Kids protest the injustice of child-free cruises in Virgin Voyages ad

First work from Special US takes the form of an '80s-style music video

Published On
May 23, 2022

Editor's Pick

Virgin Voyages is promoting the exclusivity of its cruises for only those over 18 with an ad featuring, well, lots of kids. But, they're pissed off kids protesting the injustice of being left behind in an impassioned music video.

In the spot, the first work created by Special US for the brand, the children sing about the unfairness of their parents going off on cruises without them in some hilarious lyrics ("You’ll be sipping cocktails under a starlit night, While we’re back home, without an invite," or "Sure, you’ve earned a gourmet spread,  But we’re experiencing existential dread.")

The film juxtaposes the happy adults on their luxury cruises against a chorus of indignant little ones, dressed in their cruise wear, left behind in the rain. It was directed by Win Bates at Tool, in a pastiche of '80s style music videos and movie montages. 

"After being cooped up with their kids over the past few years, it’s only fair that parents get what they really want. A break,” said William Gelner, chief creative officer at Special US, in a statement. “Virgin Voyages are adult-only, so we thought it would be fun to show the kids’ perspective on that.”

"Parents know that sometimes the best thing they can do for their kids is to take care of themselves first,” added Justin Terry, senior director of growth and marketing at Virgin Voyages. "Parents do so much for their kids, and we wanted to remind them that it’s okay to take a break."

The spot breaks this week in the U.S., Australia and U.K. and includes TV, digital, and paid social. It breaks following Virgin Voyages' recent launch of their fourth cruise ship, Brilliant Lady, and accompanies a $300 discount promotion.

The overall Virgin brand has had plenty of fun targetting adults who just need to get away. A campaign for Virgin Hotels that debuted during the pandemic pushed "me-time" for parents, for example. The Virgin Voyages effort also marks the first work out of Special US outside of Uber Eats, for which the agency has created the popular "Tonight I'll Be Eating" ads starring unexpected celebrity pairs, as well as the hilarious "Uber Don't Eats" Super Bowl push featuring Jennifer Coolidge and other stars munching on stuff that isn't food. 

Credits

Date
May 23, 2022
Client :
Virgin Voyages
Agency :
Special Group
Chief Brand Officer :
Nathan Rosenberg
Senior Director :
Justin Terry
Creative Director :
Christian Schrader
Copywriter :
Bailey Edwards
Brand Director :
Kris Klank
Producer :
Kathy Boos
CCO & Partner :
William Gelner
Creative Director :
Alice Blastorah
Creative Director :
Will Decher
Sr Writer :
Lex Singer
Account Director :
Lauren Keeton
Head of Production :
Esther Perls
Head of Business Affairs :
LT Ware
Head of Strategy :
Kelsey Hodgkin
Production Company :
Tool of NA
Director :
Win Bates
President :
Dustin Callif
Managing Director :
Nancy Hacohen
Senior Executive Producer :
Laura Macauley
Line Producer :
Nicole Acacio
Director of Photographer :
Garrett Shannon
Production Designer :
William Pierce
Music :
New Math
Creative Director :
Raymond Lowery
Executive Producer :
Kala Sherman
Creative Director :
David Wittman
Producer :
Jake Falby
Composer :
Sam Skarstad
Edit :
Work Editorial
Editor :
Stewart Reeves
Assistant Editor :
Kenneth Munoz
Producer :
Chandler Raub
VFX & Finishing Company :
The Mill
Lead Flame :
Rob Ufer
Executive Producer :
Karena Ajamian
Senior Producer :
Stephanie Allis

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Project Type