Virgin Voyages has kicked off 2025 with unprecedented demand, reporting its strongest start to the year in the company’s history. Following a successful Black Friday and festive season in 2024, the cruise line has recorded a 60 per cent increase in revenue year over year and a 40 per cent rise in new bookings.
With nearly all available cabins sold out for the first quarter, limited availability in the second quarter, and high demand for Mediterranean voyages in the summer, the cruise line is poised for another successful year. Adding to the momentum, Virgin Voyages’ fourth and final ship, Brilliant Lady, will debut in September 2025, with bookings already surpassing expectations for itineraries from New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle, including sailings to Alaska.
Expanded itineraries and new onboard experiences
Virgin Voyages continues to enhance its cruise offerings, introducing over 30 new ports, including destinations in Alaska, Iceland, Turkey, and Portugal. Longer itineraries, ranging from 8 to 14 nights, have been added, along with special sailings such as a Panama Canal voyage.
The onboard experience is also evolving, with new dining concepts, expanded entertainment, and themed voyages such as Celebration Voyages and Marvelous Voyages. The return of Eat & Drink month will further enhance the all-inclusive experience that has made the brand a favourite among travellers.
“Our strongest start ever is a testament to our award-winning service, transparent pricing, and value-packed inclusions,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Thanks to our loyal sailors and travel agents, we’ve seen massive growth, not only from repeat guests but also from new-to-cruise travellers embracing our adult-only concept.”
The rise of adult-only cruising
With repeat guest rates reaching 60 per cent on some voyages, Virgin Voyages continues to establish itself as a leader in the growing adults-only travel market. As demand for kid-free holidays rises, the brand is attracting both seasoned cruisers and first-time travellers looking for a premium, all-inclusive experience.
To cater to this demand, Virgin Voyages has introduced a new Groups program, designed with input from travel agents, offering competitive commissions and a seamless booking process for large parties. Additionally, the cruise line is making bookings available up to two years in advance, giving travellers and agents more flexibility with early itinerary access, stable pricing, and incentives such as pay-in-full discounts.
Award-winning success and future outlook
Virgin Voyages continues to earn industry accolades, including wins in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for the second consecutive year. The newest ship, Resilient Lady, was also ranked number one in USA Today’s 10Best awards for Best Adults-Only Cruise, Best Dining, and Best Cruise Ship for Entertainment.
With four ships sailing globally from ports including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, Barcelona, Athens, and Portsmouth, Virgin Voyages is offering more choice than ever. From bucket-list itineraries to solar eclipse voyages, the brand is redefining the cruise experience.