Citing travel agent and guest demand, Virgin Voyages is about to change the way they price bookings. Beginning October 7, the line will offer three different tiers, ranging from Basic to Premium.
What Each Pricing Tier Offers
The new pricing system — dubbed VoyageFair Choices — will be in place for Sea Terrace (read: balcony) and lower categories, and are, the line says, designed to give guests more flexibility while also proving more transparent than the previous model.
Which tier a passenger selects will also impact everything from their internet connection to when they are able to begin making dining reservations.
The three pricing levels are as follows:
• Base Fare: This option is designed for those looking for value over perks. It’s a non-refundable fare which will include basic wifi for one device per person and the ability to book dining reservations 15 days before sailing.
This fare is aimed at people who are locked into their plans, as changes to dates, names and cabins are not permitted.
• Essential Fare: Virgin describes this as being the closest to their current — soon to be former — pricing model.
It includes “classic” WiFi for one device per guest, and the ability to book dining 45 days in advance. It also allows more flexibility in adjusting things such as the sailing date (via a Future Cruise Credit) and name changes for guests other than the primary booker.
• Premium Fare: As the name implies, this option is specifically aimed at those wanting elevated benefits. Chief among them are the ability to book dining 60 days before sailing, a perk previously reserved for those staying in suites.
This category also includes “Premium” WiFi for two devices per guest (with streaming and video capabilities), a Bar Tab (the amount of which has not yet been specified but will presumably vary based on cabin type) and access to a priority support line for pre-cruise bookings.
The only major change made with regard to RockStar and MegaRockStar bookings is that they will have the ability to make dining reservations 120 days in advance.
How the Tipping Policy Has Changed
While in the past tips were rolled into the cruise fare, they will now be broken out and displayed as a separate line item. While this does not impact the total price of the cruise, it does provide transparency as to how much is being paid and how they are applied.
In addition, those opting to pay gratuities in advance will be rewarded with a lower per-day charge. If pre-paid, the gratuities (or “contributions,” as Virgin refers to them) will cost $20 per person, per day. If paid onboard, the cost will be $22 per person, per day.
As has been true in the past, these daily gratuities cover all onboard tips.
In a press release regarding the changes, Virgin explained that “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.”
Why They’re Making the Change
“This isn’t about gimmicks or fine print,” says CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu. “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.”
Virgin Voyages operates a fleet of four cruise ships: Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, Valiant Lady, and Brilliant Lady.
