Virgin Debuts New Booking Platform

(PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, FL - September 8, 2022 - Last month, award-winning cruise line Virgin Voyages hit a major milestone, celebrating its one year anniversary of its start in operations. Delivering an exclusively adult (kids-free) sailing experience, Richard Branson’s newest travel business is marking this celebration by introducing a brilliant new booking platform called LetsGoBook. Developed with First Mates’ (travel advisors) feedback at its core, the revolutionary new tool allows advisors to book clients faster and easier.

The streamlined, advisor-friendly interface offers a simpler, intuitive system that takes the friction out of the booking process. Now, First Mates can easily book their Sailors in five easy steps using VirginVoyages.com – no new system to learn, no antiquated booking engine to use. Additionally, advisors can choose to send a dedicated link to their clients via email/text or share on their social media channels, giving Sailors the opportunity to book themselves while still receiving the benefits that First Mates provide to Sailors.​

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Every new booking made using First Mate’s unique LetsGoBook link will be automatically connected to their account on FirstMates.com. Immediately after a booking is made, agents can instantly view and customize their client’s voyage, which includes adding authentic, locally inspired Shore Things, upgrading cabin categories, adding a Bar Tab - Virgin Voyages’ updated take on traditional drinks packages, and so much more. 

In line with the brand’s “Brilliant to do Business With” promise, every booking still includes Virgin Voyages’ 16% commissions - no NCFs. However, to celebrate the new launch, Virgin Voyages is rewarding First Mates with a limited-time perk: a $100,000 USD booking bonus. The first 2,000 new bookings made using the LetsGoBook link will include a $50 USD (£42 GBP / $72 AUD) cash commissions bonus. Additionally, every booking gives First Mates one entry to win a seven-night trip to Necker Island, Richard Branon’s private, luxury estate in the British Virgin Islands. The go-to hideaway for A-list celebrities, this epic, once-in-a-lifetime getaway will include a stay at the 74-acre Balinese-inspired property.  


“Our First Mates asked for a more streamlined and straightforward booking platform, and we’ve delivered,” says John Dioro, Vice President of North American Sales. “Every agent can use the link to make a booking in less than two minutes or choose to share the link with their clients. This new, easy-to-use interface saves First Mates time on the historically tedious booking process so they can dedicate more time helping their Sailors curate an unforgettable vacation aboard our ships.”

After initial beta testing, advisors are already loving the new LetsGoBook link.

Adam Duckworth, Travelmation President & Founder said, “The “LetsGoBook link” is changing the game for our travel agents and the way they socially share about Virgin Voyages. The program is truly innovative, and we cannot wait to see how it drives more business our way.”

Carolyn Orr, KHM Travel Group Education Manager added, “This new technology is the answer to so many pain points for agents. From new and creative ways to market, to ease of booking and reservations coming back to advisors at a later date through a link, this is both innovative and exciting.”

Virgin Voyages launched two new ships in less than nine months, garnering recognition and accolades from respected organizations within the travel industry. After winning Cruise Critic’s Best New Ship of the Year in 2021, Scarlet Lady, and sister ship Valiant Lady, were featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Cruising “Hot List.” The brand was also named among the top ocean cruise lines in Travel + Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards. With such acclaim and an average age of 44, First Mates are recognizing Virgin Voyages as the ultimate getaway for foodies, couples seeking relaxing romantic escapes, extended grown-up family holidays, and celebrations amongst friends. 

“Our customer happiness ratings are in the mid-90s and we are seeing rebooking rates at high as 50%, demonstrating to our First Mates that they can feel confident recommending this extraordinary experience to their clients and earning incredible perks while doing so,” said Shane Riley, Vice President of International Sales. “We want to continuously raise the status quo and do so by offering competitive 16% commissions with no NCFs, agent programs, support on-demand, educational tools, brand swag and access to key sailings.” 

To make a booking and be entered to win a vacation to Necker Island, travel advisors can go to FirstMates.com to receive their LetsGoBook link. For additional information, agents can also contact Brilliant Support by emailing [email protected] or by calling 1-833-VV-SAILS. ​