How to Become a Virgin Voyages Travel Agent

How to Become a Virgin Voyages Travel Agent

We’ve put together an in-depth guide below on how to become a travel agent for this adults-only cruise line. But if you’d prefer to get answers right away, just click vacationlab.io/join to chat live with our team and learn firsthand how to become a travel agent for Virgin Voyages, and gain access to all our other travel partners as well. Best of all, clicking the link is completely free - no dues or fees from us, ever!

Overview

Ah, Virgin Voyages! One of our favorite cruise lines. Virgin Voyages is all about style and making you feel like a rockstar in the middle of the Atlantic. They are also one of the few major adults-only cruise lines, so you need to be at least 18 years old to sail with them. Virgin is perfect for those who love a vacation filled with elegant parties, moments of peace and quiet, and incredible food.

Being a Virgin Voyages travel agent means not only understanding the cruise line but also the type of guest who travels with them. You need to research and become an expert on all the parties Virgin offers, the main entertainment venues on their ships, and the fact that they don’t have a dress code or even a main dining room. Virgin Voyages is for adults who want to rock on the high seas, and that’s the overall vibe you should have when interacting with guests of this cruise line.

This guide will teach you everything you need to know about becoming a Virgin Voyages travel agent. We’ll cover:

  • Benefits of Becoming a Virgin Voyages Travel Agent
  • Skills Required to Become a Virgin Voyages Travel Agent
  • Finding a Virgin Voyages Host Agency
  • The Best Host Agency for Virgin Voyages
  • Tips for Those Starting Out
  • Training Courses for Virgin Voyages
  • Getting Paid
  • Free Stock Library
  • Virgin Voyages Travel Agent FAQs

Benefits

Virgin Voyages is still niche

A lot of people tell travel agents that they should focus on a few destinations at first if they want to succeed as a travel agent. Guess what? Virgin Voyages is still relatively small and very niche. However, they are growing, and more people are starting to notice them and the exclusive features they offer.

Virgin Voyages might be a great cruise line for those starting out as travel agents since they aren’t as large as Disney or Royal Caribbean. This allows new agents to test the waters before expanding their client base with more travel suppliers.

The Virgin Voyages Annual Pass

Virgin Voyages offers something truly unique in the cruise industry: an annual pass priced at $120,000, allowing you to sail on any of their ships, anytime, anywhere. This exclusive pass comes with plenty of perks, including the ability to bring a secondary guest on all your cruises, premium Wi-Fi, Bar Tab credit, and more. 

Sure, the annual pass is expensive, but if you manage to sell even one, let’s just say the commission will be well worth it.

Virgin Voyages offers great commission splits and no NCFs

Virgin Voyages refers to travel agents working with them as First Mates, and First Mates always receive a 16% commission on voyage fares and 10% commission on bookables like Shore Things and Bar Tab. That’s an incredible commission split, especially when many travel suppliers start at just a 10% commission.

What’s more, Virgin Voyages does not charge non-commissionable fares (NCFs), which means that taxes aren’t deducted from your commission, and you get the full amount!

Virgin Voyages is Adults-Only

It might sound surprising, but being an adults-only cruise line comes with benefits for travel agents. The main advantage is that you won’t need to focus on kids' clubs, waterparks, or entertainment options for children. Instead, you’ll always be working with guests who are 18+ and looking for a great time.

Virgin Voyages guests seek both a peaceful time to relax and lively parties, but in a different way than those who choose Carnival. Virgin Voyages is more expensive than Carnival and tends to attract travelers looking for elegant (yet fun) parties at sea while embracing the rockstar lifestyle.

Skills

Of course, being a travel agent for any cruise line requires a certain set of skills, and if you want to specialize in Virgin Voyages, there are some specific ones you'll need. Let’s take a look.

Communication Skills

Yes, strong communication skills are essential for any travel agent. You’re there to assist guests, guide them through different cruise options, and answer any questions that may arise. Don’t be shy! Work on your delivery and get ready to build that client base!

For Virgin Voyages, you'll be speaking with guests who are 18+ and likely looking for an elegant yet lively experience at sea. While Carnival guests may prioritize budget-friendly cruises and high-energy parties, Virgin Voyages travelers tend to be more discerning. They’ll want to know about the parties, top restaurants, stateroom options, and the unique features that set Virgin Voyages apart. Talk to them like they’re a modern Dire Straits or Bon Jovi, and always maintain a professional and friendly tone.

Stay Up to Date with Everything Virgin Voyages-Related

As a travel agent, people will come to you for help, advice, and assistance in booking their next amazing trip. To succeed, you need to study and research the travel supplier you're focusing on. For Virgin Voyages, this means understanding several key details.

You should be familiar with the basics upfront: Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line, they don’t have a dress code or a main dining room, they offer lively and unique parties, and gratuities are included in the fare.

