Adult-only cruise line Virgin Voyages is responding to demand for multi-generational cruises with the launch of a ‘Kids Sail Free’ offer.
The cruise line has billed the offer as ‘kids sail free… with an adults-only twist’ as ‘kids’ must be between 18 and 26 at the time of sailing to qualify.
The month-long promotion, which started on 23 July, doesn’t mean the passenger age limit has been lowered, as Virgin Voyages already allowed 18-year-olds on board, but it means younger passengers in the 18-26 bracket can travel for free when they book with an accompanying adult.
Virgin Voyages said: “All the other guys are doing Kids Sail Free, so why not us?
“Richard Branson’s disruptive, award-winning cruise brand is opening its gangways to “kids” to sail for free. Before embarking on the uncharted journey of moving into a new dorm, searching for a job or turning 21, “kids” ages 18-26 are invited to set sail aboard Virgin Voyages with their parents, guardians and caregivers at no extra cost. For a limited time, Virgin Voyages is inviting (adult) kids on a free holiday on the high seas.
“As a brand celebrated for its adults-only atmosphere, the company is changing its tune and answering the call of its Sailors to bring their (adult) children on-board. Whether your (not so) little ones are about to graduate, head off to college or be bumped from their current health insurance, there’s truly no better way for parents to celebrate with their grown-up kids than aboard Virgin Voyages’ award-winning fleet.”
The promotion runs until 23 August, applies to travel for the rest of 2024, on all sailings, and can be booked through UK travel agents. The offer is for one ‘kid’ per adult over 26 in a cabin that accommodates two passengers. A family of four would book two separate cabins and each ‘kid’ would sail for free.
The ‘Kids Sail Free’ offer applies to Central Sea Terrace, Sea Terrace, Limited View Sea Terrace, and Insider cabins. XL Sea Terraces and RockStar Quarters are not included in the sale, which means ‘kids sailing free’ won’t be allowed in Richard’s Rooftop VIP lounge.
Virgin said multi-generational cruisers can enjoy family activities on and off ship. No new activities have been added, but the cruise line said those already on the programme such as ‘beaded bracelet making, dodgeball games, Salty Trivia, and poolside dancing during Scarlet Night, as well as family-friendly shore excursions such as wine tasting in Italy, cooking classes in the Mediterranean, and swimming with sharks in Bimini, The Bahamas’ are suitable.
A spokesperson for Virgin Voyages told Travel Gossip: “We’ve seen an increase in families coming on our ships to celebrate milestones on the high seas and wanted to invite our Sailors on-board for some memorable multi-gen holidays.
When asked whether future Virgin Voyages ships would be more family friendly to cater for the market, the spokesperson said: “At the moment, we will continue to focus on kids-free holidays.”