Virgin Voyages launches e-learning for travel agent partners

New cruise line’s ‘Seacademy’ aims to give its ‘Ship Mates’ more confidence to sell

New cruise operator Virgin Voyages has launched an e-learning ‘seacademy’ platform for its First Mates travel agent partners.

The seacademy was described as a one stop shop and resource tool to help agents learn about the brand at their own pace and access perks.

Virgin Voyages said the training module is an extension of its “brilliant to do business with” mantra which sees it offer 16% on the entire cruise fare.

The platform was created as a thank you for partners dedicating their time to learning about the brand, the operator said.

Shane Riley, AVP, International Sales, said: “We already have an extensive First Mates learning program, including face-to-face, Facebook lives, webinars and more.

“The development of our E-Learning platform is in direct response to requests from our First Mate partners, offering them a meaningful format to learn at their own pace with clear bitesize modules.

“We conducted a survey and 96% of First Mates told us an e-learning platform would be a valuable addition.”

The Seacademy will feature four learning levels, ranging from Violet to Gold to build agents’ confidence in different ranging from destinations, on-shore events and onboard events and gigs.

Each level will come with its own reward to encourage First Mates to complete each tier at their own pace.

Benefits include access to upcoming pre-inaugural events, bonus commission vouchers, access to First Mate rates and ‘sailor loot’ to spend on their own future Voyage.

First Mates who complete each tier will also receive access to social media assets to promote their knowledge to their network and attract more interest from potential clients.

Violet tier is available now on FirstMates.com. If First Mates complete the Violet tier on or before January 31 they will receive an invite to a sail onboard either Scarlet Lady or Valiant Lady in 2021.