Let’s be honest, during a cruise many of us have probably fantasized about what a life aboard a cruise ship might be like.
It certainly could be a dream, especially for retirees or people who work remotely and, therefore, would have no problem with spending a lot of time on a cruise.
Well, this dream can become a reality thanks to a famous cruise line that recently introduced an Annual Unlimited Cruise Pass.
What Is the Unlimited Cruises Pass?
The Unlimited Cruises Pass is essentially a membership program that grants you access to an entire year (or sometimes more) of cruising across different ships, itineraries, and ports of call.
You can pretty much decide to leave whenever you feel like it. Maybe you’ll get the urge for a quick getaway to the Bahamas, or perhaps next month you’ll fancy taking a cruise in Europe.
Whether you’ve been craving a cruise, the pass allows you to hop on board without constantly opening up your wallet.
Consider that this style of pass is relatively new to the cruise industry, but the excitement around it is already building. Let’s take a practical look at how much it costs, which cruise line offers it, and what the conditions are.
How Does It Work?
The cruise line that is offering these passes is Virgin Voyages. It’s a fairly young cruise line (started in 2014) but you will certainly be familiar with Virgin Group since the British conglomerate already operates with much success in many other fields.
One good thing is that Virgin is growing very fast in the cruise industry. It currently has 3 large ships, and a new one will enter service by the end of 2025.
The pass is currently priced at $120,000 USD for a double occupancy cabin, with taxes and fees additional.
This means that the pass holder can take another person on the trip with them whenever they want.
The Cabin and Included Services
Another interesting thing is that people with the annual pass can travel in the Sea Terrace cabins. So you’ll have a private balcony with the iconic red hammocks.
In addition, you’ll have free wi-fi on board (perfect for those who have to work), laundry service to keep your clothes clean even on long trips, proprietary boarding, and $100 bar credit for each itinerary you sail.
One key point to understand is that while the pass might cover the cost of your cabin and some services, you’ll still be responsible for onboard expenses (like spa treatments, specialty dining, and shore excursions) and, often, port taxes.
In some cases, pass holders can opt to upgrade to suites or special stateroom categories by paying a difference in fare. The general advice is to read through the pass’s details thoroughly so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not.
Is It Really Worth It?
I already know what you are thinking, is it really worth it? Well obviously it’s not something that suits everyone, and you certainly need to do a careful cost analysis before you book.
Certainly it can be a good alternative for those who want to spend a lot of time on a cruise during the year, but obviously if you travel very infrequently it no longer pays off.
Another thing to consider is that the pass is non-refundable, and you must pay in full when you purchase it.
So what happens if an unforeseen event or health problem happens during the year and you can no longer travel?
I don’t know…that’s probably something I wouldn’t choose unless you really want to spend the whole year on a cruise, but even in that case, it would be better to opt for a cruise line that really allows you to live on board.
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.
