Royal Caribbean has sold Cruise 1st to the agency’s management.
The terms of the deal have not been revealed.
“This management buyout will allow Cruise1st to become a real force in the market”, says Dan Townsley, chief executive 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.”
The company has grown by 62% in 2015, with a 50% growth in its call centres, which is expected to double by the end of 2016 as a result of the change in ownership.
Cruise1st was launched in 2000 and was bought by Island Cruises three years later. Royal Caribbean eventually acquired the business in 2008.