In a landmark celebration that underscored three decades of travel excellence, ROL Cruise, one of the UK’s leading independent cruise agencies based in Colchester, marked its 30th anniversary with a vibrant evening of recognition and reflection. Held on June 25, 2025, at the stylish Sea Containers London, the event gathered approximately 130 travel professionals, cruise executives, and team members in a show of strength, solidarity, and future promise.
The anniversary wasn’t just a festive milestone—it was a powerful reminder of the company’s journey from a small travel agency into a trusted cruise specialist, now recording £207 million in annual turnover and embracing a bold new future as an employee-owned enterprise.
Celebrating Cruise Partners Who Powered the Journey
A focal point of the evening was the recognition of key cruise line partners who have played pivotal roles in ROL Cruise’s growth and evolution. The awards ceremony honored industry leaders and collaborators for their strategic support and business excellence, including top representatives from Cunard, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Silversea Cruises, and Oceania Cruises.
Notable award recipients included:
- Donatella Valzasina, Head of Sales for the South at Silversea Cruises
- Louise Craddock, Director of Sales for the UK and Ireland at Oceania Cruises
- Iain Powell, UK Sales Director at Hurtigruten
Their contributions were lauded for enhancing ROL Cruise’s market competitiveness and delivering superior customer experiences. The strong emphasis on collaboration illustrated how the agency’s success is deeply intertwined with trusted relationships across the cruise industry.
A Record-Breaking Year and a New Business Model
During her keynote address, Sarah Wikevand, Chief Commercial Officer at ROL Cruise, reflected on the agency’s remarkable financial performance, highlighting its £207 million turnover—a record-breaking figure that capped a year of strategic wins and operational strength.
Wikevand also shared insights into the company’s transformation into an employee-owned business just eight months earlier. “This shift has brought a renewed sense of purpose and shared ownership across our team,” she said. “We are all invested—personally and professionally—in building the next chapter of ROL Cruise.”
The employee ownership model has fostered a culture of unity and empowerment, where every member of the company feels directly tied to the business’s achievements and future strategy. This transition is seen as key to sustaining momentum in an increasingly competitive cruise market.
Reflecting on Three Decades of Triumphs and Challenges
Former Managing Director and Chairman Jeremy Dickinson, who played a pivotal role in shaping the company over the years, shared reflections on ROL Cruise’s humble beginnings and transformational milestones.
From its roots as a general travel agency to its evolution into a cruise-focused leader, Dickinson recalled bold moments—like the company’s first full-page cruise advertisement 20 years ago—that propelled it into the national spotlight. He also acknowledged challenges faced during the 2008 global financial crisis and the 2020 pandemic, during which the agency’s resilience and dedication ensured its survival and eventual recovery.
“We weathered storms, and we came out stronger every time,” Dickinson stated. “It’s a testament to our team and our partners who never stopped believing in what ROL Cruise could become.”
Leadership for the Next Chapter
Looking ahead, Jeremy Dickinson expressed full confidence in the new leadership duo of Sarah Wikevand and Rosie Cairns, the company’s CEO. Both women have been instrumental in recent strategic shifts, including the transition to employee ownership and deepening cruise line relationships.
Wikevand paid tribute to the legacy of founder Peter Beadles, who established the agency’s core values of customer commitment and service excellence. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed Peter’s growth mindset, Jeremy’s transformational vision, and now, to support Rosie as she takes this remarkable company forward,” she said.
Her speech emphasized the importance of continuity in leadership, especially one rooted in empathy, collaboration, and innovation.
Toasting to the Future: Growth, Vision, and Partnership
As the evening drew to a close, Wikevand raised a glass in celebration:
“To smooth sailings, strong partnerships, and many more adventures ahead.”
The room echoed with applause and shared optimism, as attendees acknowledged not only the company’s past achievements but its clear commitment to future success. The sentiment of the evening was one of unity and forward-thinking—a business driven by its people, powered by partnerships, and focused on delivering exceptional cruise travel experiences.
A Vision for Continued Excellence in the Cruise Industry
As ROL Cruise sets its sights on the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to expand its cruise offerings, deepen its relationships with global cruise brands, and uphold its award-winning standards of customer service.
This 30th anniversary event marks more than just a celebration—it’s a public declaration of the agency’s long-term vision: to be the UK’s most trusted and innovative cruise travel specialist. As it continues to grow, the foundation laid by dedicated employees, supportive partners, and visionary leadership will serve as the compass guiding ROL Cruise toward its next major milestone.
With a proven legacy, strong business model, and unified team, ROL Cruise’s next chapter promises even more success, innovation, and unforgettable journeys for travelers across the UK and beyond.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
