Virgin Voyages has teamed up with Canva to become the first major cruise line to implement AI-powered marketing tools on a large scale for its travel advisor network. This partnership equips the cruise line’s travel advisors, known as First Mates, with automated content creation capabilities aimed at accelerating marketing production and boosting bookings. “Travel advisors are the core of Virgin Voyages’ success, ” stated Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “Our First Mates do more than sell cruises; they are brand ambassadors who bring our vision to life for Sailors every day. Partnering with Canva reflects our commitment to their success by providing them with the tools they need to grow their businesses alongside ours. When our First Mates succeed, Virgin Voyages succeeds. ” RELATED: Review: Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady The initiative began in November with 100 First Mates who qualified for the First Mate Spectacular Soiree voyage. These advisors are engaged in a four-week training program focused on mastering the platform through design challenges. The training includes weekly sessions covering various marketing materials, with participants eligible for prizes such as Canva merchandise, Yellow Leaf Hammocks, and co-op marketing funds. Using the platform, First Mates can create and customize flyers, social media posts, destination content, and booking materials utilizing Virgin Voyages’ full brand kit, which contains fonts, logos, color schemes, offer templates, and signature stamps.

Advisors can add their agency details and booking links while maintaining brand consistency. RELATED: What We Learned at Virgin Voyages Third Annual ‘First Mate Spectacular Soiree’ “When our First Mates expressed the need for better resources to market Virgin Voyages efficiently and expand their businesses, we immediately identified Canva as the perfect solution, ” said Billy Bohan Chinique, head of global brand marketing at Virgin Voyages. “With our entire asset library integrated into Canva, First Mates can tailor everything from social posts to booking flyers, including their agency information and LetsGoBook links. We listened closely to our trade community and delivered exactly what they requested. ” This collaboration reduces inefficiencies in travel marketing by minimizing off-brand or duplicated materials and enhancing speed to market. Virgin Voyages plans to grow the program to 1, 000 First Mates by the first quarter of 2026, offering similar training and support. Beyond Canva, Virgin Voyages is investigating additional AI tools for its advisor network, including automation for routine tasks such as availability checks, pricing updates, and booking confirmations, as well as recommendation systems that match travelers to itineraries based on preferences and history. RELATED: Virgin Voyages Is Unveiling 3-Tier Pricing — Here’s What to Know “By democratizing access to professional design tools today and introducing AI-powered solutions tomorrow, we’re elevating what travel advisors can accomplish, ” Bohan Chinique said. “This initiative is about giving First Mates more time to focus on building relationships and creating extraordinary experiences for Sailors. We’re not just discussing AI’s future in travel—we’re actively shaping it. ”