Virgin Voyages Shatters Records with Best-Ever Wave Season
by Bruce Parkinson
Brilliant Lady. Photo: Virgin Voyages
In just its fourth year, Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s adult-only boutique hotel at sea, is gaining significant momentum. Fueled by its most successful wave season to date, the cruise line has seen a 34% growth in bookings, with revenue up 45%.
In addition to these impressive figures, since introducing new, longer itineraries of 8 nights to 14 nights, Virgin Voyages has also reported a more than 50% increase in bookings for these new products, indicating strong consumer interest in new ports and longer voyages onboard the Virgin fleet.
“These outstanding results show the incredible momentum our brand has built – driven by our Travel Advisors who recognize that our kid-free, award-winning experience offers a true premium alternative in the industry,” said CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu.
“They love that our size offers a blend of intimate and elevated experiences and real variety. Our record repeat rates are loved by First Mates because another booking is almost guaranteed after their client’s first sailing.”

The adult-only travel brand says it continues to unveil fleet-wide innovations, appealing to continued growth with travellers in their 50’s and 60’s seeking a more sophisticated but relaxed environment without kids.
Plans include reveals for its award-winning culinary program, new restaurants, expanded menus, seven new entertainment concepts, longer and more sought-after itineraries and the much-anticipated debut of its fourth ship, Brilliant Lady in September 2025.
This celebratory moment marks a major brand milestone with all four Lady Ships sailing the Caribbean this fall. Brand-wide homeports will include New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, Barcelona, Athens and Portsmouth.
“This is just the beginning of what we know will be our best year yet,” concluded Saverimuttu. “We’re not just changing how people see and experience cruising — we’re redefining what a vacation at sea can be. And we’re doing it with our signature mix of style, substance, and innovation that only Virgin can deliver, including exciting new itineraries, new entertainment, new food and of course Brilliant Lady’s debut. Watch this space; we’ve got some brilliant announcements coming soon that will make waves across the industry.”

