Virgin Voyages to Launch Version 2.0 of Their App by Year-End
Virgin Voyages will release Version 2.0 of its Sailor app by year-end, addressing bugs and enhancing user experience with new features and native technologies.
Virgin Voyages is set to release Version 2.0 of its Sailor app by the end of the year, marking a significant upgrade from the current version. The current version is has widely faced criticism. The app is plagued with bugs, timeouts and poor user experience since its launch in August 2021. The new version aims to enhance the digital experience for sailors, aligning better with Virgin Voyages’ commitment to simplicity and superior customer service.
Focus on Experience and Simplicity
Frank Farro, Virgin Voyages’ Vice President of Information Technology, emphasized the company’s dedication to creating a better vacation experience. At the recent Seatrade Cruise Global convention in Miami, Farro highlighted the company’s focus on user experience. He stated, “All [at Virgin Voyages] was about experience, experience, experience; our goal was for you to have the best vacation in your lifetime.”
The app’s initial launch aimed to simplify the booking process, reducing it to just five clicks. This focus on simplicity has been a guiding principle for Virgin Voyages. Farro explained, “We wanted to make it simple. That focus on simplicity has served us well, from a technical perspective, sometimes that simplicity can be complicated to implement but it’s a good guiding principle for us.”
Enhanced Features and Improved Performance
The Sailor app’s new version promises several new features and improvements. Farro mentioned, “The vision was for it to be a digital companion and that is still the vision.” Although specific features have not been detailed, the upcoming release aims to address the current app’s shortcomings and deliver a more seamless and intuitive experience for users.
The company has also retrofitted its website to provide more information for prospective cruisers while maintaining simplicity. This move is part of Virgin Voyages’ broader strategy to enhance customer interactions through technology without compromising on ease of use.
Hiring for the Future
In preparation for the new app version, Virgin Voyages is actively hiring for key positions to support its development. The company is seeking a Principal Mobile Architect to lead the design and development of the app. This role is central to ensuring the app aligns with Virgin Voyages’ brand standards and business objectives.
Transition to Native Technologies
In developing the new version of the app, Virgin Voyages is moving towards native technologies. The current app, which uses third-party technologies like React Native, will be replaced by a more robust and performance-oriented framework. The new app will utilize Swift and Swift UI for iOS and Kotlin for Android. This shift to native development aims to provide a faster, more reliable, and more responsive user experience.
Looking Ahead
Virgin Voyages’ progressive use of technology within the cabins, the app and pre-boarding experience is what sets it apart from the rest of the industry. However any sailors who have tried to use these components have often hit roadblocks. As the company prepares to launch Version 2.0 of its Sailor app, sailors can look forward to a more refined and user-friendly digital companion for their journeys. The upcoming enhancements and the transition to native technologies signal a promising future for Virgin Voyages’ digital efforts.
