As the European summer season starts up, the much- anticipated debut of Virgin Voyages’ third ship, Resilient Lady, is here. As the newest Lady Ship to join the award-winning fleet, Richard Branson’s cruise travel brand is expanding its list of irresistible vacation destinations with Resilient Lady’s inaugural summer season from its new homeport in Athens, Greece. Designed exclusively for travelers 18+, Virgin Voyages’ ships were inspired by superyacht design, bringing glamour to the high seas with spaces designed by world-renowned architects and designers, including Tom Dixon and Concerte Amsterdam. With menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs, the experience has quickly become a foodies paradise, featuring culinary influences from these new regions in the Med.   Resilient Lady makes her debut on May 14, 2023. The seven-night MerMaiden voyage (May 14-21) features the "Greek Island Glow" itinerary, which departs from Athens and includes stops in Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum and an overnight in Mykonos before returning to Athens. Also debuting this season is the “Adriatic Sea & Greek Gems” itinerary, visiting the most incredible spots in the Adriatic Sea by way of Croatia’s coastline, Greece’s glamorous islands, and a bay in the Balkans. This itinerary also includes a late-night stay in Dubrovnik, giving Sailors plenty of time to explore the scenic city during the day and take part in the vibrant nightlife.   “Virgin Voyages' delivers an amazing experience and has been recognized by hundreds of thousands of happy Sailors with the awards we’ve won for our service, food, design, entertainment and more," said Sir Richard Branson. “We have shown the world all that we have to offer when it comes to having the holiday of your dreams, and I can’t wait to show off our lovely new Resilient Lady in one of the most magical places in the world as she sails around the Greek Isles, Croatia, Turkey and more.”   “I’m thrilled this day is finally here and that Resilient Lady has officially joined our award-winning fleet,” said Tom McAlpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Since our launch just a few years ago, we have received the travel industry's top awards and have experienced a very high rate of return with up to 40% of our Sailors rebooking their next cruise while they’re still on-board with us. I know people are going to love voyaging with Resilient Lady as much as they have with Scarlet and Valiant Lady, and I look forward to sharing this five-star experience with even more Sailors this summer.”   In addition to exploring new destinations, together with its Creative Collective of the world’s best producers, including Randy Weiner (of Sleep No More and Queen of the Night), House of Yes and MISCHIEF, Resilient Lady will also debut incredible new entertainment, including five new shows, two all new soirées in The Manor, exclusive on-board parties, more live music acts and a festival stage of rotating performances.   Alongside entertainment, Virgin Voyages is also unveiling new and tasty food and beverage offerings. Razzle Dazzle After Dark is a menu curated in partnership with Chef Eric Haugen. To celebrate Resilient Lady’s launch, the brand is introducing “Opa Hour,” an ode to the Greek culinary tradition. Held in the Dock and Dock House on all three ships, Opa Hour will feature a Greek-inspired food and beverage menu in addition to the usual offerings.   Since the brand's launch in 2021, Virgin Voyages has earned a number of top awards in the consumer travel and cruise industry categories. Most recently, the brand took home all five awards in its category for this year's Cruisers’ Choice Awards with Cruise Critic. This includes Best Overall Cruise Line, Best Dining, Best Cabins, Best Service and Best Value for Money. On top of this awards sweep, Virgin Voyages was recently named on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Hot List, a curated list of the world’s best new cruises.   Staying close to the brand’s commitment to creating an Epic Sea Change for All, Virgin Voyages has partnered with two non-profit organizations: All for Blue and Urban Act. These partnerships include the brand’s participation in underwater and community clean-ups along with the composition of murals in Athens and in the Greek Islands, which are aimed at expressing the importance of sustainable tourism and preserving our oceans.   After its inaugural season in Greece, Resilient Lady will set off on a trans-continental voyage, arriving at Station Pier in Port Melbourne, Victoria, setting sail through Australia and New Zealand from Dec. 11, 2023 - March 27, 2024.

  We've got some major news. We just took home all 5 awards in the large ship category for the Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards this year — making us the first brand in history to do so. For those not familiar, this is like the Oscars for cruise vacations. While we’re extremely proud of what we’ve created aboard our lady ships, from our focus on exceptional service to our exclusive-to-our-brand signature red hammocks on every balcony, we couldn’t have won these awards without the love and loyalty of our Sailors. We’re endlessly grateful. More excited than ever. And we’re just getting started.    

So join us on board soon and sea for yourself — we’d love to show you around.

