Virgin Voyages has released its new Southern Caribbean itineraries for Winter 2027 – 2028.   The 2,770-guest Scarlet Lady will offer 23 round-trip departures from San Juan, Puerto Rico, across 12 itineraries, which are now on sale.   The new season gives First Mates (agents) and Sailors (guests) even more choice, from six- to 12-night voyages, departing between October 2027 and April 2028, combining longer island-rich routes with the brand’s signature adults-only experience.   Highlights include:

• A new 12-night Transatlantic voyage from Barcelona to San Juan with Halloween-themed activities and events, departing October 31, 2027, featuring an inaugural call to Lanzarote, Canary Islands and a full day in Tangier, Morocco.
• A wide selection of six-, seven-, eight- and 12-night sailings calling at ports including Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, St Maarten, Dominica and Tortola.
• A series of Southern Caribbean & Aruban Nights voyages featuring late-night departures from Aruba.
• Special Christmas and New Year voyages.

  Lead-in prices start from £1697 per cabin* for a six-night Southern Caribbean Cruise departing January 2, 2028.   All departures include Virgin Voyages’ signature inclusions - more than 20 eateries, WiFi, essential drinks, group fitness classes and onboard entertainment.   SJ Walker, UK director of sales at Virgin Voyages, said: “We’re giving our Sailors and First Mates even more ways to experience the Southern Caribbean with our new itineraries. With Scarlet Lady sailing from San Juan, Sailors can dive straight into kid-free island-hopping from day one, while enjoying everything that makes Virgin Voyages different - incredible dining, immersive entertainment and a relaxed, come-as-you-are atmosphere.   “It’s brilliant for First Mates too, with every fare delivering more than $1,000 USD in always-included value for their customers, making it easier for our agent partners to demonstrate value upfront and convert with confidence.”   The new voyages form part of Virgin Voyages’ current Wave campaign, available to book through February, 2026. The offer includes:  

• 80% off the second Sailor
• Up to $350 in free drinks
• Up to $300 onboard credit on Caribbean voyages

  For more information, visit firstmates.com or contact the Virgin Voyages sales team.

  Virgin Voyages has enhanced its ‘80% off Second Sailor + free drinks’ offer with up to $300 USD in Sailor Loot, the brand’s name for onboard credit. The offer is now available on all round-trip voyages departing Miami and San Juan.   As part of the update, Virgin Voyages will now provide up to $300 USD per cabin on new bookings made on Miami and San Juan voyages, from February 12 – February 26, 2026.   All voyages departing from Miami and San Juan are eligible, including Caribbean itineraries to Puerto Plata, Cozumel, Key West, the Beach Club at Bimini, Aruba, Curaçao, St. Lucia and more.   The additional onboard credit enhances Virgin Voyages’ existing Wave offer, available to book through February 26, 2026, which includes:  

• 80% off the Second Sailor (guests)
• Up to $350 in free drinks
• Valid across Caribbean, Mediterranean and North American voyages

  Incentives for UK First Mates (travel agents)   In addition to its ongoing Wave promotion, Virgin Voyages has two trade incentives running:  

1. Bring on Bimini

UK First Mates logging bookings on Virgin Voyages products on sale through 2027 via First Mate Loot will be entered into a prize draw to win a place on a hosted Virgin Voyages UK sales team fam trip to the Caribbean.   The seven-night Western Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club sailing onboard Resilient Lady departs April 11, 2026, and includes flights and hotel accommodation. The itinerary features a day at Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini, the brand’s private beach club in the Bahamas.  

2. Six Times More Rewards

First Mates will also earn £30 per booking, six times the standard reward, across all Virgin Voyages products on sale through 2027.   SJ Walker, UK director of sales at Virgin Voyages, said: “Wave is designed to excite both sides of the journey, giving Sailors stronger incentives to book and First Mates greater confidence to sell. This upgraded promotion delivers on that promise by offering up to $300 in Sailor Loot on sailings from Miami and San Juan, unlocking more choice for Sailors to tailor their adults-only escapes, whether that’s immersive Shore Things, indulgent spa moments, or standout onboard experiences. Ultimately, it’s about making Wave truly valuable for everyone.”

