UK independent cruise retailer ROL Cruise becomes employee-ownedUK independent cruise retailer ROL Cruise becomes employee-owned

Colchester, Essex-based independent cruise retailer, ROL Cruise, has transformed into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), granting a majority stake of the company to its dedicated staff.

Entering its 30th anniversary in 2025, ROL is considered the top agent by many cruise companies including Ambassador Cruise Line, APT River Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruises, P&O Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

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.

New leadership

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 phase of growth and employee engagement. 

Sarah Wikevand will be working alongside 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.

Staff retention

ROL Cruise employs 138 people, with a 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.

Dickinson said: ‘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.’