The history of ROL Cruise, celebrating 30 years

This month marks a huge milestone for ROL Cruise as we celebrate 30 years of delivering exceptional cruise holidays. What began in 1995 as Reader Offers Limited, with a small but passionate team of four, has grown into the UK’s No.1 Independent Cruise Specialist, working closely with all major cruise lines to offer an unrivalled selection of voyages. 

Now, with a dedicated team of 138 co-owners, our commitment to exceptional service, expert advice, and handpicked cruise experiences has never been stronger. As we look back on three decades of making holiday dreams a reality, we also look forward to an exciting future, continuing to help our valued customers set sail on unforgettable adventures. 

Reader Offers Limited started life in Colchester as a general travel agent selling a range of land-based holidays. A team of four sold mainly through regional newspapers, hence the name Reader Offers Limited. 

By 2002, Reader Offers Limited were working alongside Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Cunard, with Cunard’s sister brands (Princess Cruises and Holland America Line) soon to join as partners.

Blue Horizons, the No.1 Monthly Cruise Magazine (as voted by all leading cruise lines), launched in 2005, providing subscribers with the best cruise deals, the most up-to-date cruise news, unique features and exclusive value.

Alongside celebrating 10 years of Reader Offers Limited, Jeremy Dickinson joined the company as Head of Business Development. 

Following rapid growth, Reader Offers Limited quickly outgrew the office on East Hill, Colchester and exchanged contracts for Lexden House, Colchester. 

In March 2010, Cruise Miles® was born. Each member was given an opening balance of 2,500 Cruise Miles® with the ability to earn them with every future booking.

Alongside the introduction of Cruise Miles®, Reader Offers Limited held the first cruise show at the Weston Homes Community Stadium in Colchester. The packed event brought together many leading cruise lines and guests and showcased a wide array of cruise itineraries, ships and packages to those new to cruise travel, as well as season cruising enthusiasts. 

In 2014, Peter Beadles, Founder and Chairman, retired, leaving Reader Offers Limited in the trusted hands of Jeremy Dickinson as CEO alongside his Board of Directors. 

20 years of Reader Offers Ltd. 

In 2016, Reader Offers Limited rebranded as ROL Cruise and launched a new website. 

…and promotes Rosie Cairns and Sarah Wikevand as joint Managing Directors of ROL Cruise. 

25 years of ROL Cruise. 

ROL Cruise raises £100,000 for NHS Charities by donating £25 from every new booking made. 

Joint Managing Director Sarah Wikevand is announced as the godmother of Emerald Azzurra, Emerald Yacht Cruises’ first ocean-going superyacht. 

In 2024, ROL Cruise transformed into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), granting a majority stake of the company to its dedicated staff. 

Rosie Cairns, formerly joint Managing Director, assumed the role of CEO. Meanwhile, Jeremy Dickinson, who previously served as Chairman, joined the Board of the Corporate Trustee.