  This Valentine’s Day, Virgin Voyages is showing seasoned travellers the love by bringing back its Enhanced Status Match - a limited-time loyalty offer designed to help First Mates (travel agents) convert high-value, well-travelled clients to the award-winning, adults-only cruise line.   For a limited time, the Enhanced Status Match programme allows First Mates to exchange their Sailors’ (customers’) existing loyalty status from more than 35 cruise lines, hotels and airlines.   Once verified, the Sailor will receive Blue Extras on their next eligible voyage, which includes:

• One complimentary bag of laundry
• One speciality coffee per day
• Exclusive cocktail event
• Personalised Sailor Services support

  Sailors can register their status match online between February 10 and February 28, and then have until March 31, 2026 to make their booking.   The benefits are available across Virgin Voyages’ full programme of sailings, which include:

• Caribbean sailings from Miami or San Juan, including the Beach Club at Bimini
• Europe sailings from Barcelona, Athens or Portsmouth
• North America sailings from New York, Los Angeles, Miami or Seattle
• Alaska sailings from Seattle or Vancouver
• Transatlantic and repositioning sailings

  SJ Walker, Virgin Voyages’ UK director of sales, said: “What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by bringing the love to Sailors through the return of our Enhanced Status Match. Our First Mates told us they wanted more incentives to secure those new-to-cruise bookings, and this is a perfect tool to suggest Virgin Voyages to an avid traveller.”   “This initiative is just one of the ways we have listened and acted on agents’ feedback. When combined with our competitive commissions, transparent pricing and dedicated Sales Crew support, it’s clear Virgin Voyages is built with both our Sailors and First Mates in mind.”

  Virgin Voyages has started the year with a major UK trade push, reaching more than 1,000 First Mates (travel agents) in January through a nationwide programme of store visits, head office takeovers and in-person training sessions.   The UK sales team connected directly with 1,063 agents, visited 101 stores and delivered activity across 58 locations. They also hosted dedicated sessions and takeovers with key head office partners and agency groups.   The January engagement drive formed part of Virgin Voyages’ continued investment in agent support, with a focus on product training and incentive awareness during Wave booking season.   Alongside the high level of trade engagement, trade specific booking performance also showed strong momentum.   January performance highlights include:

• Travel agent revenue per cruising day is up 25% year on year, reflecting growing recognition of the value delivered through the line’s inclusive offering.
• Average selling value of each voyage is up 18% year on year, with 10-night Caribbean voyages proving particularly popular.
• Caribbean demand has doubled year on year, and now represents 42% of all UK trade bookings versus 21% at the same point last year.

  Elsewhere, trade incentives also saw standout engagement in January. The enhanced First Mate Loot incentive - whereby the trade can earn £30 per booking, six times the standard reward, across all products on sale through 2027 - generated significant engagement, with 65% of agents applying it to bookings made during the period. The incentive has been offered alongside the returning Bring on Bimini fam trip incentive, launched in partnership with Virgin Atlantic, which gives UK First Mates the chance to win a place on a hosted Virgin Voyages familiarisation trip to the Caribbean.   SJ Walker, Virgin Voyages’ UK director of sales, said: “January has been all about showing up for the trade - in store, at head offices and face to face with First Mates across the UK. Reaching more than 1,000 agents in a single month is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. Just as importantly, the quality of bookings coming through is rising, with longer sailings and higher-value trips becoming the norm. That’s good news for our First Mates, good news for Sailors and a strong signal for the year ahead.”   Virgin Voyages’ trade incentives - including Bring on Bimini and the enhanced £30 First Mate Loot reward – run through to February 26, 2026. To enter, travel agents must log every booking via firstmateloot.co.uk.   For more information, visit firstmates.com or contact the Virgin Voyages sales team.

