Originally part of Carnival Corporation, from which it spun out in 2007, the specialist online travel agent is based in the Midlands and employs 170 people.

The business has demonstrated strong growth, delivering sales and Ebitda CAGR of 23% and 30% respectively over the past three years.

In 2015 turnover grew by 15% to £104.5 million.

Adrian Willetts, partner of Bridgepoint Development Capital, said: “Cruise.co.uk is an opportunity to invest in a market-leading consumer business that has shown strong defensive characteristics and benefits from strong market trends that will underpin its ambitious growth plans.

“It has grown impressively and we will seek to maintain and enhance its trusted expert reputation as we work with management to accelerate business growth through acquisitions and drive further value through digital and marketing expertise.”

Seamus Conlon, Cruise.co.uk’s managing director, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Bridgepoint as a new partner and shareholder to help us take our business forward in its next stage of development.

“Their financial and operational expertise will power our ambitions, particularly as we look to expand internationally.”