This cruise line is giving away 1,000 free sailings; here's how to enter
Contests aren't unusual in the cruise realm, but relative newcomer Virgin Voyages is giving away an impressive number of free cabins — 1,000, to be exact — for sailings this fall as part of its "JLo's Epic 1,000 Virgin Voyages Giveaway."
Songstress and actor Jennifer Lopez, the brand's "chief entertainment and lifestyle officer," has attached her name to the sweepstakes, which runs through June 29, 2022.
Winners will each receive a balcony cabin on their choice of either Scarlet Lady, departing from Miami, or Valiant Lady, sailing from Barcelona.
So, what's the catch? If you win, you have to claim your prize and embark on your sailing between July and October of this year. The good news is that you'll get to bring a friend, free of charge, but you'll both have to pay for your own airfare and any pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations, as those aren't included in the prize.
You can enter by taking a quiz on Virgin Voyages' website. Adults (21 and older) who are legal residents of the United States (including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico), Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, Germany and Spain are eligible.
This isn't the first time Virgin Voyages has run such a contest. In early 2021, Virgin's Shipload of Love sweepstakes encouraged people to nominate, via video entry, someone in need of a vacation for a chance to win one of 1,000 cruises.
This contest fits in with a recent trend of cruise lines announcing extra deals and incentives to entice potential passengers onto their ships. As part of this longer-than-usual wave season, Virgin Voyages has also been sending out e-mail promotions for cruise discounts of up to 40%, plus bonus drink credits when initial drink credits are purchased.
The slashing of fares and availability of cabins throughout the first half of the year is indicative of travelers' current reluctance to commit to future vacation plans across cruise lines.
Cruise line executives believe cruising will return to normal in 2023. Yet at the industry's annual conference in April, they admitted that 2022 bookings have been soft so far, with cruisers opting to wait until the last minute to make reservations.
Perhaps winning a free sailing on Scarlet Lady or Valiant Lady will help change travelers' minds.
Featured photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.