News

Virgin Voyages has launched an exciting new opportunity for anyone with a significant chunk of change in the bank and a dream to cruise at a whim – an Annual Pass.

The pass allows guests to enjoy 12 months of cruises as frequently as they wish, and can be started in either January, February, March or April 2025.

The cost for the pass is, understandably, not insignificant – $120,000, but that covers two people. Solo guests are welcome to buy the pass but there’s no discount.

Also you’ll still need to pay taxes and fees for every cruise, so it’s not quite as good as it sounds – expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars per cruise.

Once you’ve bought the pass, you can then just call Virgin Voyages to book yourself onto any cruise that has availability within that year – with no limits on how frequently you travel. Of course, it’s cruise-only, so you’ll need to fund your own flights.

Annual Pass holders do get to enjoy Deep Blue Extra perks on every cruise though, which includes:

• Sea Terrace cabins
• Premium WiFi
• Wash & fold laundry service
• Priority boarding
• A $100 bar tab for every cruise
• Two speciality coffees per cabin, per day
• A VIP cocktail party
• Dedicated customer service support

The Virgin Voyages Annual Pass is also the first cruise product to accept Bitcoin as a form of payment – so if you’re lucky enough to be sat on a huge sum of Bitcoin, you can treat yourself to a year of cruises.

A few more things to note:

• Third and fourth guests can be added to bookings and will be charged at standard rates
• Certain cruises such as marketing events or private charters are, of course, not available
• Payment must be made by wire transfer in full – you can’t spread the cost of the annual pass and it’s not refundable
• Annual Pass numbers are limited

Cost-wise, the Annual Pass works out at $60,000 per person, per year, or $5,000 per person, per month.

It doesn’t necessarily represent a massive saving. A typical 7-night cruise in a Sea Terrace cabin costs around $1,250 to $1,500 per person, so you would likely save a little if you cruised constantly throughout the year.

But if you only cruised for an average of every other week, you’d likely be spending more with the Annual Pass – so it’s more of a marketing gimmick.

Would you be happy committing to Virgin Voyages exclusively for a year?

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

A recent survey commissioned by Royal Caribbean reveals that young holidaymakers aged 6-11 are eager to make their holidays multi-generational, with nearly half saying they enjoy trips even more when…

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A recent survey commissioned by Royal Caribbean reveals that young holidaymakers aged 6-11 are eager to make their holidays multi-generational, with nearly half saying they enjoy trips even more when grandparents join in.

The survey of 1,000 UK children highlights how family holidays are about more than just parents and kids – grandparents bring extra fun, special memories, and plenty of spoiling.

According to the survey, 44% of children want to travel with their grandmothers, while 42% wish their grandfathers would come along.

Fun and laughter top the list of reasons why kids want their grandparents on holiday (65%), followed by creating unique memories (49%) and enjoying cool activities together (40%).

Many kids also admit to loving the perks of holidaying with grandparents, including being spoiled with gifts (38%) and getting extra playtime and attention (37%).

Children’s ideal holiday would last 11 days and include up to four exciting activities daily, from swimming (67%) and visiting water parks (59%) to exploring new places (45%) and trying new foods (42%).

Gerard Nolan, vice president of Royal Caribbean International, emphasised the cruise line’s commitment to family-friendly holidays.

“At Royal Caribbean, we’re proud to offer the ultimate multi-generational experience with something for everyone and without compromise,

“From racing waterslides and ziplines to relaxing moments, incredible entertainment, and dining options to suit every palate, every member of the family can enjoy their perfect holiday.”

Gerard Nolan

Royal Caribbean ships are packed with activities that align with kids’ top preferences, including thrilling waterslides, rock climbing walls, and zip lines.

Families can explore destinations together while enjoying onboard experiences like the tallest dry slide at sea, The Ultimate Abyss, or indulging in diverse dining options from Italian favourites to American classics.

The survey also revealed that 45% of kids prioritise spending quality time with their family, including over four hours a day with grandparents.

Holidays provide the perfect opportunity for a digital detox, with 43% of children saying they use phones and tablets less because they’re busy enjoying real-world activities.

Making new friends is another highlight for 79% of kids, creating opportunities for in-person connections. With Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean youth programme and an array of family-friendly activities, kids can enjoy screen-free fun throughout their holiday.

