This is your guide to Virgin Voyages deals. Virgin Voyages is shaking up the cruise industry with its bold new approach. Setting itself apart from traditional cruise lines, Virgin has a strict No-Kids policy, leads the way in environment-friendly cruising, and includes more in the base fare than any similar cruise line. Discover the latest Virgin Voyages deals for an unforgettable cruise experience.

Virgin Voyages continually rolls out an assortment of offers and promotions—some combine, others not. Keeping track of these deals can be complicated. Here’s our up-to-date guide, designed to keep you informed.

Dec. 19, 2025 Flash News! Virgin Has Announced a Short Term Status Match Program! Match your airline, hotel, or cruise status and get perks on you next Virgin Cruise. Read more below.

Please note: Virgin Voyages deals often include sales on select sailings which only last a few days. They won’t be included in this article.

If you would like to find special group rates, or special individual sales, check out this SubReddit.

Current Virgin Offer

If you book by January 29, 2026, you get 80% off the second sailor. If you book a sea terrace (balcony) or Rockstar suite, you will get extra free bar tab ranging from $50 to $400 depending on your cabin type and length of sailing.

This offer combines with the use of an MNVV, resident rates, military/first responders rates, pay in full offers, groups and circles, and loyalty (refer-a-friend) offers. For details on these discounts, keep reading.

This offer does not work with lock-it-rates, Mega Rockstar cabins, Sea View (window) or Inside cabins. It does not work with charters.

Relax knowing you’ve got the best deal.

Virgin’s Standard Discounted Rates

Virgin has long-standing discounted rates for specific types of sailors. They often don’t combine with other offers but can provide some of the lowest fares. These are not offered on every sailing and usually appear only a few months or weeks before the sailing date.

1. Resident Discount Rates. For any of these rates, you will need to show proof of residency.
   • Florida
   • Georgia
   • Puerto Rico
   • New York
   • New Jersey
   • Connecticut
   • Mexico
   • Canada
2. U.S. or Canadian First Responders or Active or Retired Military. These include active, veteran, spouse, or surviving spouses of any branch of the military. First responders include firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and police. ID proof will be necessary when checking in at the port.
3. Solo Travelers. Solo travelers often get stuck paying double as cruise lines tend to charge per cabin. Virgin often offers Solo sailor rates at discounted prices. Read more below.

Is this your first time sailing Virgin? Get Free Bar Tab!

Virgin Voyages has a referral program which can get you extra free Bar Tab on your first sailing. Ask us for a referral code BEFORE you book, and you can qualify for a free $150 bar tab on any cabin except for a lock-it-in rate or Mega Rock Star.

This offer does not combine with many other offers.

If you have sailed Virgin before, you can get a referral code link to share with your friends. You can earn $150 free bar tab for every successful referral you make and can spend them on your sailings for up to a year. You can use up to of 2 per sailing for up to $300 free bar tab.

My Next Virgin Voyage Certificates (MNVVs)

There are two kinds of MNVVs, however, Virgin discontinued the older version, which was more generous, so only the new version is regularly available.

We often have new style MNVVs available for our clients’ use.

My Next Virgin Voyages (MNVV) certificates which can only be purchased while sailing on Virgin. It is what other cruise lines call a future voyage deposit, but Virgin’s is more generous than most. We buy batches when we sail with Virgin so that we can share them with our clients. They can be transferred to another person once, and because they represent such great perks. To use one, you reimburse us the $150 we paid for it, and we use it to make a new booking in your name. The $150 is then applied as payment toward your deposit when we use the certificate.

• If you book a cruise of 4-5 days with your MNVV: You get $150 discount off the price of your cabin and $150 Sailor Loot (On Board Credit)
• If you book a cruise of 6-8 days with your MNVV: You get $200 discount off the price of your cabin and $200 Sailor Loot (On Board Credit)
• If you book a cruise of 9 days or more with your MNVV: You get $250 discount off the price of your cabin and $250 Sailor Loot (On Board Credit)

These certificates only work on a sea terrace (balcony) or better, not a lock-it-in rate. They expire after two years and are non-refundable. However, if you have one you will not use, we and other travel advisors often buy them for the use of other clients.

