As the adults-only travel market is projected to double from
$9.2 billion in 2024 to $18.1 billion by 2033 according to market analysts,
Virgin Voyages has announced record Mid-Wave results that translate into one of
the brand’s most advisor-friendly Wave seasons to date.
Virgin
Voyages wrapped up 2025 with strong year-over-year gains that underscored
rising demand and repeat interest in the brand. The cruise line’s third
consecutive Travel + Leisure Best Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line win punctuated a
year of sustained commercial momentum.
Highlights of the 2025 performance include:
- Bookings: Up almost 20 percent year-over-year
- Revenue: Gross ticket revenue increased almost 30
percent
- Occupancy: Ships sailed at full commercial load
factors
Mid-Wave performance highlights indicate:
- Revenue increased close to 20 percent
year-over-year, reflecting strong mid-Wave momentum
- In January 2026, Virgin Voyages delivered its
highest booking month in company history
- Longer itineraries are outperforming forecasts,
particularly in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Northern Europe
- Alaska bookings are up triple digits
- According to Similarweb, traffic to Virgin
Voyages surged percent year-over-year in January, outpacing the competitive
set, which saw average growth of just 10 percent over the same period
- The US remains the strongest market for the
brand
The debut of Brilliant Lady became the defining moment of 2025,
completing Virgin Voyages’ four-ship fleet. Her launch with dual inaugural
sailings from New York City and Miami closed out a milestone year for the brand
and set the stage for expanded 2026 itineraries.
Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages said in a
statement, “We're heading into 2026 and 2027 in the strongest position we've
ever been in, together with new destinations, experiences that actually move
people, and
real value for the Sailors you're bringing us.”
Virgin Voyages’ Wave is grounded in its Voyage Fair Choices
philosophy, prioritizing transparent pricing, meaningful inclusions and fewer
barriers for Sailors and advisors. The brand has structured its Wave offer to
be easy to explain, easy to book and easy to stack.
Virgin Voyages’ Wave offer, available for current booking
now through February 26, 2026, includes:
- 80 percent off the second Sailor
- Up to $350 in free drinks
- $300 in onboard credit on select itineraries
The offer applies across all voyage types, including
high-demand sailings to the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska and Mexico, and new West
Coast itineraries aboard Brilliant Lady. Booking during Wave allows advisors to
secure added value while inventory remains available.
Virgin Voyages is also launching Sell Your Way to Seattle, a
booking incentive that rewards First Mates who drive sales on 2026 West Coast
and Alaska sailings. During the incentive period, every eligible 2026 West
Coast or Alaska sailing booked earns one entry into a prize draw, with no limit
on the number of entries First Mates can earn.
Saverimuttu added the following, “Advisors often ask me who
the Virgin Voyages customer is, and the answer is simple: it’s anyone traveling
without kids. Kid-free travel is a movement. When travel isn’t tied to school
calendars, booking patterns shift and Sailors have more flexibility, which
drives stronger repeat behavior and steadier demand throughout the year. That
sustained momentum is reflected in the awards we’ve earned and the consistently
high satisfaction scores across our fleet, and it’s why we’re the undisputed
leader in kid-free travel.”
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