Royal Caribbean’s ships are designed to cater to all ages, offering adventures like skydiving simulators, family-friendly pools, and unlimited ice cream at Sprinkles.

For families looking to create unforgettable memories together, these cruises provide a perfect balance of fun, exploration, and relaxation for all generations.

Related posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Virgin Voyages has launched an exciting new opportunity for anyone with a significant chunk of change in the bank and a dream to cruise at a whim – an Annual…

Fincantieri has officially delivered the Viking Vela, a 499-suite vessel, during a ceremony in Ancona, Italy, on Tuesday. The newest addition to Viking’s fleet is a testament to the growing…

Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has posted a notice on his popular Facebook page to inform guests that the crew will not be able to get involved in ‘Elf on…

Australian disability advocate and influencer Shane Hryhorec, known as @wheelaroundtheworld, encountered accessibility challenges aboard MSC Grandiosa during his first-ever cruise. Hryhorec, who boarded the 6,334-guest ship in Marseille for an…

Fincantieri has officially delivered the Viking Vela, a 499-suite vessel, during a ceremony in Ancona, Italy, on Tuesday.

The newest addition to Viking’s fleet is a testament to the growing partnership between the Italian shipbuilder and the luxury cruise line.

Viking Vela boasts a gross tonnage of approximately 54,300 tons and offers accommodations for up to 998 passengers, supported by a 550-member crew.

This marks an increase in capacity compared to Viking’s previous ocean ships, which typically carried 930 guests.

Viking Vela’s slightly larger size allows for expanded amenities and greater passenger comfort while maintaining the intimate and luxurious experience Viking is known for.

This delivery marks the thirteenth ship Fincantieri has built for Viking, including two expedition vessels constructed by Fincantieri’s subsidiary, Vard.

Fincantieri hailed its long-standing partnership with Viking as a success story, highlighting the shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality in shipbuilding.

Viking Vela is designed to uphold Viking’s signature “thinking person’s cruise” ethos, focusing on enriching cultural experiences, destination immersion, and serene onboard environments.

The ship offers:

• All-Veranda Accommodations: Every stateroom features a private veranda, providing guests with personal space to enjoy the views.
• Scandinavian-Inspired Design: The ship’s interiors reflect Viking’s minimalist aesthetic, combining elegance with functionality.
• Enrichment Opportunities: Guests can enjoy cultural lectures, destination-focused programming, and live classical music performances.
• World-Class Dining: With multiple dining venues, including The Restaurant, Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, and The Chef’s Table, the Viking Vela continues Viking’s reputation for exceptional culinary offerings.

The addition of the Viking Vela strengthens Viking’s position in the small-ship cruise market.

The company has built its reputation on offering luxurious yet intimate voyages, focusing on ports of call that larger ships cannot reach. Viking’s continued expansion demonstrates the growing demand for its brand of culturally immersive travel.

In addition to its ocean fleet, Viking has been a leader in river cruising for decades, operating one of the largest fleets of river cruise vessels globally.

With the Viking Vela now set for her inaugural cruise on 12th December, Viking’s fleet continues to set the standard for luxury cruising.

The delivery represents not just an expansion of Viking’s capacity but a reinforcement of its partnership with Fincantieri, a collaboration that has yielded some of the most refined and innovative ships in the industry.

As Viking grows its fleet, passengers can look forward to more opportunities to explore the world in unparalleled style and comfort.

Related posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Carnival’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, has posted a notice on his popular Facebook page to inform guests that the crew will not be able to get involved in ‘Elf on…

Australian disability advocate and influencer Shane Hryhorec, known as @wheelaroundtheworld, encountered accessibility challenges aboard MSC Grandiosa during his first-ever cruise. Hryhorec, who boarded the 6,334-guest ship in Marseille for an…

Ambassador Cruise Line has announced three exciting entertainment ventures launching over the next year: a themed “Back to the 80s” cruise, a rock and roll-inspired theatre show, and a playwriting…

Two medical emergencies on Carnival Corporation ships led to back-to-back airlifts by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) within 24 hours. The rescues took place aboard Holland America Line’s Koningsdam and Carnival…

Guests waiting to board Carnival Liberty in New Orleans for the 14-night Panama Canal Carnival Journeys cruise faced extended delays on Sunday, 1st December 2024, after three separate issues caused extended delays,

The cruise line had already advised guests that the ship would be late back to port following a diversion to Key West to disembark a passenger who needed medical assistance.

During this diversion, a problem developed with the cruise ship’s propulsion system, impacting her top speed and further slowing her down.

And if that wasn’t then enough, due to the delays the ship then hit unexpected Mississippi River traffic, meaning she returned to port even later than originally feared.

Initially scheduled for 10 a.m. check-ins, the first boarding group was instead asked to arrive no earlier than 8:45 p.m., with the final check-ins taking place as late as 12:15 a.m. on Monday morning.

Carnival Cruise Line urged guests to strictly adhere to these revised times to minimise congestion and delays at the cruise terminal.

“With more than 7,000 travelers moving through the New Orleans cruise terminal, cooperation with the revised schedule is essential to ensure smooth operations,”

Carnival clarified that the delay was not due to further technical issues but rather the complex scheduling involved in navigating the Mississippi River.

Cargo ships, recreational vessels, and other marine traffic impacted the cruise ship’s timing along the 120-mile route from the coast to the Port of New Orleans.

Of course, this didn’t just impact the guests waiting for their cruise to begin, but the many passengers onboard the ship who were due to disembark and may have missed connecting flights, or faced an unexpected overnight drive home.

To compensate for the lost day of onboard activities and entertainment, Carnival Cruise Line gave guests $25 per person in onboard credit and a pro-rated refund of the missed day’s cruise fare.

Guests who pre-purchased packages, such as drink plans, gratuities, or onboard Wi-Fi, will also receive pro-rated refunds.

Late arrivals to the ship were still granted access to the main dining rooms and Lido Marketplace buffet for open seating meals. However, many travellers may choose to dine elsewhere in New Orleans before boarding.

Refunds will be processed back to the original payment method but may take up to three weeks after the end of the cruise.

Despite the delayed embarkation, Carnival has assured passengers that the Carnival Liberty will now sail as scheduled for the 14-night Panama Canal cruise. The first two days of the itinerary are at sea, allowing the ship to recover lost time before arriving at the first port of call, Grand Cayman.

The voyage includes visits to iconic Southern Caribbean and Central American destinations such as Oranjestad (Aruba), Willemstad (Curaçao), Cartagena (Colombia), Colon (Panama), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), and Cozumel (Mexico).

Related posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Ambassador Cruise Line has announced three exciting entertainment ventures launching over the next year: a themed “Back to the 80s” cruise, a rock and roll-inspired theatre show, and a playwriting…

Two medical emergencies on Carnival Corporation ships led to back-to-back airlifts by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) within 24 hours. The rescues took place aboard Holland America Line’s Koningsdam and Carnival…

Cunard has teamed up with Talk Art podcasters Russell Tovey and Robert Diament to offer guests a new way to explore the Queen Anne’s vast art collection. The ship boasts the largest curated…

Mexico, one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, may see a significant reduction in cruise traffic if a proposed $42 per person “immigration fee” for cruise passengers…

Ambassador Cruise Line has announced three exciting entertainment ventures launching over the next year: a themed “Back to the 80s” cruise, a rock and roll-inspired theatre show, and a playwriting competition to showcase UK talent.

The Ambience will host a special “Back to the 80s” sailing as part of its Benelux Coastal Explorer itinerary, departing from London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury on 1st May 2025.

The four-night cruise promises nostalgic fun, with themed cabaret shows, fancy-dress competitions, retro menus, and 80s-style workout classes.

Headlining performers include Cheryl Baker and Jay Aston of The Fizz and Toyah Wilcox.

Ports of call include Zeebrugge, Belgium, and Ijmuiden, Netherlands. Prices start at £539 per person for Saver Fares.

Launching aboard the Ambition in December 2024, Retro Rock Rebellion will deliver an immersive rock and roll experience.

Set in an American biker bar, the show features aspiring rock stars performing high-energy routines.

This new production adds a bold, musical edge to Ambassador’s entertainment line-up and is definitely one to look forward to.

And finally, the Ambassador PEEL Playwriting Challenge 2025 opens for submissions on 15th January 2025, in partnership with PEEL Entertainment Group.

The competition seeks original works from both experienced and emerging playwrights.

Shortlisted scripts will be staged aboard Ambassador’s ships as part of the Theatre@Sea program, offering playwrights a unique opportunity to see their work performed at sea.

The winner, announced in December 2025, will receive a £6,000 cash prize and a complimentary cruise for two in 2026. Submissions close on 4th April 2025.

So, if you’ve ever fancied yourself as a writer, now’s the time to give it a whirl and see if you can get your play performed on a cruise ship (with a free cruise to boot!)

Related posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Two medical emergencies on Carnival Corporation ships led to back-to-back airlifts by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) within 24 hours. The rescues took place aboard Holland America Line’s Koningsdam and Carnival…

Guests waiting to board Carnival Liberty in New Orleans for the 14-night Panama Canal Carnival Journeys cruise faced extended delays on Sunday, 1st December 2024, after three separate issues caused extended delays,…

Cunard has teamed up with Talk Art podcasters Russell Tovey and Robert Diament to offer guests a new way to explore the Queen Anne’s vast art collection. The ship boasts the largest curated…

Mexico, one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, may see a significant reduction in cruise traffic if a proposed $42 per person “immigration fee” for cruise passengers…

Two medical emergencies on Carnival Corporation ships led to back-to-back airlifts by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) within 24 hours.

The rescues took place aboard Holland America Line’s Koningsdam and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Panorama, both operating Mexican itineraries on the West Coast.

Rescue aboard Koningsdam

The first emergency occurred aboard Koningsdam early Friday morning, November 29, 2024.

The ship was approximately 280 miles south of the US-Mexico border on the final sea day of its 7-night Baja Peninsula cruise.

A 66-year-old female passenger displayed stroke symptoms, prompting onboard medical staff to recommend urgent evacuation for advanced care.

The USCG dispatched a helicopter from Air Station San Diego, accompanied by a C-27 from Air Station Sacramento to assist with communication.

The passenger was safely hoisted aboard and transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where her condition is reported as stable.

“Rescues like this are exactly what our crews train for,”

“Through coordination from the command center and outstanding support from our C-27 cover aircraft crew, we were able to get the patient to higher-level care.”

Lieutenant Brady Stepan, pilot, Air Station San Diego

Koningsdam experienced no delays and returned to San Diego on schedule. The ship’s next itinerary, a 10-night Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez cruise, is proceeding as planned.

Medical airlift from Carnival Panorama

Simultaneously, the USCG responded to a second emergency aboard Carnival Panorama, which was concluding its 7-night Mexican Riviera sailing.

While details are scarce, passengers noted that a late-night call for blood donors preceded the evacuation. The nature of the medical emergency and the passenger’s condition remain undisclosed.

The USCG performed another helicopter airlift to ensure the passenger could receive specialised care.

Like Koningsdam, Carnival Panorama returned to port in Long Beach, California, on time and began its next cruise, a 6-night itinerary, without delay.

Both rescues highlight the critical role of coast guard crews in ensuring the safety and well-being of cruise passengers. Operating under challenging conditions, these teams provide emergency care and transportation when needed.

There have been many airlift rescues for passengers within 2024, including other back-to-back incidents for Carnival.

Two passengers on Carnival Liberty were evacuated on consecutive days in October, while two passengers on Crown Princess were airlifted for separate medical emergencies on the same day earlier in October.

Related posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Guests waiting to board Carnival Liberty in New Orleans for the 14-night Panama Canal Carnival Journeys cruise faced extended delays on Sunday, 1st December 2024, after three separate issues caused extended delays,…

Cunard has teamed up with Talk Art podcasters Russell Tovey and Robert Diament to offer guests a new way to explore the Queen Anne’s vast art collection. The ship boasts the largest curated…

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Mexico, one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, may see a significant reduction in cruise traffic if a proposed $42 per person “immigration fee” for cruise passengers takes effect in 2026.

The Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), representing 23 cruise lines, has formally requested Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, to reconsider the tax.

The FCCA, acting on behalf of major cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, warns that the fee could lead to cruise lines altering itineraries, which would have severe economic repercussions for Mexican port cities.

The tax, officially called the “Non-Resident Fee,” would apply to all cruise passengers and significantly increase costs for travellers.

According to the FCCA’s letter, cruise lines are already considering changes to itineraries, which could reduce the more than 10 million passengers and 3,300 cruise ship arrivals expected in Mexico for 2025.

“Cruise lines are actively considering significantly altering itineraries, which would reduce the more than 10 million passengers and 3,300 cruise ship arrivals expected to visit Mexico in 2025,”

Letter from the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association

Mexican ports such as Cozumel, Costa Maya, Ensenada, and Cabo San Lucas are staples on itineraries ranging from short 3-night sailings to longer repositioning cruises.

Ships departing from U.S. homeports like Miami, Galveston, and Long Beach regularly include multiple stops in Mexico, potentially multiplying the impact of the tax on family budgets.

The FCCA’s letter also highlights the potential threat to ongoing cruise line investments in Mexico. These include major infrastructure projects, such as Royal Caribbean’s upcoming “Perfect Day Mexico” destination in Mahahual near Costa Maya, and other port developments designed to attract more cruise traffic.

“This proposed tax could also jeopardize the cruise industry’s investments in the country, including billions in planned developments and other projects,” the letter reads.

The $42 immigration fee is not Mexico’s first tax on tourists. Since 1999, non-resident visitors have been subject to a fee currently set at approximately $33 USD. However, cruise passengers have traditionally been exempt if their stay in Mexico is less than seven days.

The proposed tax would add to other charges cruise lines already pay, such as docking fees and taxes based on a ship’s capacity.

It is separate from a $5 per person state tax approved in Quintana Roo, home to Cozumel and Costa Maya, which goes into effect in 2025.

While $42 may not seem excessive for solo travellers, it can significantly impact families cruising together, particularly if the fee is applied at every Mexican port on an itinerary. For example, a family of four visiting three ports in Mexico would face an additional $504 in taxes on top of their cruise fare.

Tourism taxes often aim to fund infrastructure and improve attractions, but this proposed fee risks discouraging cruise travellers, who already contribute to local economies through excursions, dining, and shopping.

The FCCA is advocating for adjustments to the proposed fee, as cruise bookings for 2026 are already underway. Whether Mexico revises or rescinds the tax could determine how many ships and passengers continue to visit its ports in the future.

Related posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Cunard has teamed up with Talk Art podcasters Russell Tovey and Robert Diament to offer guests a new way to explore the Queen Anne’s vast art collection. The ship boasts the largest curated…

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Cunard has teamed up with Talk Art podcasters Russell Tovey and Robert Diament to offer guests a new way to explore the Queen Anne’s vast art collection.

The ship boasts the largest curated art collection at sea, with over 4,300 contemporary works from more than 300 artists and designers.

As part of the collaboration, Tovey and Diament have created a self-guided audio tour showcasing over 40 pieces of art.

The tour, launched this month, is part of Queen Anne’s activities programme and aims to make contemporary art more accessible.

Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the partnership.

“We’re passionate about making contemporary art more accessible. That’s why we’re delighted to partner with the remarkable Talk Art team to support emerging artists, reach new audiences, and continue offering our guests unique experiences,”

Katie McAlister

The audio tour features Tovey and Diament introducing individual works, uncovering their inspiration, and sharing insights from interviews with the artists. Tovey said the project celebrates Cunard’s dedication to contemporary art.

“We hope our guide will bring to life the themes and hidden stories that lie within each of the paintings, photographs, and sculptures,”.

Russell Tovey

The Queen Anne’s collection combines work by up-and-coming talents from leading institutions such as the Royal College of Art and Parsons The New School with that of established artists.

Robert Diament highlighted Cunard’s support of new talent, noting how the tour showcases works from renowned art schools like Central Saint Martins.

Among the standout pieces is a commissioned photographic work by Aaron Tilley, a London-based conceptual still-life photographer.

His Tales of Cunard piece features vintage Cunard artifacts, including crystal sculptures, jewellery, and a 1936 cardboard model of the Queen Mary. It will be displayed in the Princess Grill suites.

Cunard’s collaboration with Talk Art offers a fresh perspective on maritime art, providing guests with an engaging and innovative way to explore the ship’s rich artistic offerings.

Related posts

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Mexico, one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, may see a significant reduction in cruise traffic if a proposed $42 per person “immigration fee” for cruise passengers…

A highly anticipated voyage to Antarctica aboard Swan Hellenic’s Diana has turned into a public relations crisis after a propulsion issue forced the ship to cancel all port calls, leaving passengers frustrated…

New research has confirmed what Cunard passengers have long believed: a journey across the Atlantic on board the Queen Mary 2 is more than a luxurious getaway – it’s a…

A woman banned from joining residential ship Villa Vie Odyssey when it set sail on an “endless cruise” from Belfast in October is elated to finally be able to board…