Important: Buy these while on board. If you buy them after you sail they usually have the loot but not the discount.

The old style MNVVs cost $300 but provided a $300 discount and added $600 on board credit sailor loot.

There is another type called a “Lasting Glow.” If you missed buying one onboard you can sometimes buy one after you sail but it typically includes only the sailor loot, not the discount. We recommend always buying onboard to get the best value.

Sweet Deals

Lock-It-In Rates

When these are offered, they are the lowest prices you will see. But they come with many restrictions. The internet is littered with tales of woe from people who booked a lock-it-in rate without understanding the fine print and who later need to cancel or change.

While the rate is good there are serious restrictions to consider before you choose any lock-it-in rate:

• No Cabin Changes: Once assigned, cabin changes are not allowed, this means you could be left with a less desirable cabin such as a noisy cabin. Or, booking a sea terrace, one that has no hammock or has a metal balcony.
• No Date Changes: Cruise date changes are restricted, and no future voyage credit will be provided if you change your cruise date.
• No Refunds: There are no refunds available once booked and  they are not eligible for flexible policies. This means the usual 7 day period to cancel for a full refund does not apply with a lock-it-in rate.
• Unknown Cabin: You might not know your cabin number until you sail, as assignments can occur up to and including the day you sail.
• No Referral Code Bonuses.
• MNVV Restrictions: You can not use a My Next Virgin Voyage Placeholder on Sea Terrace Lock It In Rates (it can be used on Rockstar and Mega Rockstar Lock It In Rates)

If you do decide to book we strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance from an outside vendor. We have had many clients who had a last minute health emergency, or who had to cancel due to family illness.

Pay In Full and Save

Paid In Full Discount. If you book a cruise more than a year before sailing, on most sailings you can pay in full and save 10% off the price after port fees and taxes. This does not apply to suites or lock-it-in rates.

Reduced Single Supplement Rates

Solo travelers love Virgin Voyages as the Virgin provides many opportunities for solo meet-ups and activities.

Click here to see the list of current offers.

If you have status on an airline or hotel other other cruise line, keep reading.

Virgin has just announced a short term program. You must apply by January 16, 2026.

People with high status on airlines, hotels and other cruise lines can make a new booking and qualify for Blue Extra Perks on their next sailing. Blue extra perks mean: one (large) free bag of laundry, one specialty coffee daily, and an invite to a free cocktail party (sparkling wine and sangria).

Visit here for details.

We Love Virgin So We Write About It:

Virgin Voyages Dining Guide

Splash of Romance

Virgin Voyages Fitness

Scarlet Lady Lucky Lotus

Sailing as a Mega Rockstar

And of course you can always book with Far Far Away Travels as your travel advisor with this link.

Confused about which Virgin Voyages deals are best for you? Contact us and we’ll help.

The post Guide to the Best Virgin Voyages Deals and Offers appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Virgin Voyages Rockstar Benefits

I linked to the article about Mega Rockstar above, but I’m going to crib this handy benefits chart from it to highlight the differences in cabin classes. As you can see, Rockstar isn’t the highest class of sailing, but it certainly gets some awesome perks.

Virgin Voyages Rockstar from Miami

Many Virgin Voyages sailors know this but, if you don’t, Virgin has a dedicated terminal in the Miami cruise port. It’s gorgeous and has an amazing view of the city. When you are sailing as a Rockstar, though, you get access to the VIP entrance, a lounge area, and priority boarding. When sailing as a Rockstar in other ports, you still get all those things, but Miami is Virgin’s own terminal and is their own design and experience – it just makes it a little more special.

Virgin Voyages Rockstar Check In Area In Miami

In Miami, the Rockstar lounge in the terminal opens around 12:30 p.m. with boarding at 1:30 p.m. Again, that will typically be the same for other ports but check your individual sailing. Should you arrive earlier than that, you can still go into the Rockstar check-in area and get your black bracelet that will tell the crew you are a Rockstar.

