Richard Branson and his cruise line are encouraging those not feeling the love from their favourite brand to “set sail the Virgin way”, launching what it is being called the “world’s broadest status match program”.
Virgin is extending instant status recognition to about 50 million travellers across Australia, the UK and the US who hold high-tier status with more than 35 cruise loyalty programs, as well as air and hotel travellers, rewarding them with its Blue Extras perks.
The cruise line’s enhanced status match is eligible across cruise loyalty programs including Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards, and Carnival Cruise Line’s VIFP Club.
Other brands and their loyalty programs included are Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Windstar Cruises.
Loyalty programs recognised from across the travel industry include Qantas Airways’ Frequent Flyer, Virgin Australia’s Velocity program, Marriott International’s Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ Hilton Honors, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts’ World of Hyatt, and IHG Hotels & Resorts’ IHG One Rewards.
Those who apply for Virgin’s status match now through 16 January and book a voyage by 31 March can snag Blue Extras, which entitles cruisers to premium coffees at The Grounds Club, complimentary laundry service, exclusive cocktail events, and personalised support for embarkation to disembarkation.
Blue Extras also provide access to special deals and entry into Virgin’s global rewards program.
“If you’ve stayed loyal to brands that promised to reward wanderlust but feel like you aren’t being valued as much as you used to, jump on board Virgin Voyages because they’re ready to show you what it feels like when a brand loves you back,” the cruise line said.
MEANWHILE, Virgin Voyages has also this week brought its mermaid mythos to life, with the cruise line giving voice and dimension to the symbolic figures at the helm of each Lady Ship in a new AI-generated cinematic series.
The short film introduces Scarlet, Valiant, Resilient and Brilliant – four mermaids that embody passion, courage, resilience and wisdom, and serve as narrative tools that reflect how travellers move through their journeys.
“Our mermaids have always represented the soul of the sea and the emotional essence of who we are as a brand,” said Bailey Edwards, Editorial Director at Virgin Voyages.
“Bringing them to life through this cinematic series allowed us to give depth and voice to that mythos – not just as a visual motif, but as characters who reflect the spirit and individuality of our Sailors.
“This is storytelling as brand architecture, and it’s only just the beginning.”
See the video, which has so far racked up 33,000 views, here.
