Franchise Business Opportunities
Welcome to GoCruise & Travel, your cruise and holiday Franchise opportunity
GoCruise & Travel Franchise is a cruise and holiday network of individual business owners who can help customers find their dream holiday experience, whilst giving independent and unbiased holiday advice. We work with all the big names in the travel industry and have excellent partnerships with all the leading holiday and cruise companies, enabling us to create the best holiday experience for our customers.
Creating Memories That Last
At GoCruise & Travel we provide on-going support for our Franchise business owners, developing their travel knowledge and expertise across the products we sell, whilst providing them with all the tools and advice required for running their own travel business.
GoCruise & Travel Customer Ethos
The perfect holiday begins with a conversation to craft the next unforgettable adventure, and we ensure the duration of each travel experience is enjoyable and smooth. We endeavour to plan every holiday from start to finish, and to include any personal touches that make a holiday truly memorable!
We are part of Fred. Olsen Travel, one of the UK’s award-winning travel agencies with a proud history in the travel industry since 1988. Our key relationships with our trade partners enable us to deliver fantastic deals and offers for your customers. Every holiday we provide is ABTA and ATOL protected, providing assurance and no hidden charges or fees.
A few words from our Head of Franchise, Colin Martin-Weekes
Thank you for showing interest in joining our GoCruise & Travel Franchise family. It’s my pleasure to lead a supportive and successful Franchise network, that allows you to enjoy what you do, whilst earning a living and building a lifestyle that suits you. Plus, making new friends, extending your customer reach and experiencing all the amazing things the holiday and cruise industry has to offer. It would be an honour to be a part of your business journey, and I look forward to speaking to you very soon!
”
Proudly part of Fred. Olsen Travel
WHAT ARE WE ALL ABOUT
Our Franchisee model is designed to appeal to individuals who dream of running their own business in the travel industry, providing them with the support, processes, and protection under the GoCruise & Travel umbrella. This empowers the Franchisee to build a customer database and effectively sell cruise and holiday products, whilst benefiting from the strong backing of Fred. Olsen Travel.
Our Business
GoCruise & Travel is a Franchise that is focused on providing a framework for passionate individuals to become business owners, selling a fantastic array of cruises and holidays. We are part of the Fred. Olsen Travel family that have been selling cruises and holidays for over 35 years.
Our Vision
To have positive, determined and like-minded Franchisee members, who put their customers at the heart of everything they do and are focused on building a successful business, with the guidance and leadership from us as the Franchisor. We truly believe that success comes to those who work for it!
Our Mission
Creating a warm and inviting community of remote workers and aspiring travel entrepreneurs interested in building their own Franchise, or travel shop including a Licensee model.
REASONS CUSTOMERS Book with Us LOOK WHAT WE CAN Book for them
INDEPENDENT & UNBIASED ADVICE
ABTA & ATOL PROTECTION
WELL TRAVELLED SPECIALISTS
MULTI AWARD-WINNING
LEADING PARTNER FOR ALL MAJOR HOLIDAY & CRUISE COMPANIES
YEARS OF TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
NO HIDDEN CHARGES OR FEES
OCEAN & RIVER CRUISES
CITY BREAKS
BEACHES
RAIL HOLIDAYS
ESCORTED TOURS
FLIGHTS WORLDWIDE
LUXURY HOLIDAYS
PLUS, SO MUCH MORE! OUR
CAR PARKING & CAR HIRE
We are an Award-Winning UK Travel Franchise!
ARE WE RIGHT FOR EACH OTHER?
GoCruise & Travel is rooted in the ethos of quality, and we invest time and attention in nurturing and developing you to be the best you can be. We’ll provide you with the knowledge and opportunities needed to build your own successful business, all while maintaining a focus on quality service.
We’re thrilled to give you the chance to create your own customer database and promote the products you want to sell. Our main focus is on providing quality care and attention to detail, aiming to encourage repeat business from your happy customers.
Enjoy the flexibility to set your own hours based on your personal circumstances and commitments, set goals without imposed targets, and unlock limitless earning potential.
