“A Single Day in May Wasn’t Enough”- Virgin to Celebrate Advisors All Month Long
by Marsha Mowers
One day dedicated to advisors wasn’t enough for Virgin Voyages, so the cruise line is taking things to the next level with its First Mate Appreciation Month.
Travel Agent Day is typically celebrated May 6, but Virgin Voyages will “dial things up” and celebrate advisors all month long this May.
“A single day wasn’t enough to celebrate the partners who drive our success,” said the Virgin Voyages Canadian Director of Sales, Sean Russo. “We’ve turned Travel Agent Day into First Mate Appreciation Month to give our partners more time to learn, more opportunities to earn, and more space to connect. VV Fest is our way of investing back into the community that sails with us.”
The centerpiece of the May-long tribute is VV Fest, an immersive series of webinars and interactive sessions designed to empower travel advisors (First Mates) with high-octane tools, insider knowledge, and exclusive rewards.
Those First Mate Appreciation Month & VV Fest Highlights include:
- The Red Hot Drop: 15-minute “lightning sessions” on the latest offers to help advisors turn fresh drops into quick wins.
- Seacademy Gold Tier Blitz: A high-speed, three-hour certification marathon. Completion unlocks elite benefits, including bonus commissions, First Mate rates, and Sailor Loot.
- The Soundtrack of VV: An exploration of the brand’s musical heartbeat and how to use the “onboard vibe” as a powerful sales tool.
- Shaken, Not Sailored: A deep dive into VV’s beverage philosophy, focusing on how elevated cocktail culture drives Sailor satisfaction.
- Sea Change with Sarah: Clear, confident talking points regarding Virgin Voyages’ sustainability efforts and commitment to the ocean.
- The Red Table Talk: A “no-judgment” zone where advisors can engage in “real talk” directly with the Directors of Sales to tackle hurdles and build booking confidence.
Throughout First Mate Appreciation Month, Virgin Voyages is also prioritizing technical ease. Specialized sessions will provide step-by-step walkthroughs of the booking platform, ensuring advisors can apply promotions seamlessly and navigate the system with total efficiency.
The month concludes with a grand finale recap, spotlighting advisor wins and providing the final “launchpad” of inspiration to carry First Mates through the busy booking season.
For more information on First Mate Appreciation and VV Fest, advisors should visit www.FirstMates.com, and the webinar section.





