Gretchendz

Lately Virgin seems to be changing the term sailor loot to on board credit. I suspect it was confusiing too many people. They are the same thing, but distinct, of course, from bar tab which can only be used for beverages.

He doesn't say on his Instagram either..Guess I just have to wait in suspense.

Some TAs belong to consortia that provide an extra $100 OBC to cabins Sea terrace or higher. If it says "exclusive" on it, that is probably it.

For the OP's question....on the ship don't forget to check out the free 80's arcade, play some games (we enjoyed trivia and the spped jigsaw puzzle), be sure to have snacks and drinks at the Dockhouse. Don't mss the short rib bao at the Sun Club/ Many people ever find the Sun Club. Try private karaoke. or just sit and relax. Be sure to sign up for any dining you did not yet sign up for as soon as you board. Entertainment or events too.

Say it ain't so! I'm sailing Valiant soon.

So they officially ended status match Dec. 31, but a few people said they managed to make it work for a few days after that. Stay tuned as they are supposed to announce Sailing Club changes later this month. Cross your fingers they reinstate the status match. You will likely see someone post on this forum if gets reinstated.

Yes--this. And silly things to most people but I love the 80s style arcade--all free games.No one ever talks about the arcade, am I the only one who still likes to play Space Invaders? Private karakoke rooms included. The free ice cream shop (not soft serve) called Lick Me till Ice Scream. Also the fact that I can tell my cabin steward I need more water or what-not with the tablet, not leaving notes or waiting to see them. And especially the lack of relentless upselling and extra fees. And the fact that most of the other passengers are chill and friendly.

I know many former Celebrity loyalists turning to Virgin. They love not paying for any specialty dining and having tips, wifi, and group fitness included. The adults only vibe is more about fun than what you might imagine. If you are offended by drag shows, this is not the cruise line for you. The demographic skews more to 30s and 40s, but there is a mix of older and younger. Mostly it attracts people who are accepting and inclusive. Yes--there are parties, but you don't have to do those. There are many spots to quietly read a book or have a drink together.

I totally agree. Even with the price increases, if I quote a Virgin Cruise with a similar itinerary on another line such as Celebrity, I find Virgin still compares well. Especially if it is an apples-to-apples comparison, including wifi, gratuities, specialty dining fees, group fitness classes.

Exactly this. I now have no idea what is extended or not...I keep chalking it up to them being new.

You and me both!!! It's a whirlwind 🙂 The first time I decide I can rely on them to extend it, that's when they won't 🙂

Update, today the website starting showing one can status match until December 31, 2024. https://www.virginvoyages.com/sailing-club

Thanks for posting! They change things so often, but this is a positive.

But for anyone wanting to status match--it is scheduled to end December 31 so do it now 🙂

They usually send an email...key word usually. Lately people have gotten approved within a day or two. If you used a TA they can go into your booking and see if the DBE has been added. Also, at some point, if granted, it should show up on the app.

Be sure to do it NOW as it appears the current status match program will end on December 31!

Or both, as some cruise lines do!

I don't disagree but as Virgin is a fairly new cruise line, and the pandemic, many people have not had the opportunity to sail with them 10, 20, 30 times (yet!). I would hope to see them implement something like this in the future.

A few months ago they were crowd-sourcing ideas from some of us for ways to improve the program. It's alreay quite generous. To me the biggest pain point for most is the dining reservation pressure. I suggested that Sailing Club members would be allowed to book after Rockstars but befor regular sailors.

Congratulations! I suspect you are correct that it was a technical issue on their end. I was able to get people "refer a friend" On Board credit long after it was officially discontinued. That's gone too now, sadly.

Interesting. Most cruise line executives would disagree, I think. They are almost all seeing record bookings and raising fares accordingly. https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Cruise-executives-lament-price-gap-with-resorts However, of course, only time will tell who is correct! And if you are right, you will see most lines cutting prices again.

Ugh--sorry. I assume you have tried a different browser, using incognito mode for the web account? And for the app, uninstalling and reinstalling?

Nice!

And the Virgin price includes crew gratuities.

I thought it might be helpful to summarize some of the new changes at Virgin. 1. Has many have noticed, prices are rising. Virgin says their ships are sailing full and they offer a premium product so it is time for all the pandemic-era bargains to end. While many people are angry, I understand. And BTW lots of cruiselines are raising prices on cabin and packages and gratuities right now. 2. If you hope to status match through Virgin (well worth it IMHO), place a booking and file for it NOW. They are saying the ability to status match like this will end December 31. 3. The Loyalty program will remain and the Deep Blue Extras perks will change. We don't know how yet, but they have been crowd-sourcing surveys much of this year for suggestions. 4. Florida resident rate has gone down to 5% and you still must book 45 days or less out from the cruise to receive it. 5. MNVVs are going to change somehow early next year. We don't know how. I'm sure existing MNVVs will be honored. 6. Travel agents belonging to a certain consortium adding $100 on board credit to their clients continues. 7. Gold Tier agents will (probably) continue to add more on board credit for clients adding a Zoom call and then booking. 8. The current offer ending January 31 is Save 70% off your 2nd Sailor plus up to $600 in free drinks on select voyages through October 2025 • 70% off 2nd Sailor on select voyages in 2023, 2024, and 2025 • $600 in free drinks per cabin on sailings 14+ nights • $300 in free drinks per cabin on sailings 7+ nights • $200 in free drinks per cabin on sailings 5-6 nights • $100 in free drinks per cabin on sailings 2-4 nights Sale ends January 31st, 2024. Restrictions apply. 9. Expect to see future promotions doing the lower amounts of bar tab on shorter cruises. No more $600 in 4 days 🙂 10. Pre-Purchased Bar Tab. You will continue to be able to buy a $300 Bar tab and get $50 added credit. They will be adding two lower levels, for people who don't want $300 worth. $200 Bar Tab will receive a $25 credit and $100 will receive $10. These must be purchased before the sailing. 11. Paid in full discount is gone.