  PR42 has been appointed by Virgin Voyages to support the brand’s UK trade communications strategy. The specialist cruise PR agency will lead all press and publicity activities aimed at First Mates (travel advisors), with immediate effect.   PR42 will work alongside Virgin Voyages' UK sales team, led by SJ Walker, UK Director of Sales. Together, they will amplify key trade messaging and spotlight what sets the award-winning brand apart for agents and their Sailors, from its kid-free experience to a strong value proposition that includes dining across more than 20 eateries, WiFi, immersive entertainment and group fitness classes, all included in the voyage fare.   Key initiatives for Q1 include:  

• Continuing to drive Caribbean 2026 and 2027 bookings, supported by a diverse range of itineraries designed to appeal to the UK market
• A Wave offer of 80% off the second Sailor and up to $400 in free drinks across Caribbean, Mediterranean and North American voyages
• ‘Bring on Bimini’, an initiative giving First Mates the chance to get onboard with a hosted familiarisation trip to the Caribbean

  David Sanders, PR42 director, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be supporting such a brilliant brand, as Virgin Voyages looks to further enhance its trade presence in the UK. The line has a truly unique story to tell, and we’re looking forward to working closely with the sales team to bring agent-friendly initiatives and activity to First Mates over the next few months.”   SJ Walker said: “As we look ahead to 2026, our focus is on accelerating growth by working even more closely with our First Mates. PR42 brings the right trade expertise to help us communicate the full enterprise value of Virgin Voyages, from our differentiated onboard experience to a proposition that delivers strong results for agents.”   PR42 will partner with The Romans, who retain Virgin Voyages' remit for UK consumer PR.

 

The Adults-Only Cruise Line Launches the World's Broadest Status Match Program Ever Offered, Celebrating Power Travelers Who Deserve to Be Valued

    Virgin Voyages has a simple message for travellers who love to get out and explore the world: if you've stayed loyal to brands that promised to reward wanderlust but feel like you aren't being valued as much as you used to, jump on board Virgin Voyages because they're ready to show you what it feels like when a brand loves you back.   Today, the world's most-awarded adults-only cruise brand is launching the broadest Status Match program ever offered, extending instant status recognition to about 50 million travellers who hold high-tier status with more than 35 airline, hotel and cruise loyalty programs. They believe travel should be rewarded, explorers should be valued and loyalty should always feel like love, not fine print.   The numbers tell us what travellers are feeling. According to recent data, 83% of consumers feel undervalued by the brands they remain loyal to (Emarsys, January 2025), and McKinsey reports that sentiment toward many loyalty programs has declined significantly. When travellers don't feel valued, they're likely to look for alternatives, and the premium brand that has won multiple awards for best cruise line wants to show how sailing the high seas the Virgin way may be the antidote for a case of the loyalty blues.   Virgin Voyages' new course for top travellers starts today: the elite status you've earned exploring the world means instant Blue Extras on your first sailing. No hoops. No hurdles. Just immediate recognition and a vacation designed entirely for adults who deserve to feel valued from bow to stern.   “Loyalty programs have gotten it backward,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “They ask for more, give less and call it a reward. We’re flipping that. From the moment Sailors step aboard, we want them to feel recognized, relaxed and reminded of why they fell in love with travel in the first place.”   STATUS MATCH: SET SAIL WITH INSTANT RECOGNITION   Eligible Programs: Virgin Voyages is recognizing loyalty members from across the Virgin family, extending Blue Extras hospitality to eligible members of Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club and Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer. This brings even greater value to Virgin customers across the UK, US and Australia, ensuring they can enjoy elevated perks from air to sea.   Virgin Voyages’ enhanced Status Match is also eligible across 35+ travel programs including American Airlines’ AAdvantage, United MileagePlus Program, Delta SkyMiles, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards, Carnival’s VIFP Club and dozens more.   What Blue Extras Unlocks: Premium coffees at The Grounds Club to fuel your mornings at sea, complimentary laundry service, exclusive cocktail events where you'll connect with Crew and fellow Sailors, and personalized Sailor Services support from embarkation to disembarkation. Access to special deals and entry into our global rewards program benefits.   Matching Window: Apply for Virgin Voyages’ Status Match now through Jan. 16, 2026 and book a voyage by March 31, 2026 to snag Blue Extras.   Sailings Available: Now through Summer 2027, with departures from Miami, San Juan, New York, Barcelona, Athens, Los Angeles and Seattle with ports that connect Sailors to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska and beyond.   VALUING TRAVELERS, NOT JUST TRANSACTIONS   Virgin Voyages' Status Match program reflects the brand's fundamental belief: people who love to travel deserve to be valued for it.   "You earned your status," said Saverimuttu. "You put in the flights, the nights, the spend. Other programs responded by taking more and giving less. We're responding by opening our doors and saying: we see you, we appreciate you, come sail with us."   The approach resonates. Virgin Voyages maintains industry-leading repeat customer rates, with Sailors returning at rates as high as 50% on some voyages – more than triple the cruise industry average. The brand has been named Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Mega-Ship Cruise Line" for three consecutive years and 2026 revenue is already up approximately 60% year over year.   Why? Because when brands genuinely value travellers, they come back. And they bring friends.   WHY NOW: THE KID-FREE TRAVEL BOOM   The data is clear: adults are increasingly seeking travel experiences designed specifically for them, ones that offer true relaxation. After years of saying their loyalty programs are shrinking and following a holiday season spent overdoing it, this period marks the moment discerning travellers plan what comes next, a real reward, a real escape and a vacation truly worth looking forward to. Travelers are seeking experiences designed specifically for adults; ones that offer genuine relaxation, sophisticated entertainment and the freedom to explore without compromise.   “Kid-free travel is no longer a niche, it’s a movement,” said Stephen Hopkins, Vice President of Growth. “Virgin Voyages has become the go-to brand for adults traveling without children, and the numbers prove it. Demand for adults-only luxury travel has climbed 47% since 2022, and market experts project the segment will double over the next decade.”   Virgin Voyages' kid-free philosophy extends from ship design to entertainment programming to shore excursions. The result: travellers seeking sophisticated exploration without compromise are finding their tribe, and the word is spreading across every port.

