VA+ or Amex for cruising

[ridehighclub]

Recently got into the points thing. Looking to get a new personal card now, but thinking I should probably go for the Virgin Atlantic+ card, over AMEX (at any other airline card).

Reason being … we don’t really do long haul much (been a few years since we’ve been to the Caribbean). And for now, it’s more likely we would cruise than fly (far). So thinking of going for the VA+ card, and use the Virgin Points on a Virgin Voyage.

Recently, I did take out a business AMEX Gold but dont think i will renew it next year as my business spend isnt that high (will stick with cap on tap). I know i can exchange the AMEX MR points for Virgin ones.

1.5 Virgin Points per £1 spent on the VA+ card seems a no brainer compared to Amex Gold 1 MR point per £1.

Anything else worth considering?
ThanksQ!

[Super Secret Stuff]

The VA+ card (not sure about free VA) is entirely free to use in the eurozone so if your cruises are around Europe, that’s your best option for foreign spend

[ridehighclub]

Thanks. Yes, i did see that the VA card was good for spending in the eurozone, but i’m good with that already with existing cards so more focused on the points value of VA+ (vs AMEX or another).

[ChasP]

One of the biggest bonuses for both Virgin and Amex avios is 241 vouchers which dont apply to cruises
The second biggest carrot is signup bonus – effectively paying for the first year s sub on paid cards You can cancel Virgin+ card after a year and signup again after 6 months

Short haul flights – which you will need to get to most Virgin cruises – are a lot easier with Avios

So Virgin for a year then 6 months barclaycard Avios followed by reapplying for Virgin+ would be my strategy

[Peter K]

Bear in mind that Virgin Money is being taken over by Nationwide and the Virgin Money brand phased out.

No one knows what this means long term for the Virgin Atlantic card. It could be a case that it’s worth holding onto long term if you value the benefits as it might not be available to new customers in the medium term.

For example, I’m very glad I kept hold of my Hilton Barclaycard. It’s saved me large sums from the points and free breakfasts I’ve had from it since it was withdrawn from new applicants (plus upgrades etc).

[ridehighclub]

ChasP wrote:

One of the biggest bonuses for both Virgin and Amex avios is 241 vouchers which dont apply to cruises

Good point, and this looks in addition to points earned through spending, so I can accumulate points, and then also qualify for the reward … which maybe means i’ll take a flight somewhere nice (and maybe get on a cruise ?!)

[HampshireHog]

I find that night time workers usually prefer cash…