Virgin Voyages overhauls groups offering following agent feedback
Virgin Voyages is enhancing its group travel offering with a new programme designed to make it easier for travel agents to secure larger bookings
The adults-only cruise line’s Circles programme will now be called Circles, Groups, and Weddings, offering greater flexibility and benefits as well as improved offers based on feedback from the trade.
Additionally, guests will receive a variety of benefits when booking together through their agent including up to a 10 per cent travel discount, up to £235 in free drinks, and a dedicated group dinner at one of Virgin’s restaurants.
This new program directly addresses agents’ requests while maintaining the brand’s value proposition, making group bookings “simpler and more rewarding”.
The Circles offering has been reimagined to give agents more time and flexibility to build their groups while offering better perks for customers.
Updates include no required cabin minimum or deposit, richer combinability including My Next Virgin Voyage, more time to form a group, price and promotion protection and one complimentary Sea Terrace for the travel conductor once a 10 cabin threshold is met, or the option of a two per cent bonus commission.
Groups – an option designed for agents who already have groups ready to book – encompasses an eight cabin minimum, no deposits, 30-day hold, on-board Bar Tab options and price and promotion protection.
The Weddings option, which features the same stipulations as Groups, is designed for agents who have customers interested in getting married aboard one of Virgin Voyages’ ships and also want to book their guests’ accommodations.
It comes as the line reports UK revenue up nearly 40 per cent compared to February 2024 from British customers and a growing demand for longer Caribbean voyages this autumn and winter.
“Thanks to our incredible First Mates [agents] we are having a record Wave season with a more than 60 per cent increase in revenue from February of last year, and a more than 80% increase coming specifically from our dedicated travel partners,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages.
“This new programme is a direct result of listening, learning, and making improvements. The First Mate community is everything to us as we build this brand together and celebrate a record-breaking Wave season.”
