About Virgin Sailors - Meet Your Virgin Voyages First Mate

I’m Melissa Gladwell, a Virgin Sailor through and through!  With 20 years of cruising across 5 major lines, plus 44 states and 19 countries (and counting), I’m all about exploring—especially somewhere new. When I’m not traveling, I’m planning my next adventure—travel is my absolute passion! 

My adventure as a cruise travel advisor began almost a year after I fell head over heels for Virgin Voyages. The service (and let’s not forget the food!) blew me away, and my solo cruise experience went far beyond anything I’d expected. 

I started chatting with friends about Virgin Voyages and the latest promotion, and before I knew it, seven of my former cruise mates had booked a 12-night sailing with me from Portsmouth, UK to Spain and Morocco. That’s when I realized I wanted to share my love of travel with others—and the idea of becoming a Virgin Voyages First Mate was born! 

Customer service is my thing, and it's not just about selling a cruise for me—I want to make sure you find the best cruise deal, feel supported and confident, and ready to have the best experience possible.

Once you’ve sailed, I want to hear all about it! Had a blast? Don’t keep it to yourself—I love getting those cruise referrals!