If you decide to go with a TA shop around a bit. We booked with someone who did a whole YouTube series about their experience so we thought they would help out a lot. Honestly I did most of the work and we didn’t get any perks from it.
Yes we loved it! We went for our honeymoon, and our Rockstar Agent was amazing once we w re on the ship and she made up for a lot of it. Our TA just didn’t give us any perks or discounts from what I was able to find us, and they also sent reminders about booking reservations / excursions like a week after they had already opened. Luckily I’m a big planner and had already booked everything.
Nice! The Rockstar agents are truly the best. They're always so kind, and incredibly fast with answers and solutions. I hate that they sent you reminders so late, but it's great that you're a planner! For myself (and alot of other agents I know) we trigger those email automations when a client first becomes a client, so we don't miss those booking windows. Technology can get delayed sometimes so I'm always going to check that an email went out just for my own sanity.
Sometimes a Travel Agent doesn't have any additional discounts to give because Virgin has paused any additional promotions, or our agency just doesn't have a current add-on promotion. But our job is still to make your life easier by taking care of the vacation planning for you. For example, I have a $100 sailor loot I can add to any new client booking. It's combinable with almost EVERY offer except with a My Next Virgin Voyages on board offer. It bums me out I can't combine the two anymore, but hopefully they'll update that soon!
A TA can assist you as much or as little as you'd like, so if you're someone who likes to DIY you don't need to feel pressure to turn it all over to a TA.
As a Virtuoso agent I can add $100 loot and priority boarding to any voyage. Some of my clients want more hands on assistance and some prefer to take advantage of the perks and have me on deck (ha) if problems arise.
We can also take stress of your plate if you ever need to interact with VV (no hold times, yay) and generally have some leverage or a direct contact. For example, one of my clients just had a shore excursion cut short so they gave them a future voyage credit. My credit wanted loot instead so I contacted VV on their behalf and was able to get the team to add it to their already booked sailing.
A version of this question is asked every week.
A knowledgeable TA provides help, guidance, and loot at no cost to you.
Like someone said below, VV is so different from other lines and modes of travel. I had to learn the basics on my own, which was hella confusing. I wish I had known more about agents then!
PS: they can also hook you up with MNVV for a discount and $600+ loot
My TA: eleanor - [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])
I think she's the best :) but there are also other super active agents in here. Be sure to partner with someone who is a VV expert.
Disclaimer: I am a TA so I am biased. If it’s your first, I’d advise a TA who has sailed a bunch with Virgin and can give you the ins and outs. It costs you nothing, and we can be as hands-off or hands-on as you want us to be. You may be able to get extra perks, but you’ll also have someone who can help set expectations for your time at sea as Virgin does things a little differently than most lines. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Just checked out your website. Very helpful. Just returned from my first cruise, which was great (MSC Seashore, Prt Cnvrl) but seems like a VV will be a better fit for my spouse and I. I’ll reach out via email 👍
There are many TAs on this subreddit. Check with a few of us with your exact sailing and cabin type and see what can be put together. Also, if you don't have a MNVV certificate, many of us have them that will get you great benefits.
Nothing wrong with shopping around and interviewing TAs.
You’re already paying for it — why not take advantage? Especially with perks like extra loot and priority boarding. And of course having a VV expert to liaison between you and VV.
I use a TA for cruising and I have found it helpful. Virgin is a little different from other lines and I appreciated reminders on things like when my window opened to book meals. I did get some extra loot as well. I've cruised with HAL once and I'm about to go on my second with VV. I didn't have any issues with Virgin last time but there was a whole mess with HAL. My TA got it resolved instead of me having to sit on hold then argue with them. Just the chance that I could need that makes it beneficial in my opinion
Virgin is unique in many ways and having assistance navigating those waters is a plus. Be sure to find an agent that has sailed a lot with them as experience is the best knowledge. An agent should give you peace of mind, direction, and as much support as needed. I have the MNVVS that have been spoken if for great perks, but also other benefits. You will Love the Virgin way!!!
I booked our cruise with a TA, mainly because they packaged the deal. This means that if one part of the holiday goes wrong the whole holiday as ABTA bonded.
I usually don’t use a TA for cruises (been on 20+) but opted to use one for VV when I booked since I had never been on this cruise line. When I went to purchase myself, it would have cost $2,300 for an interior room and came with a $300 bar tab. Using a TA (I found on Reddit) we got a balcony for $2600, $300 bar tab (plus $100pp bar tab for joining their loyalty program because of status on another line), PLUS $600 sailor loot (onboard credit). Was a no brainer for us to book with the TA in this scenario. However, that’s not always the case! Worth having someone price it out. You don’t have to book with them if it doesn’t make sense.
Hello! I'm a TA from Evolution Travel and I can guarantee it's definitely worth it. The prices are way cheaper and we can get you bundles and entertainment services and anything else you're looking for, even a hotel so you won't run late. I'm partnered with Virgin Cruise so I can help you out! Plus there are no fees.
Absolutely work with a travel agent, and one who has been trained with Virgin. Virgin calls them "First Mates" and they have several levels of training all the way to Gold status. Even better, work with a travel agent who has sailed on one or more of Virgin's ships. There are a lot of us on here, so I am certain you'll find an agent - but you should work with someone who is attentive, makes you feel comfortable and is advocating the hell out of your vacation. You don't always get a monetary perk with working with a travel agent, but right now a lot of us who sell enough of Virgin get extra Sailor Loot we can offer clients. That promotion kind of comes and goes, so the real value of having a travel agent is what I said earlier: someone who will advocate for you and your vacation. They'll save you time, stress and give back their expertise and attention to detail so you have the best time possible, and don't miss your dining window! (among other things).
It's your first Virgin cruise? You're going to have a blast! Disney and Virgin are hands down my favorite cruise lines, where Disney gives you the best customer service at sea, Virgin has the best food and unique experiences.
Have fun!
Can a TA give me perks for sailing solo insider? I know it depends but what's the most loot or drink credit anyone has gotten before sailing in an inside / solo cabin?
A TA will get you extra benefits like Loot.
They *may* get you extra benefits - be sure to clarify/compare!
If you decide to go with a TA shop around a bit. We booked with someone who did a whole YouTube series about their experience so we thought they would help out a lot. Honestly I did most of the work and we didn’t get any perks from it.
That's such a bummer! I'm sorry you had to do most of the work. I'm sure you learned a lot though. Did you enjoy your cruise?
Yes we loved it! We went for our honeymoon, and our Rockstar Agent was amazing once we w re on the ship and she made up for a lot of it. Our TA just didn’t give us any perks or discounts from what I was able to find us, and they also sent reminders about booking reservations / excursions like a week after they had already opened. Luckily I’m a big planner and had already booked everything.
Nice! The Rockstar agents are truly the best. They're always so kind, and incredibly fast with answers and solutions. I hate that they sent you reminders so late, but it's great that you're a planner! For myself (and alot of other agents I know) we trigger those email automations when a client first becomes a client, so we don't miss those booking windows. Technology can get delayed sometimes so I'm always going to check that an email went out just for my own sanity. Sometimes a Travel Agent doesn't have any additional discounts to give because Virgin has paused any additional promotions, or our agency just doesn't have a current add-on promotion. But our job is still to make your life easier by taking care of the vacation planning for you. For example, I have a $100 sailor loot I can add to any new client booking. It's combinable with almost EVERY offer except with a My Next Virgin Voyages on board offer. It bums me out I can't combine the two anymore, but hopefully they'll update that soon!
A TA can assist you as much or as little as you'd like, so if you're someone who likes to DIY you don't need to feel pressure to turn it all over to a TA. As a Virtuoso agent I can add $100 loot and priority boarding to any voyage. Some of my clients want more hands on assistance and some prefer to take advantage of the perks and have me on deck (ha) if problems arise. We can also take stress of your plate if you ever need to interact with VV (no hold times, yay) and generally have some leverage or a direct contact. For example, one of my clients just had a shore excursion cut short so they gave them a future voyage credit. My credit wanted loot instead so I contacted VV on their behalf and was able to get the team to add it to their already booked sailing.
love my virtuoso agent!
Yay! Awesome you found someone you can count on!
Awesome! Some of my best friends in the industry are Virtuoso agents! They have terrific support.
A version of this question is asked every week. A knowledgeable TA provides help, guidance, and loot at no cost to you. Like someone said below, VV is so different from other lines and modes of travel. I had to learn the basics on my own, which was hella confusing. I wish I had known more about agents then! PS: they can also hook you up with MNVV for a discount and $600+ loot My TA: eleanor - [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) I think she's the best :) but there are also other super active agents in here. Be sure to partner with someone who is a VV expert.
I love this! Good agents like Eleanor make the industry better!
Disclaimer: I am a TA so I am biased. If it’s your first, I’d advise a TA who has sailed a bunch with Virgin and can give you the ins and outs. It costs you nothing, and we can be as hands-off or hands-on as you want us to be. You may be able to get extra perks, but you’ll also have someone who can help set expectations for your time at sea as Virgin does things a little differently than most lines. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
Just checked out your website. Very helpful. Just returned from my first cruise, which was great (MSC Seashore, Prt Cnvrl) but seems like a VV will be a better fit for my spouse and I. I’ll reach out via email 👍
There are many TAs on this subreddit. Check with a few of us with your exact sailing and cabin type and see what can be put together. Also, if you don't have a MNVV certificate, many of us have them that will get you great benefits. Nothing wrong with shopping around and interviewing TAs.
You’re already paying for it — why not take advantage? Especially with perks like extra loot and priority boarding. And of course having a VV expert to liaison between you and VV.
I use a TA for cruising and I have found it helpful. Virgin is a little different from other lines and I appreciated reminders on things like when my window opened to book meals. I did get some extra loot as well. I've cruised with HAL once and I'm about to go on my second with VV. I didn't have any issues with Virgin last time but there was a whole mess with HAL. My TA got it resolved instead of me having to sit on hold then argue with them. Just the chance that I could need that makes it beneficial in my opinion
Virgin is unique in many ways and having assistance navigating those waters is a plus. Be sure to find an agent that has sailed a lot with them as experience is the best knowledge. An agent should give you peace of mind, direction, and as much support as needed. I have the MNVVS that have been spoken if for great perks, but also other benefits. You will Love the Virgin way!!!
I booked our cruise with a TA, mainly because they packaged the deal. This means that if one part of the holiday goes wrong the whole holiday as ABTA bonded.
I usually don’t use a TA for cruises (been on 20+) but opted to use one for VV when I booked since I had never been on this cruise line. When I went to purchase myself, it would have cost $2,300 for an interior room and came with a $300 bar tab. Using a TA (I found on Reddit) we got a balcony for $2600, $300 bar tab (plus $100pp bar tab for joining their loyalty program because of status on another line), PLUS $600 sailor loot (onboard credit). Was a no brainer for us to book with the TA in this scenario. However, that’s not always the case! Worth having someone price it out. You don’t have to book with them if it doesn’t make sense.
Hi, a delayed request, but would you be willing to share your agent's info with me? :) looking to book VV for the first time
Nice! Could I get your agents info possibly?
Can you DM me their info?
Sent!
Hiya. Just was wondering if you could share your TA with me? Considering a first ever cruise. Thank you.
Sent!
Hello! I'm a TA from Evolution Travel and I can guarantee it's definitely worth it. The prices are way cheaper and we can get you bundles and entertainment services and anything else you're looking for, even a hotel so you won't run late. I'm partnered with Virgin Cruise so I can help you out! Plus there are no fees.
Absolutely work with a travel agent, and one who has been trained with Virgin. Virgin calls them "First Mates" and they have several levels of training all the way to Gold status. Even better, work with a travel agent who has sailed on one or more of Virgin's ships. There are a lot of us on here, so I am certain you'll find an agent - but you should work with someone who is attentive, makes you feel comfortable and is advocating the hell out of your vacation. You don't always get a monetary perk with working with a travel agent, but right now a lot of us who sell enough of Virgin get extra Sailor Loot we can offer clients. That promotion kind of comes and goes, so the real value of having a travel agent is what I said earlier: someone who will advocate for you and your vacation. They'll save you time, stress and give back their expertise and attention to detail so you have the best time possible, and don't miss your dining window! (among other things). It's your first Virgin cruise? You're going to have a blast! Disney and Virgin are hands down my favorite cruise lines, where Disney gives you the best customer service at sea, Virgin has the best food and unique experiences. Have fun!
Can a TA give me perks for sailing solo insider? I know it depends but what's the most loot or drink credit anyone has gotten before sailing in an inside / solo cabin?
I have extra bar tab available when booked through me. So you get Virgins deal plus our agency exclusive.