Cruise Update: Virgin Voyages, MSC, VIVA – Travel Sales

Virgin Voyages launches instant savings and enhanced rewards for First Officer

Virgin Voyages has launched a new booking campaign offering sailors instant savings of up to £750 per booking, plus a 70% discount on a second sailor.

Offer available for new bookings made between 1 September and 2 November 2026 on flights Scarlet Lady, Steadfast Lady, Valiant Lady And brilliant lady.

The promotion is available alongside the same Virgin Voyages benefits including dining at over 20 restaurants, Wi-Fi, group fitness classes and entertainment.

The cruise line also increased compensation for first mates in September. Agents will earn £10 for every booking registered through First Mate Loot, double the usual reward of £5, and select Caribbean cruises of 10 nights or more will earn £50 per booking.

CJ Walker, UK sales director at Virgin Voyages, said: “September is a natural time for customers to move from thinking about this summer to planning their next big holiday, giving senior officers a valuable opportunity to start conversations with both new and existing sailors.

“The breadth of our program means agents can match clients with anything from a short getaway to a longer Caribbean adventure, and our adults-only experience and extensive offerings make it easy to demonstrate overall value.”

Sellvv.co.uk

MSC Cruises highlights 168 destinations for winter 2026/27

MSC Cruises has announced the 2026/27 winter season, with itineraries covering 168 destinations in 72 countries.

The key addition is MSC World Asia, which will enter service on 4 December 2026 and will operate seven-day Mediterranean routes to Barcelona, ​​Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Messina and Valletta. The new flagship will feature the longest dry slide at sea, an overwater swing and more than 40 bars, lounges and restaurants.

During the winter, the line will operate six ships in the Mediterranean with routes covering Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Greece, Turkey, Tunisia, Cyprus and Egypt.

Elsewhere MSK Preciosa will operate holiday sailings throughout Northern Europe, calling at Southampton to London, Le Havre to Paris, Rotterdam to Amsterdam, Hamburg, Cherbourg and Zeebrugge to Bruges and Brussels.

During the winter, nine ships will sail on Caribbean and Antilles routes, including for the first time departures from La Romana in the Dominican Republic, and MSK Fantasy will offer seven-night cruises to the Canary Islands and Madeira.

msccruises.co.uk

VIVA Cruises is offering up to £200 credit on autumn river cruises

VIVA Cruises has launched a limited-time Autumn Getaway promotion offering up to £200 in flight credit on selected river cruises.

Offer valid for new bookings made until September 30, 2026, on flight-inclusive packages booked through a travel agent or tour operator. Guests will receive a £100 credit on cruises of three or four nights and £200 on sailings of five nights or more.

The promotion applies to 24 flights between October and December 2026, including routes on the Danube, Rhine, Moselle, Belgium and Berlin.

Recommended sailings include the four-night Sonata to Austria on board. VIVA TWO from £675 per person, four nights of winter Rhine fun on board VIVA TIARA from £675 per person, plus a seven-night trip to the Danube metropolises on board. VIVA ENJOY from £1,350 per person.

Michelle Daniels, sales director for VIVA Cruises UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, said: “Our three and four night cruises are ideal for a short break, and there is plenty of choice for those looking for a few extra days on the river.

“Whether it’s watching the colors change along the Danube and Moselle, or visiting cities like Vienna and Strasbourg ahead of the festive season, autumn and winter are a fantastic time to explore Europe, and our airfare credit offer adds even more value.”

viva-cruises.com