Growing interest in astrotourism led Virgin Voyages to extend its itineraries.
- Virgin Voyages’ new ‘Marvelous Voyages’ collection includes ‘Eclipse Voyages’.
- Travellers can soon enjoy stops at Dublin, Reykjavik, and the Amalfi Coast.
- Guests will have access to telescopes and receive unique solar eclipse glasses.
- Virgin Voyages aims to meet increasing demand for longer, enriching travel experiences.
The rising popularity of astrotourism, defined as travel motivated by stargazing, has encouraged Virgin Voyages to expand its offerings. The cruise line has introduced a new collection of extended sailings, responding to an increasing number of travellers wishing to explore celestial phenomena, such as auroras and solar eclipses, while on holiday.
As part of its ‘Marvelous Voyages’ collection, Virgin Voyages now offers ‘Eclipse Voyages’, which will begin in August 2026. These itineraries, lasting between 12 to 15 nights, will include destinations such as Dublin, Glasgow, and Reykjavik aboard the Valiant Lady, as well as the Amalfi Coast, Mallorca, and Cannes on the Scarlet Lady. This strategic expansion allows guests to fully immerse themselves in both natural beauty and cultural experiences at each port.
Virgin Voyages is equipping its ships with telescopes and binoculars, enabling passengers to gaze upon constellations and other astronomical phenomena from the comfort of the deck. Furthermore, guests will receive complimentary solar eclipse glasses and a special guide to enhance their experience. The cruise line is also offering new culinary delights, like Milky Way milkshakes, to complement these voyages.
The brand’s decision to expand these itineraries stems from a desire to cater to evolving traveller preferences. Michelle Bentubo, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Voyages, highlighted that the company continuously adapts its itineraries based on customer and partner feedback. This marks a shift from their traditional short Caribbean getaways to more extensive journeys, providing a wider array of global discoveries.
Virgin Voyages’ new travel ventures not only include the mentioned locations but also feature twelve additional ports between March and August 2026. Destinations such as Salerno on the Amalfi Coast, Edinburgh, Stockholm, Hamburg, Oslo, Tangier, and Greenland promise diverse experiences, underscoring the cruise line’s commitment to enhancing its guests’ voyages.
The evolution of Virgin Voyages itineraries reflects a broader trend towards personalised and enriching travel experiences, driven by consumer demand.
