Virgin Voyages is celebrating its first full year in operation, and the cruise line is wasting no time enhancing its travel advisor booking platform and unveiling a new loyalty program for clients.
LetsGoBook is the new booking platform that was developed in direct response to feedback from “First Mates” (Virgin speak for travel advisors), allowing them to make reservations quicker and easier. Clients can even be sent a dedicated link to book themselves while their advisors receive their regular 16% percent commission.
“Our First Mates asked for a more streamlined and straightforward booking platform, and we’ve delivered,” said John Dioro, vice president of North American sales. “Every agent can use the link to make a booking in less than two minutes, or choose to share the link with their clients. This new, easy-to-use interface saves First Mates time on the historically tedious booking process so they can dedicate more time helping their Sailors curate an unforgettable vacation onboard our ships.”
This new, easy-to-use interface saves First Mates time on the historically tedious booking process so they can dedicate more time helping their Sailors curate an unforgettable vacation aboard our ships.
Once a reservation is made, advisors can see and tailor their client’s cruise with added shore excursions, cabin upgrades and drink packages.
The Sailing Club Loyalty Program
Dubbed The Sailing Club, Virgin has also unveiled a loyalty program to reward clients who frequently sail on the line.
“This brand was built on innovation, so we’re taking a truly unique approach and developing a program that will give Sailors a taste of what’s to come, while rewarding those who have supported the brand all along,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, president and chief experience officer of Virgin Voyages. “I’ve met so many incredible Sailors — many who have voyaged with us more than 10 times since we’ve launched — and this new program is a thank you for their commitment. We’d also love their help in shaping the future, and are seeking their ideas to create a game-changing loyalty program they’ll fall in love with.”
The Sailing Club will not formally launch until 2023, but qualifying clients can take advantage of a number of perks already in 2022, according to three tiers:
- Sea-Blazers are defined as travelers who took a Virgin Voyages cruise in 2021. As the first to experience the fresh brand, they will receive a $125 Bar Tab Bonus for life.
- Sea-Rovers are any cruisers who sailed with Virgin twice in 2022. They will get a $100 Bar Tab Bonus for two years (valid through 2024).
- Match & Sea More Sailors are those who have loyalty status on other cruise lines who are looking to match with Virgin as aforementioned Sea-Rovers.
Other Perks for Sailing in 2022
Virgin is promoting future bookings even more with additional perks specifically for 2022. Deep Blue Extras — one free Shake for Champagne, anytime boarding, premium Wi-Fi access, exclusive cocktail parties and laundry services — will also be granted to those who sail between September and December 2022.
Plus, during Red Hot Booking Bonus Months, which run from Aug. 30 through Nov. 15, 2022, clients can qualify to win a trip to Ulusaba, Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa, and more. They will also earn an extra $200 in onboard credit.
Virgin will additionally begin tracking client spending with “Tokens” — up to four per dollar for Sea-Blazers and three per dollar for Sea-Rovers — toward qualifying for status in 2023.
“We are thrilled to introduce The Sailing Club and offer our loyal Sea-Blazers and Sea-Rovers our 2022 Perks Program as a thank you for being our biggest fans,” Saverimuttu added. “We look forward to welcoming our future Match & Sea More Sailors to experience setting sail the Virgin Way. And to those who aren’t Sea-Rovers yet, there is plenty of time to treat yourself to an award-winning, exclusively adult, kid-free vacation twice in 2022 and unlock a world of benefits with Virgin Voyages.”
What Type of Perks Do You Want to See in Virgin’s Loyalty Program?
To share an idea on what The Sailing Club should encompass for 2022, Virgin Voyages asks First Mates to email [email protected] with ideas (along with volunteers to participate in surveys and/or focus groups).
