Virgin Voyages has launched a new offering aimed at remote workers, the “Scarlet Summer Season Pass,” which is a month-long cruise package consisting of four week-long cruises in southern Europe. The pass covers two individuals and costs $9,990, including accommodations, meals, fitness classes, Wi-Fi, laundry services, coffee and tea credits, and access to workspaces. Booking the Season Pass is 30% cheaper than booking four individual cruises, and travelers have the flexibility to swap out companions for different legs of the journey. The program has seen significant interest, with over 2,000 people registering interest within 24 hours and spots selling out in 48 hours, leading Virgin Voyages to open up additional spots on a second cruise ship for this summer.
The popularity of the Season Pass cruise reflects the larger trend towards remote work that has emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic. KPMG’s chief economist, Diane Swonk, noted that there is a significant shift in how and where we work, with remote work becoming more prevalent and offering benefits in terms of access to talent and diversity in the workforce. The majority of digital workers booking the Virgin cruise are in their mid-50s and hold full-time remote positions. The idea for the program came directly from Richard Branson himself, who noticed passengers taking extended trips while working remotely on the company’s ships. Saverimuttu credited Branson’s understanding of today’s consumers with the rapid success of the Season Pass program.
The Season Pass cruises will be offered on Virgin’s Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady ships, each accommodating around 2,700 guests. The cruises are set to sail from June to September this year, stopping at destinations like Cannes, Rome, and Ibiza. The response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive, with Saverimuttu attributing it to Branson’s innovative thinking and connection to consumers. The flexibility and convenience of working while cruising appeal to those seeking a change of scenery while maintaining productivity and connectivity.
The shift towards remote work has opened up new opportunities for businesses like Virgin Voyages to cater to this growing market of digital nomads. The Season Pass program offers remote workers a unique way to combine work and leisure, providing all-inclusive amenities and the chance to visit multiple destinations in southern Europe over the course of a month. The success of the program highlights the demand for flexible work arrangements and the desire for experiences that provide both work and relaxation in a convenient package.
As the Season Pass program continues to attract interest and book up quickly, Virgin Voyages has recognized the potential for growth in the remote work market. The ability to work while traveling on a cruise ship appeals to a wide range of travelers, including those looking for a balance between work and leisure. With more people embracing remote work as a long-term or permanent arrangement, Virgin Voyages’ innovative approach to appealing to this demographic positions them as a leader in catering to the evolving needs of today’s digital workforce.
Overall, Virgin Voyages’ Season Pass program represents a new frontier in the travel industry, tapping into the growing trend of remote work and offering a unique experience for digital nomads seeking a change of scenery. With the support of Richard Branson’s vision and understanding of consumer preferences, the program has quickly gained popularity and sold out spots on its inaugural cruises. As the demand for remote work options continues to rise, Virgin Voyages’ forward-thinking approach positions them as a valuable resource for those looking to combine work and travel in a seamless and enjoyable way.
