“We’ve got something really special”: Virgin Voyages CCO on line’s point of difference

“We’ve got something really special”: Virgin Voyages CCO on line’s point of difference

Virgin Voyages is officially open for business with travel partners in Australia, and now transacting in Australian currency.

Richard Branson’s adults-only cruise line, Virgin Voyages, has officially opened its doors for Australian travel professionals, with the service now transacting in Australian currency.

But while the event might be seen as momentous by Virgin, what sets Voyages apart from other cruise lines, and why should agents care about it?

Speaking to Travel Weekly, Voyages’ chief commercial officer, Nirmal Saverimuttu, said the cruise line aims to create the glamour of a boutique hotel, which, like it or not, means no buffets and no “chicken nuggets”.

“Richard challenged us to create the world’s most irresistible holiday mode … what that means is we are going to create an adults-only experience that is much more elevated and sophisticated,” Saverimuttu said.

“We’ve worked with designers who have never worked on cruise ships before, and unleashed them on the ship. The result is something that feels like a glamorous boutique hotel.

“I think if we can create that … with the adults-only piece attached to it, and put it out on the ocean for people to go sailing on, I think we’ve got something really special.”

As of Tuesday, Australian travel partners can take advantage of Voyages’ dedicated online home for sellers, FirstMates.com, where they can find support, and learn about and transact and engage with all things Virgin Voyages.

“Onboard a ship, a first mate is the captain’s most trusted confidant and right hand, which is how Virgin Voyages sees travel partners, because their input and guidance has been critical to the development of our sales strategy, policies and onboard experiences,” Saverimuttu said in a separate statement.

With this appreciation in mind, and an “ambition to be brilliant to do business with”, Virgin Voyages says it has thrown non-commissionable fares (NCFs) “overboard”, all while committing to paying travel partners commission on the total invoice – even taxes and fees.

Latest News

  • Products

Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun

If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Tourism

TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips

The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]

  • Aviation

Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak

Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]

  • Hotels

Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa

Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]

  • Luxury
  • News

Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]