How to get $125 bar tab for life, $200 in onboard credit & more with Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages unveiled its Sailing Club rewards programme this summer, rolling out top perks to those sailing in 2022, 2023 and beyond.

From fun freebies to triple-figure onboard credit bonuses, “sailors” – as Virgin likes to call guests – can truly feel the benefit of cruising with the brand that’s exclusively adult.

This year there are two perks to get your mitts on – hold onto your hats, they’re good!

The first is Deep Blue Extras; this issues cruisers with a raft (or should we say ship?) of luxuries elevating them to VIP. Think: an exclusive cocktail event, access to dedicated Sailor Services support onboard, expedited boarding, unlimited premium WiFi, $10 daily speciality coffee credit, laundry service and a free bottle of Moët & Chandon.

The second perk is Red Hot Booking Bonus Months, thanks to which travellers are awarded with exclusive onboard credit for booking a new paid sailing in 2022.

The token accelerators see every dollar spent during these months – up to four tokens per dollar for Sea-Blazers and three tokens per dollar for Sea-Rovers (more on these chaps later) – contribute to an individual’s future status.

As the programme is unveiled in 2023, these tokens will fast-track jetsetters to the highest tiers possible, unlocking even more brilliant benefits in the next year. Watch this space.

There are three ways to snap up these two brilliant perks: Be a Sea-Blazer, a Sea-Rover or a Match & Sea More Sailor.

This is how to gain these titles and everything you need to know about the advantages of the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club.

How to get a $125 bar tab bonus for life

If you cruised with Virgin in 2021 you have the exciting title of “Sea Blazer” (no smart jacket required). With this status, you get automatic access to both Virgin’s Sailing Club rewards – Deep Blue Extras and Red Hot Booking Bonus Months.

As a Sea Blazer, you’ll also automatically get a whopping $125 bar tab bonus for life. What will it be? A rum cocktail? Champagne? We’ll have another!

How to get a $100 bar tab bonus

Cruise lovers who sailed with Virgin Voyages twice in 2022 are dubbed “Sea Rovers” (no salty beard and pipe needed).

If you cruise a third time with Virgin, Deep Blue Extras will be added automatically and you’ll get access to Red Hot Booking Bonus Months.

The perks don’t stop there though – you’ll also automatically get your paws on a $100 Bar Tab Bonus through 2024!

How to get $200 in onboard credit

Sea Blazers and Sea Rovers can nab $200 in onboard credit if they book a cruise during a Red Hot Booking Month to use on that voyage.

You have from now until November 15, 2022, to make the most of these fiery months.

How to win amazing experiences for free

It’s not just sea-based benefits you can reap by sailing with Virgin. If you book during the Red Hot Booking Bonus Months you’ll be in with a chance of winning incredible experiences across the Virgin family.

These will include a luxurious trip to Ulusaba, Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa, and Virgin Points through Virgin Red, the rewards club from Virgin designed to give you exclusive access to the Virgin Group and beyond.

More of these exciting prizes will be announced in time so keep an eye out!

How to get perks if you haven’t sailed with Virgin Voyages

Eek, keen to enjoy these perks but haven’t cruised with Virgin yet? Not to worry, all is not lost!

Virgin Voyages’ Match and Sea More Program invites “sailors” enrolled in other select rewards programs (e.g. with other cruise lines and select airline travel) to cruise with the brand and Virgin will match (and give you more) than your current loyalty status.

With this you’ll automatically become a Sea-Rover (including the $100 Bar Tab Bonus for two years), get Deep Blue Extras on your very first voyage and get access to Red Hot Booking Bonus Months. Wahoo!

Even if you don’t belong to another rewards programme you can still bag the perks – you just need to squeeze in two Virgin cruises before the end of the year. More time sailing the Caribbean? Ah, if we must.

How to get what you want

No, this isn’t an inspiring TED talk on mastering life, alas, but you can certainly ensure you get what you want out of your holiday with Virgin Voyages Sailing Club.

Virgin is inviting cruise passengers to channel their inner Richard Branson (blonde locks optional) and awaken their entrepreneurial spirit.

Share the perks you’d like offered, how Virgin Voyages can elevate its loyalty programme and what the company can do to improve Sailing Club – and fingers crossed you’ll see your ideas in action.

Right, we’re off to write a pitch for why Virgin should hand-deliver free salted caramel brownies to our cabin morning, noon, and night.