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 has revealed record-breaking revenue and bookings. Following a lucrative Black Friday and holiday season to finish 2024’ the cruise line says Wave 2025’is generating the strongest future bookings and revenue growth in its history. It touts a 60% revenue lift year over year, and a 40% jump in new bookings. Virgin Voyages’ available inventory is nearly sold out through the first quarter of the year, with limited cabin availability in Q2 and high demand for summer 2025 voyages in the Mediterranean. Also, Virgin is seeing stronger than expected future bookings for Brilliant Lady starting in Fall 2025, including US itineraries from NYC, Miami, LA and Seattle to Alaska. “Our strongest start ever is a testament to our service and our no nickel and diming value inclusions, as well as the launch of additional destinations,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. Saverimuttu added, “2025 is looking like a red-letter year with new food concepts, new music, more comedy-based entertainment, and a new ship that completes our fleet.” A fourth ship, Brilliant Lady debuts this September in NYC. Brand-wide homeports will include NYC, Miami, LA, Seattle, Barcelona, Athens and Portsmouth, UK. The cruise line says it is getting strong repeat rates up to 60% on some voyages.  

  Virgin Voyages has launched a new ‘Refer a Sailor’ offer, giving sailors and their mate $150 each (approximately £120) in free drinks when they make a referral.   The offer is exclusive for those who’ve travelled on a Virgin Voyages cruise before, but that’s an ever-expanding number of people. In fact, sailors love the brand’s kid-free sailings, Michelin-level dining and incredible itineraries so much that on some sailings, 60% of those on board are repeat customers.   All Virgin Voyages’ fans need to do is share a link to a first-time friend for them to each receive the bar tab - it’s that easy to keep the toasts coming.   Here’s how it works:

1. Get Your Share Link: Submit your Virgin Voyages account email to access a unique share link.
2. Spread the Word: Share your unique link with friends who have never sailed with Virgin Voyages via email, text, or their social channels.
3. Earn $150 Bar Tab Each: When your friends book their first trip, they’ll get $150 to spend on specialty drinks, from elevated evening cocktails at dinner to morning cappuccinos to fuel your onboard workout. Once their trip is 45 days away, you’ll receive your $150 Bar Tab too!

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.

  Virgin Voyages, the award-winning travel brand created by global entrepreneur Richard Branson, is teaming up with SuperBloom and Purveyors of Pop in the first-of-its-kind development deal. As Hollywood enters into a new era with increasing demand for brand-funded projects, Mystery Voyage will turn Sailors into sleuths as the show sets sail aboard Virgin’s newest vessel, Brilliant Lady, in the ultimate whodunnit.   Promising drama, intrigue and seductive mystery, Mystery Voyage is a new travel competition set to the gorgeous backdrop of the sultry Mediterranean. A group of travelers aboard Brilliant Lady find themselves immersed in the world of a fictional, high-stakes murder mystery plot. Faced with everything from jewelry heists and stolen artwork to kidnapped travelers or uncovering a mole, the cast must collaborate and compete to assemble clues and solve crimes each week. The motley crew of suspects will encompass everyone from past reality competition challengers to docuseries stars and unsuspected personalities. With new information surfacing weekly, alliances may form, but the sleuths will soon learn that trusting anyone becomes impossible.   Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group said, "I've always loved solving problems and puzzles, and have been known to be up for a game of chess. Solving a good mystery is much like that, and with our beautiful Lady Ships as the film set, we're bringing that romantic, mysterious, Hollywood feel to the high-seas."   The fascinating series concept was developed for Virgin Voyages by SuperBloom and Purveyors of Pop, two powerhouses that combined their unique expertise in brand marketing and non-scripted television. SuperBloom, an independent creative company, is built to unearth the unexpected. Purveyors of Pop is the non-scripted producer behind reality franchises like Real Housewives, Ex on The Beach and Married To Medicine.   Matching the radiant elements of Brilliant Lady are the aspirational and scenic backdrops of the Greek Isles and Turkey. These are the two anticipated off-ship sets for Mystery on the Voyage and Virgin Voyages regularly offers sailings to both. Its seven-night “Greek Island Glow” calls on the iconic ports of Mykonos and Santorini along with Bodrum, a seaside town teeming with gothic architecture, warm hospitality, outdoor bazaars and idyllic vacation vibes.   When the high-profile cast of mystery sleuths aren’t investigating, they’ll have their run of the 110,000-ton ship and anything can be a clue. Afternoon tea at Sip, mud baths at the mermaid-inspired Redemption Spa, PJ soirees under the stars, and epic Scarlet Night parties might just be the place the contestants find their next leads. At the very least, the social backdrops offer opportunities for the cast to strategize and form alliances, and for audiences to get a sneak peek into the world of Virgin Voyages.   Hitting the high seas in September of 2025, Brilliant Lady will embark on the ultimate cross-country sea trip with a series of longer itineraries. As the final ship in Virgin Voyages’ current fleet, her inaugural season will take Sailors on an American adventure. Routes include New York City to Bermuda and Canada; Los Angeles to Mexico; Miami to the ABC Islands; Seattle to Alaska; and one epic, 16-night voyage through the Panama Canal with stops in Costa Rica and Guatemala.   Nathan Rosenberg, Chief Brand Officer for Virgin Voyages, said, “Virgin’s known for pushing the bounds of creativity and this is just another example of that. I’m a huge fan of unscripted mysteries, and this fun concept, paired with how the ship will come alive on screen, is just so characteristic of the Virgin brand.”   Over the past three years, the awards and real Sailor feedback have proven that cruising with Virgin is an experience unlike any other on the high seas. Not only will this cast of characters have the first chance to set sail aboard our new flagship vessel, but soon after, travelers around the world will be able embark on more than 30 new itineraries and understand why she’s Brilliant.”   The series is currently in casting and packaging. For more information, please contact Adam Milano, [email protected].