What we look for in a GoCruise & Travel Franchisee:
Friendly & outgoing personality
Professionalism
Drive and determination to succeed
Good sales skills
Polite telephone manner
Great at building relationships with people
Business acumen
Passionate about travel & cruising
What’s in it for you?
Pride & satisfaction in doing a job well
Great work/life balance - shape your work around your lifestyle
Being part of a fun and exciting industry
Taking part in industry events
Additional incentive and earning potential from our travel and cruise partners
Discounted rates for your own personal holidays and educational experiences
A recognised brand and platform to build yourself a successful business
ENJOY WORKING WHEN YOU WANT, WHERE YOU WANT.
Expand your horizons and be your own boss with a GoCruise & Travel Franchise with annual income potential up to £80,000*
Based on our top achieving business owner in 2023, income is subject to HMRC taxes*
Uncapped Earning Potential…
At GoCruise & Travel, we have excellent opportunities with our cruise and travel partners for you to earn a good income from the holidays you sell to your customers. Our commission earning potential is uncapped, and our highest earner in 2023 exceeded £80,000 in commission payments. So, the more time and effort you put into your business, the more financial rewards you will gain!
As a GoCruise & Travel Franchisee you can even earn up to 70% of the commission paid to us on the holidays and cruises you sell. Currently, commissions paid by cruise and holiday operators range from 8%, right up to 25%. Your income percentage range is between 65% - 70% of the commission paid to us by our partners.
For example booking a holiday or cruise worth £5000
All commission payments are paid to the business owner the month after the customer has travelled.
WHY JOIN OUR FRANCHISE
WE FOUND OUT FROM A INDEPENDENT SURVEY VIA WORKBUZZ...
93% of our Franchisees trust GoCruise & Travel to be the best place to have their business with
83% of our Franchisees feel valued as a Business Owner with GoCruise & Travel
Support from the head office team and other franchisees and the culture feels like a family business. The team is fantastic, we are very lucky, thank you!
The brand is well recognised in the industry, which is good. I have branded my own business with the backing of GoCruise
I think Lisa and Angela are great additional assists to the team. This gives me more support when I come across technical issues and needing help. Colin and his team make great effort to make you feel at ease and part of their team. Help is always available
Franchisees have overall general Satisfaction of 82% with GoCruise & Travel
89% of our Franchisees feel respected as a Business Owner with GoCruise & Travel
I love being part of GoCruise & Travel and feel we are well supported
A supportive and approachable team that offers product training, webinars, support and autonomy. More recently the ‘Share and Grow’ sessions have been motivating and it encourages the more established businesses to share ideas on how they grow and maintain their business
JUST TAKE A LOOK
AT WHO WE WORK WITH...
P&O Cruises, an iconic British cruise line, provides diverse itineraries, delivering exceptional service and entertainment. With a commitment to creating unforgettable moments, passengers enjoy luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and a range of onboard activities.
P&O Cruises offers a quintessential cruising experience, blending tradition with contemporary comfort for those seeking a truly British voyage on the high seas
Silversea Cruises defines ultra-luxury travel on the high seas. With intimate ships, sumptuous suites, and personalised service, Silversea creates a haven of sophistication. Culinary excellence, curated itineraries, and all-inclusive amenities ensure an unrivalled voyage. Explore the world in refined elegance, where every moment aboard is a celebration of indulgence and discovery.
The most wonderful way to sail the world is aboard a smaller ship. Fred. Olsen guests love the feeling of being on an elegant ship, close to the sea. They appreciate that these smaller ships can take them to more interesting places – to the furthest reaches of Norway’s lesserknown fjords, through narrow waterways and canals and to the very heart of some of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines channel all of their 175 years of experience sailing and discovering the world into making every single day special for their guests.
Azamara Cruises defines immersion travel with boutique-style luxury. Renowned for smaller ships and longer stays in ports, Azamara offers curated itineraries to exotic destinations. With unique shore excursions, and a focus on destination exploration, each voyage becomes an intimate and enriching experience, redefining luxury cruising.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises epitomises all-inclusive luxury voyages, providing discerning travellers with unparalleled experiences. Their fleet of opulent ships boasts spacious suites and gourmet dining. With enriching itineraries to exotic destinations, Regent delivers a refined cruise experience where every detail.
