Rich Rochester’s story is a bit different to the usual franchise tale. He’s not a newcomer to the world of cruise holidays. In fact, he first joined GoCruise back in 2006. After six successful years, life took a new turn with the start of a family, leading Rich back into employed roles within the travel industry and later branching out into both the public and financial services sectors.
But the call of travel was always there in the background, quietly tugging at him. And now, after almost 13 years away, Rich has returned to his first love—cruises—and to GoCruise & Travel, a franchise he knows well and has always respected.
What brought Rich back was more than nostalgia. It was a genuine passion for travel and cruising that never left him. Since his first cruise back in 1997, he’s travelled with many of the world’s top cruise lines. So when the time came to consider going back into travel, the choice was clear—GoCruise & Travel had not only grown but had stayed true to its roots, making it the obvious franchise to return to.
Having already experienced the business once before, Rich had a good sense of what to expect, but this time around, he was coming in with more life experience and a new appreciation for the flexibility that being self-employed can offer.
Even with industry experience, Rich didn’t skip on training. The ‘returning to travel’ package provided by GoCruise & Travel gave him just what he needed—a fresh introduction to updated systems, marketing strategies, and best practices. He had five days of structured training, including two in-person days at the head office in Ipswich, which gave him the chance to meet the team and really understand the business from the inside.
Since returning, he’s found the ongoing support just as important. Help is always available—whether it’s a quick email, a phone call, or reaching out to other franchisees, who Rich says are more than willing to offer advice and guidance.
Rich loves the variety that comes with the role. One day he’s handling enquiries and booking holidays, the next he’s networking or learning about new cruise operators through online training. He’s always looking to get out on ship visits whenever he can to stay updated on what’s on offer for customers.
He knows that being self-employed means thinking beyond the bookings—you’ve got to keep those enquiries coming in, which means putting yourself out there, finding new ways to get noticed, and keeping your business name front of mind in the local community.
The biggest hurdle at the start was the silence—no phone ringing, no emails arriving. But Rich knew he couldn’t just wait for business to come to him. He pushed himself to get out there, meet people, talk about his services, and remind potential clients that when it comes to holidays, especially cruises, he’s the expert.
This persistence is paying off. Rich has built a name for himself locally, where people know they can turn to him for trusted advice on everything from luxury cruises to bucket-list adventures.
One of Rich’s main goals in returning to franchising was to find that elusive work-life balance. Being his own boss allows him to set his own hours and stick to them (mostly!). He’s clear about his working hours on social media and his website, which helps manage expectations while still allowing flexibility when needed.
He also makes sure to take a break every day—getting out for a walk, even just for 30 minutes, to reset and breathe. Best of all, being at home means he can spend quality time with his kids, who even get involved in helping with the business. His daughter’s taken on the very important job of sticker labelling brochures!
Rich is also getting more involved in his local community. He’s joined a networking club linked to a local charity and hopes to become more active in their fundraising events, including taking part in a 24-mile walk. For him, it’s a perfect mix—supporting a good cause while growing his network and business presence.
Rich’s advice for anyone considering a franchise? Passion is key. If you don’t love what you’re selling, it’ll be tough to keep going when times get challenging. He believes you don’t need a background in travel, but you do need a real interest in learning and adapting.
He also recommends doing your homework. Look beyond the sales brochures and find out what the company stands for, what direction it’s heading in, and what current franchisees have to say. A quick phone call to someone already in the business can offer more insight than any glossy marketing pack.
To succeed, Rich says you need to be open to change. The travel industry doesn’t stand still, and neither can you. He urges new franchisees to be like sponges—take in every bit of knowledge you can, share what you learn, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This open, supportive mindset will take you far.
Rich’s goal is to keep growing his business while keeping that balance in check. He’s also planning to carve out a more specialised niche within the cruise market—something he’s excited to develop as his customer base grows.
For Rich Rochester, returning to GoCruise & Travel wasn’t just about going back—it was about moving forward with confidence, passion, and a renewed sense of purpose. His story is a great example of how the right franchise, when matched with the right person, can offer more than just a job—it can offer a lifestyle.
