Gold Standard: What Virgin Voyages’ Highest Advisor Certification Means for You

I’m pleased to share that Tradecraft Travel has been certified by Virgin Voyages as a Gold-level Brand Advisor—the highest certification the cruise line offers.

That designation isn’t a badge for the wall. It’s a signal that when you book Virgin Voyages through Tradecraft Travel, you’re working with someone who has deep product knowledge, direct access to Virgin’s sales and support teams, and early insight into promotions, onboard changes, and itinerary nuances that don’t always show up on public websites.

Virgin Voyages is still a relatively new cruise line, and that’s part of its appeal. Designed from the ground up for adults, Virgin sails 18+ only, with no kids’ programming, no formal nights, and no pressure to conform to traditional cruise norms. The experience is modern, relaxed, and intentionally different—more boutique hotel at sea than floating theme park. You are also welcome to dress how you’d like, although swimsuits are not accepted in the select dining areas.

Speaking of dining, food is one of the areas where Virgin truly separates itself. Rather than a single main dining room, the ships feature more than 20 distinct dining venues, many of which other cruise lines would label as “specialty” or “select dining.” On Virgin, those restaurants are included. No upcharges. No dining packages to calculate. You choose where you want to eat, when you want to eat, and you’re not penalized for preferring variety or higher-end cuisine.

Another smart design choice is Virgin’s bar tab system. Instead of forcing guests into expensive, all-inclusive drink packages they may not fully use, Virgin allows you to pre-purchase a set dollar amount per cabin, not per person. You spend what you want, when you want, and you’re not subsidizing habits you don’t have. For many travelers, that flexibility translates into real savings and a more transparent onboard experience.

Even the staterooms reflect Virgin’s rethink of cruising. Most balcony cabins feature signature red hammocks. They’re not a gimmick—they’re genuinely one of the most used and talked-about features onboard, especially on warm-weather itineraries.

As a Gold-level advisor, I’m trained not just on the headline features, but on how to match the right Virgin ship and itinerary to the right traveler. That includes understanding cabin layouts, dining strategies, shore excursion pacing, and how Virgin’s pricing and promotions actually work in practice—especially for repeat sailors and groups.

This weekend, I’ll be putting that expertise to work firsthand. I’m sailing on Valiant Lady out of San Juan for seven nights. That kind of direct, recent experience matters. It means I can speak concretely about what’s changed, what works exceptionally well, and where expectations should be set realistically—before you book, not after you’re onboard.

At Tradecraft Travel, the goal is always the same: insight that helps you make better decisions and get more value from your travel investment. Virgin Voyages’ Gold-level certification reinforces that commitment, and I look forward to using it on behalf of my clients—whether you’re curious about your first Virgin sailing or looking to fine-tune your next one.

If you’re considering an adults-only cruise that feels fresh, flexible, and thoughtfully designed, let’s talk.