Virgin Voyages announced plans to debut a new fare model,
dubbed VoyageFair Choices, starting on October 7.
According to Virgin, VoyageFair Choices packages were created to
provide better price transparency, make the fares easily comparable across the cruise
industry, and offer more flexible budget options and choices.
The cruise line revealed that VoyageFair Choices introduces
three distinct pricing tiers for Sea Terrace and below cabins.
“Travelers expect clarity and choice from airlines and
hotels, and Virgin Voyages is the first to bring that same simplicity and
pricing model to cruising,” Virgin CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu said.
“This isn’t about gimmicks or fine print,” Saverimuttu
continued. “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.”
The Base fare is a non-refundable package that includes a
new Basic Wi-Fi tier for one device per passenger and dining reservations that open
15 days before sailing. The Essential fare consists of Classic Wi-Fi, a 45-day
dining reservation window, and the flexibility to adjust voyage dates using a
Future Voyage Credit.
As for the Premium fare, the package includes premium Wi-Fi
for two devices per passenger, a 60-day dining reservation window, a
complimentary drinks credit, and access to a priority support line for
pre-voyage bookings.
For RockStar and Mega RockStar Quarters, VoyageFair Choices now
offers dining reservations open 120 days before sailing.
Virgin is also displaying service gratuities as a separate
line item during the booking process. The extra cost was previously bundled
into the fare.
“People want more flexibility, more transparency and more
control over how they vacation,” Virgin Senior Advisor John Lowell said.
“Virgin Voyages has already changed what it means to cruise and now, with
VoyageFair Choices, we’re changing how people book. It’s a model built for the
modern traveler and another example of Virgin pushing the industry forward.”
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
