Celebrating Our Remarkable Black Travel Agents and Advisors at Cruise Planners

Black History Month reminds us that legacy is not just something we inherit. Legacy is something we build, share, and carry forward. At Cruise Planners, one of the greatest markers of our success is the rich diversity of our travel advisors, who join our family from every walk of life: veterans discovering new purpose, retirees pursuing passion, moms returning to the workforce, and individuals taking their very first steps into the world of travel entrepreneurship. Each brings a vibrant blend of culture, energy, and personal history that shapes who we are and how we serve. 

This month, we're honored to shine a spotlight on five exceptional travel agents and advisors whose stories reflect resilience, pride, heritage, and hope. Their journeys are woven into the fabric of our company, inspiring us, strengthening our community, and reminding us of the power of representation in every corner of the travel industry. From Alabama to Maryland, these professionals lead Black-owned travel businesses within our nationwide network, delivering personalized cruise and vacation planning services while strengthening diversity and representation in travel.

Join us as we celebrate their voices, their achievements, and the paths they forge for those who follow:

Deborah & Isaiah Banks of Huntsville, Alabama

When a retired Navy Officer and a cruise enthusiast take a surprise birthday cruise that sparks a brilliant idea, they return to their Huntsville home inspired to build something extraordinary. What began as a shared love of travel evolved into one of Cruise Planners' most dynamic agencies, operated with warmth, love, and true Southern hospitality. 

Deborah and Isaiah have channeled their dedication to service and operational expertise into unforgettable travel experiences for their clients, earning them a proud ranking of #9 in customer service among University of Georgia Small Business Alumni. But even with accolades like their Millionaire Club success, the couple is quick to acknowledge that their true impact isn't measured in numbers, but in the friendships they've built and the stories they've collected along the way. 

"After 22 years, we've realized we aren't just selling itineraries; we're contributing to the permanent collection of our clients' life stories," Isaiah shares with a smile. "When you've been doing this as long as Deborah and I have, the lines between advisor and family friend don't just blur—they disappear." 

Their gift lies in treating every moment of a client's journey with humanity and heart—celebrating joyful milestones and soothing difficult transitions, such as arranging travel for families during IVF journeys and at funerals. "Those are the moments where the work stops being about a destination and starts being about human connection." 

Together, Deborah and Isaiah have a legacy of compassion, service, and genuine connection that continues to touch lives far beyond the trip itself. 

Chandra Brown of Atlanta, Georgia

For years, Chandra diligently climbed the corporate ladder, building an impressive career with leading Fortune 500 companies. Yet even as she excelled, she longed for the freedom to channel her expertise into her own ventures and create her own path. After joining Cruise Planners 14 years ago, she did exactly that, transforming her passion for travel into a thriving business and emerging as a respected leader in the industry. 

Today, Chandra is not only a successful franchise owner but also a trailblazer, serving as an Independent Advisor Director on the ASTA National Board of Directors and earning master-agent distinctions with iconic travel brands such as Royal Caribbean, Sandals Resorts, and Virgin Voyages. 

Driven by her desire to help others experience the world, Chandra says one of the proudest moments of her 16-year career was helping a multigenerational family plan the vacation of a lifetime: a Southern Caribbean cruise arranged by a grandmother who wanted all her relatives together for a joyful occasion rather than a funeral. 

"They had an amazing time and kept sending me pictures while they were away," Chandra recalls. "She passed away about eight months later." The memory remains one of the most meaningful reminders of what travel can bring to a family's story. 

Chandra shares that her true passion lies in encouraging clients to immerse themselves in other cultures and ways of life. "I LOVE learning and exploring how others live. I plan and host lots of adventures for people to experience how others live and do things." 

With every trip she designs, Chandra continues to inspire curiosity, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the world, one journey at a time. 

Adniel and Michelle Charlot of Winter Haven, Florida

As serial entrepreneurs and avid travelers, Adniel and Michelle turned their shared love of exploration into a lifelong mission: helping clients discover places that transform them completely. What began as a simple "travel bug" evolved into purpose, passion, and eventually, a thriving Cruise Planners franchise. "Opening a Cruise Planners franchise gave me the platform to turn my passion for travel into something bigger—to celebrate life's milestones," says Adniel. 

