Virgin Voyages Master Thread (do NOT post referral codes – use other thread)

[caveat emptor]

Lock it in rates are back and the virginvv access key seems to apply successfully. Is it ok for members of the general public to use this, or is it just for agents (first mates)? Thanks.

[Travel Strong]

Lock it in rates are back and the virginvv access key seems to apply successfully. Is it ok for members of the general public to use this, or is it just for agents (first mates)? Thanks

It wasn’t ever for First Mates – it was from a pop-up to the general public on TripAdvisor

[caveat emptor]

Nice one, many thanks!

[executiveclubber]

Our last cruise was free with points, and capacity was low. This time it’s over 95% full, and we regardless still have good seats anywhere we like including shows, and the boat doesn’t feel much busier which is great.

However, our room was dirty on arrival — hairs & stains in sheets and orange juice left in fridge from previous guest (told it was because they were rushing to clean this morning…) — and a restaurant greeter whose key role really is to welcome and seat us looked very pissed off to see us and refused to seat 3 of us despite there being enough room shortly after 2 of our party sat down. I’ve found the Starlink premium WiFi also isn’t strong enough for streaming despite being $150, and restaurants that previously offered vegan off-menu alternatives now won’t do so.

We will still have a great time, we always do, but won’t be returning — I think we were probably too spoiled last time but also I don’t think VV can cope with the influx of passengers.

[Travel Strong]

That is a shame, especially for the experience to have downgraded to the extent where you won’t return.

Many of the 2022 sailings were absolutely rammed (with press, travel agents, and may more invited aboard) – and they coped fine with high passenger numbers back then.

My fear is that they are straying in to ‘cost cutting’ territory, and cutting on staffing/shows/classes. This definitely happened on my 2023 cruise – it was noticeable that the original itinerary of activities had been trimmed and it seemed like the crew were stretched thinner.

In my view, what sets VV apart is the level of OTT/WTF/Wow! extravagance.
And if you cut back on that, you cut back on the entire experience.

Their original points cruises seem to have resulted in a lot of returning paying customers… but I’ll only return if the experience is maintained (or elevated!)

[executiveclubber]

Travel Strong wrote:

In my view, what sets VV apart is the level of OTT/WTF/Wow! extravagance.
And if you cut back on that, you cut back on the entire experience.

Yes, very true. I think across most of Virgin’s brands, they have great marketing but a product that struggles to keep up with appearances. Sometimes a brand’s marketing can be too good and set expectations too high, and I think Virgin’s entire offering is probably a world-class example of this.

[gordog01]

Surely you can’t beat around £1250pp inc flights from LHR to ATH, overnight 4star stay Athens, 7 night cruise , return flight BCN? Is this deal to good to be true with cruise.co.uk?

[executiveclubber]

We paid £1400 total for 2 plus Avios flights with the lock it in promo, plus 2 nights in a gorgeous Athens Airbnb at £175 total so yes definitely possible to beat!

[gordog01]

@ executiveclubber
Where do you get these lock-in deals?

[executiveclubber]

@gordog01 — We added the VirginVV promo code that @travelstrong shared in this thread then scrolled down the cabins to find the “lock it in” rate

[pbcold]

I don`t suppose anyone has any intel. on whether point bookings will continue into summer 2025 do they? I have paid with points for the last 3 years and trying to decide whether to book now for next year before the 10% discount expires or keep my fingers crossed and hope that another point offer appears. Thank you.

[ZoeB]

We are travelling on the positioning cruise from Barcelona to Miami at the end of October. So we have bookings opening up in September at midnight. Is that midnight BST? GMT? or something else?
Thanks in advance for your help

[bd95]

Midnight US Eastern Time, so probably 5am BST.

[Travel Strong]

Access Key VVBILT looks to be the new ‘virginvv’ style discount, until 1st September. Untested, just passing on facebook group info!