Virgin Voyages is now offering a unique opportunity for remote workers. In March, the Miami-based cruise line, owned by Sir Richard Branson, introduced the “Scarlet Summer Season Pass,” a month-long cruise aimed at remote workers looking to spend a month at sea in southern Europe.
According to Virgin Voyages’ CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu, the flexible working style has resonated with travelers, with many finding incredible value in the offer. The pass covers two people and costs $9,990, including a room, meals, fitness classes, Wi-Fi, laundry services, daily coffee and tea credits, and access to workspaces.
Booking the “Season Pass” is 30% cheaper than booking four separate week-long cruises, and travelers can switch out companions for different legs of the journey. Over 2,000 people expressed interest in the pass within 24 hours of its announcement, leading to it selling out in just 48 hours. As a result, Virgin Voyages opened additional spots on a second cruise ship for remote workers.
The popularity of the Season Pass cruise reflects the growing trend of remote work post-Covid-19, with KPMG’s chief economist noting the significant shift in how and where people work. Most of the digital workers booking the 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 extending their trips while working remotely on Virgin Voyages ships. Saverimuttu attributes the program’s success to Branson’s understanding of today’s consumers, describing the response as phenomenal and unsurprising given that it was one of Branson’s ideas.
Virgin Voyages, owned by Sir Richard Branson, has introduced a month-long cruise package called the “Scarlet Summer Season Pass” targeting remote workers who want to spend a month at sea in southern Europe. The pass covers two people and includes a room, meals, fitness classes, Wi-Fi, laundry services, and access to workspaces. It sold out in 48 hours and prompted the company to open additional spots on a second cruise ship this summer. The idea for the program came from Branson himself, reflecting the shift to remote work since the Covid-19 pandemic. Most passengers are in their mid-50s and work full-time in remote roles, demonstrating the appeal of combining work and travel.
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