TORONTO — Virgin Voyages is going all month long with its celebration for Travel Agent Day.

The cruise line’s month-long extravaganza, First Mate Appreciation Month, is a May-long tribute with ‘VV Fest’ in the spotlight.

What’s VV Fest? Virgin Voyages’ Canadian Director of Sales, Sean Russo describes it as an immersive series of webinars and interactive sessions designed to empower Virgin Voyages’ travel advisor partners (First Mates) with tools, tips and rewards.

“A single day wasn’t enough to celebrate the partners who drive our success,” says 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.”

Here are the highlights …

• 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, says Russo.

Specialized sessions will provide step-by-step walkthroughs of the booking platform, ensuring advisors can apply promotions seamlessly and navigate the system efficiently and effectively.

It all wraps up with a grand finale recap, spotlighting travel advisor wins and providing the ‘final launchpad’ of inspiration to carry First Mates through the busy booking season, says Russo.

The first VV Fest webinar takes place tomorrow, April 29.

For more information on First Mate Appreciation Month and to register for VV Fest, visit the cruise line’s advisor portal, FirstMates.com, and the webinar section.