Virgin Voyages has released details for Circles, a new concept designed to bring together and reward passengers (or ‘sailors’, as Virgin likes to refer to them) who travel in groups aboard its ships and their travel advisors.

“We refer to ‘groups’ of sailors as Circles because we love the idea of celebrating togetherness and human connection at sea,” said Virgin Voyages president and CEO Tom McAlpin.

“Our First Mates (travel partners) told us they were looking for something simple, consistent and rewarding for their clients who sail together. We listened to them and threw out the rule book again by eliminating complex point-based amenity programs that apply only to select sail dates, to create something flexible and enticing for our sailors and First Mates.

“Our approach to Circles also ensures that the experience remains intimate for all sailors on board and never feels over run by mass.”

A Circle for Virgin Voyages is defined as 10 cabins or more, including solo cabins, and can be as large as 150 sailors. Circle size and the number of Circles sailing at one time are limited to ensure those travelling in Circles have opportunity for exclusivity.

Circles on all voyage dates will be eligible for what is known as the Circle Bounty, which includes on-board credit for sailors known as Sailor Loot. This can be spent during the voyage.

In addition, for every 10 cabins sold, the Circle will earn a 10 per cent voyage credit known as the Circle Chest, which puts control of the benefit in the hands of the First Mate and can be applied in a number of ways, including:

• Spent in part or in total toward new cabins on the Circle voyage date that can be enjoyed by First Mates or sailors
• Applied prior to final payment as a reduction of voyage fare across any of the purchased cabins on the Circle voyage, in which case commission for the First Mate will be protected and based on the full voyage fare
• Set up as a pre-funded master account that can be used on board during the Circle voyage to surprise and delight sailors with extras including onboard credits, visits to the spa, shore things, cocktail parties, etc

To kick off the programme Virgin Voyages is offering a special promotion for new 2020 Circles booked now through to 31 December 2019.

For a limited time, Circles will receive double the standard Sailor Loot amount per cabin, which means Insider and Sea View cabins receive $100 per cabin; Sea Terraces receive $200 per cabin and Mega RockStar and RockStar Suites receive $400 per cabin.

First Mates will also receive a 5 per cent bonus commission on the voyage fare for new 2020 Circles. This special offer is valid on all 2020 sailings except Virgin Voyages’ maiden voyage on Scarlet Lady on April 1 and Sir Richard Branson’s Birthday Bash on July 15.

For more information visit www.virginvoyages.com.