If you’re like me and missed the chance to hop on a Virgin Voyages cruise back in May (and let’s be honest, it would’ve made for the ultimate Mother’s Day treat!), don’t worry, it’s not too late. The opportunity is back, and this time, there’s an even better reason to set sail: you can lock in an incredible deal with your Virgin points before Virgin Atlantic switches to dynamic award pricing for its own flights.
Virgin Voyages Cruises For Q4 2024 Are Open For Redemption!
If you’ve been wondering how to get the most out of your Virgin Red points, we’ve got you covered. We shared the best strategies in our previous post, and now, as this latest deal makes its return, there’s a little twist. This time, the offers focus on the Caribbean and Europe-North America routes, running from October through December. Here are the highlights:
- December 11: 4-night Caribbean cruise – 140,000 Virgin points (35,000 points per night)
- October 20, November 3, November 17, December 1: 5-night Caribbean cruise – 175,000 Virgin points (35,000 points per night)
- November 30: 6-night Caribbean cruise – 210,000 Virgin points (35,000 points per night)
- December 14: 7-night Caribbean cruise – 245,000 Virgin points (35,000 points per night)
- December 14: 8-night Caribbean cruise – 280,000 Virgin points (35,000 points per night)
- October 27: 14-night transatlantic cruise – 280,000 Virgin points (20,000 points per night)
- November 28: 16-night transatlantic cruise – 320,000 Virgin points (20,000 points per night)
Why This Is The Perfect Time For An Adult-Only Family Getaway
Picture this: reconnecting with your loved ones, enjoying uninterrupted conversations, and diving into pure relaxation without the little ones in tow. Virgin Voyages, an adults-only cruise experience, is designed for just that. As a Virgin Red member, you can book a luxurious cruise for as few as 140,000 points, with departures ranging from October 20 to December 14, 2024. The points cover a cabin for two adults, and it’s truly all-inclusive, including meals, drinks, group fitness classes, entertainment, tips, and even port taxes and fees are taken care of. Plus, you’ll receive a $100 bar tab to kickstart your adventure!
And here’s why now is the perfect time to make it happen. On October 30, 2024, Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club loyalty program is shifting to dynamic award pricing for its own flights. That means the current points you’d need for Virgin Atlantic award flights may soon increase, with prices rising based on demand and seasonality. Right now, you have the chance to lock in your Virgin Voyages at the best possible rates before these changes kick in.
Talk The Numbers: Is Virgin Points For Cruises Worth It?
4-night Caribbean cruise
Let’s break it down: The 4-night Caribbean cruise departing on December 11 is priced at about $2,500. By redeeming 140,000 points, you’re getting a value of 1.785 cents per point. But here’s the kicker – there’s currently a 40% transfer bonus to Virgin Atlantic program from Chase Ultimate Rewards (UR), which means you only need 100,000 Chase UR points for that same cruise! This boosts your value to 2.50 cents per point, which is an unbeatable deal.
If you don’t have Chase UR points? No worries! Virgin Atlantic is offering a 70% bonus promotion on purchasing miles, allowing you to buy 140,000 points for just $2,072 USD – saving you 15% on the cruise compared to paying cash.
14-night transatlantic cruise
The 14-night transatlantic cruise departing on October 27 is priced at 280,000 points. It is valued at $5,240 USD, giving you a stellar 1.87 cents per point. With the Chase UR transfer bonus, you could redeem it for 200,000 UR points, or if you take advantage of Virgin Atlantic’s miles sale promotion, you could buy the 280,000 points for $4,144 USD, saving over 20%.
Maximize Your Points – Even More Ways To Save
Earning through credit card
While flying is a lovely way to earn points, it takes a bit of time to add up. That’s why many people rely on using a credit card or buying points to boost their points balance. In the United States, Virgin Atlantic / Virgin Red points can be easily earned through the following credit card point systems and hotel partnerships with:
- Amex Membership Rewards (Transfer ratio: 1 to 1)
- Bilt Rewards (Transfer ratio: 1 to 1)
- Capital One Miles (Transfer ratio: 1 to 1)
- Chase Ultimate Rewards (Transfer ratio: 1 to 1)
- Citi ThankYou Rewards (Transfer ratio: 1 to 1)
- Wells Fargo Rewards (Transfer ratio: 1 to 1)
- Marriott Bonvoy (Transfer ratio: 60,000 to 25,000)
In recent years, there have been transfer bonuses from various credit card point systems to the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club / Virgin Red program.
🔥🔥 LATEST OFFERS: Chase is offering 40% Virgin Atlantic transfer now through November 30, 2024.🔥🔥
Take advantage of the historic high sign-up offer from the Chase Ink Business Unlimited credit card, which gives you 90,000 points as a welcome bonus – an effortless way to boost your points for that dream, grown-up family adventure by the sea.
If you’re not looking to apply for a business card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card offers an incredible welcome bonus: 60,000 points plus a $300 travel credit (perfect for covering flights or stopover hotel stays for your cruise).
Earning through buying points (Tricks to save more, revealed!)
Virgin Atlantic runs 3 ~ 4 “mileage sale” promotions every year. You can buy miles directly from them, and prices can go as low as 1.48 cents per mile (USD) or 0.89 pence per mile (GBP). Check out the TripPlus points / miles storefront page with real-time and historical data so you can decide when it’s the best time to buy points.
🔥🔥Now, they are running 70% bonus promotion when you buy Virgin Points. 🔥🔥
Pro-Tip: if you have family or friends with addresses outside the U.S., ask them to help you purchase points at an even lower rate. For example, 281,000 points cost £2,475 (around $3,240 USD), which works out to 1.15 cents per point – 23% cheaper than U.S. prices!
By combining different ways to earn Virgin points, you can make your dream trip a reality:
- Sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card: Get 60,000 points + $300 in travel credits.
- Buy 219,800 points (129,000 + 90,300 bonus points): £1,935 ($2,530 USD).
With these methods, you’ll have 280,000 points, enough to book a 14-day transatlantic cruise! The total cost? Just $2,530, compared to the original $5,240 for a Sea Terrace cabin. You’re saving over half the price. This is the power of smart travel hacking – making luxury travel affordable. A little planning and mindset shift can turn your points into unforgettable adventures, proving that the best experiences don’t always come with a hefty price tag.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a quick Caribbean escape or a long transatlantic adventure, there’s no better time to redeem your Virgin points and experience the magic of Virgin Voyages. Reconnect with your loved ones, celebrate life’s special moments, or simply sail away in luxury – all while making the most of your points. Don’t wait too long though because these deals won’t last forever, and the open sea is calling!