The lounge is lovely and comfortable. Juices and small snack bags are available. While you wait, Rockstar agents will come around and tell you what to expect. In our case, we were given the name of our personal agent and told we could meet with him at the Sip lounge (the champagne bar onboard) where he would be until 3:00 p.m.

Rockstar Greeting and Perks on the Ship

Once aboard, we went to Sip where we were served complimentary Moet. Rockstar agents were there to make or change dining reservations and to book shore excursions. When we met our personal agent, who was amazing for the whole trip, and he explained he would be sending us a daily chats on the app, what his hours were, and how to reach him.

Virgin Voyages Rockstar Greeting At Sip Lounge

He asked about anything we might need. We had already dropped by our cabin, so we asked him to have some of the alcohol swapped out, which he handled for us. Rockstars get one set of “minibar” items for the duration of the cruise. These are half-bottles (375ml), not the little mini-bottles one usually sees.

Here’s what it looks like.

If you want something beyond the minibar, Rockstars also have access to Richard’s Rooftop, the private area on deck 16 that is reserved for Rockstars and Mega Rockstars. Each day there is a Happy Hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. with complimentary Moet and other drinks. Of course, Rockstars can do more than have some drinks on Richard’s Rooftop. There are hot tubs reserved for Rockstar use only, and special loungers and chairs that aren’t found anywhere else on the ship. There’s also small bites and snacks available to order as well, until around 5 p.m.

A refreshing drink and small bites on Richards Rooftop.

One of our favorite perks as a Rockstar is the priority access to shows on the ship. It’s pretty simple, there’s a separate line for the Rockstars and that line gets to enter the venue first. This is particularly helpful for shows in The Manor, because you can get a seat where you want it rather than crowding in.

At the end of the cruise Rockstars get similar treatment, if there is a disembarkation line, the black band gets you right to the front.

Virgin Voyages Rockstar Suites

Virgin Voyages has a number of suites that qualify as Rockstar quarters. There’s quite a bit of variety between the configurations they have available, but here’s the basic difference between Rockstar suites and Sea Terrace/View rooms.

• Bigger rooms
• Bigger Balconies
• Bigger Bathrooms

The Brilliant Suite is very similar to the Gorgeous Suite.

When we sailed recently, we were in a Brilliant Suite, which is very similar to the Mega Rockstar version, the Gorgeous Suite, but a little smaller, especially on the balcony. Which isn’t to say the balcony is small, it’s got more than enough room for two people on it. The room has a comfortable king bed and a sofa, which converts to a bed if needed. There is a table by the sofa which is a good size for eating at and at just the right height for setting up a laptop. As one would expect, there is ample drawer and closet space and, of course, there is a safe.

The spacious bathroom will delight anyone who has stayed in a Sea Terrace, where the bathrooms are efficiently laid out but very small. Equipped with a marble walk-in shower with a bench, a lovely rainfall shower, and a wand. My favorite feature is the water temperature and pressure controls are at the entrance to the shower, a couple feet from the rainfall. That means you can test the temperature before getting in. No sudden burst of cold water for the Rockstars. There is a separate room for the toilet. And quite a bit of two-level counter space.

I loved the walk in shower!

The balcony space is excellent, a hammock of course, a small table and two chairs. But it left us asking, since there is so much space, why didn’t they provide two hammocks? Regardless, the room was spectacular and an undeniable upgrade.

Bimini as a Rockstar

Many of Virgin Voyages sailings from Miami also stop at Bimini, where the cruise line takes over a resort beach. While The Beach Club at Bimini is fantastic regardless of your cabin type, and you can pay for some additional upgrades to your experience, the Rockstar experience at the private beach is totally different.

At the end of the beach, opposite the swimming pool, there is a large covered wooden pavilion that could probably comfortably accommodate all of the Rockstars. Inside, you’ll find a variety of cushioned seating with tables under the pavilion roof and even more options outside the roofed area. These include very nice day beds and several of the famous red hammocks. Additionally, there are many chaise loungers with umbrellas all along the beach.

