What to Expect on the Day

Group Presentations

The day begins with presentations from Matthew Eichhorst, who has served as President of Expedia Cruises since 2008 and also holds the role of Vice President of Global Cruise for Expedia Group™. Having led the organization for nearly two decades, Matthew brings a depth of perspective on the cruise industry, the Expedia Cruises franchise system, and where the business is headed that you simply can’t get from a document or a call.

He’s joined by members of the Senior Leadership Team and Subject Matter Experts from across all departments — the people who build, manage, and continually improve the tools, training, and support programs our franchise owners rely on every day. These sessions are interactive by design. You’re encouraged to ask questions throughout, including the difficult ones.

The presentations affirm and deepen everything you’ve learned throughout the discovery process: the four-pillar operating system, the CruiseDesk® platform, Marketing and promotional programs, Cruise Management Academy, the long-term vision for the Expedia Cruises franchise network across North America, and much more!

The Office Tour

One of the most memorable parts of Discovery Day — and one that often surprises prospective franchisees the most — is the office tour led by your Franchise Advisor.

Jeff personally walks you through Expedia Cruises’ corporate headquarters floor, introducing you to the 100+ team members who will be working behind the scenes to support your franchise every single day. This isn’t a walk past empty desks — it’s a series of real introductions to the real people that will help you succeed. 

You’ll meet the teams behind every pillar of the franchise operating system including Marketing, Technology, Learning & Development, Sales Enablement & Supply, Land, Help Desk, Finance, Franchise Services, Franchise Performance Coaching, and Franchise Development. 

Many of the teams will walk you through what they actually do — giving you a front-row seat to the infrastructure and expertise that sits behind your franchise. For most prospective owners, this is the moment the 100+ support team stops being a number on a page and becomes a group of real, talented people who are genuinely invested in your success.

It’s one thing to read that you’ll have corporate support. It’s another thing entirely to shake hands with the people providing it.

One-on-One Breakout Sessions

One of the most distinctive elements of Expedia Cruises Discovery Day is the dedicated one-on-one breakout session you’ll have with a member of the Leadership Team or a Subject Matter Expert. Unlike a group setting, this is a private, focused conversation about your specific background, your goals as a franchise owner, and any remaining questions you want to work through in depth.

These conversations also give us the opportunity to get to know you — your motivations, your strengths, and what you’re looking to build. It’s one of the reasons Discovery Day is mutual: by the end of the day, both sides will have a clear picture of whether this is the right partnership.

The Social (Happy Hour)

Discovery Day doesn’t end in a boardroom. We close the day with an in-house Happy Hour bringing together corporate team members and your fellow Discovery Day attendees in a relaxed, social setting. This is where the Expedia Cruises Stronger.Together® culture becomes tangible — not something described in a document, but something you actually experience firsthand.

Many prospective franchisees tell us the social is the moment it all comes together. Meeting the people behind the support team, and connecting with others who are at the same stage of their journey, has a way of making everything feel very real.

How to Make the Most of Discovery Day

Come Fully Prepared

Discovery Day is most valuable when you arrive having completed every prior step in the discovery process. By this point you’ll have reviewed the FDD, spoken with existing franchise owners, and attended the President’s Call. That foundation means your questions will be sharper, your conversations will go deeper, and you’ll leave with no gaps in your understanding.

Come With Questions — Including the Hard Ones

We mean this genuinely. Discovery Day is specifically designed to be the place where you get every remaining question answered in person. No question is too direct. The Leadership Team expects them, welcomes them, and wants you to leave with complete confidence — whatever that answer turns out to be.

Budget for the Trip

Traveling to Vancouver takes planning. The FDD budgets up to $2,000 for your Discovery Day travel and accommodation, so factor that into your timeline. Book your travel in advance and give yourself room to arrive relaxed and ready.

Make a Trip of It

Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in North America — and one of North America’s top cruise embarkation ports, with ships departing regularly to Alaska and beyond. We’d encourage you to extend your stay and explore the city. After all, the cruise industry is the business you’re considering entering. There’s no better place to experience what that world looks and feels like firsthand — and it just might reaffirm exactly why you’re here.

What Comes Next: The Award

After Discovery Day, your application is reviewed by the Franchise Awarding Committee. This is the final checkpoint in the process — a deliberate step that ensures every new franchise owner is set up for success and that the partnership is right for both sides.

Upon approval, the franchise is officially awarded — and your journey as an Expedia Cruises franchise owner begins.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re exploring the Expedia Cruises franchise opportunity and want to learn more, reach out to our team. Your Franchise Advisor will guide you through the discovery process from your very first call.

To learn more, fill out the form below, email jeff@expediafranchise.com, or call (778) 928-0053.

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This is Article 5 in our Franchising 101 series — a step-by-step guide to evaluating and purchasing a franchise with Expedia Cruises.

[← Article 4: Best Practices for Conducting Validation Calls]

[Article 6: Understanding Franchise Startup Costs & Financing → coming soon]