Virgin Supercharges First Mate Partnership

(Press Release) ​MIAMI, FL - May 29, 2025 – Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson's award-winning adults-only cruise line, is marking First Mate Appreciation Month with a significant announcement: strategic investments in its sales organization structure that reflect the critical role travel advisors play in the brand's continued growth. The enhancements come as Virgin Voyages celebrates a sold-out Ultimate First Mate Voyage and as the trade channel delivers outsized year-over-year growth, demonstrating the significant impact of building the company together with trade partners.

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The strategic evolution includes key leadership appointments and an integrated commercial approach designed to provide enhanced support, specialized expertise and accelerated growth opportunities for Virgin Voyages' First Mate partners.
 
"During First Mate Appreciation Month, there's no better time to announce these investments in building our partnership's future together," said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. "First Mates aren't just important to Virgin Voyages — they are key to our growth and future. Our sold-out Ultimate First Mate Voyage demonstrates the incredible strength of this partnership, and these leadership appointments reflect our commitment to the advisors who have helped us build this company from day one. As we always say, feedback is a gift, and their success has taught us exactly where to invest next."
 
New Leadership Appointments
Koreen McNutt joins Virgin Voyages as Vice President of Agency & Business Development, bringing more than 30 years of cruise industry expertise to enhance travel advisor relationships and develop new pathways to mutual success.
 
Most recently, McNutt served as Senior Vice President and Commercial Officer at MSC Cruises, where she led the brand's advisor strategy and trade sales performance during a period of significant U.S. investment and expansion. Prior to MSC, she spent 16 years at Expedia Group, rising to Senior Director of Global Cruise Supply, leading global commercial partnerships and supplier strategy. She also brings 13 years of experience from Holland America Line / Windstar Cruises, where she led product and project management initiatives that directly impacted fleet-wide operations.
 
"Virgin Voyages has consistently proven their commitment to travel advisors isn't just talk — it's built into their DNA," said McNutt. "What I love about this company is their authentic approach to building partnerships. I'm excited to accelerate the incredible foundation they've created and develop more innovative ways to support advisor success as we build this company together."
 
Leadership Elevations
Kristy Woolums steps into the role of Senior Director of National Strategic Accounts, North America, bringing her proven expertise and established relationships to lead Virgin Voyages' Red Hot national account partnerships. This dedicated leadership role recognizes the critical importance of national account relationships in driving strategic growth, market positioning and long-term brand value.
 
In this specialized function, Woolums will focus exclusively on high-value strategic partnerships, providing the dedicated attention and leadership focus that these relationships require. She will also serve as the cruise line's key representative at major events and industry get-togethers, ensuring Virgin Voyages maintains strong visibility and that First Mate success stories are shared throughout the industry. This structure mirrors industry best practices where national accounts receive specialized management from experienced leaders who can develop comprehensive partnership strategies, make decisions quickly, and build long-term mutual success.
 
Stephen Hopkins is expanding his role as Vice President of Growth and International Sales & Marketing under Nathan Rosenberg’s leadership to include Sales Acceleration. In this enhanced capacity, he will oversee the integration of sales enablement, trade marketing, and partner engagement initiatives — all designed to deliver stronger tools, more streamlined support, and enhanced resources for Virgin Voyages’ global network of travel partners.
 
By bringing these key commercial functions together under one leader, Virgin Voyages is creating a more unified and efficient approach to driving partner success. This structure allows for improved alignment across marketing channels, more cohesive campaign execution, and greater ease of access to the tools and support travel advisors need to convert business and grow their Virgin Voyages sales.
 
Unified Commercial Strategy
The enhanced structure creates a unified commercial team under Chief Marketing Officer Nathan Rosenberg's leadership, breaking down traditional silos between sales and marketing to ensure First Mates receive cohesive support across all touchpoints.
 
"By working in better coordination across our brand story, marketing strategy and sales execution, we reduce mixed messages and disconnected experiences for our First Mates," said Rosenberg. "This creates integrated strategies that make it easier for them to sell Virgin Voyages successfully, helping us all make ship happen together."
 
Industry-Leading Partnership Support
Virgin Voyages has built its reputation on advisor-friendly policies, including the elimination of non-commissionable fares (NCFs), and innovative booking platforms designed specifically for travel professionals. First Mates can expect accelerated enhancements to their booking experience, including AI-powered tools designed to minimize administrative burdens and maximize advisor-client interaction time, expanded training and development opportunities, and more responsive support as the new leadership team implements its vision for partnership-focused growth.
 
The announcement underscores Virgin Voyages' continued commitment to the travel advisor community, which has been instrumental in the brand's record-breaking growth and industry recognition. Most recently, Virgin Voyages was named best cruise line in both Condé Nast Traveler's and Travel + Leisure's highly coveted awards for two consecutive years.