Ever since its launch a few years ago, Virgin Voyages has strived to be different. And they’ve certainly gone where other cruise lines haven’t.
- They don’t allow anyone under age 18 (a few other cruise lines have adults only cruises, but not across their respective fleets)
- They have no buffets onboard and no main dining room.
- They don’t offer a drink package, in favor of an onboard spending system called a Bar Tab.
- They have a tattoo parlor on each of its ships.
- They have no cruise director and make few onboard announcements.
- The merchandise they sell includes sex kits.
- Their hull art has always featured mermaids. After the first one, Scarlet Lady, who is White, they introduced Valiant Lady, who is Black and Resilient Lady, a Latina. Coming up next will be Brilliant Lady, who is Asian.
In the summer of 2024, we told you that Virgin Voyages has started a program that was another “first” in the industry: a monthly subscription for their cruises. Several months later, they expanded on the concept with another premiere in the cruise industry: a year-long cruise annual pass.
Choosing not to end there, Virgin Voyages has just introduced their annual pass for 2026. Not only is it going where no cruise has gone before in terns of innovation, they’re also going where no other cruise CAN go – it will include an option to stay on Richard Branson’s Necker Island for a week. From Virgin Voyages:
New for 2026: Necker Island & More
From dazzling seas to iconic destinations, say hello to the most extravagant way to travel.
For $199,000, this all-access pass unlocks year-round adventures, unmatched perks, and experiences on 2026 voyages:
- Complimentary week Individual Stay in Necker Island, Richard Branson’s private island
- Roundtrip travel to Necker Island from anywhere in the continental US (in the form of round-trip, business-class flights and ferry transfers from anywhere in the continental United States)
- Daily Shake For Champagne (a bottle of Moët & Chandon Impérial champagne delivered anywhere, on-demand, while on board)
- Take-home hammock (it’s a Yellow Leaf Hammock – the same brand they have on the ship balconies)
- Birthday upgrade to RockStar Quarters category (RockStar Quarters is “VVspeak” for suites)
- One privately hosted / curated Shore Thing every quarter (Shore Things are excursions)
- A cabana at our signature Beach Club in Bimini
- Customized RockStar robes
- $10K onboard shopping spree at High Street shops
Virgin Voyages’ Senior Vice President of Sailor Experiences Nicole Huang said in a press release that the cruise line wanted to build on the excitement of the 2025 offering that the company introduced on Travel Tuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving) last year.
“After Richard Branson went on Good Morning America to talk about our Annual Pass, there was so much excitement and buzz,” she stated. “It’s truly an industry first and there were long queues to learn more. Our voyage planners shared feedback of Sailors inquiring about 2026 now, so we thought ‘why wait?’ and added a few elements to make the package a little suite-r.”
Annual Passholders will have the chance to sail on Virgin’s newest ship, Brilliant Lady, which makes its maiden voyage to Alaska from Seattle in May 2026. They can select a start date of January 1, February 1, March 1 or April 1, 2026, and the pass will be valid for one year from the start date of their choosing.
$199k is a chunk of change. But staying at Necker Island is something of a bucket list thing for a bunch of people. This could be their chance. 😉
Go to this page of Virgin Voyages’ website for more info.
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