If you've decided to book Virgin Voyages through a First Mate, the next question is which one. Thousands of travel advisors are registered with Virgin, and they're not all the same. Here's how to find a First Mate who will actually make your trip better.
Full disclosure: I'm a First Mate myself. But this checklist works no matter who you book with.
Quick Refresher: What Is a First Mate?
First Mate is Virgin Voyages' name for registered travel advisors. Booking through one costs the same as booking direct, because Virgin pays the advisor, not you.
What you get on top of the same price is a real person working on your trip. When you book direct, Virgin assigns your cabin number within the category you pick. A First Mate can help you choose your specific cabin, so you know exactly where you'll be on the ship before you sail. Depending on the sailing, a First Mate may also be able to add on some extra perks you wouldn't get booking on your own.
New to the idea? Start with Why Use a First Mate?
Where to Find a First Mate
Virgin Voyages Facebook groups. Sailors share recommendations constantly, and many First Mates are active members who answer questions.
Cruise Critic and Reddit. The Virgin Voyages forums are full of Sailors talking about the advisors they've used.
Search online. Many First Mates publish Virgin guides and blogs, which give you a good feel for how much they actually know before you reach out.
Word of mouth. If a friend has sailed Virgin, ask who booked it.
What to Look For
Their tier
First Mates train through Seacademy, Virgin's education program, and earn tiers as they complete it: Violet, Scarlet, Silver, and Gold. Gold means they've completed all of Virgin's training. It's not a guarantee of great service, but it shows real investment in knowing the product.
Top 100 recognition
Each year, Virgin recognizes its highest-booking First Mates as Top 100, Top 30, and Top 10. It's a sign of volume and experience. Just keep in mind that a high-volume agency may have less one-on-one time per client than a smaller advisor.
Firsthand Virgin experience
Virgin is different from other cruise lines, and advice that works for a traditional cruise often doesn't apply. An advisor who has sailed Virgin can tell you things a brochure can't.
A Let's Go Book link
Every registered First Mate has a personal Virgin booking page with their name on it. Bookings made through that link are automatically assigned to them, which is also an easy way to confirm they're registered with Virgin.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Have you sailed Virgin Voyages yourself?
What tier are you, and how much of your business is Virgin?
How do you keep up with current promotions, and will you tell me if a better offer comes up?
How will we communicate, and how quickly do you usually respond?
What happens if I need to change my booking?
Do you charge any fees? (Most First Mates don't.)
Red Flags
Pressure to book immediately without explaining your options.
Vague answers about what's included in your fare.
Asking you to pay them personally instead of paying Virgin Voyages.
No Let's Go Book link, or reluctance to share their credentials.
Already Booked Direct?
You can still add a First Mate. Virgin allows bookings to be transferred to a First Mate within 30 days of the original booking and before final payment. Your fare and cabin stay the same.
Looking for a First Mate?
PTO Passport is an independent cruise travel agency and Gold Tier Virgin Voyages First Mate. I keep my client list small on purpose, so you get a real person who knows Virgin, watches for promotions, and handles the details from booking to sailing.
Request a free quote at ptopassport.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a Virgin Voyages First Mate?
Ask in Virgin Voyages Facebook groups, check Cruise Critic or Reddit, search for First Mates who publish Virgin guides, or ask friends who have sailed. Look for a Gold Tier advisor who has sailed Virgin personally.
Does it cost more to book with a First Mate?
No. You pay the same fare as booking direct. Virgin pays the First Mate.
How do I know if someone is a real First Mate?
Registered First Mates have a personal Virgin Voyages booking link with their name on it. Bookings made through it are automatically assigned to them.
What does Gold Tier First Mate mean?
Gold Tier means the advisor has completed all levels of Virgin Voyages' Seacademy training.
What is a Top 100 First Mate?
Virgin Voyages recognizes its highest-booking First Mates each year as Top 100, Top 30, and Top 10.
Can I switch to a First Mate after booking direct?
Yes, within 30 days of booking and before final payment.
