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.

Virgin Voyages marked a first this week as Scarlet Lady became the first ship in the fleet to dock in Iceland. The Reykjavik call kicks off the cruise line’s entry into the Nordic region, with stops in Ísafjörður and Akureyri earlier this week. “Scarlet Lady was the ship that started it all, and is still setting the pace,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Her arrival in Iceland reflects growing global demand for our approach to ocean-going vacations.” As Scarlet Lady calls on Iceland, Brilliant Lady – Virgin Voyages’ fourth ship – just completed final updates in Palermo. The new ship is sailing toward the UK and Lisbon for first-look on-board events before a MerMaiden Voyage from New York City on September 3. This coast-to-coast inaugural season spans four US markets including New York, Miami, Los Angeles and Seattle, including a first ever Alaska season in 2026. “With each new ship, we’re listening more and refining faster,” said Michelle Bentubo, Virgin Voyages’ Chief Operations Officer. “Brilliant Lady’s North American tour is a milestone, not just in scale, but in how we continue evolving the experience.” In response to interest for longer sailings, Virgin has added new seven-night Caribbean itineraries from Miami. In preparation for her official launch date, Brilliant Lady is currently hosting a four-day cultural experience at sea for Crew called The Virgin Way.

 

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.”

Virgin Voyages hailed record-breaking revenue and bookings this Wave period, contributing to delivering its strongest trading season in the company's history. The cruise line saw 34% growth in bookings, with revenue up +45%. Specifically, UK sales were up 30%. In addition, Virgin Voyages has also reported a more than 50% increase in bookings for its new longer itineraries of 8 nights to 14 nights. Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, said, “These outstanding results show the incredible momentum our brand has built driven by our travel advisors.” “We remain completely committed to making sure our partners are always appreciated, supported, and rewarded." 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%, it says. Virgin launches its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady in September 2025. This brings a major milestone with all four Lady Ships sailing the Caribbean this autumn. Homeports will include New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, Barcelona, Athens and Portsmouth. "This is just the beginning of what we know will be our best year yet," added Saverimuttu.

 

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.

  Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s award-winning cruise line, is charting a new course for group travel with an enhanced program designed to make it easier and more rewarding for cruisers and First Mates (travel advisors) to book their next adventure.   Ahead of the highly anticipated launch of Brilliant Lady and epic itinerary offerings, the cruise line’s Circles program is evolving, now called “Circles, Groups, and Weddings,” offering greater flexibility, richer benefits and improved offers based on agents’ feedback.   Additionally, Sailors will receive a variety of benefits when booking together through their First Mate including up to a 10% travel discount, up to $300 (approx. £235) in free drinks, and a dedicated group dinner at one of Virgin’s six Michelin-inspired restaurants. This new program directly addresses agents’ requests while maintaining the brand’s value proposition, making group bookings simpler and more rewarding while continuing to be extraordinarily fair, flexible, and inclusive.   Circles - this program has been reimagined to give First Mates more time and flexibility to build their groups while offering better perks for their Sailors. Key updates include:  

• • No cabin minimum required
  • No deposit required
  • Richer combinability including My Next Virgin Voyage
  • More time to form a group
  • Price & promotion protection

  One complimentary Sea Terrace for the travel conductor once a 10 cabin threshold is met, or the option of a  2% bonus commission   Groups - an option designed for agents who already have groups that are ready to lock in their getaway and sail together to celebrate a milestone or special occasion.  

• • Eight cabin minimum
  • No deposit required
  • 30-day hold
  • On-board Bar Tab options
  • Price & promotion protection

  Weddings - this option is designed for First Mates who have Sailors interested in getting married aboard one of Virgin Voyages’ ships and also want to book their guests’ accommodations.  

• • No minimum cabin requirement
  • 30-day hold
  • On-board Bar Tab options
  • Price & promotion protection

  With UK revenue up nearly 40% compared to February 2024 from British Sailors alone, and a growing demand for longer Caribbean voyages this autumn and winter, this programme arrives at the perfect time for UK agents looking to offer their Sailors unforgettable experiences.   “Thanks to our incredible First Mates we are having a record Wave season with a more than 60% increase in revenue from February of last year, and a more than 80% increase coming specifically from our dedicated travel partners. We made a commitment to our Travel Advisor community to always take feedback and turn it into action," said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. "This new program is a direct result of listening, learning, and making improvements. The First Mate community is everything to us as we build this brand together and celebrate a record-breaking Wave season."   For the first time ever, all four of Virgin Voyages’ ships will be sailing in the Caribbean later this year, giving travellers more options to escape to paradise. With exciting ports of call across the region including Grand Cayman, St. Maarten, and Curaçao, adventure awaits at every destination this winter. Whether it's chasing waterfalls in Jamaica or diving into the vibrant culture of Dominica, Sailors can explore these breathtaking destinations through Virgin’s expertly curated Shore Things.   In addition to the new Circles programs, Virgin Voyages remains committed to staying NCF-free while also leading the industry with some of the highest commission rates available, offering seamless booking experiences and support, and delivering an award-winning experience for Sailors.