Travel offers meticulously planned itineraries, luxurious accommodations, and immersive experiences. From European river cruises to global escorted tours, they ensure a seamless and enriching travel experience.
With a commitment to quality and attention to detail, Riviera Travel stands as a trusted choice for those seeking enriching and memorable travel adventures.
Renowned for exceptional service, diverse dining, and cutting-edge amenities, Celebrity Cruises caters to global travellers seeking a sophisticated vacation experience. With captivating itineraries spanning diverse destinations, passengers enjoy curated adventures while indulging in upscale accommodations.
in refined voyages for discerning travellers. A fleet of intimate and luxurious ships embodies sophistication, offering exquisite cuisine and personalised service. Sail to captivating destinations with an emphasis on experiences, whether exploring historic ports or foodie delights.
For over 180 years Cunard have set the bar, and then raised it. As the pioneers of the world cruise with a choice of Grand and World Voyages that visit Asia, Australasia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, and overnight calls in cities that truly come to life after dark.
Their rich history and unrivalled seafaring knowledge means that Cunard has grown into a truly iconic brand. A brand that constantly refines the definitive experience of ocean travel.
Riviera
Oceania Cruises defines elegance
SEVEN SEA S CRUISES
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises collection sets the standard for luxurious river cruising. Renowned for its opulent ships, personalised service, and all-inclusive experiences, Uniworld crafts journeys that blend comfort and cultural exploration. With a commitment to detail and elegance, each cruise offers a unique, immersible voyage along the world’s most enchanting rivers.
Ambassador Cruise Line, a British cruise company, specialises in providing a premium cruise experience for the over-50s. With a focus on comfort, enrichment, and personalised service, Ambassador offers a range of itineraries to diverse destinations, ensuring a refined and relaxed voyage for mature travellers seeking an elevated cruising experience.
Royal Caribbean International is a global leader in innovative cruising. With a fleet of ground breaking ships, it delivers adventure, entertainment, and relaxation. From thrilling on board activities to diverse itineraries, Royal Caribbean ensures a dynamic and family-friendly cruise experience, making every voyage a journey of discovery and excitement on the open seas.
TUI, a global travel group, redefines holiday experiences with a focus on seamless journeys. Offering a diverse range of destinations and accommodations, TUI ensures travellers enjoy unforgettable vacations. With a commitment to quality service, TUI continues to be a trusted provider, making travel dreams come true for millions worldwide.
Princess Cruises offer an enchanting voyage, blending luxury and adventure on the high seas. With a fleet of modern ships, the cruise line crafts unforgettable experiences, from breathtaking ocean views to world-class entertainment and gourmet dining. Immerse yourself in captivating destinations, enjoying personalised service and a host of on board activities.
Classic Collection Holidays, a leading UK luxury tour operator, curates exceptional holiday experiences. Specialising in high-end accommodations and bespoke itineraries, they provide travellers with unparalleled service and attention to detail. From sun-soaked retreats to cultural adventures, Classic Collection Holidays ensure a premium and personalised escape for discerning travellers.
Titan Travel, a leading UK tour operator, specialises in curated holidays and escorted tours. With a commitment to exceptional service, they offer a range of itineraries to diverse destinations. Titan’s enriching experiences, premium accommodations, and attention to detail ensure memorable and seamless travel, providing discerning travellers with unforgettable journeys.
Jet2holidays, a leading UK tour operator, specialises in package holidays with a focus on convenience and value. With an extensive range of destinations, family-friendly accommodations, and flights from regional airports, Jet2holidays offers a hassle-free and affordable travel experience. Their commitment to customer satisfaction makes them a popular choice for holidaymakers.
Norwegian Cruise Line sets the stage for a freestyle cruising adventure, redefining the sea travel experience. With a diverse fleet, it delivers innovation, entertainment, and flexibility. Passengers revel in a plethora of dining options, vibrant entertainment, and dynamic shore excursions. NCL’s commitment to freedom and choice ensures each guest crafts their ideal vacation, making every voyage an unforgettable escape on the high seas.
