Virgin Voyages is giving away 2,021 cruises — even though it hasn’t officially launched yet
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Starting today, you can nominate a person you love for the chance to win a free cruise.
Beginning Sunday, Feb. 14, the Richard Branson-backed cruise company Virgin Voyages is launching its “Shipload of Love” giveaway. The line is committing to giving away 2,021 voyages this year, with 1,000 free cruises set aside for nominees who have “taken care of us and our loved ones and … brought positivity into this world,” according to a statement from Virgin.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Sure, the cruise line hasn’t even had its official inaugural sailing yet — and the cruise industry remains largely shut down due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic — but if you have a diehard cruise fan in your life, now’s your chance to give them an unforgettable getaway.
Related: When will cruising resume? A line-by-line guide
You can nominate an essential worker, first responder, teacher, grocery store associate, a family member, a friend, or any “person who has inspired you, cared for you and helped you to navigate this past year for the vacation of a lifetime.” And no, sorry, you can’t nominate yourself.
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day — and in honor of the one-year anniversary of the delivery of the line’s first ship — Virgin Voyages is asking for video submissions explaining why your nominee should receive a free, adults-only cruise on the Scarlet Lady. Submissions will be accepted until 8 p.m. ET on March 16, 2021, so you have more than a month to put together your entry.
There will be additional giveaways in the future until the line reaches 2,021 free vacations (be sure to watch the line’s social channels for a chance to win a cruise for yourself). Hopefully, by then, cruising will actually resume so the lucky winners can go enjoy that free cruise.
Virgin Voyages also teased that new information is forthcoming about its third ship.
Related: The 5 best new cruise ships of 2020 that we can’t wait to try
At this time, Virgin’s official debut sailing of the Scarlet Lady is scheduled for May 9, 2021. Its second vessel, the Valiant Lady, now won’t be unveiled until Nov. 14.
When it does finally sail, the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady promises to shake up the industry with a new, hip interpretation of cruising. Passengers will find onboard amenities such as a tattoo parlor, drag-queen brunches and a colorful karaoke lounge. Its inaugural season is expected to focus on four- and five-night trips out of Miami to the Bahamas and Caribbean, with stops at The Beach Club at Bimini, the start-up line’s answer to cruise line private islands.
Feature photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first three months of card membership.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.