Virgin Voyages has delivered its latest Impact Report, which reveals the future of cruising is putting experience and values at the forefront.
Over the past five years, Virgin Voyages has positioned itself as one of the cruise industry’s biggest disruptors and this approach has paid off with high Sailor satisfaction.
Data shows the cruise line has an 82 per cent Sailor satisfaction score and 95 per cent average rating for crew service
The new report also takes a long-term view of the brand’s impact since launch, detailing how Virgin Voyages has embedded social and environmental change into the core of its business strategy in what it calls “Creating an Epic Sea Change for All.”
From rethinking onboard entertainment and championing more conscious sustainability practices to prioritising crew wellbeing and redefining the Sailor experience, Virgin Voyages claims it is challenging long-held perceptions of what modern cruising looks like.
At a time when travellers are placing greater scrutiny on how brands operate, the company says it is betting that purpose-led travel is no longer an expectation but a competitive advantage shaping the future of the cruise industry.
“Five years on and we’re really proud of our achievements,” said Michelle Bentubo, Virgin Voyages COO.
“We’ve been shaped by the feedback from our Sailors, First Mates and incredible Crew, making us show up better for our people, communities and environment.”
Virgin Voyages believes that protecting the ocean is key to its longevity, emphasising that its commitment to efficient operations, exploring solutions to help decarbonise and reducing waste are key to its daily operations.
The brand has:
# Installed shore power equipment on three of its four ships
# Reduced fuel consumption on some itineraries by as much as 10 per cent by applying silicone-based hull paint to the bottom of ships
# Met 97 per cent of its water demand through reverse osmosis technology onboard, using water directly from the ocean
# Removed all unnecessary single use plastics from the Sailor experience
# Reduced food waste by eliminating the buffet and making all meals made to order.
“I’m even more optimistic for the future because the same principles that shaped our beginning; listening, learning, doing the right thing and creating joy for people we serve, will continue to guide our future,” added Ms Bentubo.
How Virgin Voyages showed up in communities:
# Volunteered 11,472 hours across 174 events in 25 countries
# 30 per cent of tour operators met at least one sustainability certification
# Promoted responsible tourism with Port Guides featuring local restaurants and businesses and responsible tourism tips.
