Got credit card points and itching to hop on a cruise ship? This is the deal for you.
The hip new cruise line Virgin Voyages is out yet again with an amazing offer, allowing you to snag a seven-night cruise for two this summer … for as few as 80,000 Virgin points total! This limited-time deal is available for select Virgin Voyages cruises departing from either Athens or Barcelona sailing from June 1 through July 31.
Considering these cruises typically cost between $2,400 and $3,000 for two and include all your meals, gratuities, free onboard Wi-Fi, and all the onboard shows and entertainment , this might be one of the most cost-effective ways to book a cruise this year. And it's an amazing way to use your Virgin points.
Interested but don't have Virgin points? Don't fret: They're some of the easiest points in the world to earn through credit card transfer partnerships. You can transfer points to Virgin from all the major credit card companies including Chase , American Express , Capital One , Citi, and even Bilt Rewards .
And right now, both American Express and Chase are offering a 30% transfer bonus to Virgin . That means you could transfer just 62,000 points into Virgin to have enough points to book this cruise for two people! If you don't have Amex or Chase points, you'll need to transfer the full 80,000 points to book.
Keep reading for more on what you can book with this deal and how to do it.
Virgin Voyages Cruise Promotion
Through July 31, 2023 , you can book one of a handful of Virgin Voyages cruises departing from the Mediterranean sea from just 80,000 Virgin Red points total. Those points are good for two passengers.
While there is no deadline for booking these cruises, your cruise must depart before July 31, 2023 . And with limited availability, beware that the cruise you want could sell out – don't wait if you're thinking about booking.
Just keep in mind that flights over to Europe and back are not included … and that could be pricey this summer. If you've got even more points stashed away to book a flight, it could easily be worth it given how good this Virgin cruise deal is.
Here's what you need to know about this offer:
All of these cruises are adults-only cruises . All passengers must be at least 18 years old.
The points price is per cabin for two people. There is no discounted option for single-passenger bookings.
Pricing includes all your meals, gratuities, free onboard Wi-Fi, and access to all onboard shows for two people.
Flights and transfers to the cruise port are not included as a part of this deal.
Cruises departing from Athens are on the Resilient Lady, and cruises departing from Barcelona are on the Valiant Lady.
All bookings will book into a Sea Terrace room which is outlined below.
This offer is exclusive to Virgin Red program members for departures before July 31, 2023.
Itineraries You Can Book
While Virgin Voyages operates a number of different cruises through the Caribbean and Europe, only select options departing from Europe are a part of this promotion. Here is what you can book.
Greek Island Glow
This cruise departs from Athens and stops in a number of destinations before heading back to Athens. Virgin describes this cruise:
“Sail from Athens to the most idyllic Greek Isles in the Med — like Santorini, Rhodes, and Bodrum in Turkey. With an overnight in the glamorous hot spot of Mykonos, you can immerse yourself in the quiet charm of the island and attend those world-famous beach club parties.”
Departure dates are June 4, 18, and 25, and July 9, 16, and 30 (subject to availability).
Day 1: Piraeus (Athens), departs at 7 p.m.
Day 2: Santorini, arrives at 9 a.m., and departs at 10 p.m.
Day 3: Rhodes, arrives at 9 a.m. and departs at 6 p.m.
Day 4: Bodrum, arrives at 8 a.m. and departs at 8 p.m.
Day 5: Sailing.
Day 6: Mykonos, arrives at 9 a.m.
Day 7: Mykonos, departs at 2 p.m.
Day 8: Piraeus (Athens), arrives at 6:30 a.m.
Adriatic Sea & Greek Gems
This cruise also departs from Athens and stops in a number of destinations before heading back to Athens. Virgin describes this cruise:
“Cruise the most incredible spots in the Adriatic Sea — by way of Croatia’s coastline, Greece’s glamorous islands, and a bay in the Balkans. With a late-night stay in Dubrovnik, there’s plenty of time to explore the scenic city during the day and take part in the vibrant nightlife.”
Departure dates are June 11, and July 2, and 23, (subject to availability).
Day 1: Piraeus (Athens), departs at 6:00 pm.
Day 2: Sailing.
Day 3: Split, arrives at 9 a.m. and departs at 9 p.m.
Day 4: Dubrovnik, arrives at 9 a.m. and departs at 10 p.m.
Day 5: Kotor, arrives at 9 a.m. and departs at 7 p.m.
Day 6: Corfu, arrives at 9 a.m. and departs at 9 p.m.
Day 7: Sailing.
