Late last week, Nice, France, became the latest cruise destination to place restrictions on ships, with the goal of limiting the size of vessels that visit the picturesque resort city along the Cote d'Azur.
15.01.2025 - 01:47 / thepointsguy.com / Richard Branson
If you thought a year's worth of unlimited Virgin Voyages cruises in 2025 was epic, wait until you hear what the cruise line has cooked up for next year.
Virgin Voyages has amped up its Annual Pass, which allows travelers to hop on and hop off an unlimited number of sailings during a 12-month window. For 2026, the line will throw in a weeklong stay on Necker Island, Richard Branson's private 74-acre retreat in the British Virgin Islands, complete with complimentary round-trip airfare and ferry transfers.
For reference, a weeklong Necker Island vacation for two typically starts at $43,610 ($6,230 per night for a Guest House room) — and that's not accounting for airfare and transportation to the island.
However, that Annual Pass won't come cheap. Cruisers (or Sailors, as the line calls them) will shell out a cool $199,000 per cabin for the unlimited cruise pass. (The cost for the 2025 pass was $120,000 per cabin.)
While $199,000 is a hefty sum, it does come with a slew of impressive perks, including a $10,000 onboard shopping spree and one privately hosted excursion each quarter (four per year), in addition to the Necker Island stay.
The cost for Annual Pass 2026 includes stays in Sea Terrace balcony cabins, which are a step up from inside and ocean-view cabins. The pass also includes a birthday upgrade to a RockStar Quarters suite (the line's swankiest accommodations), personalized RockStar robes, and a beach, poolside or grove cabana at the line's private beach club in Bimini (limited to 10 per year).
Expect other inclusive benefits like complimentary laundry services, premium Wi-Fi for two devices and a $100 Bar Tab credit (Virgin Voyages' version of a beverage package) on each itinerary you sail. Also, when you book, you'll immediately earn the line's highest-tier loyalty status, Deep Blue Extras.
Virgin's Annual Pass 2026 is valid for sailings on all of the line's vessels, including Brilliant Lady, set to launch in September. It will be valid for booking through March 31, 2026. You can choose a start date of Jan. 1, Feb. 1, March 1 or April 1 for the 2026 pass, and it will be valid for 12 months from that date.
Note that taxes and port fees for each sailing aren't included in the $199,000 price tag. You must pay those at the time of booking each voyage. Also, as mentioned above, the cost is per cabin. Therefore, solo passengers will still pay the full $199,000 (but need to pay only taxes and fees for one guest).
Looking for other ways to vacation on Necker Island for less? You can redeem 630,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points (plus pay $5,700) to score a three-night stay for two.
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