Happy Monday!
Let’s talk about Cruise Loyalty Programs. These programs would be the equivalent of frequent flyer or hotel reward programs where repeated business equals perks and bonuses.
Cruising is no different. Each cruise line has some kind of loyalty program that offers onboard perks and bonuses–everything from free drinks to free cruises. Today, we will cover the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club.
The Virgin Voyages Sailing Club is one of the simpler loyalty programs in that it is based entirely on the number of voyages instead of points or dollar amounts, and it currently features three distinct tiers–Sailing Club, Blue Extras, and Deep Blue Extras.
Virgin Voyages came on the cruising scene in 2021 as the first adults-only cruise line. The cruise line continued to shake up the industry with the introduction of its simple Sailing Club. No complex earning of points, no expiration dates, no extra points for this or that, just take cruises. The length doesn’t matter, the cabin doesn’t matter, the destination doesn’t matter–just take cruises.
The Virgin Voyages Sailing Club is divided into three tiers, as well as a Sea Blazer and Sea Rover. But before we dive in and explore each of these, let’s talk about the cruise line’s “always included luxury and onboard perks. All Sailors (the name given to Virgin Voyages’ guests) will always enjoy 20+ eateries, WiFi, group workouts, soda & water, and entertainment.
After one completed sailing, Sailors join the Sailing Club. There are no tangible onboard rewards, but Sailors do receive exclusive members-only offers, early notification of promotions, and the members quarterly newsletter.
After completion of the second voyage, Sailors move up to the Blue Extras tier. This tier shifts to onboard perks. Sailors at the Blue Extra tier receive one complimentary specialty coffee per day, an invitation to an exclusive cocktail event, a complimentary bag of laundry, and dedicated Sailor services support. Sailors stay at this tier for just 2 voyages before moving up to the Deep Blue Extras tier.
After completing just four voyages, Sailors unlock the current top tier–Deep Blue Extras–which allows them to enjoy all premium perks beginning at their fifth voyage. At this level, Sailors will enjoy 2 complimentary specialty coffees daily per Sailor, an automatic $100 Bar Tab credit, and unlimited premium WiFi. Additionally, the complimentary bag of laundry includes a bag of laundry, two pressed items, and one specialty cleaning. Sailors will also enjoy priority boarding at embarkation.
Virgin Voyages also have classes of Sailors called Sea Blazer and Sea Rovers. These are exclusive loyalty statuses that were awarded to Virgin Voyages Sailors who were there when the cruise line began. A Sea Blazer is a Sailor who sailed on a paid voyage during 2021–the cruise line’s inaugural year, while a Sea Rover is a Sailor who sailed with Virgin Voyages a minimum of two times during 2022 and 2023. Sailors with theses legacy status enjoy the Deep Blue Tier status regardless of the number of voyages they have sailed.
It is important to note that a qualifying voyage is a full-fare booking. Casino comp cruises, gifted cruises, employee rates, or discount bookings do not count toward a Sailor’s number of voyages. Also, Virgin Voyages recently confirmed that these tiers and perks are confirmed through December 31, 2026, meaning new tiers could be announced for 2027.