MSC’s fleet features cutting-edge design and amenities, seamlessly blends sophistication with family-friendly comfort. Immerse yourself in diverse cultures, relish gourmet cuisine, and enjoy entertainment tailored for all ages. Committed to environmental stewardship, MSC ensures a sustainable and stylish cruise experience. Embark on a journey that breathes relaxation, making each MSC cruise an unparalleled maritime escape.
Holland America Line, offers premium cruising experiences. With a fleet of classic ships, it combines sophisticated ambiance, gourmet dining, and enriching activities. Known for cultural exploration, Holland America ensures a refined and relaxed voyage, providing travellers with a distinctive blend of comfort and adventure on the seas.
STAR CLIPPERS
Hurtigruten, a pioneer in exploration cruising, offers authentic adventures to the polar regions and beyond. Known for its expedition-style voyages, eco-friendly approach, and cultural experiences, Hurtigruten combines comfort with exploration. Sail with this Norwegian heritage cruise line to discover the world’s most captivating landscapes and wildlife in a sustainable and unforgettable manner.
Star Clippers offers luxury sailing experiences on majestic tall ships, blending traditional romance with modern comfort. Catering to global markets, they provide unique itineraries, combining adventure with the charm of the open sea. Passengers enjoy opulent accommodations and attentive service while exploring exotic destinations or relaxing on board.
Seabourn Cruise Line epitomises ultra-luxury cruising, boasting intimate ships with all-suite accommodations. Renowned for personalised service, gourmet dining, and curated itineraries to exotic locales, Seabourn offers a refined travel experience. With an emphasis on indulgence and exploration, each voyage ensures a blend of comfort and adventure on the high seas.
Scenic Cruises offers all-inclusive expeditions, featuring luxurious accommodations and immersive excursions, promising travellers exceptional and unforgettable journeys on the water. Meanwhile, Emerald Cruises delivers upscale river voyages with contemporary comforts and attentive service.
Fred. Holidays curates unforgettable travel experiences, specialising in ocean and river cruises, bespoke landbased trips, and rail holidays. Committed to tailoring each journey to your preferences and budget, they aspire to be your trusted companion in discovering the world’s wonders, one exceptional holiday at a time.
DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT!
I joined with no travel background - but with a passion for travel and a desire to help others enjoy their holidays. Critical to the success and enjoyment of the business is the ongoing support across all parts of the business - including super help on marketing and working closely with cruise lines, a very knowledgeable (and gentle) admin team, and full Franchise management support. I feel part of a wider family, always great to meet up and enjoy events together - and it’s fun!
Mike Davies
GoCruise & Travel feels like a full-blown family! The support and encouragement I receive is second to none. I especially love the gatherings we have throughout the year when we get to have a little dance and a glass of Prosecco.. or two!
”
Maxine Smile
The marketing team have been the driving force behind the success of my group departures. Throughout the year I organise many cruises and holidays for local groups in my area, and marketing make fantastic flyers for me, which has contributed to my groups overall popularity and success.
Martin Hay
I love that Colin sends us a weekly ‘Support Team Contacts’ email so we always know who we can contact, where they will be and how we can reach them! I also think having the out of hours line for weekends is great for anything that crops up unexpectedly.
”
Sam Tumilty
I can honestly say, even though I work alone, I have never felt that I am on my own! We talk all of the time on Teams, having general chit-chat about our day as well as helping each other out with quotes and advice - there is always someone there to talk to. I also love our monthly conference calls where we get a business updates as well as the occasional quiz!
Jane Bowen
The Business Development Team has really helped us look deep into our figures to see where we can improve and grow our business. We are currently working together to secure some funding for our Cruise & Holiday Show coming up! We are looking at over 15 operators to join us.
Tony, Joan & Sam Blakey ”
Being part of the well established brand like Fred. Olsen Travel and being ABTA & ATOL bonded is such a fab selling point for us to use. My customers trust the brand (and me) and love knowing they are financially protected.