The Virgin Voyages Rockstar experience at the Beach Club at Bimini is something special.

Rockstars have exclusive use of about 100 yards (or 90 meters) of the white soft-sand beach. It is NOT crowded. There is more than enough seating so you can have both a place in the shade of the pavilion and in the sun on the beach. There is a shower to wash off the salt from the ocean and clean restrooms near the pavilion.

No waiting in line for food or drinks for Rockstars. You have table service in and around the pavilion and even at the chaise loungers on the beach.

In the Rockstar area, the pool party going on is hardly audible, there are no crowds, there is no standing in line – for anything, and there is no loud music. Of course, if you want to enjoy the lively party scene, you can easily walk to the other end of the beach and join in with the excitement, then walk back, rest in a comfy chair, and have someone bring you a cold drink.

The exclusive Rockstar beach area on Bimini.

Last, but certainly not least, Rockstars have access to both exclusive golf carts or priority access to the regular tram. When we finally left – having stayed at least 3 times longer than we had ever before – we encountered a line of well over 100 people waiting for the tram back to the ship. As Rockstars, though, we had a separate boarding area and were immediately seated on the very next tram.

Personally, my conclusion was that the uncrowded, quiet, shady if you want it – sunny if you want it, full-service, priority transport experience at Bimini was reason enough to be a Rockstar on any cruise stopping there.

Virgin Voyages Rockstar – Is it Worth It?

As with many things in life, whether something is “worth it” is extremely subjective. In my case, I know that I’m going to have a hard time sailing in other categories. Yes, I admit it, I’m spoiled now. After sailing on Regent and now as a Virgin Voyages Rockstar, it’s going to be hard to go back.

I loved having the extra room, especially in the bathroom. More than that, the little extras make a big difference, especially while on Bimini. At the end of the day, I think that sailing as Rockstar is worthwhile for anyone looking to splurge a bit.

The post Virgin Voyages Rockstar – Living the High Life appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Instead of taking a flight home, you book yourself a cabin on cruise where the ship will travel from Europe to the U.S. (or vice versa). These transatlantic crossings give you time to adjust so you don’t get back home utterly discombobulated!  

Better yet, sometimes this is cheaper than flying home, especially if you fly business class. 

Although I learned this from another travel agent before I became one, I find many don’t know this “trick.” 

What is a Repositioning Cruise? 

If you’ve never heard of them, they are any itinerary where the cruise line wants to move their ship from one region, like the Caribbean, to another, like the Mediterranean. These cruises are a one-way trip and usually mean moving several thousand miles over, typically, seven or more days. 

Because these cruises involve longer voyages, the cruise lines often reduce their typical rates to help attract customers. This is where we can take advantage of cheaper rates to potentially save money over a flight. 

What Makes a Repositioning Cruise Different?

Other than the repositioning itself, there’s something specific that is very attractive for many people on these cruises. Sea Days.

Many cruise veterans love a sea day!

Repositioning cruises typically cover a lot of distance, and that means a lot of days at sea. Veteran cruisers often love sea days because there’s nothing to do but relax. You’re on the open water and don’t have any excursions to plan around.  Typically, the ship adds more entertainment and speakers than usual to keep their guests entertained. 

Admittedly, these sailings are not for people who don’t enjoy sea days. 

Best of all, there’s no jet lag! Sailing gives you time to adjust so that the drastic shift in time of day doesn’t hit you. The typical ship will adjust the ship’s time by one hour each day so you adjust slowly. No more arriving at your destination and needing a day or more to adjust. 

What Cruise Lines do Repositioning Cruises? 

Almost every line does some repositioning cruises. They often are seen in the mid to late spring heading towards Europe from the U.S. Later, in the late summer to mid fall, there will be itineraries that head towards the U.S. from Europe. 

However, there is one ship that does it more than any other,  The Queen Mary 2 from Cunard Lines. The Queen Mary 2, or QM2 as many call her, is the undisputed champ of transatlantic crossings. For much of the year, the Queen Mary 2 sails the Atlantic between Southampton, England and New York City. Occasionally she will sail on to Hamburg or LeHarve (Paris). 

