas and caters to unique audiences. Once you get started and discover your niche, pursue it with passion.
Being a millennial in this field has its advantages, too ... There's a great opportunity for fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.
Being a millennial in this field has its advantages, too. As the older generation of advisors begins to retire, their clients will be seeking new, trusted advisors. There's a great opportunity for fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.
What is next for you and your franchise? Do you plan to expand to any other cruise lines or segments?
Our next milestone is surpassing the $1 million mark in annual sales, and we’re well on our way. As a team, we have a bit more work to do, but we are dedicated to reaching this goal.
I also aim to deepen my relationship with Viking and hope to visit the Galapagos Islands or Antarctica in the next few years. These experiences will enable me to offer even better advice on expedition adventures to my clients.
What do you foresee as the future of the cruise industry?
I am closely watching the luxury hotel brands, such as The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, as they venture into the market with their own ultra-luxury yacht adventures. I anticipate that many other luxury hotel brands will follow suit in the coming years.
While massive ships from major cruise brands remain popular, there is a growing trend towards more intimate, small-ship experiences. Many travelers are willing to invest in a brand they already know and love, seeking personalized and exclusive journeys.
