Virgin Voyages reports “record-breaking” start to 2025

Virgin Voyages – Richard Branson’s adults-only cruise line – is celebrates record-breaking revenue and bookings, according to a company update shared Monday (Jan. 27).

Following a successful Black Friday and holiday season, the cruise line’s “Wave 25” is delivering the strongest future bookings and revenue growth in the company’s history, recording a 60 per cent revenue lift year over year, and a 40 per cent jump in new bookings.

The company, which began sailing in August 2021, says its available inventory is nearly sold out through the first quarter of the year, with limited cabin availability in Q2 and high demand for summer voyages in the Med.

READ MORE: “Canada is very, very important”: One-on-one with Virgin Voyages CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu

Virgin is seeing “stronger than anticipated” future bookings for Brilliant Lady starting in Fall 2025, including U.S. itineraries to all four corners from NYC, Miami, LA and Seattle to Alaska.

“Thanks to our First Mates who have championed our growth based on their clients’ feedback, and to our loyal Sailors who are delivering record repeat rates, last year was a brilliant one and delivered massive growth from new customers, along with existing cruisers and those new to cruise,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, in a statement.

READ MORE: Virgin Voyages reports "triple-digit increases" from Black Friday period

“Our strongest start ever is a testament to our award-winning service and experience, our no nickel and diming value inclusions, the launch of additional destinations with longer itineraries from 8-14 nights and more than 30 new ports coming online from Alaska and Iceland to Turkey and Portugal. I also can’t forget about the bucket list Panama Canal voyage.”  

Saverimuttu added: “2025 is looking like a red-letter year with new food concepts, new music, more comedy-based entertainment, a new ship that completes our fleet, the return of Eat & Drink month and special sailings such as our  Celebration Voyages and Marvelous Voyages. Every innovation and evolution is based on the feedback from our travel advisors and customers.”

Enter Brilliant Lady

Virgin Voyages will launch the final ship in the fleet, Brilliant Lady, in September in NYC.

It will be a milestone with all four Lady Ships sailing the high seas. Brand-wide homeports will include NYC, Miami, LA, Seattle, Barcelona, Athens and Portsmouth.

With repeat rates up to 60 per cent on some voyages, Virgin Voyages says it continues attracting a new-to-cruise audience seeking a price-inclusive travel experience.

Groups program for First Mates

In terms of product evolution, the latest includes a Groups program that was shaped from First Mates’ feedback, offering advisors competitive commissions.

The new program allows more seamless booking experiences for large parties – one of the company’s key demographics.

Looking ahead, Virgin Voyages is offering a longer runway for bookings with open inventory available to book two years in advance.

With this also comes stronger booking incentives for First Mates, pay in full discounts and access to early itinerary drops and stable pricing.

PAX interviewed Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages, earlier this month to get his take on the cruise line’s strategies for future growth, for Canada and for travel advisors. Click here to read.

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