About Us

At World Travel Holdings UK, we operate under the guiding principle 'Exceptional as Standard'. From our base in Chorley, we help travellers discover the best mainstream, luxury and river cruises through personalised concierge-style service, expert advice and outstanding value.

Our Story

What started as a single cruise brand in 2008 has grown into a collection of award-winning specialist travel businesses. Along the way, we've celebrated key milestones and industry recognition, while staying true to our commitment to exceptional service.

Explore the milestones that have shaped our story so far.

2008 - Cruise118.com is born

On 1 June 2008, built on a service-led ethos with dedicated Cruise Concierge support
2009 - SixStarCruises.co.uk is introduced

Specialising exclusively in the luxury cruise market
2011 - RiverVoyages.com launches

Becoming Travel118’s third specialist cruise brand
2013 - Travel118 Limited becomes part of World Travel Holdings

The world’s largest distributor of cruise holidays
2017 - First major industry recognition

Winning Best Agent at the Wave Awards and Large Cruise Agency at the Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Awards
2020 - More industry recognition

Listed in The Sunday Times Top 100 Best Companies to Work For. And we move to new purposely refurbished premises.
2022 – More award wins

Best Online Agent at the Wave Awards (for the fifth consecutive year)
Cruise Agency of the Year at Travel Weekly’s Agent Achievement Awards
Best Online Agent for Cruise118 and Best Luxury Agent for SixStarCruises at the Cruise Advisor Awards
2023 - Continued our investments

In both data and customer technology
2023 - Celebrated 15 years of trading

And marked the milestone by planting 15,000 trees in partnership with Ripple Africa
2024 - Voted the Best Workplace in Travel

100% believe WTH encourage charitable activities.
98% believe WTH is run on strong values/ principles
95% feel their manager talks openly and honestly
2024 - TTG Luxury Cruise Agency Of The Year

At the TTG Luxury travel awards SixStarCruises was awarded Luxury Cruise Agency Of The Year 2024
2024 - SixStarCruises recognised within the Top 20 Luxury Travel Agents

At TTG Top 20 awards, SixStarCruises was awarded with Top 20 Luxury Travel Agents 2025
2024 - Major CRM transformation delivered

Having significant business impact
2025 - Awarded Luxury Cruise Agency of the Year

At the 2025 Aspire awards, SixStarCruises was awarded Luxury Cruise Agency of the Year 2025
2025 - Lisa McAuley joins as Managing Director

To lead the next chapter of growth and build on World Travel Holdings UK’s continued success
2025 - Record financial performance

We had a record financial year
2026 - SixStarCruises Expedition relaunches

With dedicated brand and site, which specialising in cruises to the most remote places around the world
2026 - Best Workplace in Travel

We were voted the Best Workplace in Travel in 2026:

89% believe WTH leaders are supportive, positive and inspiring
86% are clear about their objectives and how these are aligned to our overall purpose
81% believe they are part of a team that works well together
2026 - Partnership Achievement Awards

At the UK Cruise Awards 2026, both Cruise118 and SixStarCruises were awarded with a Partnership Achievement Award.
2026 - World of Cruising TV partnership launched

Showcasing outstanding Cruise118 deals
2026 - SixStarCruises concierge team members shortlisted

For Cruise Expert of the Year at the Wave Awards

WTH Group

World Travel Holdings UK is proud to be part of the USA’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company, World Travel Holdings. Established in January 2005, co-founders Jeff and Brad Tolkin brought together more than 50 years of combined travel industry experience.

Today, World Travel Holdings is home to 20 travel brands, helping customers plan everything from cruises and package holidays to luxury escapes and villa stays in some of the world's most sought-after destinations.

World Travel Holdings also operates top-rated travel agency franchise networks under the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne brands.

In 2026, World Travel Holdings secured investment from private equity firm Citation Capital to support the company's future growth. Co-founders and co-chief executives Jeff and Brad Tolkin retain a significant ownership stake and continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of the company.

VIEW WORLD TRAVEL HOLDINGS

Our Values

Our values define who we are and how we work. They guide our decision-making, shaping our culture and the experiences we create for our customers.

We deliver

We build plans to focus on the right things, and we make them happen
We own our individual commitments
We do what we need to get the best results for the team and business

We are passionate

We always show passion and enthusiasm for what we do
We are approachable and direct, and straight forward to deal with
We do not get distracted by things that do not add value

We strive to be better

We constantly create ways to improve ourselves and the business
We knock down obstacles and respond quickly to problems and change
We push for excellence and innovation in everything we do
We use our mistakes to get better next time

We are connected to our customers

We all listen, understand and engage with our customers – whatever job we do
We do what is right for the customer and the business

Our Leadership Team

Lisa McAuley

Managing Director

Lisa was appointed Managing Director of World Travel Holdings UK in October 2025, overseeing the company’s cruise specialist travel agent brands SixStarCruises, Cruise118 and RiverVoyages. She brings with her a 38-year career in the travel industry spanning retail, cruise, touring and ski.

Prior to this role, Lisa held the position of Managing Director UK and Ireland at ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises. During her tenure, she oversaw the launch of the fleet’s ninth ship, Silver Muse, and also sat on the CLIA executive board.

Lisa has also worked with Hays Travel Group as Non-Executive Director before taking up the position of Group Strategy Director with responsibility for driving strategic initiatives as well as leading the product, marketing, tour operations, events, and communications functions within the organisation.

Before Hays Travel, Lisa spent four years with dnata as Managing Director of B2B Tour Operations, responsible for the much-loved and respected brands Gold Medal, Pure Luxury, Cruise Plus and Incredible Journeys.

