Does Virgin have a rewards program?

[krisko]

I cruised on Brilliant Lady last NYE and cruising on Resilient Lady this NYE.  I didn't sign up for their program because it was still coming together and I think they scrapped the first program?  We're in a Brilliant Suite so I really want to register for a program if there is one.  I'm Diamond level on Royal Caribbean, though I haven't been on a cruise with them in at least 4 years.

 

Also, is there an actual Cigar lounge as advertised or is it an outside deck?  Asking for a friend.

[jon81uk]

Yes there is the Sailing Club 

https://www.virginvoyages.com/sailing-club

currently you need to sail twice before 31 December 2023 to get the benefits on the third cruise. Or do a status match. How you can gain status in 2024 is currently unknown.

 

There is a smoking room near the casino, the door is behind the casino cage desk. Also a smoking area on deck 16.

[krisko]

Thanks, I'll be able to sail twice before Dec 31 and submit by RC info for status match.  All I need to do is call Virgin with my Royal Caribbean number?

[Lustate]

15 minutes ago, krisko said:

Thanks, I'll be able to sail twice before Dec 31 and submit by RC info for status match.  All I need to do is call Virgin with my Royal Caribbean number?

 

Your do it online at the link below...
 

Match and Sea More Submit

[jon81uk]

30 minutes ago, krisko said:

Thanks, I'll be able to sail twice before Dec 31 and submit by RC info for status match.  All I need to do is call Virgin with my Royal Caribbean number?

You only need one or the other, if you status match you’ll get the benefits on the next cruise no need to take two.

[neverendingcruising]

In your case you’d be better off to match now for your upcoming sailing. The current program is temporary, supposedly a permanent replacement coming “next year”. 
 

Curious how you’re first sailing on Brilliant went considering she’s still in the shipyard? 😂

[cantgetin]

4 hours ago, krisko said:

Thanks, I'll be able to sail twice before Dec 31 and submit by RC info for status match.  All I need to do is call Virgin with my Royal Caribbean number?

No, you cannot do it on the phone.  You submit on line.  On the VV web site, scroll down to "Loyalty" and you'll find the application there.  Your acceptance will be confirmed by email within a week.  You can do the status match and get the benefits on your first VV cruise.  If you complete 2 sailings, this will roll over t (supposedly) to whatever their new program is.  The release of the new program has been delayed several times....

[krisko]

I’m confusing ship names, first cruise was on Valiant and we booked Brilliant but obviously that was canceled. Then we booked Resilient Australia at the same price. 
 

I submitted proof of my RC status, will they send an email when they approve the status upgrade? I hope it applies to my cruise in 6 days, website said my status will upgrade in 7 days.

[cantgetin]

2 hours ago, krisko said:

I’m confusing ship names, first cruise was on Valiant and we booked Brilliant but obviously that was canceled. Then we booked Resilient Australia at the same price. 
 

I submitted proof of my RC status, will they send an email when they approve the status upgrade? I hope it applies to my cruise in 6 days, website said my status will upgrade in 7 days.

My status took a week, my adult daughter's took 3 days, other people have reported one day to get the email.  Fingers crossed that yours comes thru before boarding.  Once you get the email, make a screen shot and take it with you so you can prove it if it isn't on the ship's records (they do make mistakes, even when timing is not tight.)

[Gretchendz]

On 12/22/2023 at 8:38 AM, krisko said:

I’m confusing ship names, first cruise was on Valiant and we booked Brilliant but obviously that was canceled. Then we booked Resilient Australia at the same price. 
 

I submitted proof of my RC status, will they send an email when they approve the status upgrade? I hope it applies to my cruise in 6 days, website said my status will upgrade in 7 days.

 

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.

[Gretchendz]

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

[-The-True-North-]

1 hour ago, Gretchendz said:

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

That sucks, they need to end status matching, not extend it. 75% of the ship already has loyalty and shows up at 1pm making it a gong show.

 

There is no loyalty program when you give it to anyone and everyone.

 

VV seems to have the Wheels falling off all over the place now.

[mbfrenc0586]

1 hour ago, -The-True-North- said:

That sucks, they need to end status matching, not extend it. 75% of the ship already has loyalty and shows up at 1pm making it a gong show.

 

There is no loyalty program when you give it to anyone and everyone.

 

VV seems to have the Wheels falling off all over the place now.

Agreed....So many people have status now.  I think if you want to make it easier to get status for now that's fine but at least require a cruise or two first.  Not just for first timers.  This reward program has been delayed so many times I'm thinking it's not coming again early in 2024 like they have said.  I have been looking forward to the details since I became a Sea Blazer.  I'll have at least 5 maybe 6 cruises in now before this is even announced.  Hopefully the new program is worth it.

[-The-True-North-]

23 minutes ago, mbfrenc0586 said:

Agreed....So many people have status now.  I think if you want to make it easier to get status for now that's fine but at least require a cruise or two first.  Not just for first timers.  This reward program has been delayed so many times I'm thinking it's not coming again early in 2024 like they have said.  I have been looking forward to the details since I became a Sea Blazer.  I'll have at least 5 maybe 6 cruises in now before this is even announced.  Hopefully the new program is worth it.

I know. It's so annoying that true loyal guests who have well over 4 cruises still have to fight for restaurant bookings with someone that just matched status using all the very open loopholes. Not even real cruisers that earned their statues.

[cantgetin]

Agreed--there are many people who have multiple cruises already sailed.  Status match made sense early on, but at this stage they should either eliminate the status match or give a different set of perks than those who have multiple sailings get.