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Virgin Voyages is giving away 2,021 cruises — even though it hasn't officially launched yet

Feb. 14, 2021
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3 min read
Scarlet Lady
Virgin Voyages is giving away 2,021 cruises — even though it hasn't officially launched yet
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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.

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.

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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.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.