Even though most repositioning cruises are seasonal, the Queen Mary 2 makes returning home on a ship simple if you plan ahead. I have sailed the QM2 many times and not only did I save money over flying, but it was always delightful. 

Don’t Believe Me? Here’s the Math

Putting aside the fact that sailing on the Queen Mary 2 means getting a week’s worth of meals, entertainment, accommodation and fantastic scones and clotted cream at daily high tea, let’s compare sailing to flying simply as transportation.  

As of this writing, for sailing from Southampton to New York on November 19-26, 2025, the full price of an inside stateroom on the Queen Mary 2, including taxes and fees for two people, is $1578 total.  

A one-way airline ticket from Heathrow to New York City departing November 19 for Business class on Jet Blue is $2146 per person or $4292 for two. That’s a difference of $2,714.  

“Well, yes, of course Business class will cost more,” you’re likely thinking. Alright, let’s look at Premium Economy.

Less flying also means less of the headaches that come with flying…

As of writing, Delta and American have Premium Economy on that date for $1267 per person or $2,534 for two. A difference of $956.00. 

Still don’t believe me? Fine! Main cabin economy on Delta on that day is $826 for one or $1,652 for two. A difference of $74.00. 

Obviously, the pricing on both can vary quite a bit, so this won’t always work. I also recognize that $74.00 isn’t that much of a savings out of around $1,600. However, the point remains valid that by using repositioning cruises, you can save money over a return flight home. 

Of course, you still need to have the time to take a ship over a plane but, if you can take the time, it’s likely the more luxurious and cheaper option. 

The post There’s a Better Way to Cross The Atlantic – Repositioning Cruises appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Important travel news for you.

Cannes Joins the List of Ports Restricting Cruise Ships

Beginning January 2026, larger cruise ships (those carrying over 3,000 passengers) will be limited to just one vessel per day. This quota is a significant change and is expected to reduce large ship visits by approximately 50%, with calls decreasing to 34 in 2026 and further declining to 31 in 2027. Additionally, the city has established a daily passenger capacity limit of 6,000 cruise tourists.

Ships carrying under 1000 passengers will be encouraged.

Cannes joins the growing list of popular destinations such as Venice, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Santorini, Dubrovnik, and Nice beginning to limit cruise ship visits.

Air Travel News

Most recently, strikes by French air traffic controllers have seriously disrupted travel across Europe. Helsinki has experienced disruption due to rolling strikes by ground crew. Travelers can protect themselves from increased costs (but maybe not the hassles) by buying travel insurance that covers delays.

In other news, Jet Blue has pulled out of Miami saying the route was not profitable. Expect Miami air prices to increase. Remember, Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is a viable, and often less expensive option.

Heading to the U.K.?

Don’t forget the ETA is now required

If you are visiting the U.K., you need to apply for and have the new ETA. THE ETA (electronic travel authorization) lets you travel to the U.K. for tourism, visiting family or certain other reasons for up to 6 months. If you are merely transiting through a UK airport and not leaving the airport, you do not need one. Otherwise, learn more and apply at the official site.

New Mexican Tourist Tax

Mexico is now charging a tax on foreign visitors to support sustainable travel throughout Baja California Sur which includes the popular Cabo San Lucas.

As of June 30, 2025, all foreign visitors staying in for more than 24 hours are required to pay what’s called the EMBRACE IT tax, priced at $470 MXN (approximately US$25) per person.

Payment must be made exclusively online through the Travelkore platform, and travelers must show proof of payment at the state’s entry and exit points. The tax applies to all international visitors arriving by land or air at Los Cabos (SJD), Cabo San Lucas (CSL), La Paz (LAP) and Loreto (LTO) airports.

The post Travel News From Far Far Away Travels appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

From breathtaking natural beauty to amazing outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in Alaska. A good travel agent can help you select the perfect itinerary that suits your needs, budget, and interests.

