30 years of ROL Cruise! What does this milestone mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Rosie: “Reaching this 30-year milestone is truly incredible, and I’m beyond proud to have been part of ROL Cruise’s journey. Reflecting on the growth and success we’ve experienced over the years, it’s been an honour to contribute to shaping the company’s direction. Personally, being in a senior position for the last 10 years has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside talented, dedicated individuals, and together, we’ve navigated challenges, celebrated achievements, and driven the business forward. It’s a privilege to have played a role in ROL Cruise’s development and to see how far we’ve come.”
Sarah: “I am incredibly proud to have been part of ROL Cruise for so many years. Watching the company grow and evolve from its early days to where we are now has been nothing short of amazing. In the beginning, we spent countless hours sharing ideas and discussing everything from new approaches to the latest trends. Some of those ideas were excellent, and some not so much, but each discussion helped us learn and improve. It was a time when we had that small business, entrepreneurial mindset, where every decision felt personal and meaningful. That energy was infectious, and it was so rewarding to see the company slowly but surely gaining momentum. Now that ROL Cruise has grown into such a large and successful company, we’ve worked hard to keep that entrepreneurial spirit alive. It’s amazing to reflect on how far we’ve come.”
What sets ROL Cruise apart from other cruise specialists, and how have you maintained that distinct identity over the years?
R: “Our staff truly set us apart, and they’re a real testament to everything we stand for at ROL Cruise. With years of experience and deep knowledge, our team takes the time to ‘hand-hold’ our customers, guiding them every step of the way. We sell from experience, and that personal touch is what makes the difference. Every single one of our staff members genuinely cares about ensuring each customer has the trip of a lifetime. But it doesn’t stop there - we aim to build lifelong relationships with our customers, not just offer them one memorable trip. We want them to trust us for all their future cruises.
“You can’t fake passion or pride, and those are qualities that run deep within our team. Each co-owner at ROL Cruise has an immense amount of passion for their role, and it shows in everything we do - from delivering excellence in customer service to ensuring that our company maintains the highest standards. It’s this pride in what we do and in the company we work for that helps us continue to stand out in a competitive industry.”
S: “I believe what truly sets ROL Cruise apart is that we’ve stayed true to our roots over the years. We’ve always been committed to offering high-quality cruises backed by exceptional product knowledge from our dedicated co-owners. With so much information available to the public about cruising, it can be overwhelming for our guests to figure out what’s best for them. That’s where we come in - our knowledgeable consultants are key. They take the time to understand each guest’s needs and preferences, helping them navigate through the options and find the perfect cruise experience.
“To do that successfully, we believe in providing excellent training and employing individuals who are passionate and knowledgeable about the cruise industry. And, of course, it helps when they’ve actually experienced the cruises themselves, which is such a special part of the travel industry. Having firsthand experience allows our team to offer genuine recommendations and insights, ensuring that every guest gets the most personalised service possible.”
With the company now employee-owned, how do you see this shaping the next few years of ROL Cruise?
R: “As an employee-owned company, we’re able to engage all of our co-owners in the overall direction and strategy of the business, which creates a sense of unity and motivation across the entire organisation. This collaborative approach will only help us build on the strong foundation we’ve already established. The introduction of employee ownership is also a way for us to say thank you in the most meaningful way possible. It ensures that everyone who has contributed to our success can share in the rewards moving forward. This is such an exciting chapter for ROL Cruise, and it’s a powerful way to celebrate the collective efforts of our team and strengthen our commitment to the exceptional service we’re known for.”
S: “Being employee-owned brings a unique dynamic to the company’s future. With input from our co-owners, alongside the leadership team, we have a collaborative approach to shaping the direction of ROL Cruise. There is so much ahead of us, especially with the constant evolution of the cruise industry. We’re seeing more new ships being launched, along with exciting new ways to experience destinations. Like expedition cruising, for example. This is a growing trend, with travellers eager to explore more remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations. We’re proud to be supporting our cruise line partners in this area and offering these incredible opportunities to guests who are eager to push the boundaries of traditional cruising. As travel continues to evolve, ROL Cruise will continue to adapt, providing our customers with the best, most unique experiences available, all while maintaining the personal, knowledgeable service we’re known for.”
