In the past few years, there’s arguably been no bigger change in cruising than the launch of Virgin Voyages.
While we’ve seen cruise lines launch bigger ships, announce new private destinations, and unveil all sorts of amenities onboard, Virgin Voyages launched an entirely new way of cruising.
Its biggest change by far has been the introduction of adults-only cruising. For the first time, an entire cruise line focused only on passengers 18 and over. That allows for an entirely different feel for the cruise, from the atmosphere onboard to the food offered to the entertainment options. (And we’re big fans.)
But there’s much more that Virgin does differently from traditional cruises. Virgin Voyages also offers the ability to change your voyage date and even adjust the passengers sailing on the cruise, which is flexibility that’s rare among cruise lines.
The line also makes a big emphasis on making things simple by including tons of items with your cruise fare that are normally an extra charge on other cruise lines. Wi-fi, all dining, gratuities, and more are included in your fare. Other lines charge significant sums for these items.
A new announcement, however, is changing some of that.
Three Different Fare Options to Choose From
Specifically, Virgin Voyages advertises its pricing as “Simple. Transparent. Fair.” A new tweak that’s coming, however, will make things less straightforward.
Starting October 7th, Virgin Voyages will offer three different fare levels. Depending on which you choose, the price you pay will vary and what’s included with your cruise will change as well.
Here’s the breakdown of the new pricing structure:
Base Fare: The most “value-driven” option according to Virgin, this is a fare that’s non-refundable. It will also include a new “Basic WiFi” tier that’s made only for messaging and “light browsing.” Those who book this fare will not be able to change their sailing dates or the people cruising. Dining reservations will only be open 15 days before the cruise.
Essential Fare: Virgin Voyages says this is the fare closest to what the line already offers. It will have the ability to change cruise dates and passengers, and will have “Classic WiFi.” In addition, passengers can book dining reservations 45 days before the cruise.
Premium Fare: With the highest-price tier, passengers get a 60-day reservation booking window for dining, which was previously only for suites. In addition, there is “Premium WiFi” for two devices per person that also allows streaming. Virgin Voyages also throws in drinks credit and priority support for your trip.
In short, passengers will now have a much bigger decision to make based on price, flexibility offered, wi-fi connection speed, and need for dinner reservations. There’s no word on how much the price will vary between the different fare options.
So why make the change? According to Virgin, passengers want more choices.
“Travelers expect clarity and choice from airlines and hotels, and Virgin Voyages is
the first to bring that same simplicity and pricing model to cruising,” said Nirmal
Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages.
“This isn’t about gimmicks or fine print. We’re making it easier to book a voyage with confidence while knowing that once you’re onboard, the experience is unmistakably Virgin: elevated and unforgettable.”
To us, this actually introduces more complexity in what is normally a straightforward decision. Do you book the cheaper fare with less flexibility? Or do you pay up for better wi-fi and the ability to book reservations earlier? Depending on prices, it could be a tough call.
But it’s another tweak that might actually get the most attention…
Gratuities Now Seen as a Line-Item Charge
One the biggest perks of sailing Virgin Voyages has been that gratuities are included in the cruise fare. On a typical cruise, these charges can add up to hundreds in additional costs. Having them included automatically is a nice perk as it means one less extra charge that you commonly see on cruises.
Now, Virgin Voyages will begin charging passengers a standalone gratuity fee instead of having it included.
According to the cruise line:
“Virgin Voyages is also raising the bar on transparency by displaying service gratuities
as a separate line item at the time of booking. Previously bundled into the fare, these
contributions will now be shown clearly so Sailors know exactly how they are applied.
“The total cost of a voyage does not change, and Sailors may pre-pay at a discounted
rate of $20 per Sailor per night or settle onboard at $22 per Sailor per night. Once
covered, that’s it – there are no hidden charges, no surprise gratuities and no tipping
expected anywhere onboard.
“The singular gratuities line item, offered visible upfront, reflects the brand’s commitment to clarity and its ethos of keeping the experience easy, transparent and free of nickel-and-diming.”
While the cruise line says the total cost won’t change, it may feel like you’re being hit with more fees, especially if you’re used to Virgin’s previous pricing model where the charges were already included in the fare. Now it will more closely align with what other cruise lines do.
It’s clear that the simple, all-inclusive fares that make Virgin Voyages stand out in the cruise industry are going to change in the near future.
What are your thoughts on the changes? Put them in the comments below.
I don’t like them. I like Virgin because I just pay and don’t feel like I’m being nickeled and dimed by other cruise lines. I also hate how other cruisers cheap out about gratuities and I trick this just encourages them to do that.
Since gratuities are “optional” and not mandatory…couldn’t the sailor just request it to be adjusted to $20 even though they did not prepay?
Good point. Not sure about that one yet. First time I’ve also seen a lower rate for pre-paying.