Virgin Voyages is celebrating its UK trade partners throughout July with First Mate Appreciation Month. The campaign is designed to thank agents with extra incentives, giveaways and exclusive opportunities.
*All details correct at time of publish (1 July 2026)
As part of the campaign, every booking logged through First Mate Loot – the online agent incentive platform – will earn First Mates £15, three times the usual £5 per booking.
Bookings made on Virgin Voyages’ UK Comedy Fest Voyage will earn six times the usual reward, with First Mates receiving £30 per booking. The seven-night roundtrip sailing departs Portsmouth onboard Valiant Lady from August 20-27, 2026, calling at Bruges, Amsterdam and Hamburg.
First Mates will also have the chance to win one of five places on ‘Bring on Mexico’, a special fam trip giveaway, typically reserved for key selling periods such as Wave. Winners will join Scarlet Lady’s Mexico & Bimini Beach Club sailing, departing November 28, 2026.
The more bookings First Mates log, the more chances they have to secure a place. The winners will be announced via The Bridge UK – Virgin Voyages’ travel agent Facebook group.
The month will also include weekly “share and win” social giveaways, giving First Mates the chance to win exclusive Virgin Voyages swag, as well as a special edition of The Bridge UK Live featuring Nirmal Saverimuttu, Chief Executive Officer, and Nathan Rosenberg, Chief Brand Experience, Marketing and Momentum Officer at Virgin Voyages.
The campaign runs alongside Virgin Voyages’ current ‘Free Balcony Upgrade’ offer, which allows Sailors (guests) to book a Sea Terrace cabin at the same price as a Sea View cabin.
The balcony upgrade offer is available for new bookings made until July 31, across all voyages on Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, Valiant Lady and Brilliant Lady, including sailings to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, North America and Alaska.
SJ Walker, Director of Sales, UK at Virgin Voyages, said: “We know how much energy, expertise and passion First Mates put into selling Virgin Voyages, and we never take that for granted.
“They are often the first people to explain what makes the brand feel different, from the food and entertainment to the adults-only atmosphere and the value included onboard.
“First Mate Appreciation Month is about putting them front and centre. We wanted to give agents more reasons to engage, more opportunities to be rewarded and a few extra surprises along the way, while recognising the important role they continue to play in our growth in the UK.
“With triple rewards, a special edition ‘Bring on Mexico’ giveaway, weekly social competitions and a live session with senior leaders, July is a great moment for First Mates to get involved and make the most of everything on offer.”
First Mates can access resources, training and booking tools through Seacademy at sellvv.co.uk.
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