Virgin Voyages is launching what it calls the broadest Status Match program ever offered. It is extending instant status recognition to about 50 million travelers who hold high-tier status with more than 35 airline, hotel and cruise loyalty programs. Virgin cites data that says 83% of consumers feel undervalued by the brands they remain loyal to. Earned elite status means instant Blue Extras on the first Virgin Voyages sailing, providing immediate recognition. “Loyalty programs have gotten it backward,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages.  “They ask for more, give less and call it a reward. We’re flipping that. From the moment Sailors step aboard, we want them to feel recognized.” Virgin Voyages is recognizing loyalty members from across the Virgin family - Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club and Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer. The enhanced Status Match is also eligible across 35+ travel programs including American Airlines’ AAdvantage, United MileagePlus Program, Delta SkyMiles, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards, Carnival’s VIFP Club and dozens more. Blue Extras unlock premium coffee at The Grounds Club, complimentary laundry service, exclusive cocktail events and personalized Sailor Services support from embarkation to disembarkation. There is also access to special deals. Guests can apply for Virgin Voyages’ Status Match now through January 16, 2026 and book a voyage by March 31, 2026 to get Blue Extras. Now through summer 2027, it is valid for departures from Miami, San Juan, New York, Barcelona, Athens, Los Angeles and Seattle to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska and beyond.

Virgin Voyages is celebrating record international growth across the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand as it looks ahead to 2026. The cruise line has announced key hires, and in the UK – now Virgin Voyages’ second-largest global market – revenue is up 17% year-over-year. The company has experienced a 34% rise in average selling values paired with a 154% jump in Caribbean bookings among UK customers. Across Europe, Australia and New Zealand, momentum has been equally strong. “2025 has been a landmark year of growth across all our international markets,” said SJ Walker, Director of UK Sales. “The UK travel trade has truly embraced our brand, and we’ve seen travellers booking earlier, sailing longer and choosing higher end experiences.” It is strengthening its on the ground team in the UK with Kelly Green joining as Sales Manager UK from Hays Travel, bringing extensive experience across the UK trade, including retail, homeworker, and consortia sectors. Also, Alan Fincham steps into the role of Business Development Executive for Central England. Virgin also announced several new sales team hires across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. To celebrate a record-breaking year, Virgin Voyages launched a new Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Buy one Sailor, get the second 80% off, plus up to a $400 Bar Tab. The offer applies to all voyages, including the brand’s popular Eclipse Voyages, Panama Canal sailings, and new itineraries exploring Alaska.  

