Virgin Voyages has launched an annual pass that offers travellers an opportunity to sail on any of the company’s ships for an entire year. The cruise line has called the pass an industry first.
The adults-only cruise line announced that the US$120 000 (R2,2m) pass would grant access to voyages across Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and beyond.
Buyers are automatically enrolled in Virgin Voyages' Sailing Club and receive Deep Blue Extra perks like premium WiFi, laundry service, priority boarding, a US$100 (R1 815) bar tab credit and two speciality coffees per day.
The pass can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis until March 31, 2025. Buyers choose from four start dates – January 1, February 1, March 1 or April 1, 2025.
Virgin Voyages says the pass can be bought with Bitcoin, making it the first cruise product to accept a cryptocurrency payment option.
While the pass offers unparalleled flexibility, Virgin Voyages clarified that cabin availability depended on overall voyage capacity and certain overlapping or chartered itineraries are excluded. Changes or cancellations to eligible bookings must be made at least seven days before departure.
Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson said: "What started as a sought-after ‘work from sea’ concept with our Season Pass has evolved into something even more special. Now, sailors can jump aboard any of our ships across an endless variety of exciting destinations for an entire year. We’re offering unlimited opportunities for adventure in a way that has never been done in cruising before."
