Virgin Voyages Launch the “Annual Pass” But Is It For You?
Would You Sail the High Seas All Year? Virgin Voyages Thinks You Just Might
Swap the Day to Day for the Seize the Day. Images: Virgin Voyages
Inspired by the Summer Season Pass and the "work from anywhere" concept so near & dear to Sir Richard Branson's heart, Virgin Voyages Annual Pass will allow Sailors to hop on & off any Lady Ship from virtually anywhere for a full calendar year.
As Virgin Voyages Launch their “Annual Pass” I Ask - Would You be Tempted?
Virgin Voyages has gone and done it again—blowing the lid off what’s possible in the cruising world. Their latest announcement? An industry-first Annual Pass that lets travellers sail across the globe, whenever and wherever, for an entire year. Yes, you read that right. All the ships. All the itineraries. All the sunsets and sea breezes you could possibly want. But let’s pause for a second—because the real question is: Is this something you’d actually do?
Virgin Voyages Annual Pass Fact Box. Image: Kathy Taylor, Cruise Lowdown
Let’s break it down. For a cool $120,000 USD (around £95,000 GBP, plus taxes and fees), you get unlimited access to Virgin Voyages’ four luxury “Lady Ships” in 2025, including their shiny new Brilliant Lady, set to debut next September. You’ll stay in a chic Sea Terrace cabin, complete with balcony views and one of those Instagram-famous red hammocks. Oh, and there are perks too—priority boarding, free laundry, premium Wi-Fi, dedicated concierge support, access to exclusive on-board events and experiences.and even a $100 Bar Tab credit (around £80 GBP) for every voyage. The cherry on top? You can bring a different plus-one each time, perfect for sharing the adventure with your rotating cast of favourite humans, and new besties once they hear of the deal. If used to the max this represents a great deal and would save money on living expenses at home.
If that wasn’t enough, Virgin’s taking things a step further by letting you pay in Bitcoin. Yes, folks, we’ve apparently officially entered the era of cruising meets crypto. It’s bold, it’s modern, and it feels very on-brand for Richard Branson, who clearly loves a good innovation as much as he loves a good hammock.
But is it for you?
Let’s imagine it. You’re waking up to the sound of the waves (or maybe just the hum of the ship’s engine depending where your cabin is located —still romantic, right?). One week, you’re stargazing in Iceland; the next, you’re sipping sangria in Ibiza. You’re swapping the grey bland local cityscape for turquoise Caribbean waters. And the best part? It’s all covered under your Annual Pass.
On paper, it sounds like the dream, doesn’t it? But here’s the thing—living the “cruise life” for an entire year is not everyone’s cup of tea. Can you see yourself packing and unpacking your life on repeat? Spending days at sea in a sort of floating luxury limbo? And let’s not forget: that price tag, while admittedly a bargain compared to the cost of a flat in London or NYC, is no small sum. An added cost too is the transportation to and from embarkation/disembarkation ports.
Then again, for the die-hard adventurer who’s already working remotely (and thinks a “commute” should involve turquoise waters - who doesn’t?), this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Imagine ditching the mundane for an endless string of new destinations and experiences—all while someone else handles the cooking and cleaning.
The Details
The Virgin Voyages Annual Pass is available on a first-come, first-served basis with a base fare total of $120,000 USD, excluding taxes and fees for voyages booked. Pass holders can select a start date of Jan. 1, Feb. 1, March 1 or April 1, and the pass will be valid for one year from the desired start date. Sailors must book between now and March 31, 2025. First Mates (travel advisors) who sell Annual Pass will earn a commission of $10,000 USD. Annual Pass is not combinable with other offers or Bar Tab. Sailors will also earn Deep Blue Extras upon booking.
So, what’s the verdict?
For me, surprisingly, it would have to be be a hard NO (can’t actually believe I’m saying this). I would miss my family too much - and with Virgin Voyages being adult-only (a HUGE plus point usually) I wouldn’t be able to bring along any of my grandchildren. Although I work from home, I also have childcare responsibilities so that’s another obstacle. I would also be the size of a whale at the end of the year after indulging in all the fabulous food onboard.
But for those in different situations - childless or child-free, retired or with generous financial means - the Virgin Voyages Annual Pass is not just a ticket to the high seas; it’s a lifestyle shift. It’s for those who want to swap their nine-to-five for a life of exploration, and their Wi-Fi passwords for an actual connection to the world. Don’t get me wrong, in my daydreams that’s me, but in reality I would be standing on the quayside waving you off wistfully.
So, would you do it? Would you trade your everyday routine for a year-long love affair with the ocean? Virgin Voyages thinks you just might. And hey, if nothing else, at least the red hammock is guaranteed to match your adventurous spirit.
Let me know your thoughts on this in the comments below - especially if you are tempted to hop onboard!
You can book your Virgin Voyage HERE
Note: This is an affiliate link. If you use it to book I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
You can inquire about the Annual Pass via Virgin Voyages “Contact Us” page. To learn more about Annual Pass, visit our webpage here.