Virgin Voyages’ director of sales, UK SJ Walker has revealed that agents can earn £25 for every Brilliant Lady booking until 28 August

More than 1,000 travel agents boarded Brilliant Lady yesterday (19 August) for its premiere event, with attendees being treated to an exclusive preview of Virgin Voyage’s new Ladyship.

Speaking on a panel in the ship’s Red Room theatre, Walker announced that agents will receive £25 of First Mate Loot for every Brilliant Lady booking made until Friday 28 August. Additionally, agents who book a cruise for either themselves or their clients will receive a $200 bar tab.

Walker cited the line’s extended itineraries, discounts, UK-focused promotions and simplified pricing as attractive propositions to the travel agent community.

She said: “If you have a client who wants a kid-free holiday, what is there not to love about our fresh take on food, immersive entertainment, where you can patriciate or spectate, and our original productions?

“We have incredible repeat rates, new destinations, and lots of excitement from the UK [market]. Our average selling value is increasing.”

“We made some mistakes early on”

Joining walker on stage the were Michelle Bentubo, chief operating officer, and Nathan Rosenberg, chief brand & marketing officer, both of whom spoke valiantly about Virgin Voyages’ future.

“We’re going into our fourth year of operation,” said Bentubo, “and in order to be the product people want to come back to, we need to evolve the experience.

“The Athletic Club has seen some changes. We’ve got new menu items to make sure we’re keeping those fresh and intriguing for [guests] and repeat [guests]. But it’s not the end. The delivery of Brilliant Lady – ship number four – actually means we’re at the starting line.

“This milestone of beginning shake down and putting her to the test really means that when we make our way into New York [next month], we’re finally at the starting line.”

Echoing Bentubo’s statement, Rosenberg added : “It’s our fourth ship, but it’s not the end of our story. It’s the beginning.

“It is true we made some missteps early on when we were full of naivety and excitement. We have listened to build a product people will love. I hope that you see when we do get things wrong, we’re open and honest about it.”

Agents in attendance were treated to an overnight stay, as well as guided tours of the ship’s new and upgraded facilities, wellness spaces and social hubs, while a handful of immersive shows were also given their first run-out. This included Murder in the Manor, an 80s-inspired murder mystery blending true crime with pop hits, and Up With A Twist, the latest instalment in the line’s Supper Club series.

Additional new features on display included the redesigned Roundabout, which has evolved to increase the amount of open space, and the new Spanish-inspired eatery Rojo by Razzle Dazzle.

Brilliant Lady will now embark on a 14-night ‘friends and family’ shakedown cruise to New York before its maiden voyages to New England and Canada, the Caribbean, California and, finally, Alaska.