What are your biggest goals and aspirations for ROL Cruise moving forward?
R: “While it’s important for us to focus on increasing market share and capitalising on the growth within the industry, my biggest aspiration is for every co-owner to continue feeling proud of being part of ROL Cruise. I want us to be known not only as an industry leader but also as the best employer in Colchester. It’s about fostering a work environment where every local co-owner feels truly involved in shaping the future of the company.
“We’re also committed to giving back to our local community, contributing in meaningful ways beyond just the business itself. It’s this combination of internal pride, leadership in the industry and local involvement that will define our success in the years ahead.”
S: “One of our biggest goals moving forward is to stay true to our roots - continuing to provide the high level of customer service that our guests have come to expect from us. We pride ourselves on offering not only exceptional cruises but also a personalised experience that matches the quality of the journeys we offer.
“As we look to the future, we want to keep building lasting relationships with our clients, encouraging them to return to ROL Cruise time and time again. We also want to inspire them to try new destinations, expand their horizons, and fully embrace the wonders of cruising. Our goal is for every guest to feel confident in our expertise, allowing them to explore new experiences with us and make the most of every cruise they take.”
What initially drew each of you to the travel industry, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
R: “How can you not be passionate about it? A holiday is one of life’s true luxuries, and being part of that experience is incredibly rewarding. Before joining the travel industry, I worked in insurance, which, while essential, didn’t have the same level of excitement. The difference between selling something people have to have versus selling a product that people are genuinely excited about is night and day.
“Cruising offers an opportunity to explore the world in ways that are both unique and unforgettable. The beauty of this industry is that there’s always something new to discover - no two days are ever the same. With a product like cruising, which offers such a diverse and dynamic experience, it never gets boring. The variety of destinations, the joy of helping people plan their dream holidays, and the incredible experiences guests have all keep me passionate and excited about what I do every single day.”
S: “For me, it all started when I worked onboard a cruise ship. I’ve always had a deep passion for exploring new places and working abroad, and the idea of working on a ship seemed like such a fresh and exciting opportunity. That was quite a few years ago now, and at the time, I didn’t fully understand the concept of cruising. But once I experienced it for myself, I realised how incredible it is as a way to travel. The unique combination of seeing the world, meeting new people and being part of an amazing travel experience is something that really stuck with me.
“That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others discover the joy of life onboard. Every day, I’m motivated by the idea of opening up the world of cruising to more people, allowing them to have their own incredible experiences at sea.”
What’s the most rewarding part of leading a company like ROL Cruise?
R: “One of the most rewarding parts of leading a company like ROL Cruise is the sense of pride I feel every day about the culture and work ethic we’ve built together. There’s something special about hearing our co-owners laughing as they head out for a walk at lunch or simply enjoying the positive energy in the office. It speaks to the strong sense of camaraderie and the genuine joy people have in their work.
“Another huge reward is knowing that we continue to provide the highest quality experience for our customers. This commitment to excellence is something that means as much to me as it does to every co-owner here, and it’s something we all take pride in. Building that level of passion and dedication isn’t easy, and I never take it for granted. It’s not just about achieving business goals - it’s about creating an environment where people truly care about the work they do and the impact it has on our customers.”
S: “I would say there are two aspects that I find particularly rewarding. First, seeing our co-owners thrive in their roles and develop within the company is incredibly fulfilling. Watching them enjoy their work, grow in their careers, and take pride in the success of ROL Cruise is something I’m truly proud of. It’s a joy to be part of their journey and to see how they contribute to the company’s success.
“The second aspect, which comes more from my side of the business, is working closely with the cruise lines and witnessing how they’ve evolved over the years. The ships themselves are truly remarkable, and the quality onboard has reached such extraordinary levels. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear about these developments from both the cruise lines and our guests, as it shows how much the industry continues to grow and improve, creating unforgettable experiences for travellers.”
What sets ROL Cruise apart isn’t just our expertise but the empowering culture we’ve built. With 71% of our workforce made up of women, including 21 in management roles, we are proud of the strong, supportive community we’ve nurtured.
For Rosie and Sarah, the future is about continuing to provide exceptional customer service, fostering lifelong relationships and staying true to the values that have made ROL Cruise the UK’s No.1 Independent Cruise Specialist.
Here’s to the next 30 years!
