Virgin Voyages, the new adults only cruise line debuting next April, has released details for Circles, a game-changing approach to group travel. Circles is designed to bring together and reward Sailors who travel in groups aboard its cruise ships and their travel advisors, affectionately labeled by the brand as First Mates.
A Circle for Virgin Voyages is defined as 10 cabins or more, including solo cabins, and can be as large as 150 Sailors. Circle size and the number of Circles sailing at one time are limited to ensure those traveling in Circles have opportunity for exclusivity while the dynamic for Sailors outside of the Circle isn’t negatively impacted by large groups.
Circles on all voyage dates will be eligible for Circle Bounty, which includes an onboard credit for Sailors known as Sailor Loot. Sailor Loot can be spent during the voyage however a Sailor wishes and is determined based on the level of cabin they choose– Insider and Sea View cabins receive $50 per cabin; Sea Terraces receive $100 per cabin and Mega RockStar and RockStar Suites receive $200 per cabin.
In addition, for every 10 cabins sold, the Circle will earn a 10 percent voyage credit known as the Circle Chest, based on the highest voyage fares. Circles can earn credit towards their Circle Chest in increments of 10 cabins, examples of this include when 15 cabins have been sold, the credit will be based on the highest valued 10 cabins within the group, if 20 cabins are sold, credits will be awarded based on all 20 cabins, continuing on based on blocks of 10 cabins.
The Circle Chest puts the control of the benefit in the hands of the First Mate and can be applied in a number of ways including:
- Spent in part or in total toward new cabins on the Circle voyage date that can be enjoyed by First Mates or Sailors.
- Applied prior to final payment as a reduction of voyage fare across any of the purchased cabins on the Circle voyage, in which case commission for the First Mate will be protected and based on the full voyage fare.
- Set up as a pre-funded master account that can be used on board during the Circle voyage to surprise and delight Sailors with extras including onboard credits, visits to the spa, shore things, cocktail parties, etc.
- View Prices on Cruises on Virgin Voyages
To kick off the Circles program, Virgin Voyages is offering a special promotion for new 2020 Circles booked now through December 31, 2019. For a limited time, Circles will receive double the standard Sailor Loot amount per cabin, which means Insider and Sea View cabins receive $100 per cabin; Sea Terraces receive $200 per cabin and Mega RockStar and RockStar Suites receive $400 per cabin.
To sweeten the deal, First Mates will also receive a 5 percent bonus commission on voyage fare for new 2020 Circles. This special offer is valid on all 2020 sailings except Virgin Voyages’ maiden voyage on April 1 and Sir Richard Branson’s Birthday Bash on July 15.
The Circles program is specially designed to appeal to Sailors who love traveling together and want to enjoy a luxe adult-only experience, some groups might include friends and family, those celebrating milestone birthdays, special occasions like bachelorette or hen parties, corporate incentive groups, among others.
Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages’ first cruise ship, will sail her maiden voyage on April 1, 2020. The ship will offer four and five night cruises to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean from the Cruise Capital of the World, PortMiami.