    There’s still time to join us for our one-of-a-kind voyage created with our Chief Entertainment and Lifestyle Officer, Jennifer Lopez — where inspiration meets well-being.   In addition to our (already) dazzling onboard experiences, this epic voyage features exclusive programming for women, from seminars held by inspiring female leaders from across the world, to custom, JLo-inspired entertainment, fitness, and beauty tutorials.   JLo herself will be there to say bon voyage to you — wishing you fair winds and following seas at our epic sail away party. And because this voyage is such a (Scarlet) red hot ticket experience, it’s been selling quickly, so don’t miss your chance to join us on board  

 

Interest-free payments. As low as $0 down.*

Don't let your dream vacay sail away without you. Take advantage of Interest-free payments.

     

  This article is all about making you money. So instead of waxing poetic about much else, we're going to get right into all the ways we make it easier for you to earn — all while giving your Sailors an incredible experience.     From your very first booking, you’ll earn some of the top commissions in the market (and the sea). Plus, with final payments due 120 days before sailing you’ll get paid your commission shortly after their final payment has been completed.       No fine print, no secret hurdles to jump through, we’ve never had them and we never will –  meaning 16% commission on a much more inclusive cruise fare.     With prepaid Bar Tabs, our luxurious add-on packages, a sea of Shore Things, and a myriad of early or group booking deals for your Sailors — your options to earn are growing like their desire to vacation.     With our incredible My Next Virgin Voyage program being sold on board, you can start earning on their next vacation while they’re still sailing the one they’re on, because after all — everyone loves looking forward to something.     Use your own LetsGoBook link for the easiest way to book even your most seasoned Sailors on board — and start earning more commission faster. Your unique link can be found by clicking "My Profile" in your FirstMates.com account.  

  The only thing more exciting than seeing an entirely different side of the world is seeing it out on the open ocean. With our new South Pacific and Transatlantic itineraries — including an impressive list of destination stops from Bali, Singapore and Dubai to Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur and so many more — our newest routes provide the perfect way to see so much of the world by day, with a luxurious place to lay your head (or live it up) each night.  

BOOK EARLY & SAVE

    These itineraries are so hot (and not just from the sun) they’re flying off the shelves like hotcakes (or Laksa, one of Singapore’s most popular noodle dishes), so get yourself one of the limited spaces still available now.   • Singapore, Bali & Australia: 15-nights to Bali, Queensland & more • Ancient Athens to Modern Dubai: 14-nights to Santorini, Cairo & more  

LIMITED CABINS LEFT

    With options from 2 to 6-nights, these shorter getaways are ready for a spot on your cal. Don’t miss our specialty sailings including:   • Melbourne to Burnie: 2-nights from Melbourne to Burnie (& back) • Aussie Mermaiden: 5-nights to Melbourne, Burnie & more • Melbourne to Hobart: 5-nights from Melbourne to Hobart (& back) • Resilient Pacific Island Holidays: 6-nights from Melbourne to Burnie (& back)  

SEA SAILINGS

    Whether you’re looking to put more pins in your travel map or take the trip you’ve been dreaming about, these 10 to 14-night itinerary options are the perfect way to get yourself out of your comfort zone… without sacrificing any comfort.   • Resilient Pacific New Year’s Ahoy: 14-nights Hobart, Sydney & more • Pacific Fjords & Tasman Treasures: 10-nights Hobart, Melbourne & more • Māori & Australian Shores: 11-nights to Sydney, Melbourne & more • New Zealand, Tasmania & Melbourne: 12-nights to Auckland, Hobart & more  

SEA MORE

 

With WiFi included, the connection is real.

  When your Sailors voyage with us, the price always includes basic WiFi. When they cruise elsewhere — it’s always extra. We want to make sure your Sailors can post their pics allllllll voyage long, text with friends and family, and surf the web whenever they need, because on an exclusively adult sailing with always included luxuries — staying connected never comes at an (extra) cost.   • Basic WiFi (snap, post, and message during entire voyage) • Food in 20+ eateries — restaurants, snacks, ice cream, late-night munchies • Unlimited essential drinks • 100% gratuity — all dining, beverages, spa treatments/packages • Group fitness classes and 24/7 gym access • No hidden fees   With WiFi always included, book your Sailors using your LetsGoBook link (even if you happen to be on a voyage), get your Sailors onboard for an incredible vacation of a lifetime, and earn commission even faster.    

Virgin Voyages has taken delivery of its third vessel Resilient Lady. The 110,000 gross ton Resilient Lady joins Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady in the Virgin Voyages fleet. On May 14, 2023, Resilient Lady sails her maiden voyage around the Greek Isles, with stops in Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum and Mykonos. The ship will sail two, eight-night itineraries. After an inaugural season in the Med, Resilient Lady will sail on a 44-night repositioning voyage, for a winter season in Australia and New Zealand. Starting October 22, 2023, the ship will call at Cairo, Dubai, Bali, Mumbai, Phuket and Singapore. Resilient Lady has 93% of cabins with ocean views and 86% have outdoor balconies.

