Gretchendz

I was on a call with Virgin today and asked if the status match programs was coming back in any form. They said there are no plans to do that. Congrats to everyone who got in under the wire.

And if you are sailing before Feb 1, buy the old more flexible kind while on board! Honestly, I thought the changes would be worse.

Lately Virgin seems to be changing the term sailor loot to on board credit. I suspect it was confusiing too many people. They are the same thing, but distinct, of course, from bar tab which can only be used for beverages.

He doesn't say on his Instagram either..Guess I just have to wait in suspense.

Some TAs belong to consortia that provide an extra $100 OBC to cabins Sea terrace or higher. If it says "exclusive" on it, that is probably it.

For the OP's question....on the ship don't forget to check out the free 80's arcade, play some games (we enjoyed trivia and the spped jigsaw puzzle), be sure to have snacks and drinks at the Dockhouse. Don't mss the short rib bao at the Sun Club/ Many people ever find the Sun Club. Try private karaoke. or just sit and relax. Be sure to sign up for any dining you did not yet sign up for as soon as you board. Entertainment or events too.

Say it ain't so! I'm sailing Valiant soon.

So they officially ended status match Dec. 31, but a few people said they managed to make it work for a few days after that. Stay tuned as they are supposed to announce Sailing Club changes later this month. Cross your fingers they reinstate the status match. You will likely see someone post on this forum if gets reinstated.

Yes--this. And silly things to most people but I love the 80s style arcade--all free games.No one ever talks about the arcade, am I the only one who still likes to play Space Invaders? Private karakoke rooms included. The free ice cream shop (not soft serve) called Lick Me till Ice Scream. Also the fact that I can tell my cabin steward I need more water or what-not with the tablet, not leaving notes or waiting to see them. And especially the lack of relentless upselling and extra fees. And the fact that most of the other passengers are chill and friendly.

I know many former Celebrity loyalists turning to Virgin. They love not paying for any specialty dining and having tips, wifi, and group fitness included. The adults only vibe is more about fun than what you might imagine. If you are offended by drag shows, this is not the cruise line for you. The demographic skews more to 30s and 40s, but there is a mix of older and younger. Mostly it attracts people who are accepting and inclusive. Yes--there are parties, but you don't have to do those. There are many spots to quietly read a book or have a drink together.

I totally agree. Even with the price increases, if I quote a Virgin Cruise with a similar itinerary on another line such as Celebrity, I find Virgin still compares well. Especially if it is an apples-to-apples comparison, including wifi, gratuities, specialty dining fees, group fitness classes.

Exactly this. I now have no idea what is extended or not...I keep chalking it up to them being new.

You and me both!!! It's a whirlwind 🙂 The first time I decide I can rely on them to extend it, that's when they won't 🙂

Update, today the website starting showing one can status match until December 31, 2024. https://www.virginvoyages.com/sailing-club

Thanks for posting! They change things so often, but this is a positive.

But for anyone wanting to status match--it is scheduled to end December 31 so do it now 🙂

They usually send an email...key word usually. Lately people have gotten approved within a day or two. If you used a TA they can go into your booking and see if the DBE has been added. Also, at some point, if granted, it should show up on the app.

Be sure to do it NOW as it appears the current status match program will end on December 31!

Or both, as some cruise lines do!

I don't disagree but as Virgin is a fairly new cruise line, and the pandemic, many people have not had the opportunity to sail with them 10, 20, 30 times (yet!). I would hope to see them implement something like this in the future.

A few months ago they were crowd-sourcing ideas from some of us for ways to improve the program. It's alreay quite generous. To me the biggest pain point for most is the dining reservation pressure. I suggested that Sailing Club members would be allowed to book after Rockstars but befor regular sailors.

Congratulations! I suspect you are correct that it was a technical issue on their end. I was able to get people "refer a friend" On Board credit long after it was officially discontinued. That's gone too now, sadly.

Interesting. Most cruise line executives would disagree, I think. They are almost all seeing record bookings and raising fares accordingly. https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Cruise-executives-lament-price-gap-with-resorts However, of course, only time will tell who is correct! And if you are right, you will see most lines cutting prices again.

Ugh--sorry. I assume you have tried a different browser, using incognito mode for the web account? And for the app, uninstalling and reinstalling?

Nice!