Virgin Voyages Launches AI Assistant for Cruise Planning

Virgin Voyages has introduced its first AI-powered tools, including an onboard crew assistant and a travel planning assistant named Rovey.

Set to launch soon on VirginVoyages.com, Rovey is designed to support guests during the booking process by offering personalized recommendations based on individual travel preferences, pace, and interests.

The new feature is part of Project Ruby, Virgin Voyages’ AI platform developed in collaboration with Google Cloud. According to the company, a total of seven AI-driven tools are planned under this initiative.

Nathan Rosenberg, chief brand experience, marketing and momentum officer at Virgin Voyages, said: “Richard always said, ‘be the reason someone smiles today’ and that comes to life in the quiet moments onboard.

“That means the shore excursion that caught a Sailor off guard, the ah-ha moment that happens in a morning meditation at dawn, the Crew member who remembered exactly how you take your coffee. Rovey brings that same energy to the part of the trip that happens before Sailors cross the gangway.”

Rovey will be able to suggest shore excursions, recommend cabin options, highlight dining choices, and even assist with packing advice.

Billy Bohan Chinique, VP global brand marketing and ai transformation at Virgin, explained that using Rovey should feel less like researching a trip and more like being guided.

“Like being looked after by someone who genuinely gets it. It knows this ship, knows the brand, and we are already excited for them to experience it,” added Bohan Chinique.

The AI assistant has been developed using the Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, along with Gemini models and BigQuery technology.