You’ll also need to be prepared to answer common questions. Are the bathrooms on Virgin Voyages ships really small? Yes, unfortunately. What are the main destinations? What are the primary departure ports? There’s a lot to learn, but many questions will come up repeatedly, and before long, you’ll have the answers at the tip of your tongue.

You need to research things like:

  • Different Virgin Voyages ships
  • Gratuities, Wi-Fi and Drink Packages
  • The best restaurants onboard Virgin Voyages
  • Shake for Champagne
  • Ship Eats
  • The Main Parties
  • The Virgin Voyages Annual Pass
  • Shore Things (excursions)
  • …and more!

Finding a Host Agency

Hey, you’re already checking out one of the best host agencies around! We have tons of information about Virgin Voyages on our sister website, Famvia, along with a network of experienced travel agents worldwide who can help you navigate this exciting cruise line.

We’d love to have you here, of course! But if you're exploring your options, here are some key things to look for when choosing a host agency:

  • A solid track record and positive online reviews
  • An interview process where they take the time to listen to you
  • Fair commission splits (typically starting at 70% for travel agents)
  • A company that makes you feel like a rockstar, just like Virgin Voyages!

Best Host Agency

VacationLab is the best host agency if you want to focus on Virgin Voyages, other cruise lines, theme parks, and even beach resorts. Here’s why!

  • You don’t need previous experience as a travel agent - we're here to help you!
  • We have a fun interview process and listen to what you, a rockstar, have to say.
  • We offer SORS - our very own Travel Dashboard to help you manage bookings and travel rewards.
  • We provide exclusive courses, like Mastering Travel Social Media, to support travel advisors of all backgrounds.
  • We offer a commission split starting at 70%.
  • No fees from us, ever!
  • We have hundreds of guides and reviews on our sister site, Famvia, covering major cruise lines, theme parks, and beach resorts. This includes Virgin Voyages, where we have multiple guides talking about the company, dining options, stateroom options, itineraries, activities and more.
  • We’re always ready to listen, chat, and lend a helping hand!

Tips for those starting out

Become a Virgin Voyages Expert

Awesome! You want to become a Virgin Voyages travel agent. Now it’s time to learn about the company and… wait, you don’t know where to find all the info?

I get it. Virgin Voyages is huge, and there’s so much to learn! From the Scarlet Lady cruise ship to drinks packages, from their free basic Wi-Fi for every guest to all the incredible experiences onboard… Oh no, where do you even start?

Relax, friend! As we mentioned before, we’re here to help. VacationLab’s sister site, Famvia, offers free guides on Virgin Voyages, providing detailed information in a fun and easy-to-understand way. You can learn a lot there, and the guides cover topics such as:

There’s a lot of information there, with dozens of pages talking about Virgin Voyages!

Prepare for your Interview

You need to prepare and get ready for the big day of your interview. This means researching both the host agency and Virgin Voyages. You don’t need to know every single minor detail, but you should demonstrate a solid grasp of the basics while showing a willingness to learn. Make sure you’re familiar with key aspects like the no dress code policy, the fact that Virgin Voyages is adults-only, the Rockstar quarters and current highlights like the Annual Pass. Show interest, ask questions, and you’ll be a rockstar in no time.

Getting Paid

Commission Payout

Virgin Voyages pays commission on the cruise fare once the final payment is made, which is typically 120 days before departure. However, commissions for pre-voyage onboard sales (such as Bar Tab and Shore Things) are paid within 30 days after the voyage is completed.

Virgin Voyages Travel Agent Rates

First Mates always receive a 16% commission on voyage fares and 10% commission on bookables like Shore Things and Bar Tab.

Virgin Voyages does not charge non-commissionable fares (NCFs), which is also great news.

Now, let’s calculate your commission based on a standard 5-Night Caribbean vacation with Virgin Voyages.

  • Total voyage fare: $4,000
  • Base commission (16%): $640
  • Your share at 80% split: $512

And the same cruise, but with your guests booking a RockStar Suite:

  • Total voyage fare: $8,000
  • Base commission (16%): $1280
  • Your share at 80% split: $1024

Virgin Voyages Travel Agent Salary

It’s very hard to determine an average salary for a travel agent, as many variables come into play, such as the number of bookings you get, stateroom types, shore excursions and much more. 

According to the website Salary.com, the average annual salary for a Travel Agent at Virgin Voyages in 2025 is $63,259, which translates to approximately $30 per hour. Salaries for Travel Agents at Virgin Voyages typically range from $55,186 to $70,715.

Training

Virgin Voyages Training Course

Virgin Voyages offers a comprehensive guide for travel agents, with some really good rewards and benefits. Travel agents are called First Mates, just as guests are called sailors. Cool, right? To register, simply head to FirstMates.com. Additional information can be found on Seacademy, Virgin Voyages’ online learning platform.

