As the Managing Director of ROL Cruise, Sarah Wikevand leads an energetic and versatile professional life.
From early morning family routines to strategic planning and industry innovation, her day encapsulates the dynamic nature of leadership in the cruise sector.
Starting the Day with Energy
Sarah Wikevand begins her day at six in the morning. Her routine kicks off with attending to her energetic sons, setting a lively tone for the day. With an hour-long commute to the office, she utilises this time making hands-free calls or listening to her favourite music, establishing her mood for a productive day ahead.
Navigating a Multifaceted Role
Wikevand’s role as Managing Director at ROL Cruise is extensive and varied. She oversees commercial partnerships, motivates her team, and strategises growth plans. Her journey began in marketing 14 years ago, eventually leading to her current position after proving her capabilities in multiple areas.
A typical workday for Sarah is anything but ordinary. It includes a multitude of activities such as attending external meetings, planning sessions, and brainstorming new ideas. She prefers face-to-face interactions over emails for better engagement and understanding of non-verbal cues.
Overcoming Daily Challenges
Despite her love for her work, Sarah acknowledges the external challenges she faces daily. Market conditions and factors beyond her control, like the economic shifts due to Brexit, pose significant stress.
Sarah adopts a proactive approach, focusing on what can be controlled. This includes meticulous planning for new products and annual strategies, underscoring her resilience in an unpredictable market.
The Excitement of New Ventures
The launch of a new ship is a highlight for Sarah. Her passion for cruising is evident as she describes the enthusiasm that permeates the company during these times. The collective excitement and dedication among the team fuel her motivation.
Sarah recalls the historic retirement of the Cunard QE2 as an unforgettable moment, capturing the public’s affection for the iconic vessel. The immense interest from travellers underscored the unique appeal of cruising to her.
The cruise industry’s vibrant nature is something she continually admires, driving her dedication to enhancing customer experiences through innovative marketing strategies and superior service.
Committed to Quality and Experience
ROL Cruise prides itself on delivering exceptional product marketing and customer service. The team’s combined experience of over 700 years in the industry is a testament to their expertise.
As ROL Cruise nears its 25th anniversary, the focus remains on continuous improvement. By reflecting on past achievements and learning from them, the team strives to offer unparalleled experiences that define the ROL difference.
A Vision for Solo Travellers
Sarah is passionate about making cruising more accessible for solo travellers. Her firsthand experience working on ships has convinced her of the suitability of solo travel for cruises.
Despite acknowledging the challenges cruise lines face, Sarah is committed to finding solutions that would enable more solo travellers to enjoy the unique offerings of cruises.
By focusing on this segment, Sarah envisions a future where cruising becomes an attractive option for individuals travelling alone, thus broadening the industry’s reach.
Sarah’s Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Sarah remains committed to exploring innovative ideas that could revolutionise the cruise industry. Her focus on evolving customer needs and market trends shapes her strategic plans for the future.
Sarah Wikevand’s dynamic role at ROL Cruise highlights her passion and commitment to the industry. Her ability to navigate challenges, coupled with her dedication to customer experience, underscores her leadership.
Her forward-thinking approach continues to drive ROL Cruise’s growth, promising exciting futures for both the company and the cruise industry at large.