 

The World’s No. 1 Cruise Line debuts a reimagined fare model that delivers clarity and choice before you sail while keeping Virgin’s signature Always Included Luxury at the heart of every voyage

  Virgin Voyages is sailing into a new era of growth and innovation. Fresh off the launch of its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, the brand has cemented its place as one of the most celebrated names in travel, delivering record growth with sold-out voyages and becoming the go-to brand for new-to-cruise Sailors. Adult-only travel is booming, and Virgin Voyages has emerged as the clear option for travelers seeking sophisticated holidays without kids. Now, the rebel of the high seas is once again shaking up the cruise industry with a whole new playbook for how vacations are booked.   Launching Oct. 7, 2025, Virgin Voyages will debut VoyageFair Choices, a bold new fare model created directly in response to Sailor and First Mate feedback. Virgin doesn’t disrupt for disruption’s sake; every move is a strategic decision designed to make the experience better. At the heart of this new system are four goals: to give Sailors better price transparency, make fares easier to compare across the industry, offer more flexible and competitive options for different budgets, and – most importantly – respond to Sailors’ and advisors’ call for more choice.   “Travelers expect clarity and choice from airlines and hotels, and Virgin Voyages is the first to bring that same simplicity and pricing model to cruising,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “This isn’t about gimmicks or fine print. We’re making it easier to book a voyage with confidence while knowing that once you’re onboard, the experience is unmistakably Virgin: elevated and unforgettable.”   John Lovell, Board Member and Senior Advisor, added, “Having spent many years in the travel industry, I’ve seen how quickly traveler expectations are changing. People want more flexibility, more transparency and more control over how they vacation. Virgin Voyages has already changed what it means to cruise and now, with VoyageFair Choices, we’re changing how people book. It’s a model built for the modern traveler and another example of Virgin pushing the industry forward.”   The new model introduces three distinct pricing tiers for Sea Terrace and below cabins, each designed to give Sailors greater flexibility in how they book.  

• With the Base fare, Sailors can choose the most value-driven option. This non-refundable fare introduces a new Basic WiFi tier for one device per Sailor designed for social media, messaging and light browsing. Dining reservations open 15 days before sailing, and while changes to names, cabins or dates aren’t permitted, it’s an ideal choice for Sailors who know their plans and prefer straightforward savings.
• The Essential fareremains closest to what Sailors know and love today. It includes Classic WiFi for one device per Sailor, with social media, messaging, browsing and audio calling. This option includes a 45-day dining reservation window, along with added flexibility to adjust voyage dates using a Future Voyage Credit. Name changes are also allowed for Sailors Two through Four, making this option a familiar favorite with a touch more flexibility.
• For those seeking more perks and freedom, the Premium faredelivers elevated benefits. For the first time, Sea Terrace categories and below will enjoy a 60-day dining reservation window, previously reserved only for suites. Premium also includes Premium WiFi for two devices per Sailor with streaming and video capabilities, an included Bar Tab (drinks credit), and access to a priority support line for pre-voyage booking. This fare is designed for Sailors who want greater convenience, more benefits and maximum flexibility.

