Gill's Cruise Centre

Gill’s Cruise Centre was an independent cruise travel agent based in Cardiff, Wales.

Company History

Gill’s Cruise Centre was the trading name of E & M E Gill Ltd. The company originally started as a bakery and was founded in March 1953 by Robert Gill in Rhiwbina, Cardiff.

Due to the emergence of large confectioners and bakeries Gill soon diversified the business and started a travel agent, which initially operated alongside the bakery selling British Rail train tickets. This side of the business soon outgrew the bakery and became the first suburban travel agent in Wales. By 1957 Gill’s Travel was not only selling train tickets but a selection of other holidays including cruises.

In 1989 Robert Gill retired and handed control of the company to his son Alistair Gill. During his stewardship the company grew to over 150 employees and mostly relocated to high profile offices in Paddington west London. The company collapsed during July 2011 leaving debts of £11.8 million. Many reasons for the collapse were suggested but the administrator's report claimed the reduction of commissions by supplier Complete Cruise Solutions Ltd resulted in a cashflow loss that left staff and suppliers unpaid.

The Company Today

Following the collapse a "pre-pack" administration arrangement was entered into on 18 July 2011 and the assets of the company were sold to a new company called Robert Gill Ltd for a nominal £50,000. On the same day travel company 'WeCruise' acquired assets of Gill's Cruise Centre, following a period of 55 years in the cruise business.

External links

• www.wecruise.co.uk
• [1]
• Travel Daily News: Britain sees 20% increase in UK cruise departures
• Travel Trade Gazette: Gill's Cruise reports ex-UK cruises surge
• Gill’s Cruise Centre win P&O ‘Greatest percentage growth South 2010′ award