Stargazing popularity inspires longer Virgin Voyages itineraries
An increase in the number of holidaymakers travelling to stargaze has inspired a new collection of longer sailings from Virgin Voyages
According to National Geographic, “astrotourism” – travelling for the sole purpose of stargazing – has seen a sharp rise in popularity in recent years.
As a result, coupled with a predicted increase in the number of auroras, solar eclipses, constellations and comets in the coming years, the adult-only cruise line has rolled out a range of Eclipse Voyages as part of its newest collection, Marvelous Voyages.
Due to launch in August 2026, the 12- and 15-night itineraries include stops in Dublin, Glasgow and Reykjavik aboard Valiant Lady, and the Amalfi Coast, Mallorca and Cannes on Scarlet Lady.
Guests will be able to use telescopes and binoculars on deck to spot constellations and other phenomena while tasting new culinary offerings like Milky Way milkshakes. They will also receive a pair of solar eclipse shades and a commemorative guide.
The brand’s new collection of Marvelous Voyages also includes six other sailings between March and August 2026, ranging from eight to 16 nights.
Twelve new ports are on offer with highlights including Salerno (Amalfi Coast, Italy), Edinburgh (Scotland), Stockholm (Sweden), Hamburg (Germany), Oslo (Norway), Tangier (Morocco) and Greenland.
Virgin Voyages expands offering with longer cruises
Michelle Bentubo, chief operating officer at Virgin Voyages, said: “We already sail to more than 100 international ports, but our itineraries are ever-evolving based on what our sailors [guests] and travel partners are asking for.
“We’ve graduated from only offering short Caribbean escapes and weekender voyages to give our sailors longer itinerary options up to 14 nights at more ports around the world.”
It comes after SJ Walker, sales director UK for Virgin Voyages, joined Cruise Corner to talk about the line’s First Mates Appreciation Month and how the brand intends to support agents in 2024 and beyond.
