Virgin Voyages has concluded its highly successful First Mate Appreciation Month, wrapping up a 17-city roadshow with a grand finale event in Los Angeles. The event marked the culmination of a month-long celebration with over 1,000 travel advisors, known as First Mates, attending events across North America. This year’s celebration, the fifth annual edition, was a testament to the cruise line’s dedication to its travel advisor community.
The roadshow, which visited cities such as Miami, Toronto, Seattle, and Chicago, offered valuable updates and insights for travel advisors. Participants were provided with essential tools, tips, and insider access to enhance their knowledge of the brand. The Los Angeles finale was particularly memorable, as it featured exciting announcements and exclusive updates, including details about the new Brilliant Lady ship, the fourth addition to Virgin Voyages’ fleet.
First Mates were treated to a variety of highlights during the month-long event series, including the inaugural Ultimate First Mate Appreciation Voyage. This exclusive sailing allowed advisors to experience Virgin Voyages’ offerings firsthand while connecting with senior leadership and fellow professionals. The voyage provided a unique opportunity for advisors to build relationships and gain insights that would directly impact their sales.
Surveys taken after the event revealed impressive results, with 96% of attendees expressing confidence that the roadshow would boost their sales. Furthermore, 85% of the advisors indicated that they had immediate booking intent following the events. These strong numbers reflect the growing enthusiasm among travel advisors for the Virgin Voyages brand.
The roadshow not only increased confidence in selling Virgin Voyages but also saw a significant surge in First Mate sign-ups, expanding the brand’s distribution network. Advisor confidence in selling the Brilliant Lady soared after gaining early access to its exclusive features, such as seven new shows debuting on board. The addition of longer itineraries, a key request from both advisors and travelers, is also expected to drive more sales and attract new guests.
Virgin Voyages’ commitment to its First Mates is evident in the growing success of First Mate Appreciation Month, which has expanded significantly since its launch in 2021. This year’s events were the largest and most impactful to date, with standing-room-only crowds in several cities. The momentum from this year’s celebration is expected to continue, especially with the return of the “Sell Three, Sail Free…ish” incentive program. Travel advisors can earn an entry to win a free voyage for every three new bookings, with new-to-Virgin sellers receiving double entries.
As the cruise line continues to prioritize its First Mates, the brand’s focus on building lasting relationships with advisors is clear. The events were not just a thank-you tour but a celebration of the energy, connections, and inspiration that Virgin Voyages shares with its travel community.
Looking ahead, Virgin Voyages is set to debut the Brilliant Lady, which will embark on a variety of exciting voyages. The ship will begin its inaugural season in New York City in September 2025, offering sailings to Bermuda and Canada’s Quebec City, followed by stops in Maine, Charleston, Boston, Halifax, and New Brunswick. Starting October 2025, Brilliant Lady will sail from Miami, heading to Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Cartagena, as well as popular Caribbean destinations like Turks & Caicos and Grand Cayman. In March 2026, the ship will take on a 16-night Panama Canal crossing, offering a unique journey from Miami to Los Angeles with stops in Costa Rica and Antigua. The following summer, Brilliant Lady will sail the stunning West Coast from Los Angeles, visiting Baja, Puerto Vallarta, Santa Barbara, Catalina Island, and San Diego. The ship will then head to Alaska from Seattle starting in May 2026.
Virgin Voyages has dominated First Mate Appreciation Month with exceptional growth, unveiling exciting new itineraries and the stunning launch of Brilliant Lady across US, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Aruba, Bonaire, Turks & Caicos, Costa Rica, Antigua, and more, solidifying its position as an industry leader.
This dynamic schedule, alongside the growing support for Virgin Voyages’ travel advisors, positions the brand for continued success as it pushes forward into the next chapter of its journey.
Tags: First Mate Appreciation Month US, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Aruba, Turks and Caicos, Costa Rica, Antigua, Bonaire, Virgin Voyages
