Virgin Voyages Debuts Oddly Named “Kids Sail Free” Promotion

Virgin Voyages just debuted a new promotion, “Kids Sail Free.” What makes this odd is that Virgin Voyages is an adult-only cruise line. This new offer is supposed to be Virgin’s take on deals from other cruise lines, but it could be a bit deceiving. See the details on this new promotion and what it entails.

Is Virgin Voyages Allowing Kids On Board?

No, nothing is changing with their new promotion. Since its first sailing in 2021, Virgin Voyages has always been adults-only (18 and up). This is one of their biggest differentiators from other mass-market and premium cruise lines.

Virgin Voyages has a history of throwing jabs at other cruise lines. This promotion is clearly targeted a Royal Caribbean’s “Kids Sail Free” program that runs several times a year.  

According to promotional materials, this deal was supposed to be a “cheeky” promotion. For their “Kids Sail Free” offer, Virgin Voyages is referring to 18 – 26 year olds as “kids.” Their website suggests parents can “Book your family on the ultimate graduation/birthday/don’t say we never do anything for you trip. “

Virgin Voyages “Kids Sail Free” Deal

For this promotion, children 18 and 26 may accompany their parents for free. The promotion only applies to the second sailor in a cabin, so a third or fourth person sailing in a cabin would still pay full fare.

The offer is good for bookings made through August 23, 2024, for sailings through 2024 (except for New Year’s Sailings). To get this rate, you must call Virgin Voyages or your travel agent (Virgin calls these “First Mates”) and specifically ask to apply this promotion. You cannot combine this deal with Virgin’s MNNV or other promotions.

A Confusing Promotion By Virgin Voyages

While those who know and love Virgin Voyages know it’s strictly an adults-only cruise line, those who are new to cruising or the cruise line may not fully know that. In fact, “Does Virgin Voyages allow kids?” is the fourth most asked question about Virgin Voyages on Google. This promotion does little to clear up that confusion; if anything, it makes it worse by having posts on social media and websites with “Kids Sail Free” graphics.

In addition to being confusing, it’s questionable whether guests who are 18 to 26 would enjoy being referred to as kids.

Lastly, cruise cabins are notoriously tight. Would three adults (2 parents and one child) really want to share a cabin?

Still, if you have a good relationship with your children and don’t mind sharing a cabin with them, it is a good deal.

You can see Virgin Voyages offer details here.

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