  For RockStar and Mega RockStar Quarters, VoyageFair Choices brings one important upgrade: dining reservations now open 120 days prior to sailing, giving these Sailors the earliest opportunity to curate their onboard experience. All other elevated inclusions – from Richard’s Rooftop and priority boarding to curated in-room bars, dedicated RockStar Agent service and daily Bar Tabs for Mega RockStars – continue to define the RockStar journey, ensuring these Sailors enjoy the exclusivity and luxury that set Virgin Voyages apart.   Virgin Voyages is also raising the bar on transparency by displaying service gratuities as a separate line item at the time of booking. Previously bundled into the fare, these contributions will now be shown clearly so Sailors know exactly how they are applied. The total cost of a voyage does not change, and Sailors may prepay at a discounted rate of $20 per Sailor per night or settle onboard at $22 per Sailor per night. Once covered, that’s it – there are no hidden charges, no surprise gratuities and no tipping expected anywhere onboard. The singular gratuities line item, offered visible upfront, reflects the brand’s commitment to clarity and its ethos of keeping the experience easy, transparent and free of nickel-and-diming.   What remains unchanged is the heart of the Virgin Voyages experience: Always Included Luxury. Every fare delivers more than $1,000 USD in value, including diverse dining from world-class chefs, unlimited group fitness, unlimited WiFi, soda, still and sparkling water, as well as entertainment that pushes boundaries. Once onboard, Sailors have the freedom to curate their own adventure, whether that’s through bold culinary experiences, innovative entertainment, fitness and wellness or late-night celebrations. Virgin Voyages continues to evolve its experience so that every voyage is unique and unforgettable.   Saverimuttu concluded, “2025 has been a record year. Virgin Voyages is now firmly on the map and the undisputed No. 1 cruise line. We’ve won Travel + Leisure’s best mega-ship ocean cruise line three years running and have cemented this brand as the go-to option for those seeking an adult-only vacation. But we’re just getting started. From day one, this brand has been built on feedback alongside our fans, Sailors and First Mates, because it all starts with our people. VoyageFair Choices is about opening our doors even wider, giving more travelers the chance to experience the joy, connection and freedom of sailing with us. It’s a new way of putting people first and shaping the future of travel.”   The new fare model will go live for all new bookings beginning Oct. 7, 2025. For more information, visit www.virginvoyages.com/voyagefairchoices.

 

A first-of-its-kind sailing brings true crime fandom to sea with strong group potential, built-in demand and generous commissions for travel advisors

  Virgin Voyages is setting the stage for something unforgettable and First Mates are front and center. The award-winning, kid-free cruise line is teaming up with iHeartMedia, the No. 1 audio company in the U.S., to launch the True Crime Voyage, a five-night Caribbean sailing that transforms podcast fandom into a fully immersive, at-sea experience. Departing Oct. 10 from Miami, this limited-edition sailing isn’t just buzzworthy – it’s strategically designed for trade success.   Virgin Voyages’ travel advisors – known affectionately as First Mates – are equipped with an experience that hits every sales sweet spot. Themed, time-bound, culturally relevant and ripe for group bookings, the True Crime Voyage offers a fresh hook for new-to-cruise clients and a premium experience fans are actively seeking out. As with all Virgin Voyages’ itineraries, First Mates benefit from competitive commissions, attractive group incentives, no non-commissionable fares (NCFs), and a guest experience that’s never diluted by surprise fees or upcharges.   “We’ve tapped into a massive fandom and paired it with our uniquely elevated product,” said Nathan Rosenberg, Chief Marketing Officer and head of sales at Virgin Voyages. “This gives First Mates something different to sell with an experience built on passion, pop culture and premium value. The demand is already there; now advisors can be the ones to bring it to life.”   Sailing on Valiant Lady to Puerto Plata and Virgin’s exclusive Beach Club at Bimini, the voyage is built around some of iHeartMedia’s most captivating true crime podcast titles, including Betrayal, Buried Bones and Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know. Throughout the journey, Sailors can anticipate live podcast recordings of their favorite shows, behind-the-scenes “How to Podcast” workshops, exclusive meet-and-greets with top hosts, special giveaways and themed cocktails and bites inspired by infamous cases.   For First Mates, the appeal extends well beyond the theme. Virgin Voyages’ always-included pricing model covers more than 20 eateries, gratuities, Wi-Fi, group fitness classes and essential beverages, making it easier for advisors to close the sale. There’s also no upsell fatigue for travelers and no NCF deductions cutting into advisor earnings.   “This exclusive, one-time-only itinerary is the kind of product that drives new conversations and bookings,” Rosenberg added. “We’re giving First Mates a reason to reach out, reengage past clients or tap into niche groups. It’s exciting, bookable and profitable.”   This True Crime Voyage marks the start of a bold new evolution in Virgin Voyages’ immersive experience platform, one that brings the cultural conversations, trends and fandoms shaping pop culture to sea. Building on Virgin’s signature approach to storytelling and connection, the sailing introduces a new way to fuse entertainment, access and travel through a growing lineup of genre-driven voyages that celebrate what today’s Sailors are most passionate about, from true crime and comedy to wellness, music, food and beyond.   Trade partners can access sales tools and marketing assets now at FirstMates.com, Virgin Voyages’ dedicated advisor portal.   “We designed the True Crime Voyage to tap into something people are already passionate about,” Rosenberg said. “But we built it to make selling simple, profitable and fun because that’s what First Mates deserve.”