With 20 years of combined experience and a long list of professional certifications, this power couple brings deep expertise and cultural awareness to every itinerary they design. Whether planning a girls' getaway or a soul‑refreshing "Eat, Love, Pray"‑style sabbatical, they infuse every trip with intention. 

"My personal travels shape the way I serve my clients, and that's intentional. I listen respectfully to their traditions and design trips that reflect who they are—not just what's popular," Adniel explains. 

Adniel believes curated experiences—like themed sailings, milestone vacations, and private group journeys—are on the rise. But even with the growing demand, he never takes the responsibility lightly. He remains humbled by the trust clients place in him and Michelle to craft some of the most meaningful chapters of their lives. 

"That trust is what makes me want to level up!" 

Together, Adniel and Michelle continue to elevate the meaning of travel, curating experiences that allow clients not just to see the world—but to be changed by it. 

Sasha and Victor Espada of Clermont, Florida

For Sasha and Victor, travel is about crafting the kind of memories that last forever. With Sasha being Trinidadian and Victor from St. Thomas, they lean on their shared Caribbean roots to shape a business built on genuine hospitality. "In Caribbean culture, everyone is treated like family the moment they walk through the door. We bring that same vibrant, welcoming energy to our franchise." 

Their origin story is pure serendipity and destiny. "We wanted a home‑based business, and the choice was between a cleaning franchise and Cruise Planners—I immediately vetoed the cleaning business," Sasha laughs. Victor's lifelong love of cruising began as a kid watching ships depart St. Thomas. He was hooked on the idea of joining Cruise Planners after taking Sasha on her first weekend cruise. 

Their proudest moment so far was organizing their first group trip with about 11 couples, where they brought an unforgettable "wow" factor that made Victor and Sasha immediately ask, 'When is the next one?'" 

As devoted partners in business and life, the Espadas credit their family for helping them become one of Cruise Planners' most beloved agencies. "Building this business gave us our family back," adds Sasha. Having the flexibility to work and still enjoy their son's games, experience college with their daughter, and even pass down a legacy to her as she's now joined the agency has made them even more driven for success. 

As sports fans, they see the future of travel championing more "sportcations," where fans and families build full vacations around games and tournaments, turning a single event into a seamless, memory‑rich getaway. 

Together, Sasha and Victor deliver warm, detail‑driven journeys so clients can show up, connect, and make deposits into their memory bank. 

Rayvonne Healey of Bowie, Maryland

For Rayvonne, travel is a lens that expands perspective, deepens understanding, and brings people closer together. Her journey into entrepreneurship grew from a genuine love of exploring new cultures and the desire to share that excitement with anyone willing to listen. "Travel helps us see life through a different lens and embrace our differences," she says. 

Becoming a Cruise Planners franchise owner gave her both the credibility and the tools to build the business she envisioned: one centered on relationships, personalization, and thoughtful service. "It allowed me to focus on getting to know my clients and provide the vacation they were seeking — sometimes even throwing in a little surprise they weren't expecting." 

Her proudest moment didn't come from a big sale, but from realizing the impact she made on a fellow advisor. During a convention cruise, a fellow Cruise Planners agent shared how with the audience how someone once helped her walk her through a back‑office process she didn't understand. That "someone" turned out to be Rayvonne, a gesture she didn't even remember, but one another agent never forgot. "That was more rewarding than any single sale,” and a hallmark moment for how Rayvonne embodies the positive, collaborative culture of Cruise Planners. 

Culture is at the heart of how she serves. "Representation matters," she emphasizes. Whether reassuring hesitant travelers or guiding them toward new experiences, she brings a perspective that helps clients feel seen, welcomed, and empowered. 

Looking ahead, Rayvonne sees themed travel and small‑ship river cruising as the next big movements, from Black history journeys to eclipse cruises and curated group celebrations. No matter the style, her business carries a signature vibe: "Inclusive Connections." 

"We are better when we move together. No one is a stranger — everyone is a friend." 

Looking for Black travel agents near you? Click here to search Cruise Planners’ nationwide network and connect with a trusted travel advisor in your local community.