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5 reasons why Virgin’s anniversary cruises in 2024 will be stunning and epic


5 reasons why Virgin’s anniversary cruises in 2024 will be stunning and epic

When fun-loving billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson – the world’s most admirable pursuer – invites you on a special, unforgettable Virgin Voyages cruise to celebrate the 50+ year history of Branson’s Virgin brand, there’s only one thing to say: Aye aye, Captain!

Branson is inviting fans of the Virgin brand to join him aboard the company’s second “Virgin Celebration Voyage” this month. In honor of Branson’s amazing accomplishments as an innovator in music, publishing, aviation, retail, hotels, cruises, space exploration and other zeitgeist-setting ventures, guests will have the opportunity to sail the Caribbean on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise this month.

Actually, it is a cruise that you take three times in your life

The incredibly epic “Virgin Celebration Voyage” in 2024 will feature not one but three cruises on Virgin Voyages’ three finest lady ships and three different itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe.

Paired with modern, tech-savvy cabins, rockstar-level designer suites and a mermaid-inspired spa and thermal suite, the brand continues to take the industry by storm.

“Not only are we excited to bring back this special Virgin Celebration series, but we’re making a splash by making it bigger and better than 2023, with not one, but three incredible voyages,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Once a year, our cruise guests will have unprecedented access to immerse themselves in the magic of Virgin Voyages and the Virgin brand. They’ll partner with visionary leaders from across the Virgin family and this year’s very special guests.”

The special guest list is out of this world

It’s a good thing Branson has his own commercial airline fleets – Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia – because Sir Richard will be flying between his three favorite ships to celebrate with the sailors on all three anniversary cruises. Not only does the man know how to throw a party, he’s not afraid to join in on all the action with other cruisers, including Virgin’s famous Scarlet Party and plenty of unique pop-up entertainment and exciting surprises that only a billionaire like Branson can provide.

And because more is more fun, Branson is bringing along an incredible number of special guests who will mingle with Celebration Cruise passengers during dozens of unique activities. VIPs onboard include various Virgin executives as well as a distinguished group of Virgin Galactic astronauts who recently returned from space. Astronauts Jamila Gilbert and Ron Rosano will be on deck hosting fun onboard events like a booze-fueled painting session and evening stargazing. Virgin Voyages COO Michelle Bentubo and The Diva (Virgin’s resident drag queen) will lead a hilarious game of bingo. A leader from the remarkable altruistic foundation Virgin Unite will lead a workshop to help participants find their charitable cause. The innovative David Tait will provide a behind-the-scenes look at Virgin Atlantic, one of Virgin’s most successful companies. And Sir Richard himself will lead confidential talks, detox parties and a detoxifying “Eight Legs Run Club” workout on the jogging track.

To ensure these soon-to-be-legendary voyages rock, Virgin’s rock ‘n’ roll history will take center stage. Legendary Virgin Records artist Boy George – the iconic karma chameleon from Culture Club – will perform for music, dancing and a poolside conversation about his long-standing relationship with Branson. Together, these esteemed guests will lend their star power to this unforgettable adventure, celebrating Virgin’s music history with unparalleled insight into the brand… and just joining in.

Underwater safaris with sharks and astronauts

During port visits, 50th Anniversary sailors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in experiences that capture the disruptive essence of the Virgin brand. These once-in-a-lifetime shore experiences, called “Hosted Shore Things,” are almost too good to be true, thanks to special Virgin Galactic astronaut guides. For example, on the first Celebration Voyage 2024 in the Caribbean, brave sailors can explore the famous wreck of the SS Sapona with Virgin Galactic astronaut Ron and the (gulp) many reef and nurse sharks that guard the site at Triangle Rock.

For less strenuous activities, creative do-gooders can, for example, paint on the beach or take part in a recycling art project with Virgin Galactic astronaut Jamila (Virgin Galactic’s third woman to fly into space) and the women of the Dominican Republic who make art out of recycled paper.

Endless entertainment, restaurants and exclusive action on board

Music and fun are at the heart of the Virgin DNA, so plan to sleep when you’re dead because you won’t want to miss a minute of the exclusive Virgin Celebration Voyage shows, parties and ‘what did I just see’ moments that only Virgin can deliver. The program features a festival-like lineup of intimate and larger-than-life shows, including a DJ set from Boy George, exclusive fireside chats, interactive workshops, energetic workouts and daily happy hours.

Recharge your batteries in the 20 restaurants on board (including culinary experiences from Michelin-starred chefs) and Work off those extra pounds in stylish workout rooms and with daily group fitness classes – these are just some of the unique programs available during each Virgin Celebration Voyage. And of course, no Virgin Voyage would be complete without the famous Scarlet Party, an intense celebration with stunning pop-up performances and live music, culminating in a dance party in a red-dipped pool like you’ve never experienced before. That’s all, unless you’re a regular Virgin Voyages traveler.

Virgin Voyages’ Lady Ships are the coolest ships at sea

Inspired by superyacht design, Virgin Voyages’ Lady Ships fleet exemplifies an upscale boutique hotel at sea, with contemporary spaces that create an exciting balance of nautical chic, glamour and cool. From private cabanas to floating pool parties and personal hammocks in each balcony cabin, it’s all a resort-like experience where you can truly unwind.

The adults-only fleet currently departs from the sun-drenched cities of Miami, Barcelona and Athens, offering more than 60 unique itineraries with 100 incredible ports of call. In 2023, Virgin Voyages won Travel + Leisure’s coveted World’s Best Award for Best Mega Ocean Cruise Line and swept the Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards – the first time a brand has won in all five categories.

For more information about Virgin Voyages or to book a cabin on Virgin Celebration Voyages, visit www.VirginVoyages.com.

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Vicki Arkoff

Based in Los Angeles, Vicki Arkoff is Editor-in-Chief of Pursuitist and Founding Publisher of Holiday Goddess, the online destination for chic traveling women from the publishers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Grazia, Conde Nast Traveler and BBC. Her travel and lifestyle writing has also been featured in Atlas Obscura, The Awesomer, DaySpa, The Chicago Tribune, CNN Travel, JustLuxe, Lonely Planet, Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, Toronto Star, WellSpa 360, WestJet Magazine, Where Traveler, Where Guestbook, Yahoo News and dozens more. She is co-author of the bestselling Holiday Goddess books (HarperCollins and iTunes), including The Holiday Goddess Guide to Paris, London, New York, Rome, a travel top 10 classic. Vicki’s other books as editor include Sinatra (DK), Inside Mad (Time-Life) and Virgin Los Angeles (Virgin Books). She is part of MAD Magazine’s usual gang of idiots, an entertainment reporter (Daily Variety, Entertainment Weekly, Los Angeles Magazine, CREEM) and an authorized biographer for pop culture icons from the Beach Boys to the Beastie Boys, Paul McCartney to MC Hammer.

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