Helen Smith
GoCruise & Travel ticks all the boxes - ABTA bonding, flexibility to work any hours I want, to run my own business the way I want and a dedicated support team should I need any help.
Jane Chadwick
With our success since joining the Franchise, we have been able to open up our own ‘GoCruise & Travel’ shop and have become multi award-winning travel agents along the way!
Sharon & Jim Allen
SO WHAT DOES THIS OPPORTUNITY COST YOU?
Our joining fee is £495+VAT for everyone, irrespective of your level of travel experience. In the first year of operating your business, there is even an opportunity to recoup this fee if you achieve a gross turnover of £100,000 or more.
We understand the thrill and excitement of embarking on the journey of a new business, but it can be daunting, especially if you are new to the industry or have been away from the industry for a long time. That's why we provide a range of training options tailored to suit you, we have an option for everyone.
There are three Academy Training Programme options to choose from, and we encourage you to pick the one that best suits you, and the experience you have. The training cost is in addition to the above joining fee.
As well as your start up costs, there is a monthly management fee of £130+VAT which covers the following for you:
Licence to trade
System licences
Access to our commercial agreements with all our trade partners
Head office support & development
Booking administration
Marketing support
Finance team
Business development
YOUR TRAINING OUR ACADEMY OPTIONS
NEW TO TRAVEL
£5,995+VAT
Payment Plan Option Available
RETURNING TO TRAVEL
£1,995+VAT
EXPERIENCE IN TRAVEL
£295+VAT
Never worked in the travel industry before but have a passion for sales and travel? This Academy will get you up and running with everything you need to know and more.
Have experience in the travel industry and looking to make a comeback, or already running your own travel business? This training is designed to help you maximise your expertise.
Currently working in the industry and know your stuff, this training will just help you with the basics and understanding of the operations of our franchise and the software we use.
Full Online or In Person Training Academy (3+ weeks)
3 months complimentary management fees
Personalised website
Assigned mentor for 6 months
“Shop in a Box” kit to use at events
Full stationery pack
Partial Online or In Person Training Academy (1+ week)
Personalised website
Full stationery pack
Partial Online Training Academy (2+ days)
Personalised website
Partial stationery pack
HOME WORKING NOT FOR YOU?
START YOUR JOURNEY TODAY WITH A HIGH STREET TRAVEL AGENCY OF YOUR OWN!
START YOUR OWN TRAVEL AGENCY WITH US...
Ready to turn your passion for travel into a thriving business? With GoCruise & Travel, you can make it happen! We’ll help you every step of the way - from finding the perfect location to designing and fitting your shop with all the equipment needed. Plus, you’ll receive full training to become a Holiday & Cruise Specialist, delivering exceptional service and building a loyal customer base.
We work with all the big names in the travel industry, so you’ll have access to top deals and products. Along with our marketing support and ongoing expertise, you’ll grow your business while offering bespoke, memorable holiday experiences that are fully ABTA & ATOL protected.
No sales targets mean you set your own goals and enjoy flexible hours, all while unlocking limitless earning potential. If you’re ready to combine your love for travel with the excitement of owning your own business, we’re here to help you make it a reality - so let’s get started!
Why open a shop with us?
Shop Location & Full Shop Design
3 Month Rent Payment Contribution
3 Month Monthly Fees Contribution
Full Branding & Marketing for Retail Unit
Furniture & Technology
3 Week Training Academy - New To Travel & Retailing
Joining Fee Included
Shop Lease in Franchisee Name
Sales Support & Administration on Bookings
Full Marketing Starter Pack
Local Marketing Activity Support & Grand Opening Planning
Ongoing Marketing & Business Development Support
Start Up Cost £29,995 +VAT
(Additional monthly fees of £130 plus VAT and Rent & Rates for Retail Unit will apply)
FEEDBACK FROM OUR TRAINING ACADEMY...
How engaging was your trainer?
Lisa was amazing. She's friendly, professional and very good at her job. She made me feel very comfortable and confident
Beks - Completed Training July 2024
How clear was the presentation information?
