Sir Richard Branson will join Virgin Voyages on an ex-UK cruise.
- The sail will be a five-night journey from Portsmouth, setting off on September 3.
- Branson hinted at joining two more UK sailings later in August or September.
- The announcement was made during a live Facebook event with over 450 UK agents.
- An agent incentive, ‘Bring on Barcelona’, is also in place for top sellers.
Sir Richard Branson, the visionary founder of the Virgin Group, is set to embark on an extraordinary voyage with Virgin Voyages from the UK. This highly anticipated five-night cruise will set sail from Portsmouth on September 3, visiting Amsterdam and Zeebrugge, and has been aptly named a ‘celebration cruise’.
While participating in a live video broadcast on the company’s specialised travel agent Facebook page, Branson hinted at his involvement in two other ex-UK sailings that may take place in August or September. This event marked a significant first, as it was Branson’s inaugural interaction with UK agents through this digital medium.
The interactive session, attended by over 450 UK agents—a record audience according to the company—featured Branson alongside CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu and Shane Lewis-Riley, vice-president of international sales and marketing. Branson took this opportunity to commend the exceptional work of UK agents since the Virgin Voyages’ launch in 2021, expressing his enthusiasm to see a ship sail from the UK, a place of personal significance for him, as his children and grandchildren reside there.
A strong emphasis was placed on the essential role of travel agents to Virgin Voyages’ business model, as reiterated by Lewis-Riley, who thanked the ‘First Mates’, Virgin’s partner travel agents, for their presence at the online event. The company’s commitment to the UK market was further highlighted with plans to reintroduce UK-based sailings.
In tandem with the cruise launch, Virgin Voyages has also unveiled an exciting agent incentive named ‘Bring on Barcelona’. This initiative will reward standout agents during the wave period with a seven-night Mediterranean cruise on the Scarlet Lady. Departing from Barcelona on May 5, the cruise will include stops at Toulon, Marina di Carrara, and Ibiza. Qualifying bookings must be made by February 29, for European sailings scheduled between May 5 and November 3.
Nirmal Saverimuttu expressed his satisfaction with offering this incentive to UK agents, acknowledging their contribution to the company’s success and underscoring the company’s eagerness to support and reward their efforts.
With these initiatives, Virgin Voyages continues to strengthen its connection with UK agents and cruise enthusiasts.