Day 8: Piraeus (Athens), arrives at 6:30 a.m.
The Irresistible Med
This cruise departs from Barcelona and stops in a number of destinations before heading back to Barcelona. Virgin describes this cruise:
“Experience the allure of the Med and its islands as you sail from Barcelona to the French Riviera and the seashores of Italy. Explore the Tuscan countryside, revel in Ajaccio’s island beauty, and reset on a full day at sea. With a finale overnight in Ibiza, you'll get why we call the Med irresistible.”
Departure dates are June 4, 18, and July 2, 16, and 30, (subject to availability).
Day 1: Barcelona, departs at 6 p.m.
Day 2: Toulon, arrives at 9 a.m. and departs at 6 p.m.
Day 3: Marina di Carrara, arrives at 8 a.m. and departs at 8 p.m.
Day 4: Sailing.
Day 5: Ajaccio, arrives at 8 a.m. and departs at 5 p.m.
Day 6: Ibiza, arrives at 7 p.m.
Day 7: Ibiza, departs at 6 p.m.
Day 8: Barcelona, arrives at 6:30 a.m.
French Daze & Ibiza Nights
This cruise also departs from Barcelona and stops in a number of destinations before heading back to Barcelona. Virgin describes this cruise:
“Set out to some of the Med’s most sensational seaside spots. Visit the stunning city of Marseille, bask in Cannes’s glam from day to night, and take in Palma de Mallorca’s regal scenery. Resetting with a relaxing day at sea, you’ll finish the voyage with a full day and overnight stay on the vibrant Spanish island of Ibiza.”
Departure dates are June 11, 25, and July 9, and 23, (subject to availability).
Day 1: Barcelona, departs at 6 p.m.
Day 2: Marseille, arrives at 8 a.m. and departs at 7 p.m.
Day 3: Cannes, arrives at 8 a.m. and departs at 9 p.m.
Day 4: Palma de Mallorca, arrives at 6 p.m.
Day 5: Palma de Mallorca, departs at 6 p.m.
Day 6: Ibiza, arrives at 7 p.m.
Day 7: Ibiza, departs at 6 p.m.
Day 8: Barcelona, arrives at 6:30 a.m.
How to Redeem Virgin Points for This Offer
First things first, you'll want to head to the Virgin Voyages website to confirm there is availability for the specific cruise and dates you are interested in.
Next, you'll need to make sure you have a Virgin Red account, the overarching loyalty program for all things Virgin. Even if you already have a Virgin Atlantic Flying Club airline account, you'll need to create a Virgin Red account in order to transfer any points and redeem them for this cruise. You can create an account here .
Don't worry: If you have miles in your Virgin Atlantic account, you'll be able to link it with your Virgin Red account during the sign-up process and any miles will show up in your Virgin Red account.
Since most of the credit card transfer partners to Virgin are through the airline Virgin Atlantic (with the exception of Capital One), you'll need to make sure your accounts are linked if you plan to transfer most credit card points to Virgin.
You can transfer credit card points to Virgin from the following points programs:
American Express Membership Rewards (30% transfer bonus to Virgin ends June 14)
Chase Ultimate Rewards (30% transfer bonus to Virgin ends June 15)
Capital One Venture Miles (transfers go directly to Virgin Red)
Cit ThankYou Points
Bilt Rewards Points (transfers go directly to Virgin Red)
Once you have the required amount of Virgin points in your account for the cruise you want to book, just sign into your Virgin Red account and click “Spend” in the top navigation bar.
You won't be able to proceed if you don't have enough points in your account.
Assuming you have enough points in your account to cover the purchase, after clicking “Redeem” you'll receive an access code that you can use to book your cruise directly with Virgin Voyages. Virgin says this access key and instructions to book your place on board could take up to 72 hours to receive.
Our Take
This is a really solid deal. It's one of the best ways to cover a cruise with points and a great way to use your Virgin points, to boot.
While none of the Thrifty Traveler staff have ever been on a Virgin Voyages cruise, they've gotten great reviews since launching in 2021. And considering this price includes all meals and entertainment for two people, it seems like a great option to cruise on the cheap – especially if you can take advantage of the current transfer bonuses from Chase and American Express.
Bottom Line
It's not often that you can book a cruise with points, which makes this a pretty great deal. If you have Virgin points (or transferrable credit card points), this is a fantastic option for a seven-night, all-inclusive, adults-only cruise.
The promotion is valid for departures before July 31, 2023, so don't wait to take advantage if you are interested – rooms could sell out fast!
Photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages
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