Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages is the latest cruise line looking to entice remote workers to travel the world, but rather than locking people into a multi-year trip, it’s offering a shorter option.
The company announced “Scarlet Summer Pass”, which will allow passengers to take four consecutive week-long cruises in the Mediterranean. It’s a different approach than the failed Life at Sea cruise or the recent Villa Vie Residences proposal.
The price of an extended Virgin cruise is also slightly higher. Villa Vie, which said it reserved the boat for the trip before offering it, charges passengers $33,000 a year for the circumnavigation. Virgin will charge $10,000 for just a month, although that’s per couple.
Cruises will depart in June, July, August and September. They’ll include Wi-Fi and a $10 coffee credit, as well as laundry and most food (though you’ll pay extra for shows and some upscale menu items). You’ll also have access to the only sundeck available to members, according to the cruise line.
As with other extended cruise offerings, part of the idea is to take advantage of the significant number of remote workers who have learned during the pandemic that they can still get their jobs done without having to commute to the office every day.
The first company to advertise it canceled its cruise weeks before it sailed, leaving some passengers stranded. Despite promises to return tens of thousands of dollars in deposits, some passengers say they still haven’t received my money back.
Last December, Villa Vie announced its own 3.5-year cruise, scheduled for May. Fares on this trip start at $33,000 per year, and passengers have the option of renting or purchasing a cabin.