The cruise line's CEO thanked agents for a 60% sales spike during its Wave campaign before announcing a number of changes to group booking as "a direct result of listening, learning and making improvements"
As its fourth (and final) ship nears its September 2025 debut, Virgin Voyages has revamped its group booking programme, renaming it 'Circles, Groups and Weddings' and promising greater flexibility in large group bookings.
Group bookings made with agents will now be eligible for a discount of up to 10%, around £235 (US$300) in free drinks, and a dedicated group dinner.
Each pillar of the 'Circles, Groups and Weddings' initiative includes different perks.
'Circles' has been updated to remove cabin minimum and deposits, allows more time to confirm group numbers with price and promotion protection, and a free Sea Terrace for the travel agent once they book 10 or more cabins or a 2% bonus commission.
'Groups' includes an eight cabin minimum but does not require a deposit. Agents can hold bookings for up to 30 days, offer on-board tab options and protect price and promotions used at the time of booking.
'Weddings' also removes a minimum cabin requirement and covers a 30-day hold, onboard bar tab options and price and deal promotion.
CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu said, "Thanks to our incredible First Mates, we are having a record Wave season with a more than 60% increase in revenue from February of last year, and a more than 80% increase coming specifically from our dedicated travel partners.
"We made a commitment to our Travel Advisor community to always take feedback and turn it into action. The First Mate community is everything to us as we build this brand together and celebrate a record-breaking Wave season."
