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.

Virgin Voyages is touting an all-new, industry first option for cruise addicts. The Richard Branson founded adult-only line unveiled a cruise pass valid for a year. Starting from sailings in 2025, customers can take any ship from anywhere for an entire calendar year. The Annual Pass can also be purchased using Bitcoin, also a first for the cruise industry. Richard Branson, Virgin Group Founder, said, “What started as a sought after ‘work from sea’ concept with our Season Pass has evolved into something even more special.” “We’re offering unlimited opportunities in a way that has never been done in cruising before.” Virgin Voyages’ Annual Pass will allow cruisers to explore every ship, including inaugural voyages on latest vessel, Brilliant Lady, debuting in September 2025. The Annual Pass includes special perks including priority boarding, complimentary laundry services, dedicated concierge support, unlimited premium wifi, and a $100 Bar Tab credit per voyage. Also included is access to exclusive events and experiences. Annual Pass holders are able to add a plus one to their cabin, with the ability to travel with different companions throughout the year. The Virgin Voyages Annual Pass is on a first-come, first-served basis with a base fare total of $120,000 excluding taxes and fees for voyages booked. Pass holders can select a start date of Jan. 1, Feb. 1, March 1 or April 1, and the pass will be valid for one year from the desired start date. Cruisers must book between now and March 31, 2025. Travel advisors who sell an Annual Pass will earn a commission of $10,000. The Annual Pass is not combinable with other offers or Bar Tab. It is available via the “Contact Us” page.

  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].

Virgin Voyages has expanded further across Europe, opening sales in both France and Italy. It follows an additional six European source markets opening for business in the last three weeks, including The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Earlier this year, Virgin Voyages kickstarted its European expansion by opening sales in three new markets, including Spain, Portugal and Ireland. It says sales performance was up nearly 50% within the first year. It adds up to opening eleven new markets in 2024. Virgin Voyages now has plans to open six additional new markets in 2025 and beyond. Virgin Voyages' European expansion is being led by Matt Lebbern, Head of European Sales. "Within the last nine months, we have more than doubled active source markets," said Lebbern. Virgin Voyages announced its biggest ever European deployment in 2025. Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady will be returning to Europe shores, offering voyages from six to 13 nights from April 2025 through October 2025. The line's first ship, Scarlet Lady, will sail the western Mediterranean and northern Europe, stopping in popular destinations such as the Balearic Islands, British Isles, Ligurian coast and Iceland on departures from Barcelona, Portsmouth, Reykjavik and Rome. Meanwhile, Resilient Lady will homeport in Athens and set sail to the Greek Isles and Adriatic Coast, featuring stops in Bodrum, Dubrovnik and Santorini, as well as overnight stays in Istanbul and Mykonos.   

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  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.