 

Spice Girls Icon, Melanie C, and Disco Legend, Kathy Sledge, Set to Ignite the High Seas Experience

  The No. 1 cruise line in the world, Virgin Voyages, is unveiling plans for a 2026 Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage aboard the stunning Brilliant Lady and announcing Spice Girls alumna, Melanie C, along with disco icon, Kathy Sledge, as headliners for the brand’s remaining 2025 Celebration Voyages. The newly named Red Hot Sailing Club Voyage – departing Miami for the Caribbean on March 12, 2026 – continues the music-fueled legacy of the Celebration Voyages while elevating the experience for loyal Sailors with fresh entertainment and programming.   Building on the momentum of Nicky Jam, the reggaeton superstar who is currently headlining the Miami Celebration Voyage aboard Valiant Lady, Virgin Voyages is thrilled to announce two extraordinary artists for its remaining 2025 sailings from Athens and Lisbon. These final Celebration Voyages – before the series transforms into the Red Hot Sailing Club for 2026 – promise to deliver unforgettable musical experiences at sea.   Lisbon Celebration Voyage Featuring Melanie C   Departing from Lisbon, the July 22, 2025 Celebration Voyage aboard Scarlet Lady will be headlined by award-winning musician, Melanie C, the chart-topping British pop artist and DJ best known as Sporty Spice from the iconic Spice Girls. Celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, the Spice Girls have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, establishing themselves as the most successful female group of all time. Melanie C’s musical versatility and energetic performances have earned her critical acclaim, including three World Music Awards and a BRIT Award, but it’s her Virgin Music legacy and style that make her a perfect match for the world’s best cruise line. She’s a formidable solo artist and accomplished DJ who will bring a bit of pop nostalgia and style to the Virgin Voyages decks.   Melanie C will take over a five-night sailing departing from Lisbon, Portugal. Calling in Porto and La Coruña before concluding in Portsmouth, UK, the voyage offers a perfect blend of coastal charm and bohemian spirit. When Sailors aren’t enjoying the historic cobblestone streets, stunning beaches and vibrant local cuisine, they’ll revel in the brand’s signature mix of relaxation and adventure. At night, Melanie C brings her unmatched energy and spirit to an electrifying DJ set and performance with Girl Power energy that made her a global sensation.   Athens Celebration Voyage Featuring Kathy Sledge   Departing May 18, 2025, Resilient Lady – embarks on an 11-night Mediterranean journey from Athens. With trendsetting style and musical flair, the legendary Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge fame, takes the helm. Kathy is the distinctive voice behind anthems "We Are Family" and "He's the Greatest Dancer" and has been a cornerstone of disco and dance music for decades. Her timeless global anthems have earned her multiple gold and platinum records, with "We Are Family" being inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry as a culturally significant song.   Guaranteed to rock the ship with her distinctive vocals, Kathy’s extended Mediterranean odyssey departs from Athens before calling in Istanbul, Ephesus, Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos and Crete. The itinerary presents a rich tapestry of experiences, from ancient ruins at the crossroads of civilisation to sun-washed island villages flanked by the blue Aegean sea. With Kathy Sledge's soulful performances as the soundtrack, Sailors will discover the perfect harmony of historical exploration and contemporary entertainment.   Both Melanie C and Kathy Sledge are part of the Virgin Music Group family, creating an authentic connection that enhances the Virgin Voyages experience. Their performances aboard these Celebration Voyages embody the brand's commitment to creating meaningful connections through music and travel.   "We're thrilled to welcome Kathy Sledge and Melanie C home to Virgin for these Celebration Voyages," said Jamie Douglas, Director of Immersive Experiences. "These influential artists – who are both part of the Virgin music family – create remarkable communities through their music, a perfect alignment with the spirit and connection that defines the Virgin Voyages experience. These incredible sailings not only reinforce Virgin’s standing as an iconic company rooted in music, but also serve as a love letter to our epic community of loyal Sailors worth celebrating every day.”