  While Scarlet Lady will always be the First Lady of Virgin Voyages’ fleet, the ship that earned a coveted spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Gold List is getting a fabulous glow-up. While it’s hard to make a good thing even better, Virgin Voyages’ first vessel is heading into dry dock from Nov. 14-28 for a handful of cosmetic upgrades after her introductory seasons sailing the high seas.   “Since her much-anticipated debut in 2021, Scarlet Lady has sailed the world, welcoming hundreds of thousands of Sailors on-board while delivering irresistible vacations,” said Nicole Huang, VP of Fleet Experience. “We’re listening and giving travelers more of what they’ve asked for – this includes more suites, luxe new cabanas and fresh, vibey dining concepts – so Sailors can truly live the life of a rockstar.”   Scarlet Lady’s signature experiences — like Scarlet Night, epicurious, award-winning dining and breathtaking acrobatics — are here to stay, but the brand’s OG vessel is reimagining a couple of its eateries. Razzle Dazzle, currently admired for its veggie-friendly brunch and bold interiors, will introduce a new evening concept with enhanced ambience that comes alive at night. On the heels of the wildly successful Asian Night Market, “Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle” will welcome a daring, Chinese-inspired menu with delicious craft cocktails. Paired with a distinctively stylish design that swaps communal tables for intimate, loungey booths, Scarlet’s amplified space brings an elevated dining hideaway to sea.   Matching the overwhelming demand for suites aboard the Lady Ships, several Sea Terrace cabins on deck 11 are being converted to create 24 “Seriously Suite” RockStar Quarters. The most popular among the suite categories, Virgin Voyages’ Seriously Suites measure 352 sq. feet with a European king bed, Peek-a-Boo shower, glamorous vanity, in-room record and vinyls, a stocked bar and the brand’s trademark Yellow Leaf hammock.   “We wanted to give our Sailors a taste of the rockstar life and worked with Tom Dixon to design the 78 RockStar and Mega RockStar Quarters. They did such an amazing job, and there’s so much demand – our Massive Suite is often booked a year or more in advance. We’re answering in a big way by adding suites, so more people can live their best lives,” Huang added.   The glam-up isn’t just for Scarlet’s interiors. On deck, VIP cabanas flanked by breezy white curtains and luxe daybeds overlooking the Aquatic Club will offer a front-row view for A-listers to see and be seen or by anyone wanting to treat themselves. The six bookable cabanas can be reserved individually or connected for larger group celebrations.   Ground Club Too, the sought-after coffee bar in The Galley (Virgin Voyages’ modern food hall), will still serve Intelligentsia Coffee to jumpstart Sailors’ day, but by night, transform into a full-service bar with intimate lounge space and elevated cocktails. Countertop seating, sleek emerald benches, rust-colored couches and wood-slatted accents take the space from energy-inducing breakfast cafe to sophisticated nighttime hangout.   At The Wake, a glamorous Roman and Williams-designed steak and seafood restaurant, the raw bar will be readapted to display the eatery’s impressive collection of high-end wines.   The ship’s non-smoking casino will expand, adding additional slot machines along with exclusive spaces for the world’s most competitive players.   Redemption Spa – an enchanting mermaid/merman hideaway offering everything from awakening bamboo and hot mineral massages to vitamin-infused facials – will see the creation of a couples treatment room where duos can recharge. The current Thermal Suite, outfitted with oversized portholes, heated quartz beds, a steamy mud room, cold-plunges, sauna and salt room, remains untouched.   Finally, Scarlet Lady will debut a new mermaid on its bow, a symbol of strength and safe passage for the seafaring brand.   Once the ship has completed all of its renovations, she’ll make the 16-night trans-Atlantic journey from Rome to Miami before embarking on a series of longer Caribbean voyages. The six-night “Western Caribbean Charm” and eight-night “Eastern Caribbean Antilles” will venture into the tropical Caribbean waters of places like St. Croix, Costa Maya, Roatán, San Juan, Puerto Plata and Bimini. Every voyage aboard the refreshed Scarlet Lady includes a stop at Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club in the Bahamas, renowned for its powdery white sands, free-form pools, swaying palms and epic floatilla parties.   To book one of Scarlet Lady’s spectacular long Caribbean voyages and experience her elevated interiors, visit www.VirginVoyages.com or contact your First Mate. Cabins start at $1,790 USD.