Virgin Voyages has launched a new Canva program that gives travel advisors access to simple design tools, on brand templates and a shared library of assets. The aim is to help First Mates produce content faster and keep materials consistent across agencies.

How the New Tool Works

The program began with the Top 100 who recently were invited on the First Mate Spectacular Soiree voyage in January. They are taking part in four weeks of Canva training that includes live sessions and small design challenges. They now have access to templates for social posts, flyers and booking sheets that use Virgin Voyages fonts, colors and imagery.

Virgin Voyages CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu said the goal is to support the trade. “Travel advisors are the heart of Virgin Voyages’ success story,” he said. “This partnership is about giving them tools that help them grow their business alongside ours.”

Why Virgin Voyages Picked Canva

Many advisors create their own graphics and the results can vary. Virgin Voyages says Canva offers a single space for up to date assets so advisors do not need to rebuild materials for each sailing or change. Templates can be personalized with agency details and LetsGoBook links without losing brand accuracy.

Billy Bohan Chinique, who leads AI and global brand marketing, said the program is part of a wider shift. “We are creating the cruise industry’s first AI amplified sales force,” he said. “This is about reducing routine work so advisors can focus on people.”

Virgin Voyages and AI so far

This Canva program is one of several AI projects Virgin Voyages has tested over the past year. The line recently used AI tools during production of its Mermaid video series while keeping creative control in human hands. We covered that work here: Virgin Voyages debuts first AI video in new Mermaid series.

The company has also partnered with Google Cloud to explore data driven and AI supported tools that could improve future planning and service. More on that strategy is here: Virgin Voyages embraces AI with Google Cloud partnership.

The Wider Discussion Around AI

AI in travel marketing continues to be debated. Some see it as a way to save time and improve accuracy. Others worry it may lead to generic content or remove creative choice. Tools like Canva sit at the lighter end of the spectrum because humans still guide the message and decide how each post or flyer should look.

Virgin Voyages says this is an assistive tool rather than a replacement for design work. Advisors still choose what to say and how to position each offer. Canva simply helps them build content more quickly.

Incoming Expansion of Tools for More First Mates

Virgin Voyages plans to expand the Canva program to around 1000 First Mates in early 2026. The company is also exploring other AI supported tools that could handle admin tasks like pricing checks, routine updates and follow ups. These tools remain in planning and have not been rolled out.

For now, the Canva project gives First Mates a small but useful lift. It reduces time spent making assets and helps keep materials accurate during busy offer periods. Virgin Voyages says this is the start of a longer journey to support advisors with tools that save time and improve consistency.