 

Riding the wave of unprecedented success, Richard Branson’s award-winning travel brand dominates the kid-free travel sector

  Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s adult-only boutique hotel at sea, celebrates record-breaking revenue and bookings, delivering the strongest trading season in the company's history. Fueled by its most successful wave season to date, the multi-award-winning cruise line has seen a 34% growth in bookings, with revenue up +45% (30% UK).   In addition to these impressive figures, since introducing new, longer itineraries of 8 nights to 14 nights, Virgin Voyages has also reported a more than 50% (40% UK) increase in bookings for these new products, indicating strong consumer interest in new ports and longer voyages onboard the Virgin fleet.   Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, said, “These outstanding results show the incredible momentum our brand has built – driven by our Travel Advisors who recognise that our kid-free, award-winning experience offers a true premium alternative in the industry. They love that our size offers a blend of intimate and elevated experiences and real variety. Our record repeat rates are loved by First Mates because another booking is almost guaranteed after their client’s first sailing. The entire Virgin Voyages team couldn't be more grateful. We've created this together, and we remain completely committed to making sure our partners are always appreciated, supported, and rewarded for their trust in us and the journey ahead."   The brand's meteoric rise comes at a pivotal moment as Virgin Voyages continues to make its mark on the cruise industry with its iconic blend of luxury, relaxed sophistication, and signature Virgin spirit. As a further testament to the company’s successful Wave season, Virgin Voyages is also reporting a standout performance in web traffic as one of the only cruise brands to see gains in search, leading the industry with increases up 25%*.   In addition to this, the brand's unique approach to cognitive marketing and non-traditional media has been a significant driver in its growth story, giving it a unique ability to reach new audiences and break through the noise to capitalise on word-of-mouth, referrals, and broad awareness as it often dominates the cruise category in effectiveness measures.   "As a Virgin brand, we are committed to keeping our unique market position and strong customer loyalty. It's because of this focus we have captured the most five star reviews and have the highest engagement rates on social platforms, including Reddit, YouTube and Meta. As the world embraces Gen AI and LLMs we are seeing significant growth for our brand in nontraditional spaces - we've witnessed a 200% increase in ChatGPT brand searches during Q1, demonstrating how our approach is driving meaningful engagement in emerging channels. We are a brand that is much loved, much talked about and much commented on and we embrace that.”   Excitement continues to build as the adult-only travel brand unveils fleet-wide innovations, appealing to continued growth with travelers in their 50’s and 60’s who are looking for a more sophisticated but relaxed environment without kids. Plans include delicious reveals for its award-winning culinary program, new restaurants, expanded menus, seven new entertainment concepts, longer and more sought-after itineraries and the much-anticipated debut of its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady in September 2025. This celebratory moment marks a major brand milestone with all four Lady Ships sailing the Caribbean this fall. Brand-wide homeports will include New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, Barcelona, Athens and Portsmouth. With the completion of the fleet, Virgin Voyages offers a tremendous amount of choice, from bucket-list itineraries to solar eclipse voyages, along with ports of call ranging from Iceland to the southern Caribbean.   "This is just the beginning of what we know will be our best year yet," concluded Saverimuttu. "We're not just changing how people see and experience cruising—we're redefining what a vacation at sea can be. And we're doing it with our signature mix of style, substance, and innovation that only Virgin can deliver, including exciting new itineraries, new entertainment, new food and of course Brilliant Lady’s debut. Watch this space; we've got some brilliant announcements coming soon that will make waves across the industry."   Virgin Voyages continues to break through barriers, attracting a significant new-to-cruise audience along with 60% repeat Sailors on some voyages. The company, now in its fourth year, has solidified its place as the brand of choice for travelers looking for a fresh, price-inclusive travel experience. Demand for kid-free vacations are increasing within the travel industry, and Virgin Voyages is staking its claim as the ultimate option for exclusively adult getaways.   Last year, Virgin Voyages was the recipient of two major consumer awards, including winning the top spot in its category for both the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards two consecutive years in a row. To start 2025, Virgin Voyages is already raking in the accolades, with the line’s newest ship, Resilient Lady, winning USA Today’s 10Best No. 1 spot for Best Adults-Only Cruise, Best Dining and Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment.