Sean Russo discusses his nearly 20-year career in the travel industry, making ship happen and his go-to karaoke pick
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been in the travel industry?
I’ve been in the travel industry for almost 20 years, and what a journey it’s been. Over that time, I’ve had the privilege of working across so many areas of the business – from being a travel advisor myself to business development and leading national sales activations. I’ve seen how creativity and collaboration can truly drive success.
Joining Virgin Voyages gave me the chance to combine my love of travel with a brand that’s redefining what it means to set sail. It’s exciting to be part of something that’s pushing boundaries and creating a completely different kind of experience at sea.
What is your favourite part of the job?
It’s the people, hands down. Working with our First Mates (travel advisors) across Canada and beyond is the best part of what I do. I love hearing how they share the Virgin Voyages story with their potential “Sailors” (clients), celebrate their successes, and bring our brand to life in their own way. That moment when someone truly “gets” what makes us different – that’s the magic.
Which Virgin itinerary or destination is tops on your bucket list?
I’m really looking forward to our new Alaska itineraries. Experiencing the Last Frontier, the Virgin Way – with our unique Shore Things, incredible dining, and relaxed luxury onboard – is going to be something special. Alaska’s raw beauty, paired with our energy and style, feels like the perfect match.
2026 is around the corner. What’s new and exciting with Virgin for the next year?
2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for Virgin Voyages, with new destinations, expanded itineraries, and plenty of exciting opportunities for our First Mates.
We’re venturing into new territory with fresh sailings to Alaska, including the Inside Passage and Hubbard Glacier from Vancouver and Seattle, and sailing the Panama Canal on a coast-to-coast voyage from Miami to Los Angeles (or the other way around) aboard the stunning Brilliant Lady.
We’re also introducing longer 8 to 16-night voyages with our European offerings, more off-the-beaten-path ports, more late-night and overnight experiences, and even Solar Eclipse sailings, all with that signature Virgin flair.
For the first time, all four Lady Ships will be sailing the Caribbean through spring 2026, giving Sailors more choice and First Mates more opportunities to tailor unforgettable experiences.
And for our First Mates, 2026 is filled with potential – new itineraries, which means more availability of our RockStar Suites for those who secure their space early, and even stronger offers for the Canadian market. With the Canadian Resident Rate and our strong in-market promotions, there’s never been a better time to partner with Virgin Voyages.
What’s trending or selling well in the Canadian market right now?
Canadians are all about Caribbean, Alaska, and Mediterranean sailings right now, with bookings stretching well into 2026 and 2027. Longer, destination-rich itineraries and our RockStar suites are in high demand. Really showcasing that Canadians are looking for premium experiences, you just need to feel confident in presenting them to the clients and understanding the brand nuances.
Our Canadian Resident Rate, offering up to 15% off select voyages, continues to be a strong driver for conversions. Canadians want value and something that feels different, and that’s exactly what Virgin Voyages delivers.
What’s something that many people may not know about you?
Before joining the cruise industry, I worked in hospitality, which probably explains my love of storytelling, connection and energy. That background definitely shapes how I build partnerships today with a mix of creativity, empathy, and a dash of fun.
How many days per year are you on the road? Are you Team Window or Aisle? Carry-on or Checked Bag?
Well, I’m on the road well over 200 days a year. I’m definitely Team Aisle as efficiency is everything and always Carry-on – unless I am lugging banners and lots of collateral for a trade show. After all these years, I’ve turned packing light into an art form.
Do you keep track of how many countries you’ve been to? If so, what’s your number?
I used to! The last time I checked, it was somewhere over 80 countries. These days, I focus less on the count and more on the experience – the people, the food, and those small moments that make travel so meaningful.
If you had to sing karaoke tonight, which song would you pick?
Ice Ice Baby. Always a crowd-pleaser, and everyone knows the words even if they pretend they don’t.
What do you do for fun when you’re not working?
When I’m not travelling, you’ll find me with friends and family, catching live football (soccer) matches, or hanging out with my French Bulldog. I love exploring new cities and trying local food spots. Whenever possible, I am also usually close to my BBQ when the Canadian weather permits.
What can you share about the growth of First Mates in Canada?
It’s been incredible to see how far our First Mate community in Canada has come. When we launched, we introduced something bold and refreshingly different – an adults-only, boutique-style cruise line that turned heads. Today, that curiosity has evolved into a passionate squad of advisors from coast to coast who not only get our vibe but proudly champion it.
From a small group of early believers to a thriving network of rockstar sellers — many now making multiple bookings every month — the momentum is undeniable. More Canadians than ever have climbed into our Top 100, and we’ll be celebrating our first Canadian in the Top 10 when the crew comes together this January. Our Canadian First Mates have truly made the brand their own – infusing creativity, connection, and that signature Virgin energy into everything they do. The market has gone from curious to confident – and with new ships, new destinations, and record demand ahead, 2026 is set to be our biggest year yet.
