Cruise1st has  announced a management buyout as it gears up for ‘significant’ growth and broadens its product range to increase market share.

The company says the buyout will allow the company to grow independently, continuing to offer its customers a streamlined service offering through product, technology and efficiency. It currently has a 40 per cent repeat customer base.

Cruise1st has grown by 62 per cent in 2015, with a 50 per cent growth in its call centres which is expected to double by the end of 2016 as a result of the change in ownership.

“This Management Buyout will allow Cruise1st to become a real force in the market”, said Dan Townsley, CEO of Cruise1st.

“Working with Royal Caribbean over the past seven years has been fantastic and its support has been crucial in the growth of our company. We are confident that the new ownership will allow the business to grow and succeed, supported by our ability to be nimble and expand into new product ranges with more cruise lines.

With independence, our focus will remain on expanding our product base with the aim of including a world-wide tour operator, more cruises with inclusive tours and a selection of river cruises. We have a clear and strategic five year growth plan, which we intend to meet through efficiency, technology product, and customer service.

Our staff are our biggest asset, who support the buyout 100%, and have been instrumental in the growth of the brand. Although we don’t aim to be the biggest, we do aim to be the best.”

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