You Can Now Book Virgin Voyages Cruises with Virgin Points
The Virgin brand has expanded far beyond airlines. In addition to Virgin Atlantic, there’s now Virgin Hotels, Virgin Voyages, and even a catch-all rewards platform called Virgin Red. And while it might seem like all these brands would fall under one loyalty umbrella, the reality has been a little more complicated. Virgin Atlantic runs a frequent flyer program called Flying Club, which uses Virgin Points as its currency. Virgin Red also uses Virgin Points, but it acts more like a lifestyle rewards program, covering everything from hotel stays to wine deliveries to experiences with other Virgin brands. For
Is Now a Good Time to Book a Spring Break 2021 Cruise?
Nope, that’s not a typo. I’m talking about 2021, two years away. Last month, Royal Caribbean released its deployment schedule for Caribbean cruises through April 2021. Norwegian Cruise Line also has cruises available to book through that time frame. Before you call me cray cray for talking about booking a vacation for 2021, hear me out. I’ve been on 8 cruises as an adult, and 7 of those were with my kids. I don’t see us getting off the cruise bandwagon any time soon. Cruises offer something for everyone. There are spaces and activities for every
How To Enjoy A Passport-Free Cruise
I’ve found that not everyone who loves to travel wants to juggle the complexities of passport renewals or last-minute visa issues. Because of that, one of the most interesting loopholes in travel involves closed-loop U.S. cruises, where a passport might not be required at all—an especially intriguing option if you’re a frequent flyer used to tight deadlines and swift airport connections. Even so, I’ve come to learn that a little knowledge can save you a world of hassle, particularly if your trip involves combining land and sea adventures. So let’s dive into how closed-loop cruises work, why they can be
The Cruise Lines That Work With Hotel/Airline Loyalty Programs
Cruising has become a hot commodity in the past couple of years. Cruise lines that were well established before the pandemic, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, etc., are introducing newer and bigger ships left and right. At the same time, newer cruise companies are making a dent in the industry, as well. Our favorite is Virgin Voyages, but as the good blog says, Your Mileage May Vary. There was a time when cruises had their own loyalty programs and, save for perhaps status matching, they really didn’t “talk” to other programs, least of all those for airlines and
A Frequent Flyer’s Guide to (Almost) All-Inclusive Cruise Vacations
I’ve come across countless conversations where travelers expect a single up-front fare to cover every onboard experience. Yet, reading extensive traveler feedback reveals that certain cruise lines leave it at the basics: stateroom accommodations, main dining menus, limited (often non-alcoholic) beverages, and evening shows. According to a 2024 survey from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), approximately 41% of passengers say they were unaware of some onboard costs before their trip. This gap in understanding can lead to surprise bills for specialty dining, Wi-Fi, or other premium amenities. In my pursuit of clarity, I’ve noticed that nearly every cruise
Earn Avios When Booking A Royal Caribbean Cruise.
Yes, I love flying, but I also love a cruise, given my geographical location; yes, you guessed it, in London. I’ve been on two cruises from Miami so far; honestly, they’ve been one of the best holidays ever. And now it just got much better because you can earn some Avios, too when booking a cruise. Let’s go over it in detail. IAG loyalty has now added Royal Caribbean International as its latest Avios partner. British Airways Executive Club, Aer Lingus AerClub, Iberia Plus and Vueling Club programmes members can now earn three Avios per £1/€1 when booking
Frequent Flyers’ Guide to Europe’s Best Cruise Lines
I’ve always been fascinated by travel in all its forms—especially when it comes to uncovering unique ways to explore Europe’s diverse cultures and coastlines. While I usually hear stories about chalking up airline miles, there’s a special appeal to trading flight paths for sea lanes. In my research, I’ve found that cruising allows travelers to step aboard a floating resort, complete with sumptuous dining, engaging entertainment, and plenty of time to absorb Europe’s art, history, and natural wonders. According to industry data published in late 2024, nearly 30% of travelers visiting Europe have started combining cruises with their typical
Virgin Voyages Promotion with 8-Night Cruise from 100,000 Points
Virgin Voyages currently has two great offers for Virgin Red members, for cruises out of Miami or Barcelona. You can book a five-night sailing for 80,000 points, or even better, an eight-night sailing for 100,000 points. With taxes and fees included, these deals get even better. Let’s see the details. How it works: If you don’t have a Virgin Red account, you can sign up now. And if you need more points, you can transfer from American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, and Bilt Rewards points. Virgin Red is a
