ROL Cruise, the UK’s No. 1 independent cruise retailer, is excited to announce its transformation into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), granting a majority stake of the company to its dedicated staff. This significant milestone marks the beginning of a new era for the business as it enters its 30th anniversary in 2025, kicking off a year-long celebration of achievements and future ambitions.
The move to an EOT is designed to safeguard the independence of ROL Cruise, ensuring the company’s legacy remains in the hands of the loyal staff who have been pivotal to its success. With this new ownership model, ROL Cruise aims to foster long-term stability, protect jobs, and provide enhanced opportunities to share the future successes of the business with its team.
In tandem with the shift to the EOT model, ROL Cruise is announcing a new leadership appointment. Rosie Cairns, formerly joint Managing Director, will assume the role of CEO, guiding the company through this exciting phase of growth and employee engagement. Sarah Wikevand will be working alongside Rosie in her current role as Managing Director, continuing to focus on strengthening key relationships and expanding strategic collaborations with its Commercial partners.
Jez Dickinson, who previously served as Chairman, will join the Board of the Corporate Trustee, where he will continue to contribute his expertise to the company’s overall direction.
CEO Rosie Cairns confirms: “As we approach our 30th year, we are excited to celebrate our heritage and our fantastic staff. By becoming an employee-owned trust, we are securing the future of our company, our culture and, most importantly, the future for our incredibly loyal and experienced team. This transition is intended to provide long-term stability by maintaining our independence, while also creating new employment opportunities.”
ROL Cruise prides itself on its remarkable record of staff loyalty and retention, which is a key factor in the company’s success. Based in Colchester, Essex, the company employs 138 people, with an impressive staff retention rate of 98% and average length of service exceeding seven years. Over half of its employees have been with the company for more than five years, while 34% have dedicated a decade or more to ROL Cruise, and one staff member has been with the team since launching in 1995. This deep-rooted loyalty translates to nearly 950 years of combined experience in the cruise travel sector.
Jez Dickinson adds: “I am delighted to leave this legacy as we transition ROL Cruise into an employee-owned company. It’s been a fantastic 20 years leading the business, and now feels like the perfect time to hand over the reins to the next generation. I have every confidence that the incredible team will continue to shape ROL Cruise’s future with the same passion and dedication that have brought us to this milestone.”
Rosie Cairns concludes: “As a major employer in Colchester and a recognised leader in the cruise travel industry, we are committed to supporting the local economy and maintaining our reputation for excellence. The move to employee ownership is a strategic investment in the future, empowering our dedicated team to help shape the company’s direction while staying true to our core values of customer service excellence. It’s an incredibly exciting time for all of us.”
