Virgin Voyages has concluded its fifth annual advisor celebration with its most expansive First Mate Appreciation Month yet. The 17-city roadshow ended in Los Angeles with a surprise appearance by Sir Richard Branson, who joined CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu and CMO Nathan Rosenberg to celebrate the travel advisor community that’s helped grow the brand since launch.

Events across cities including Toronto, Seattle and Chicago gave advisors early access to what’s ahead. This included a preview of Brilliant Lady’s upcoming debut, with new dining spaces, design touches and seven original shows. Branson joined the celebration with a Champagne entrance, surprising the crowd and soaking the brand’s leadership team as part of the festivities.

Confidence on the Rise

The brand shared results from post-event surveys showing 95% of advisors now feel confident selling Virgin Voyages, up from 74% before the events. In addition, 85% of attendees said they were ready to book following the roadshow.

“This month has shown us what happens when you invest meaningfully in your community,” said CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu. “We’re here because of our advisors, and we’ll keep growing with them by our side.”

Introducing Brilliant Lady to Wider Audiences

Brilliant Lady will become the fourth ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet when she launches later this year. Longer itineraries are also being added, responding to requests from both advisors and repeat guests.

CMO Nathan Rosenberg added, “This roadshow was our way of saying thank you – but also of saying: the best is still to come.”

A Scarlet Night Surprise

To close out the LA event, Abi the Hostess treated advisors to a live acoustic version of the Scarlet Night anthem, rewritten with new lyrics for the occasion and where it was revealed she will be the launch hostess.