The Seacademy Learning Platform

First Mates are ready to head to Seacademy and start learning everything about Virgin Voyages! Just like other cruise lines, you’ll complete different lessons on sales and sailings while earning rewards along the way. It’s a win-win situation for sure!

Another great perk of being a First Mate? Each Seacademy tier you complete earns you 3 elective credits toward CLIA's certification program (US ONLY). First Mates also earn a solid 16% commission on voyage fares and 10% commission on bookables like Shore Things and Bar Tab. That’s a pretty great commission split for those starting out.

Virgin Voyages First Mate Rewards

Well, you need to climb the stairs of success before you can be called the Metallica or Iron Maiden of travel agents, right? Virgin Voyages not only offers a great training platform for travel agents but also rewards you with awesome perks when you complete lessons.

There are four tiers in total:

  • Violet: After completing five Seacademy lessons, you’ll earn what Virgin Voyages calls “your first knot.” You’ll receive a downloadable certificate and a stamp to add to your email signature.
  • Scarlet: After completing 10 Seacademy lessons, you’ll earn your second knot, along with an updated certificate and email signature stamp. You’ll also get a £75/$100 Bonus Commission Voucher (one per First Mate, not combinable with any other voucher).
  • Silver: After completing 15 Seacademy lessons, you’ll receive an updated certificate and email signature. You also unlock First Mate-exclusive rates from $100 per Sailor per night.
  • Gold: After completing 20 Seacademy lessons, you’ll receive a downloadable certificate and email signature with your updated level. You’ll also get three bonuses: $150 in Sailor Loot for your cabin on a voyage, priority access to events, and first dibs on future FAM trips.

Virgin Voyages Travel Agent Course Requirements

To apply and become a First Mate, you must first be part of a host agency. Then, simply head to the link above, fill out the required fields, and select the courses you’re interested in. The Seacademy courses are free.

CLIA Training

You might also want to look into CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) and complete specific courses there. CLIA certification brings numerous benefits, as you can see here.

Free Stock Library

VacationLab gives you access to thousands of images and videos from major cruise lines like Virgin Voyages and Disney Cruise Line, theme parks like Disney World and LEGOLAND, and beach resorts like Beaches Resorts.

By joining us, you'll also gain access to our exclusive database, making it easy to showcase images and videos to your clients based on what they’re looking for.

Virgin Voyages Travel Agent FAQs

How do I become a Virgin Voyages travel agent?

Chevron icon to indicate an accordion of text

Start by joining VacationLab, becoming a First Mate, and then log in to Seacademy to complete learning courses and start booking for the rockstars out there!

Is Virgin Voyages good for travel agents?

Chevron icon to indicate an accordion of text

Oh yes! Virgin Voyages offers a great starting commission of 16% per booking and 10% for additional/optional bookings like shore excursions. They also don’t charge NCFs.

Can I sell other cruise lines even if I’m a Virgin Voyages travel agent?

Chevron icon to indicate an accordion of text

Yes! Virgin Voyages is an amazing starting point and will only get bigger, but you can also book other cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises.

How much commission do Virgin Voyages travel agents get?

Chevron icon to indicate an accordion of text

Travel agents working with Virgin Voyages receive a 16% commission on voyage fares and 10% commission on bookables like excursions and Bar Tab.

How Much Do Virgin Voyages travel agents Make Per Year?

Chevron icon to indicate an accordion of text

It’s hard to determine the exact amount of money a travel agent makes, as many variables come into play. However, the website Salary.com states that the average salary for a Virgin Voyages travel agent is around $64,000 per year.

What is the best part about being a Virgin Voyages travel agent?

Chevron icon to indicate an accordion of text

There’s a lot to love about being a Virgin Voyages travel agent. First, it’s still a niche cruise line, so you can definitely make a name for yourself. The commission splits are also amazing, as Virgin always pays 16% in commission and doesn’t charge for NCFs.

What is the worst part about being a Virgin Voyages travel agent?

Chevron icon to indicate an accordion of text

Virgin Voyages is still relatively niche, and they don’t have many cruise ships. Being an adults-only cruise line also means that families with kids won’t be looking to book a trip with them.

Chevron icon to indicate an accordion of text

Chevron icon to indicate an accordion of text

Chevron icon to indicate an accordion of text

Do you like what you see?

Apply to become a VacationLab Advisor today!

Fill the form and join us
Want to know more?

Check out our Advisors Blog

The Pros and Cons of Being a Travel Agent

Yin and Yang. Heads and Tails. Everything in life has its advantages and disadvantages... well, unless you’ve just won the lottery, but that’s not the case here. Unfortunately. What we’re saying is that being a travel agent comes with both perks and challenges. That’s true for almost any job, and today, we’ll focus on the best aspects of becoming a travel agent, as well as the biggest challenges.