Very informative and clear with step by step guidance. I came away feeling confident
Massimo - Completed Training February 2024
How would you rate your knowledge of the material after you completed the training academy?
I was completely new to selling Cruises and Holidays, even though I’d been on cruises before. I have to say, the detail in the induction training was exceptional, it really had the right balance between activity, interaction and real life examples of how to operate your own travel business. Off the back of the training, I managed to book a group of 18 to go with P&O Cruises, and it felt like fate as I’d just completed my training session on that cruise partner!
Amanda - Completed Training June 2024
Would you recommend GoCruise & Travel Franchise to someone else?
100% I would! The support and training for me has been unbelievable. I’d looked at other Travel Franchises before I joined, and GoCruise & Travel totally has the right balance of help and assistance I needed to start this venture. Plus, it’s good to know they are there when I need help and support, that’s a massive comfort to me with starting a business of my own
Kevin - Completed Training May 2024
OUR FRANCHISE REWARDS & RECOGNITION TO
YOU...
At GoCruise & Travel we value our Franchisees like “Family” and in doing so we want to create the culture of rewarding and motivating to encourage you to make a success of your business with us. We are always looking at doing supporting and encouraging things to help you with your business, and some of these include:
Our New Franchisee Joining Incentive: Achieve £100,000 in cruise or holiday turnover sales in your first year of starting your business with us, and we will return your Joining Fee of £495 plus VAT as a Thank you & Well Done for your business growth!
NEW Tiered Approach to Success includes:
New Franchisee Incentive: 100k Turnover in First Year, earns back Joining Fee of £495 TOP Performers Trip to continue and will be on a Cruise or Overseas moving forward each year!
Performance Target Incentive
750k Turnover
1 Million Turnover
2 Million Plus Turnover
£500 Gift of Franchisee Choice
Congratulations Gift worth £50 (joining the club) Removal of Monthly Fees for a Year
1% Payout over the Million-(Subject to achieving Discount Spend for the Year)
Extra 0.5% Payout over the 2 Million uncapped (Subject to achieving Discount Spend for the Year)
Long Service Award Incentive
5 Years
10 Years
15 Years
20 Years
25 Years
30 Years
£100 Gift of Franchisee Choice & Certificate
£200 Gift of Franchisee Choice & Certificate
£300 Gift of Franchisee Choice & Certificate
Congratulations Meal Out, Certificate & £500 Gift of Franchisee Choice
£750 Gift of Franchisee Choice & Certificate
Congratulations Meal Out, £1000 Gift of Franchisee Choice & Certificate
Marketing Contributions and Funding: To encourage you to build your customer database, we actively support you with marketing events and advertising. Normally to support your business growth we look at going 50/50 with you on the activity cost, and we will provide all the marketing design and support you with the organisation through our business development team.
Act’s of Kindness: We are always looking to build our relationships with our business owners, and looking after our Franchisees is what we do best, so we are always looking at ways of encouraging and supporting through different act’s of kindness!
And to top it all off, we hold amazing Events and Conferences, that are complimentary for you to attend throughout the year. These include our yearly Business Conference, and Top Achievers Events, all to help build on your skill set and business development, connect with other franchisees and to have a fun time too!
YOUR NEXT STEPS
Arrange a discussion with one of our Franchise Support Team. We can talk you through your business options and answer any initial questions you may have.
Meet with the Franchise General Manager for a more in depth discussion, and to ask any further questions you may have.
Assuming both parties wish to go ahead, sign our Franchise contract, complete the start up forms, pay your joining fee and select your required Academy Training Programme.
Meet with our Business Development Manager to arrange your Academy Training Programme, and mentor if applicable to the training package you decide upon.
Attend your Academy Training Programme which includes training on product, sales, marketing, ecommerce and administration. You will also be given your ‘Starter Pack and Franchise Manual’ and once complete, you can begin selling holidays and cruises to your customers - it is that simple!
Franchise Business Opportunities
Embark on an exciting entrepreneurial journey with GoCruise & Travel, joining our Franchise family dedicated to crafting dream holidays.
