First thing’s first – we’re not in it for the accolades. We didn’t launch the first adult-only voyages for a pat on the back, or to win awards. We did it to fill a much-needed gap in the industry, to offer Sailors a more sophisticated, elevated cruising experience, while still retaining a casual atmosphere of judgment-free fun. But we’re also not gonna complain when awards come our way. Hey, everyone likes to win, right?
We’re thrilled to share the news that in Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, we were voted the #1 Mega-ship Ocean Cruise Line of 2023. And yeah, you better believe we’re shouting it from the upper deck being celebrated as one of the best cruise ships. More than 685,000 votes were cast this year — spanning the whole experience from food, service, and cabins to activities and overall value. Not only were we able to clinch that top spot, we were the only cruise brand to get a score in the 90s. Not too shabby. The votes, cast by past Sailors, were based on a wide range of categories, but with our state-of-the-art, cutting-edge cabin technology, elevated bars and eateries, impeccable service, immersive Shore Things, epic itineraries, and overall value — we were able to blow away the competition.
Here’s what Travel & Leisure had to say about us:
“...this year’s winner surged ahead thanks to its innovative new take on cruise vacations. Leave it to Sir Richard Branson to shake up an industry. It’s gotten rave reviews from just about everyone, both veteran cruise-goers and newbies alike. And this is what the voters said - “The crew was the best I've ever experienced at sea, the food was outstanding, and the beautiful ship was full of fun people of all ages.”
But we’re not done yet.
We’ve been fortunate enough to collect a number of awards recently for best overall experience, in publications from Condé Nast to Cruise Critic, while garnering the most 5-star reviews on Tripadvisor. Real innovation, however, means not stopping at the first sign of success in order to become the best cruise line. It means firing up all the engines and crossing into uncharted waters, and embracing the spirit of creativity and experimentation that’s defined the Virgin brand for decades. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Stay tuned.