SUSTAINABILITY
Our Purpose
An Epic Sea Change for All
We’re redefining what it means to voyage — for our Sailors, our Crew, our Partners, the communities we visit, and the ocean that carries us there.
Epic
Not just a moment. A movement.
Sea Change
A major transformation or change for the better that’s brought on by the action of the sea.
For All
To benefit people and the planet.
Changing Sailing, For good
Four ships. One north star. Zero interest in doing things the way they’ve always been done. This is the story of what happens when purpose goes beyond words on a wall — told by the people bringing it to life every day.
Five Ways We Make Waves That Matter
Here’s how we put purpose into practice.
The Best Week of Your Life, By design
Adults-only. Judgment-free. Elevated in all the right ways. From 20+ made-to-order eateries to entertainment that’s toured the world — 190+ awards and counting say we’re onto something. The Sailors who keep coming back say it even louder. Because this goes beyond a getaway. It’s the kind of voyage that opens you up, pulls you in, and stays with you long after you’ve stepped back on land.
Protecting What Makes It All Possible
The ocean is our home — so caring for it comes with the territory. Our Environmental Management System is ISO 14001 certified. Three of our four ships connect to shore power, and lower-carbon fuels are now part of select Mediterranean itineraries. Today, 97% of our water is made onboard, and 40% of domestic waste is recycled — with every voyage pushing us to keep doing better.
Where Destinations Deepen Connections
We aim to be the ship communities are genuinely glad to see arrive. That means building meaningful relationships across the 135+ places we visit — and with the people who call them home. We partner locally. Spotlight small businesses in the Sailor App. Volunteer alongside community organizations. And we support more responsible tourism along the way, with 28% of tours operating in small groups and 29% meeting a third-party sustainability standard.
Working Side By Side to Make Every Voyage Better
The partners behind the Sailor experience help shape every moment onboard — so the details matter. From the food and drinks we serve to Shore Things and the hotel essentials found across our ships, every choice plays a part.
Featured partnerships include:
- Yellow Leaf Hammocks — Supporting artisan communities in rural Thailand
- Intelligentsia Coffee — Built on a direct-trade sourcing model
- Red Flower — Biocompatible, cruelty-free bath essentials that feel like a reset
Our Secret Sauce
Our Crew is at the center of everything we do — so we’ve built a culture where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to show up fully. A shipboard Crew of 6,500. More than 100 nationalities. Women make up 36% — and we're proud of it. No stripes. No rank at the dinner table. Just people bringing their whole selves to the experience — and making every Sailor feel welcome to do the same. Because when our Crew thrive, you feel it in every voyage.
Putting Purpose to Work
Each year, Virgin Voyages offers a limited number of Charity Certificates to support nonprofit organizations and their fundraising efforts. Available to qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations, each certificate includes a complimentary voyage for two on select sailings — an unforgettable addition to fundraising events. Submit a request below for consideration. Selected organizations will be notified the following month.
