Virgin Voyages completes the second phase of its European expansion with the launch of sales in both France and Italy. This follows the launch of six other European source markets in the last three weeks, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Earlier this year, Virgin Voyages began its European expansion by launching sales in three new markets, including Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, achieving unprecedented results with a sales increase of nearly 50% in the first year.
With the addition of these eleven new markets in 2024, Virgin Voyages now has a global distribution footprint with plans to continue growing throughout 2025 and beyond, with six additional new markets in the pipeline.
Virgin Voyages' European expansion is being led by Matt Lebbern, Head of Sales for Europe, who has extensive experience building international distribution within the cruise industry. "Over the past nine months, this multi-award-winning brand has more than doubled its number of active source markets, demonstrating our commitment to international audiences. We are thrilled to open our doors locally in all these markets, bringing our reimagined cruise experience to both the millions of existing cruisers and those who may not have previously considered cruising," said Lebbern. "As part of a larger Virgin family of companies, we already enjoy strong brand recognition in these markets and look forward to welcoming these Sailors aboard our fleet of Lady Ships."
Virgin Voyages President and CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu said: “Matt has done an incredible job identifying new potential with the opening of eleven new markets this year, and this expansion sets us up for success when we launch Brilliant Lady next year. There is genuine excitement and energy coming from sailors who love nothing more than enjoying the very best in food, entertainment, wellness, and culture at sea.”
The news comes after Virgin Voyages announced its biggest European rollout in 2025. The Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady will return to European shores, offering a selection of six- to 13-night voyages from April 2025 to October 2025.
The cruise line's first ship, the Scarlet Lady, will explore the western Mediterranean and northern Europe, calling at popular destinations such as the Balearic Islands, the British Isles, the Ligurian coast, and Iceland, with departures from Barcelona, Portsmouth, Reykjavik, and Rome. Meanwhile, the Resilient Lady will be based in Athens and sail to the Greek islands and the Adriatic coast, with stops in Bodrum, Dubrovnik, and Santorini, as well as overnight stays in Istanbul and Mykonos.
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