Virgin Voyages Announces Program Enhancements for First Mates

When Virgin Voyages launched, we made a deliberate choice: we weren’t just going to build a different cruise line, we were going to build a different kind of relationship with travel advisors, too. One rooted in partnership, in transparency, in shared success. As one of our strategic partners, you’ve been part of that from the start — which is exactly why we wanted you to hear what follows before anyone else does.
We believed that if we created a better experience for Sailors and a better model for advisors, we would grow together. And we have. That belief will never change. That growth has been exhilarating and challenging.
We’re seeing record occupancy and record repeat rates. We’ve been highly awarded, are innovating constantly, remaining feedback-oriented and seeing strong commercial performance. All of this is possible thanks to a partnership that evolves and endures, adapting to a tumultuous world and rapidly changing Sailor needs.
Some of our policies were built for a very different chapter of our business. They served a purpose at the time, but some have since created ambiguity and inconsistency, and disparity in opportunity — especially for the many First Mates operating within the program as designed.
So we’re making a focused set of updates to do three things: create greater clarity around how commission is earned, reinforce your ownership of the Sailor relationship, and evolve parts of our programs causing the greatest challenges.

How We Service Your Sailors
Effective August 6, 2026
One of the most consistent pieces of feedback we’ve heard from you is that when Sailors go directly to Sailor Services to modify their reservations, it creates confusion, duplicates effort, and cuts you out of a conversation you should be leading. We heard that.
Starting August 6th, Sailors with advisor-booked reservations will be directed back to you for all booking changes and service support.
Sailor Services isn’t going anywhere — they’re still fully available to support you behind the scenes, handle backend complexity, and you can always escalate what needs to be escalated. And to make sure you’re set up for success, we’re equipping our Crew with the tools and resources to help you self-serve and manage bookings with confidence – so that you remain the single point of contact for your Sailors from booking through voyage, which is exactly where you belong.

Updates to the My Next Virgin Voyage Program
Effective August 6, 2026
My Next Virgin Voyage program continues to be one of our most powerful tools for driving Sailor loyalty and repeat business. To keep building on that momentum, we’re evolving the program to make it work even better for everyone.

Sail Anytime
No more 2-year sailing window restriction! Because planning a date for travel takes time, Sailors will have the flexibility to sail anytime.
Starting September 2026, Sailors can book any voyage they’re excited about, with a 1-year booking window and unlimited voyage date changes within that year.
This update will apply to new MNVV purchases.
Name Changes
MNVV was designed to allow Sailors to lock in their next voyage at our best offer. That benefit is theirs, which is why MNVV bookings must remain with the original Sailor who purchased them.
As of tomorrow, August 6th, name changes will no longer be permitted on any new MNVV purchases.
Resale has always fallen outside the program’s terms, and this change closes the name-change activity that blurred that line and created confusion for Sailors and First Mates alike.
Clarity matters to us, and we want you fully confident in how MNVV works. So alongside these updates, here’s what you can count on staying the same:
· Sailors can still purchase up to four (4) MNVV offers for themselves during their voyage — locking in their next adventure while the excitement is still fresh.
· First Mates will always stay linked to the booking. When they’re ready to convert their MNVV placeholder, you’re already in the picture.
· Fare changes on MNVV bookings will follow our standard fare policies.
· MNVV cancellations still result in forfeiture of the MNVV promotional benefit. If a Sailor is considering a cancellation on MNVV, please encourage them to reach out first.

Making Commission Clear & Consistent
Effective Fall 2026 (Date TBD) and will apply to new bookings only. Existing bookings are unaffected.
We want your commission to be predictable, consistent, and clearly tied to the work you do for your Sailors — and these updates are designed to do exactly that.

When You Earn: Commission on voyage fare will now be paid 45 days prior to sailing for any new bookings. This aligns with our booking flexibility window and ensures the commission you earn reflects a voyage that’s truly yours and truly locked.
· You retain full ability to service and modify bookings between 120-45 days out
· Name changes inside final payment are still permitted, based on booked fare policies
· 16% commission on voyage fare and prepaid gratuities remains unchanged
· Commission for eligible pre-voyage bookables/add-on’s will continue to be paid after the voyage ends.

Pre-Voyage Bookables: Bar Tab, Shore Things, and more, earn commission when booked by you. This includes all bookings through FirstMates.com, which includes bookings via your LetsGoBook Link. When you’re the one building out the experience, that’s what we reward. And while other lines are cutting commissions and adding fees, prepaid gratuities will always earn 16% commission on every booking, regardless of channel — that’s not changing.
✓ Book for your Sailor via FMDC or through the Let’s Go Book Link — commission earned
✕ If a Sailor purchases through the no app, via Sailor Services, or another channel — commission not earned

Air & Hotel Partnership: Coming soon is an exciting new Air & Hotel partnership that is going to change the game for you and your Sailors — more options, better rates, and a significantly elevated booking experience that makes it easier than ever to build truly unforgettable trips from door to door.
· Due to the transition, Air & Hotel addons are currently unavailable until the relaunch this Fall
· Because this product will be fulfilled directly by our new third-party partner, Air & Hotel will not be a commissionable add-on — this is a direct reflection of how the partnership is structured, not a decision about the value you bring

These decisions have been made with significant thought on equity for all First Mates and the reality of the world we’re in today. We are a brand people love to sail, one that has just won Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best for a fourth year, with growing repeat rates — all while competitors keep amping up their nickel-and-diming and we together face an uncertain external landscape. We cannot afford to sit still with all of that.

What’s not changing
Amid these updates, here’s what remains rock solid:
· 16% commission on prepaid service gratuities and 10% on other pre-bookables (Bar Tab, etc.)
· Our commitment to helping you grow your business, with better tools and an expanding partnership

Thank you for your partnership, your friendship, and your stewardship of your Sailors and our brand. We’re so grateful for the role you play in bringing more Sailors to Virgin Voyages, and we’re excited for what we’ll build together next.