Across the cruise sector and wider travel industry, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: in a world of digital tools, virtual training and AI-powered content, face-to-face connection still drives the strongest commercial results. Travel remains a relationship business, and nowhere is that more evident than in how we support and engage our agent partners - or as we call them at Virgin Voyages, our First Mates.

Virgin Voyages has unveiled a new sales campaign, offering up to £750 in instant savings and 70% off a second Sailor (guest). Running from April 1 to May 28, 2026, the promotion is available across Virgin Voyages’ full programme of kid-free sailings, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean and North America.

Virgin Voyages and Google Cloud have announced a strategic partnership to embed generative AI across the cruise line’s business, with more than 50 specialized AI agents on Gemini Enterprise now deployed company-wide. “Email Ellie,” the first agent from this collaboration, has already driven significant business impact, contributing to a record-breaking sales month and validating the company’s ambitious AI strategy.

Founding CEO Tom McAlpin to retire as CEO and transition to Chairman of the Board of Directors. President and CXO Nirmal Saverimuttu named CEO.

Virgin Voyages has plans to launch its loyalty program: The Sailing Club. The line has also unveiled a perks program for the remainder of 2022. Guests who avail of these perks can achieve elite status when the loyalty program launches in 2023.

From May, Valiant Lady will operate from her new homeport in Barcelona offering late night and overnight stays in the likes of Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Lisbon, Belgium and Ibiza.