Fresh from a $550 million injection of new funding from Ares Management, Virgin Voyages is poised for world domination (ok, global expansion) under the aegis of its new president and chief experience officer, Nirmal Saverimuttu.
Virgin Voyages’ expansion begins with the introduction of 27 “mermazing” new itineraries that include 19 new ports of call around the globe. For 2024/2025, expect to book your clients to new European and Caribbean ports and a return to Australia (the line’s second season).
“Our loyal sailors have been asking for more places to visit with us, so we’re delivering in a big way. New ports, new itineraries and more local and immersive experiences to create unforgettable getaways,” said Michelle Bentubo, SVP of service excellence and travel operations. “From Morocco to Mooloolaba, Amsterdam to Bordeaux, Catania to Port Douglas, we now offer more than 120 incredible places you can explore aboard our award-winning ships you know and love. After all, it’s not just about where you go; it’s about who you go with and make a holiday one to remember.”
If your clients are ready to check out the new ports, book them by Sept. 28 on the 2024 Med voyages, and you will receive 30 percent off and up to a $600 Bar Tab. Some Caribbean sailings and repositioning itineraries are also eligible for $500 off.
Of note: Due to unexpected construction, supply chain and staffing issues, Virgin Voyages is evaluating new possible launch dates for its newest ship, Brilliant Lady. If you have clients with canceled bookings, the line is tendering generous offers, exclusive rebooking perks and on-board credit when the new date is announced. Virgin Voyages also offers anyone impacted by the new itineraries several price- and promotion-protected options to rebook and receive $300 – $600 in Sailor Loot or a full refund.
Virgin Voyages’ “Mermazing” Itineraries
The new itineraries bring Virgin Voyages’ total to 63, including what the brand calls the Seachange Series. These are repositioning voyages with a twist, giving your clients a chance to extend their vacation, see more and do more.
Resilient Lady will return from her inaugural season in Australia to sail three itineraries from Athens (homeport) from May through July 2024. Standouts include the 7-night Greek Island Glow to Santorini and Mykonos; the 7-night Adriatic Sea and Greek Gems, which sails Croatia’s Dalmation Coast followed by stops in Kotor and Corfu; and Starry Nights in Greece & Croatia—a mix of the previous two itineraries. In mid-August, Resilient Lady will take the brand back to its British beginnings with 3- to 6-night sailings, including English Sights and European Delights. Expect new stops in Amsterdam and Bruges for the fall.
As noted previously, the repositioning itineraries have gotten a new shine—Resilient Lady will have two from Portsmouth to Barcelona, which adds a new call in Morocco. She will close her Mediterranean season sailing from Barcelona to Athens, adding Catania, Sicily, to the itinerary, followed by a 44-night repositioning voyage from Athens to Australia in October 2024. Think scads of bucket-list stops, and once in Australia, your clients can pick from 15 new itineraries and 9 new ports.
Valiant Lady starts her 2023 winter season with a return from Barcelona to sail warm-weather itineraries from Miami to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. From January through March 2024, she will homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to take over two southern Caribbean sailings originally scheduled for Brilliant Lady. She will also take over Scarlet Lady’s sailings starting in April 2024 when the latter goes to dry dock: 4- and 5-night Caribbean sailings departing from Miami.
Scarlet Lady will be headed to the Mediterranean between May and October 2024, picking up two of Valiant Lady’s 7-night itineraries, followed by an 11-night repositioning voyage on Nov. 3 from Barcelona to Civitavecchia. After a short stint in drydock for tweaks and enhancements, she’ll be back in business on a 16-night transatlantic voyage from Rome to Miami with new ports of call. Upon arrival in Miami, she will take over Valiant Lady’s 6- to 8-night winter voyages through Spring 2025. You’ll want to know these include late-night stays in San Juan, immersive experiences in Roatan and a day trip to St. Croix.
For more information, visit virginvoyages.com.
