From the start, Virgin Voyages set out to be different. One of the early features that set the brand apart was the ability to status match into their Sailing Club loyalty program. We love this idea and have taken advantage of it ourselves. Plus, we’ve helped countless others get their status match request submitted so that they, too, could enjoy the benefits of the Sailing Club. But just what is Virgin Voyages Status Match and what are the perks? We dig into all the details and fine print so you can focus on maximizing the adults-only fun. But you have to act now: Virgin Voyages status match expires December 31, 2024!

Virgin Voyages Match and Sea More Status Match Program

On August 30, 2022, Virgin Voyages launched their loyalty program. It was one of the very first videos we recorded for our YouTube channel as we were so excited about the features and perks included (this article does a nice job summarizing each perk).

One perk that really stood out to us was the “Match and Sea More” status match program. This program gave cruisers the ability to try out Richard Branson’s new cruise line with little risk, providing access to exclusive benefits and perks. Absolutely, sign us up!

We filled out the form and status matched our way into the Sailing Club sailing with Virgin Voyages for the first time in 2023. It was love at first sight! So we told others about it. Then we kept talking about it. We encouraged everyone to status match and give the cruise line a try.

Then, just like that, in January of 2024, Virgin Voyages discontinued the Match and Sea More Program.

Trust me when I say, cruisers that missed the status match window were devastated. We had multiple people reach out to us to see if there was anything we could do. And while we like to think our small (but growing!) channel has influence, the only thing we could offer was hope that Virgin Voyages would bring the program back in the future.

Virgin Voyages Launches the Sailing Club Status Match Program

In April of 2024, cruisers wishes were answered when Virgin Voyages launched a new status match program. The Sailing Club Status Match. However, with the launch of the new program, the match was not nearly as rich. With the previous status match program, you earned ALL perks of the highest tier (referred to as Deep Blue Extras). With the new program, an additional interim tier was introduced called Blue Extras. This new level lacked some of the richer perks earned at the highest tier.

Status Match Perks

Even though the new program isn’t as rich, there are still some significant benefits you receive completing a status match with Virgin Voyages. Let’s look at the perks.

Upon successfully completing the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club status match, you receive Blue Extras. In this tier of the Sailing Club, you receive all of the entry level perks of the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club along with:

• One complimentary specialty coffee per day
• An invitation to an exclusive welcome back cocktail event
• One complimentary bag of laundry
• Dedicated Sailor Services Support

These are some pretty serious perks – and the free bag of laundry is an industry game-changer! You don’t see this level of perks until you achieve Platinum status in Carnival’s VIFP Club (and that requires 75 days!!). In fact, perks like a free specialty coffee every day isn’t something we see early on in anyone’s program.

So Virgin Voyages’ goal of taking the sting out of switching cruises lines with the status match program is a success in our books. Even with the reduced perks in the new tier, it’s a no-brainer to bring your status with you to the cruise line.

Virgin Voyages Sailing Club Status Match Eligibility

So you might be wondering, “am I at a high enough level with my preferred cruise line to status match?” The below table lists each eligible loyalty program and the level you need to be at in order to match status with Virgin Voyages.

It’s notable to mention that missing from the new Status Match program is MSC Cruises. While they were part of the Match and Sea More status match program, they were removed when Virgin Voyages relaunched. This is due to the fact that MSC already has their own status match program and Virgin Voyages didn’t want someone matching in to their program and then matching over to VV. While those cruisers are smart, Virgin Voyages has closed that loophole.

Grandfathered Status

Thankfully, Virgin Voyages grandfathered in those who had already achieved Deep Blue Extras status through 2025. This step ensured those cruisers that status matched into the program had time to achieve the level on their own prior to the benefits expiring. We very much appreciate this gesture from Virgin Voyages as we love our Deep Blue Extras!

Applying for Match and Sea More Status Match

Virgin Voyages makes it easy to apply for a status match. You simply head over to the Sailing Club website and click the “Match Your Status Here” button. You’ll be prompted to complete the Sailing Club Status Match Form which requires the following information:

• First and Last Name
• Email Address
• Booking Reference (e.g., existing booking number)
• Loyalty Program
• Membership Tier
• Uploaded proof of loyalty status

Once you’ve completed the form, simply hit the Submit button and wait for Virgin Voyages to email you confirmation of your match (it took about a week when we submitted).

Status Match Limited Time Offer

It’s important to note that Virgin Voyages shares that the new Sailing Club Status Match is a limited time offer and the cruise line is only accepting applications through December 31, 2024. So don’t find yourself broken-hearted like many did last time; get your status match in today!

We’ll be sure to share if this offer gets extended or a new one takes its place at the start of the year!

Exclusions and Fine Print

Virgin Voyages has a lot of fine print in bright red on the status match form. They specify that not all voyages earn or receive Sailing Club perks. Sailings excluded from earning perks include:

• Casino (Loyalty) Complementary Bookings
• Free Voyage Fare (Access Key) Giveaways
• First Mate Rate Bookings (e.g., free or significantly discounted TA rates)
• Interline Rates
• All reduced cruise fares (e.g., employee/employee family rates, vendor rates, etc.)
• Internal ECC Bookings
• Internal Ship Companion Booking

Virgin Voyages also adds the catch all exclusion: “Other cruises as designated by Virgin Voyages at its sole discretion.” Thankfully, we’ve found the cruise line to be very generous with their perks – after all, they’re trying to convince loyal cruisers to make the switch!

Additionally, you must complete the status match a minimum of 7 days prior to your sailing (however, we recommend doing it much sooner in case there are any issues).

Final Thoughts on Sailing Club Status Match

We are so happy that Virgin Voyages brought back a status match program – even if it is only for a limited time. And while the benefits of the new program aren’t quite as rich as Deep Blue Extras (2 free specialty coffees a day, $100 bar tab, and more), they are still very competitive when compared to other cruise lines’ loyalty programs. Plus, considering status match is COMPLETELY FREE, it’s an absolute no-brainer to bring your status over and give Virgin Voyages a try!

Want to explore bookings? Click Rocky’s exclusive VV link to see what deals are available or give us an email/call to book!