On June 8, 2023, in celebration of World Oceans Day, Virgin Voyages released its second annual impact report. The impact report outlines the cruise lines initiatives to create “An Epic Sea Change For All.”
“An Epic Sea Change For All” outlines the company’s purpose which is to change sailing for good and to create positive change for people and the planet. “An Epic Sea Change For All” drives the decisions that are made and what the company does.
Within the report, Virgin Voyages defines five key priorities that are essential to their purpose: their sailors, oceans, communities, partners and crew. The strategy includes creating the “best holiday at sea” for its sailors, being a champion for ocean health, promoting sustainable and responsible tourism, amplifying its impact with like-minded partnerships, and ensuring crew safety and well-being.
Virgin Voyages strives to minimize the impact of their operations and restore ocean health by:
- Partnering with three sustainable marine fuel providers to advance cleaner energy solutions,
- Striving to have all its ships have shore power installed by 2025,
- Utilizing advanced wastewater treatment to meet strict water quality standards,
- Creating efficient ships designed with energy efficient technologies, and more.
Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson, said, “There is nothing more important in this world than our oceans, and we’re on a mission to protect them and set an example. Success needn’t compromise sustainability.”
Other important “sea change” goals include achieving 50/50 gender parity among the Crew, and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Virgin Voyages’ Impact Squad also works with several not-for-profit organizations that are committed to ocean health and conservation and assists in beach cleanups from the Caribbean to the Aegean Sea.