Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Feus.
Hi Robert, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our journey into travel really started with Kyle. He went to Johnson & Wales University and earned his bachelor’s degree in Travel and Tourism. One of his professors was actually a franchise owner, and that exposure gave Kyle a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry worked. Fast forward to 2020—when Kyle was furloughed from his job due to Covid—we had to make a decision about our future. That moment became an opportunity, and in June 2020, we launched our Cruise Planners franchise. Kyle ran the business in the beginning on his own, laying the foundation during one of the most challenging times for the travel industry.
At that time, I (Robert) was still working full-time with the state, while continuing my service in the U.S. Coast Guard. This year marks 20 years for me—9 years on active duty and, since 2014, in the reserves as a Marine Science Technician Chief Petty Officer. My Coast Guard career has focused on emergency management and response, vessel inspections, and pollution response. Along the way, I also earned my bachelor’s in Business Management, which gave me the foundation to understand the business side of things.
Two years into the franchise, our growth was undeniable. Kyle had built the groundwork, but the business had outgrown what one person could manage alone. That’s when I left my state career to join him full-time. We’ve now been married for 10 years, and our partnership extends naturally into our business. The same teamwork, trust, and balance that define our marriage carry over into how we run our franchise together.
Today, we’re proud to have clients all across the country. While many people think of us as travel agents, we see ourselves as travel advisors. Kyle specializes in all things cruises, while I focus on land-based travel—from excursions and adventure travel to resorts, hotels, events, all-inclusives, and more. Over the years, our work has been recognized with numerous awards, both as a franchise and personally—ranging from “Best of the Best” to “30 Under 30.”
Together, we combine Kyle’s industry foundation with my leadership and service-driven background to design personalized travel experiences that reflect our clients’ dreams, must-haves, and even their dislikes. It’s that balance of creativity and structure that helps us deliver journeys that are truly unforgettable.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
From our perspective, the road has actually felt pretty smooth, and that really comes down to the way we operate together. We both bring different strengths to the table, and instead of overlapping, we build off of each other. That balance has allowed us to stay focused and keep pushing forward.
We’ve always been big believers in setting goals—starting with small, attainable ones that build toward the bigger picture. That approach gives us steady wins along the way and keeps us moving toward our larger vision.
Having both spent time on the corporate side of America, shifting into entrepreneurship brought a new perspective. We know our success depends entirely on us—there’s no safety net—so failure simply isn’t an option. That’s pushed us to stay accountable, driven, and committed to growth.
Of course, like any industry, travel has its ups and downs, but our mindset is simple: roll with the punches, adapt, and never stop moving forward. That persistence, combined with the way we complement each other, has really been the key to our success.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cruise Planners?
We own a Cruise Planners franchise, and while many people think of us as travel agents, we like to say we’re travel advisors. Our role goes far beyond booking trips—we design experiences that are personalized to each client’s dreams, must-haves, and even their dislikes.
We specialize in both land and sea travel. Kyle focuses on all things cruises, while I (Robert) handle land-based travel—resorts, all-inclusives, adventure travel, excursions, hotels, and even events. That division of focus means we can offer our clients expertise in both areas, and together we cover the full spectrum of travel.
What sets us apart is how hands-on and relationship-driven we are. We don’t sell “cookie cutter” vacations—we listen, guide, and tailor each experience to the traveler. Our clients know they have someone to call, whether it’s planning the trip of a lifetime or handling the unexpected while they’re abroad.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the reputation we’ve built and the recognition we’ve received—ranging from Cruise Planners’ “Best of the Best” to personal honors like “30 Under 30.” But what means the most is the trust our clients place in us. We’ve grown to serve travelers across the country, and word of mouth from satisfied clients has been our strongest marketing tool.
If readers take away one thing about our brand, it’s that we are here to create travel experiences that are as unique as the people we serve. Whether it’s a milestone cruise, a cultural immersion, or an all-inclusive escape, we handle the details so our clients can focus on the memories
What’s next?
Cruise Planners has been a trusted name in travel for over 30 years. While we’ve owned our franchise since 2020, we’re proud to be part of a larger brand and network of franchises, which gives us access to incredible resources and expertise. Our goal is to build lasting connections with our clients so that we become their go-to advisors for all things travel—a trusted partner they can rely on to ensure they get the best value and the most memorable experiences.
What sets us apart is how we divide our focus to serve clients at the highest level. Kyle specializes in all things cruises, while I handle land-based travel, including resorts, all-inclusives, adventure trips, excursions, hotels, and events. This allows us to offer a full spectrum of travel experiences and ensures that our clients receive expert guidance no matter the destination or type of trip. Together, we aim to provide personalized, seamless travel planning that turns every journey into something extraordinary.
Looking ahead, our focus is on continued growth and expanding our reach as travel advisors. We want to serve more clients across the country while maintaining the high level of personalized service that sets us apart. We’re also planning to deepen our expertise in both cruises and land-based travel, exploring new destinations, partnerships, and experiences we can offer our clients. One of the exciting parts of our business is that travel is always evolving, and we love staying ahead of trends to provide unique, memorable journeys.
Ultimately, our goal is to build a long-term brand that travelers trust and turn to for life’s biggest adventures. While there may not be any dramatic “big changes” on the horizon, we’re focused on continually improving, growing our business, and making sure every client experience exceeds expectations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.CruisePlannersRK.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cruiseplannersrk
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/cruiseplannersrk
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cruiseplanners-robert-and-kyle/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cruiseplannersrk
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MxGLvxeMP2GCoG6z5
