GoCruise and Travel with Rich Rochester

When you’re planning a cruise, the sheer amount of choice can feel overwhelming. Different ships, different styles, different destinations - with every cruise line promising something unique. That’s exactly where specialist knowledge makes all the difference, and why working with a CLIA‑accredited cruise expert gives you a real advantage before you even step on board. Who are CLIA? CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) is the world’s largest cruise industry body. They bring together cruise lines, ports, travel agents, tourism boards and industry experts to raise standards, share knowledge and ensure travellers receive accurate, up‑to‑date advice. Their training programmes are recognised globally and are designed to give travel professionals a deep understanding of the cruise sector from ship design and onboard experiences to destinations, sustainability and guest expectations. What does it mean to be a CLIA Cruise Master? A CLIA Cruise Master is the highest level of cruise a...

Planning your first cruise is exciting, but it also comes with plenty of questions. As a cruise specialist who helps people find the right ship, itinerary, and experience, I hear the same queries time and time again  and they’re all completely normal. Whether you’re dreaming of the Norwegian Fjords, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or something more adventurous, here are the top questions first‑time cruisers ask, answered clearly and honestly. 1. Will I get seasick on a cruise? It’s one of the most common worries for first‑time cruisers, but modern ships are incredibly stable. Today’s vessels use advanced stabilisers , smart weather routing , and deep‑water itineraries to minimise movement, meaning most guests feel little to no motion at all. If you’re concerned, choosing a mid‑ship cabin on a lower deck can make the experience even smoother. Many cruise lines also offer natural remedies, wristbands, or gentle medication if you need a little extra support although most people n...

When Swan Hellenic’s SH Diana called into Portsmouth, I had the chance to step aboard and explore one of the most intriguing expedition ships sailing today.  At 125 metres long , carrying up to 192 guests , and launched in 2023 , SH Diana is the largest vessel in the Swan Hellenic fleet, yet she still feels intimate, elegant, and unmistakably boutique.  Swan Hellenic is a name with real heritage and a company that pioneered cultural expedition cruising long before it became fashionable. Seeing SH Diana up close made it clear how successfully the brand has been re‑imagined for a new generation of curious travellers. Swan Hellenic: A Heritage Brand Reborn Swan Hellenic’s story stretches back to the 1950s, when the company became known for its scholarly, culturally rich cruises led by academics, historians, and destination experts. These weren’t typical holiday voyages, instead they were journeys of learning, discovery, and immersion. After a period away from the spotlight, ...

In May 2025, I sailed on Queen Mary 2 for a 4‑night Southampton – Hamburg – Southampton voyage, staying in a Britannia Balcony stateroom . Having admired QM2 for years, finally experiencing her first‑hand confirmed exactly why she remains one of the most celebrated ships in the world. She isn’t just a cruise ship, she’s a true ocean liner , launched in 2004 , purpose‑built for the North Atlantic, and still unmatched in presence and capability. If you’re researching Queen Mary 2 reviews , Cunard cruises , or the iconic Transatlantic Crossing , here’s what it’s really like to be on board. Queen Mary 2: The Last True Ocean Liner QM2 has a presence that no photograph fully captures. Her deep hull, wide teak decks, and powerful engineering all reflect her purpose: crossing oceans in comfort and stability. Even when she’s docked, you feel the heritage and strength beneath your feet. Inside, the ship blends classic Cunard tradition with modern comfort: Art deco touches Rich woods and...