Virgin Voyages is marking its one year anniversary by introducing a new booking platform called LetsGoBook. Developed incorporating travel advisor feedback, the new tool allows advisors to book clients faster and easier. It offers a simpler, intuitive system taking the friction out of the booking process. ‘First Mates’ advisors can book clients in five easy steps using VirginVoyages.com. Additionally, advisors can choose to send a dedicated link to their clients via email/text or share on their social media channels. Every new booking made using First Mate's unique LetsGoBook link will be automatically connected to their account on FirstMates.com. Immediately after a booking is made, agents can instantly view and customise their client's voyage. Every booking still includes Virgin Voyages' 16% commissions and no NCFs. To celebrate the new launch, Virgin Voyages is rewarding First Mates with a limited-time perk: a $100,000 USD booking bonus. The first 2,000 new bookings made using the LetsGoBook link will include a $50 USD (£42 GBP) cash commissions bonus. Additionally, every booking gives First Mates one entry to win a seven-night trip to Necker Island, Richard Branon's private, luxury estate in the British Virgin Islands. "Our First Mates asked for a more streamlined and straightforward booking platform, and we've delivered," said John Dioro, Vice President of North American Sales. "This new, easy-to-use interface saves First Mates time on the historically tedious booking process." To make a booking and be entered to win a trip to Necker Island, travel advisors can go to FirstMates.com to receive their LetsGoBook link.

Virgin Voyages loyalty program The Sailing Club is set to officially debut in 2023. Called a dual-pronged perks program, it offers benefits and exclusive offers until the end of 2022 and unlocks opportunities for guests to elevate themselves to the  highest status tier in 2023. "We're taking a truly unique approach and developing a program that will give Sailors a taste of what's to come while rewarding those who've supported the brand all along," said Nirmal Saverimuttu, President and Chief Experience Officer. As part of the brand's perks program, Virgin Voyages' Sailing Club is introducing 2 Perks, exclusively available to qualifying guests in 2022. These perks will reward those who book or sail in the near future, promoting end-of-year travel. Perk 1: Sail in 2022 with Deep Blue Extras: Deep Blue Extras is a collection of luxuries including one free Shake for Champagne, anytime boarding and premium wi-fi when availabls, It also includes exclusive cocktail parties and laundry services. Deep Blue Extras are available for all qualifying Sailors that crruise from September through December 2022. Perk 2: Book in 2022 with Red Hot Booking Bonus Months: Virgin Voyages is also introducing Red Hot Booking Bonus Months. From August 30 through Nov. 15, 2022, any new qualifying booking made during these select months will offer on-board spending perks and chances to win extraordinary experiences across Virgin brands. These will include a luxury trip to Ulusaba, Richard Branson's private game reserve in South Africa, and Virgin Points through Virgin Red. In addition, Sailors who take advantage booking between now and November 15, 2022 will earn an extra $200 in Sailor Loot (on-board credit), which is combinable with all other promotions. Virgin Voyages is inviting guests to to share what perks they'd like offered, and how Virgin Voyages can elevate its loyalty program. Members of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Virgin Red in the US can redeem their Virgin Points on sailings from Miami and Barcelona on both Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady. Via the existing Capital One and Virgin Red partnership announced in March 2022, Capital One cardholders can also access these offers.

Virgin Voyages is dropping the requirement for testing before embarkation. It comes after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scrapped its Covid-19 monitoring program. Virgin said it is lifting the testing requirement for Mediterranean cruises on July 24 and from July 27 on US departures. Scarlet Lady is currently sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Miami and Valiant Lady from Barcelona. “In response to the discontinuation of the CDC’s Voluntary Program for the Cruise Industry, we’re updating our policies,” it said. “Passenger and crew wellbeing is the main focus and continue to follow the advice of their expert medical team.” Virgin Voyages requires 90% of guest capacity to be vaccinated. All the crew on Virgin ships are fully vaccinated. Virgin Voyages said it will continue to consider any new recommendations issued by the CDC.

Virgin Voyages makes its TV debut this weekend on Channel 5, starring in The Cruise, a new 20-episode series narrated by Sheridan Smith. Produced by Title Role Productions, the first episode premiers in the UK at 9 pm, June 19. Filmed across both of Virgin Voyages’ ships Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, The Cruise takes viewers behind the velvet scenes into the lives of Virgin Voyages’ crew and guests. The series offers a peek into the inner workings of the. Shane Riley, Vice President of International Sales said: “We’re so excited to give our UK fans a peek into life below deck. It’s rare to see the inner-workings of a cruise ship or to follow the Crew beyond Sailors’ time on-board..” Following Scarlet and Valiant Lady, Virgin will launch two new ships: Resilient Lady will sail from Athens and Brilliant Lady, whose itineraries are soon to be named.