Lisa is also a trustee on the board of the ABTA Lifeline charity, supporting the community that has helped shape her professional life.

Alex Dixon

Business Solutions Director

Alex Dixon is Business Solutions Director at WTH (UK). With over 30 years’ travel industry experience across cruise line, tour operator and travel agent sectors - and 17 years with WTH - he leads technology and business transformation initiatives focused on driving efficiency, scalability and profitability.

His responsibilities span selling and back-office systems, including CRM, alongside leading Business Process Reviews across the organisation to optimise performance and customer outcomes. He has delivered measurable improvements in operational efficiency and cost control through automation and process re-engineering initiatives.

A trusted member of the Executive Team, Alex combines deep industry expertise with a strong delivery focus, working closely with stakeholders and partners to shape practical, data-led solutions.

Sally White

Marketing Director

Sally is a Marketing Director with more than 20 years of experience in marketing and ecommerce, with a strong track record in driving growth, digital transformation, and brand development.

Since joining WTH UK in 2020, she has led a range of transformation projects across the business, enhancing digital presence, strengthening brand positioning, improving customer communications, and developing online booking capabilities.
Prior to moving into the travel industry, Sally built her career in consumer marketing across multiple sectors, including retail and finance.

She is responsible for marketing, acquisition, CRM, and digital activity across WTH UK’s three brands: Cruise118, SixStarCruises, and RiverVoyages.

As a trusted member of the executive team, Sally plays a key role in shaping strategic direction and delivering commercial growth across the business.

Sharon Hodgkiess

Sales and Customer Experience Director

Sharon Hodgkiess is Sales and Customer Experience Director at WTH(UK) Ltd., where she leads the commercial performance and customer experience of the contact centre across sales and pre- / post-departure journeys.

With over 30 years’ experience in the travel industry, she has worked across cruise, tour operators and travel retail, bringing a well-rounded perspective from both frontline and leadership roles.

At WTH, Sharon’s focus is on building high-performing, engaged teams that deliver strong commercial outcomes alongside excellent customer service. She has driven sustained improvements in productivity and developed internal talent, including a strong track record of progression within her teams.
A passionate advocate for people development, Sharon is known for creating a culture that balances performance, engagement and customer-first thinking.

Phill Carlin

External Finance Director

Phill Carlin is our UK Finance Director, leading the finance function and ensuring robust financial control across the business.  With over seven years’ experience in the travel sector, he focuses on strategic finance leadership, partnering at board level to enhance performance, governance, and sustainable growth.

He has developed and implemented a comprehensive suite of financial reporting, including integrated P&L, Balance Sheet and Cashflow Forecasting models, complimented with Brand and Product profitability insights, empowering operational teams to make better-informed decisions.  Phill has also identified key margin improvement opportunities and driven year-on-year efficiency gains within the finance function.

He brings extensive strategic board-level experience, spanning privately owned, PLC, and private equity-backed organisations.

Kerry Gallagher

Business Development Director

Kerry Gallagher is a senior travel industry professional with over 15 years’ experience in leadership, marketing and business development.

She began her career at Gold Medal Travel Group before expanding her role across all six of dnata Travel Group UK’s B2B brands. As Managing Director of Silver Travel Advisor, Kerry led the company’s transformation from publisher to travel agency, establishing its homeworking division and launching two retail branches.

She is now Business Development Director at World Travel Holdings UK, where she leads strategic growth initiatives across Cruise118, SixStarCruises and RiverVoyages, driving innovation, commercial performance and business growth.

Giving Back

Corporate responsibility is an important part of who we are at World Travel Holdings. As a business built on creating unforgettable travel experiences, we believe in making a positive and lasting impact on the communities we serve, both locally and globally.

In the United States, World Travel Holdings proudly supports Make-A-Wish®, helping to raise funds that grant life-changing wishes for children living with critical illnesses. This longstanding partnership reflects our commitment to bringing hope, joy and meaningful experiences to families when they need them most.

In the UK, our team is equally passionate about giving back. Derian House Children's Hospice sits at the heart of our charitable efforts, providing vital care and support to children and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families. Through a combination of team-led fundraising initiatives and optional customer donations made at the point of booking, we are proud to contribute to the incredible work carried out by this local charity.

Our commitment extends beyond fundraising. To celebrate 15 years of trading in 2023, we partnered with Ripple Africa to plant 15,000 trees in Malawi. This initiative supports Forest Conservation Committees in the Nkhata Bay and Mzimba districts, helping to protect and restore natural forests, promote biodiversity, and create a sustainable legacy for future generations.

Together, these initiatives reflect our belief that responsible business is about creating meaningful experiences while making a positive difference in the world around us.

Our Customers

No booking is too big or too small. From solo travellers and couples to families, groups and corporate clients, we help a wide range of customers plan holidays with confidence. Across our three brands, our specialist teams provide expert advice tailored to every type of traveller.

Groups

Across our three brands, we can facilitate group bookings for any and all occasions, including family gatherings, multi-generational holidays, social clubs and corporate events.

Each booking is managed by a dedicated group co-ordinator who will serve as the key point of contact. They’ll arrange every aspect of the journey, from travel and accommodation arrangements to any bespoke requirements, ensuring a seamless experience from enquiry to departure.

Depending on the cruise line and group size, tailored group rates, added-value benefits and preferential dining arrangements may also be available.

Financial protection

Whether travelling with Cruise118, SixStarCruises or RiverVoyages, customers can enjoy complete peace of mind knowing their holiday is backed by trusted financial protection.

Flight-inclusive holidays are protected by the ATOL scheme, while our ABTA membership provides additional reassurance through high standards of service, expert support and assistance should issues arise.