Virgin Voyages just had record breaking sales, shattering previous milestones with Black Friday marking the single highest booking day in its history. For Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, Virgin Voyages reported triple-digit increases across the board, including a more than 300% increase in revenue compared to 2023. In addition, the brand is experiencing a more than 60% increase in overall revenue growth vs. 2023, with 2025 projected to be up 50% again. This comes ahead of Wave season. “We are so grateful for the support that we’re seeing from our loyal customers and travel advisor community” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “We’re committed to sticking to our roots and not nickel and diming our Sailors, before, during or after their voyage with us.” In addition to occupancy records achieved in the Med and Caribbean this year, the brand has seen excitement around its new Alaska itineraries, longer voyages, including trips to Iceland and solar eclipse sailings in 2026.

  Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s kid-free, boutique hotel at sea, announced today an impressive, record-breaking retail period, shattering previous milestones with Black Friday marking the single highest booking day in company history. Hot on the heels of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, Virgin Voyages is reporting triple-digit increases across the board, including a more than 300% increase in revenue from 2023, and equally, a +300% increase in bookings compared to this period last year. In addition to these notable outcomes, the brand is experiencing a more than 60% increase in overall revenue growth vs. 2023, with 2025 projected to be up 50% again on 2024’s record revenue performance. This news comes as a favorable precursor for the much-anticipated WAVE season, with projections set to surpass any previous records.   “We are so grateful for the support that we’re seeing from our loyal customers and travel advisor community and their passion for the award-winning, kid-free experiences we have created and built from scratch together. Breaking records would not have been possible without our First Mates, and we’re as committed to them as they are to us,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “In an environment where value is disappearing and travelers are feeling the pinch of changes from others, we are doubling down on being an incredible value for Sailors with all our inclusions, such as Wi-Fi, soft drinks, still and sparking water, unlimited fitness classes, no upcharges for specialty dining and more. We’re committed to sticking to our roots and not nickel and diming our Sailors, before, during or after their voyage with us.”   Saverimuttu added, “While also being brilliant to do business with, our travel partners will continue to benefit from our no NCF policy, earning commissions from everything they sell.”   In addition to occupancy records achieved in the Med and Caribbean this year, the brand has seen a lot of excitement around its new Alaska itineraries, the introduction of longer voyages, including trips to Iceland and solar eclipse sailings in 2026. Further, Virgin Voyages’ new Annual Pass product, the first ever year-long voyage where passengers can hop on and off any ship, any time - has received dozens of inquiries from adventurers all over the world and expects to sell out before the end of the year.   “We have a lot to look forward to in 2025 with our new ship, Brilliant Lady, setting sail, Scarlet Lady back from her ‘Glow Up,’ the introduction of longer itineraries and new home ports such as New York, Los Angeles and Seattle. Plus Sailors can look forward to more food and entertainment innovations including new dining concepts, such as Lucky Lotus,  and new production shows, live music and comedy all rolling out fleet-wide,” said Saverimuttu. “We continue to see really strong repeat cruisers – up to 60% on some voyages – but are also breaking through to new audiences with more than 70% of our Black Friday and Cyber Monday bookings coming from Sailors new to the brand, with a significant number being new to cruise. This further solidifies our place as the brand of choice for travelers looking for a fresh, price-inclusive travel experience. We believe this really shows the power and appeal of a kid-free vacation, a position in the travel industry where Virgin Voyages is also fast becoming the brand of choice for adult-only holidays.”   On the heels of a record-breaking season and year, Virgin Voyages also took home two major consumer awards, winning the top spot in its category for both the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, two consecutive years in a row – a rare industry designation. To further the brand's award-winning track record, Virgin Voyages was the first and only cruise line in history to sweep the Cruise Critic awards, taking the top spot in all categories in 2023.

After a record year of sales across International markets, Virgin Voyages has announced several key changes to its international sales structure. It includes the formal appointment of John Delaney, Senior Commercial Advisor. Formerly focused on international sales distribution in the UK, Europe, and Australia, he will now expand his role to include oversight and advisory services to inform sales and commercial performance across all markets. Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages said, “These updates to our sales organisation are designed to strengthen our footprint, support our growth and continue our international expansion.” “As we look ahead to WAVE season, we know this team will play a crucial role with our First Mate community and our overall success.” Also, Matt Lebbern has been appointed Director of Sales, Europe & New Markets, effective immediately. Virgin Voyages recently announced completion of its second phase of international expansion, with an additional 11 markets across Europe opening for sales this year. Since joining Virgin Voyages in 2023, Lebbern has been at the helm of the company's global expansion strategy. The company has further plans for an additional six new markets throughout 2025. He will report to John Delaney, and will be supported by Kayleigh Hilton, who joined the team earlier this year as Business Development Executive. Ben Soane transitions to a new role; Sales Executive, Europe and New Markets in a dedicated Sales Support function and will report directly to Lebbern. Luke Day, who has been at the helm of the trade engagement strategy and First Mate activations, has been promoted to Senior Manager, Global Trade Engagement. Luke will now oversee trade engagement across all of Virgin Voyages markets. Additionally, Chris Woodcock, has been appointed Manager, International Brilliant Support, effective 1 January, 2025. SJ Walker, Director of UK Sales, broadens her role to take on total overall responsibility for all aspects of Virgin Voyages’ trade distribution channels in the UK, including strategy and account development.