Virgin Voyages Announces Loyalty Program Coming in 2023 [Some Perks Available Now]

Virgin Voyages, the trendy cruise line brought to us by Sir Richard Branson, debuted in 2020 without a loyalty program. However, that’s all going to be changing — well, sort of.

Here are all the juicy (and admittedly confusing) details of Virgin Voyages’ long-awaited loyalty program, The Sailing Club, and a look at what perks you can expect right away.

Virgin Voyages’ New Loyalty Program Will Debut in 2023

The Sailing Club, Virgin Voyages’ new loyalty program, will officially debut in 2023. The great news for cruisers is that some temporary perks are available now while the official program’s details are still being finalized.

Deep Blue Extras is a package of perks available to qualifying passengers (called “sailors” in Virginspeak) on cruises from September to December 2022. The package includes:

• One free Shake for Champagne delivery while on board
• Anytime boarding
• Premium Wi-Fi
• Exclusive cocktail party invite
• Free laundry service

Red Hot Booking Bonus Months

The Red Hot Booking Bonus Months promotion is valid from August 30, 2022, through November 15, 2022, for any sailing. Qualifying guests who book a cruise during this promotion can receive spending perks and $200 in onboard credit.

Bottom Line: Virgin Voyages’ new loyalty program, The Sailing Club, will debut in 2023. Until then, some temporary perks will be offered to qualifying customers. This loyalty program is separate from Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Virgin Australia Velocity, and Virgin Red.

Virgin Voyages Sailing Club Status Levels

The details surrounding how guests will achieve status in Virgin Voyages’ Sailing Club loyalty program are confusing, to say the least.

As it stands now, there will be 3 levels of status, and customers can earn tokens based on spending that will determine their status level once the program debuts in 2023.

Sea-Blazers

This level includes anyone who sailed with Virgin Voyages in 2021. This group will get a lifetime $125 bar tab bonus on every sailing and up to 4 tokens for each dollar spent during the Red Hot Booking Bonus Months promotion.

Sea-Rovers

This level is for anyone who sails with Virgin Voyages at least twice during 2022. They will be eligible for a $100 bar tab bonus on all sailings through 2024 and will earn up to 3 tokens for each dollar spent during the Red Hot Booking Bonus Months promotion.

Match & Sea More Sailors

This group is for those who match status from other cruise and select airline loyalty programs. These guests will have access to Sea-Rover status.

All other passengers will earn 1 token for each dollar spent during the Red Hot Booking Bonus Months promotion. Tokens will also be awarded to any passengers who have spent money with Virgin Voyages anytime in the past.

Hot Tip: If you’re planning to sail soon, book your trip using a credit card that earns bonus points on cruises!

Final Thoughts

Since its debut in 2020, Virgin Voyages has strived to be at the cutting edge of the cruise industry with unique offerings like Shake for Champagne, lively stage productions, and even the ability to get a tattoo at sea.

Today, the company announced plans for a loyalty program called The Sailing Club, which will officially debut in 2023. Until then, guests can access temporary perks like free Champagne delivery, laundry service, and bar tab bonuses.