Developing Our People, Delivering Exceptional Experiences
At ROL Cruise, we believe exceptional customer experiences begin with knowledgeable, confident and passionate co-owners. That’s why we’ve introduced the Academy of Excellence – Experience the Difference – our dedicated learning and development programme designed to support every co-owner as they build new skills, expand their knowledge and grow throughout their career.
Created to provide clear development opportunities across the business, the Academy of Excellence combines structured learning with practical experience, helping co-owners develop professionally while continuing to deliver the exceptional service our customers expect. As an Employee Ownership Trust, investing in our people is one of the ways we invest in the experience we provide every customer.
What is the Academy of Cruise Excellence?
The Academy of Excellence is ROL Cruise’s dedicated learning and development programme, designed to support co-owners at every stage of their career. Whether someone is new to the business or has many years of experience, the programme provides opportunities to continue learning, broaden their understanding of the business and develop new skills.
Rather than focusing solely on product knowledge, the Academy of Excellence encourages well-rounded professional development. Through company-wide learning, role-specific training and practical experiences, co-owners gain a deeper understanding of the cruise industry, our business and the customers we support every day.
The programme reflects our belief that learning should never stand still. As the cruise industry continues to evolve, the Academy of Excellence helps ensure our co-owners continue developing the knowledge and confidence needed to provide outstanding advice and service.
Supporting Every Stage of Development
The Academy of Excellence is built around three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Each stage provides a structured framework that encourages co-owners to build on their knowledge while developing new skills and experiences.
Development activities vary across each level and include a combination of company-wide learning, role-specific training, department visits and practical development opportunities. Progress is supported through clearly defined criteria, with managers recognising achievements as co-owners complete each stage.
Designed to encourage meaningful development rather than meet deadlines, the programme allows co-owners to progress at a pace that suits them, making learning an ongoing part of their career at ROL Cruise.
Learning Through Experience
Some of the most valuable learning comes from experiencing the cruise industry first-hand. Alongside structured learning, the Academy of Excellence encourages practical opportunities that help bring products, services and the wider industry to life.
Where opportunities are available, co-owners may take part in ship visits, attend cruise line training sessions and spend time learning from colleagues across different departments. Seeing ships in person, understanding onboard facilities and sharing knowledge across the business all help build a broader understanding of the holidays we sell and the service we provide.
By combining formal learning with practical experience, the Academy of Excellence helps co-owners continue developing the confidence and expertise needed to make informed recommendations and support customers throughout their booking journey.
Apprenticeships and Professional Qualifications
The Academy of Excellence also provides opportunities for co-owners to work towards recognised qualifications through apprenticeships delivered in partnership with Colchester Institute.
These apprenticeships allow co-owners to continue learning while developing practical skills within their role, supporting both personal and professional growth. As the only corporate sponsor of Colchester Institute, ROL Cruise is proud to strengthen its long-standing relationship with the college by creating new opportunities for co-owner development and lifelong learning.
Alongside the wider Academy of Excellence, apprenticeships demonstrate our commitment to investing in our people and supporting career development across the business.
Built Around Our Values
The Academy of Excellence reflects the values that guide everything we do at ROL Cruise. We’re proud of the service we provide, passionate about continually developing our knowledge and professional in every interaction with our customers and colleagues.
As an Employee Ownership Trust, we believe every co-owner should have the opportunity to learn, develop and achieve their potential. The Academy of Excellence helps create a culture where learning is encouraged, knowledge is shared, and personal development is recognised throughout every stage of a career.
Why the Academy of Excellence Matters to Our Customers
Every customer is different, and so is every cruise. With a huge choice of cruise lines, ships, itineraries and destinations available, finding the right holiday takes experience, understanding and expert guidance.
The Academy of Excellence helps our co-owners continue building that expertise. By combining structured learning with practical experiences and professional development, the programme supports them in developing a deeper understanding of the cruise industry, our business and the needs of our customers.
When you book with ROL Cruise, you can be confident you’re speaking to someone who is committed to continually developing their knowledge, delivering honest advice and helping you find the cruise that’s right for you.
