Virgin Voyages’ President and CEO Tom McAlpin used the forum of last week’s Cruise360 Australasia to announce that Travel the World has been appointed as the GSA for Sir Richard Branson’s new cruise line.
Over the coming months, Travel the World will focus on training and registering travel advisors, or First Mates as Virgin Voyages’ affectionately refers to them, to do business with Virgin Voyages. Together, they aim to officially open for business with the Australian travel community by the end of this year.
“The Virgin family has a long history and a deep love of Australia, so we are thrilled to be able to begin what we know will be an exciting partnership with First Mates here,” said McAlpin. “Travel the World are an experienced partner with a proven track record of assisting cruise lines establish travel industry partnerships, so we are happy to be working together to introduce Virgin Voyages as an exhilarating holiday option for travel advisors to present to their clients.”
Andrew Millmore, Executive Chairman of Travel the World, said his company was excited to be working with Virgin Voyages.
“Their innovative approach to creating a distinct customer experience brings an energy that will inspire both the avid cruiser and the new to cruise alike. With our teams’ specialised Australian industry knowledge, built over 40 years, we look forward to introducing, growing and supporting Virgin Voyages’ First Mates program.”
Virgin Voyages is currently working with First Mates in the United States, Canada and the UK. The Australian travel advisor community will have the chance to register to do business and begin training to sell Virgin Voyages from September onwards. The company is starting out with Australia but aims to add New Zealand to their portfolio as soon as possible.
Virgin Voyages currently has four ships on order, due for delivery in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The brand’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, will sail four, five and seven night sailings to the Caribbean from Miami beginning in April of next year. All voyages will feature a stop in Bimini, Bahamas, home of The Beach Club, a Mediterranean-inspired private beach club exclusively for Virgin Voyages’ Sailors (passengers) while the ship is on island. Virgin Voyages will offer a Rebellious Luxe experience with incredible value for Sailors with free fitness classes, free dining with 20+ eateries included, free gratuities, free Wi-fi, free filtered water and all sodas included in the voyage fair.
Virgin Voyages offers a base commission of 10 percent on the entire transaction, with nothing held back or excluded. In addition, all First Mates or affiliated organisations can earn a Red Hot Bonus paid annually on sailed revenue up to an additional six percent if they meet certain production thresholds.
Virgin Voyages has also eliminated non-commissionable fares (NCFs) for First Mates, which unlocks the entire booking to be commissionable. They will earn across the transaction including a more inclusive voyage fare, taxes and fees, add-ons like voyage protection and Shore Things (share excursions), spa treatments, Sailor Loot (onboard credit), and any voyage enhancing premium package.
IMAGE: Artist’s render – Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady
