The Aquatic Club pool deck on the Scarlet Lady. Photo Credit: Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages next year plans to launch a loyalty program, to be called The Sailing Club.
The Sailing Club will have two tiers, with guests who sailed with Virgin Voyages in 2021 occupying the highest tier, Sea-Blazers.
Virgin Voyages was originally slated to debut in spring 2020, but its debut coincided with Covid-era lockdowns, including a blanket ban on cruising from the U.S. Its first ship, the Scarlet Lady, made its debut more than a year later, in August 2021, when it sailed U.K.-only itineraries. The ship made its U.S. debut in October 2021.
For those early cruisers’ support, the line said Sea-Blazers “will be rewarded handsomely”; their perks will include a $125 Bar Tab Bonus for life.
Anyone who sails with Virgin Voyages twice in 2022 will get Sea-Rover status. Sea-Rovers will receive a $100 Bar Tab Bonus through 2024.
Further, Virgin said that guests who have status in the upper tiers of other cruise rewards programs will be granted Sea-Rover status and the line’s package of Deep Blue Extras when they book one cruise. Virgin provided a list of loyalty programs and tiers that would qualify.
Deep Blue Extras includes expedited boarding, a bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne, unlimited premium WiFi, laundry service, an exclusive cocktail event and a $10 specialty-coffee credit per cabin.
Virgin Voyages president and chief experience officer Nirmal Saverimuttu called The Sailing Club a reward for Sailors (Virgin Voyages’ word for passengers) who have supported the new brand from the start.
“I’ve met so many incredible Sailors — many who’ve voyaged with us more than 10 times since we’ve launched — and this new program is a thank you for their commitment,” Saverimuttu said. “We’d also love their help in shaping the future and are seeking their ideas to create a game-changing loyalty program they’ll fall in love with.”
When Sea-Blazers and Sea-Rovers book a 2022 cruise through the end of the year, Deep Blue Extras will be included.
Virgin Voyages also has introduced a Red Hot Booking Bonus Months promotion for Sea-Blazers and Sea-Rovers.
Through Nov. 15, any new qualifying booking (excluding bookings made with existing voyage credits) comes with $200 in onboard spending credit and “tokens” for every dollar spent. These tokens will “fast-track Sailors to the highest and most luxurious recognition possible, unlocking even more phenomenal perks in the new year,” said Virgin Voyages.
