Expedia Cruises’ President Takes Home the Legend of the West Award: A Cruise to Success

In a moment that can only be described as a narrative of humble beginnings leading to triumph, Matthew Eichhorst, the President of Expedia Cruises, has scuttled his way into the limelight, being bestowed the illustrious "Legend of the West" award during the 2025 WAVE Awards. The gala event, which unfolded on June 5 at The Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey, served as a nod to Eichhorst’s audacious leadership that reshaped the travel landscape in the Western United States and beyond.

Eichhorst, who kicked off his journey by cleaning swimming pools, swam upstream from an ordinary start into the tech industry—a move that eventually landed him with Expedia Cruises. What commenced as a consulting gig evolved into a formidable partnership, affording him an equity stake and a lasting position at the helm of the company.

"I’m honored to receive an award of this magnitude," Eichhorst expressed, embodying the very essence of a leader who not only pursues growth but seeks to champion it actively. The brand he presides over has become synonymous with innovation, consistently pushing the frontier of the travel industry.

Expedia Cruises is not one to hold back from accolades; it has basked in multiple honors, including Franchise Business Review’s spots on the 2025 Top 200 Franchises and the 2025 Top Franchises for Women. The brand's ranking on the 2025 Culture100 Awards and in Franchise Direct’s 2025 Top 100 Franchises list further cements its standing as a leader in the franchise world.

In the spirit of recognition and celebration, Eichhorst stands as more than just a man behind the curtain; he is a beacon of inspiration for those forging their paths in this intricate industry, reminding many that the summit might just be a few dreams away.