Virgin Voyages first cashless cruise for Australians in the Velocity Frequent Flyer loyalty program

As Australians battle cost of living pressures, holiday-makers are now being offered a rare cashless cruise on Sir Richard Branson’s famous Virgin Voyages. See how it works.

As Australians battle cost of living pressures, holiday-makers are now being offered a rare cashless cruise on Sir Richard Branson’s famous Virgin Voyages to help those struggling with their travel budget.

Under Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer loyalty program, the first ever cruise for points offer enables Aussies to book a cashless, child-free cruise for 79,999 Velocity points.

Unlike other cruises on offer, it comes with free inclusions of Wi-Fi, Michelin-inspired food at more than 20 eateries on-board, essential drinks (non-alcoholic), unlimited group fitness classes, entertainment and tips.

The offer is valid for travel between December 16 and March 5 2024, on eligible sailings departing Melbourne and Sydney.

It applies to the Sea Terrace and Limited Sea Terrace cabin categories only that can fit 2-4 people. All passengers must be aged 18 and over.

Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO, Nick Rohrlach said they know Australians are looking for ways to drive their dollar further when booking their next holiday.

“Value for money is more important than ever and we expect the cashless cruises will be

redeemed fast,” he said.

Virgin Voyages are sending cruises to Tasmania. Picture: Supplied.

“We are committed to opening new ways our members can use their points and this is a great

example of that.”

iFLYflat’s Points Whisperer Steve Hui described the offer as being “very good”, given it is the only offer in the market right now where a cruise can be paid for in total with just under 80,000 points.

“If you have 80,000 points then compare what that’s worth to the cash price to work out if it’s a good or bad deal,” he said.

“One way to do that is look at how much it costs to buy 80,000 points from Virgin who do sell points, so 80,000 points is $1872 dollars. A cruise like this would cost more.”

Virgin Voyages is offering unlimited fitness classes on its cashless cruise. Picture: Supplied.

“Another way to look at it is if you have 80,000 points from shopping then using them to pay for this costs you nothing. So it’s worth it.

“You can get a return business class fare to Perth on Virgin for 71,000 points plus taxes.”

“It all comes down to how you value points.”

Mr Hui said while the offer is “cheap”, the downside is when you need to book by and the limited number of cruises it can be applied to.

“It would be better to have a limited offer for any cruise you want, and if you have the chance to get a refund that can make it sweeter. In some ways it’s still cheaper than a hotel stay.”

Virgin Voyages’ eligible points cruises (3-6 nights)

*Melbourne to Hobart return (16/12/2023- 21/12/2023)

*Melbourne to Burnie return (23/01/2024 – 27/01/2024)

*Melbourne to Hobart return (27/01/2024 01/02/2024)

*Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart return (01/02/2024- 07/02/2024)

*Sydney to Hobart return (11/02/2024 – 15/02/2024)

*Sydney to Burnie return (15/02/2024 – 19/02/2024)

*Sydney, Melbourne and Burnie return (19/02/2024 – 22/02/2024)

*Melbourne to Tasmania return (22/02/2024 – 27/02/2024)

*Melbourne to Hobart return (27/02/2024 – 02/03/2024)

*Melbourne to Melbourne return (02/03/2024 – 05/03/2024)

The cashless cruise offer can be redeemed until midnight October 5 or until sold out.

Originally published as Virgin Voyages first cashless cruise for Australians in the Velocity Frequent Flyer loyalty program