Denali

Mt. Denali is North America’s highest peak and a must-visit for an Alaska dream trip. Denali National Park is vast, it’s America’s largest national park and is larger than the entire state of New Hampshire! There are tons of tours and excursions available. The Park Service even offers free sled dog demonstrations in the summer. “Flight-seeing” is a wonderful way to see incredible views you will always remember.

Finally, check out our guide to National Park passes.

Kenai Fjords

Another very popular area is Kenai Fjords. Almost 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield. A Kenai Fjords boat tour is one of the very best ways to see Kenai on your Alaska dream trip, and you might spot a whale or two!  You can also hike, mountain bike, take a “flight-seeing” trip and more. There are many great boat trips from Seward or even Anchorage. Some excursions include a dinner cruise or whale-watching. And from May to mid-June, orcas can be spotted.

Glacier Bay

One of the highlights for an Alaska dream trip is a cruise of Glacier Bay, but sadly, many visitors miss this incredible experience entirely. Glacier Bay as part of the U.S. National Park Service is strictly controlled. Only two ships per day from a few cruise lines are permitted.  You may even see seals perched on chunks of ice. You can still have a fabulous time without visiting Glacier Bay, but we always recommend it.

Fantastic Towns

All along the coast are towns with great history and character. Are you are fascinated by fishing, the Gold Rush, or Native American culture? There is something for you!

Juneau is a great place for a helicopter tour to walk on a glacier during your Alaska dream trip. It’s the state capital yet you can only get there by air or boat. The Mendenhall Glacier is the only glacier in Southeast Alaska accessible by road. We have experienced fantastic whale-watching in Juneau.

Charming Ketchikan has a wealth of native culture and a visit to the Totem Heritage Center is memorable. There is an abundance of salmon and eagles. You can fish, kayak, or take a tour and perhaps see seals, sea lions, and whales. Or snorkel with a ton of underwater sea life.

Sitka may be the most beautiful of the Southeast Alaska communities. Its Russian history is fascinating as evidenced by St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral.

Check it out Sitka’s official tourist site. You are almost certain to see bald eagles. Interesting facts about Sitka: No mosquitos or rats or mice.

Skagway is Alaska’s top tourist destination. The White Pass and Yukon Route railroad, is a traveler favorite.

On your Alaska dream trip, you can ride the rails on a real gold-rush era railroad from Skagway into the heart of the Yukon. And, yes, the area is, in part, a national park.

Finally, most visitors will visit Anchorage. It may not seem like it, but it’s a big city by Alaska standards.

There are day-long tours to the Kenai area that are very worthwhile. However, closer, and very popular places to visit are Chugach State Park and the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge is a bird-lover’s paradise. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of some popular Anchorage area tours.

Planning Your Alaska Dream Trip: All the Ways to Visit Alaska

There are several ways to visit Alaska.  The simplest is to fly there and back. No passport required. You can rent a car, take guided vacations, ride the famous trains, or some of each! You can even stay at some cool Alaska Wilderness lodges and take the domed trains with their magnificent views. However, you won’t see the cool towns and beauty of the Inside Passage.

The Most Affordable Way to visit Alaska is an Ocean Cruise.

Generally, you can take cruises out of Seattle, Vancouver, Whittier, or Seward. Cruises also run from San Francisco. Your transportation, accommodation, meals and entertainment are covered. We recommend one-way cruises as you will spend more time sightseeing than on a round-trip cruise. Almost every major cruise company has Alaska cruises available.  It can be confusing choosing the best one but we’re here to help.

Other ways are to take ferries from Seattle or to drive yourself through Canada.

We think the best Alaska dream trip is to pair a one-way cruise with a cruise tour. You cruise from Vancouver to Alaska and then the cruise line transports you to fabulous Alaskan lodges.  They usually include the famous glass-domed trains and guided tours. There are many multi-day options available. If you have the time and the money, it is the best!

Alaska Souvenirs and Art

On our past visits, we bought have some great Alaskan art that we cherish. Certainly you will want to explore and shop. Although there are countless shops, you should also consider the museum shops as great places to buy something to bring home.

Alaska has over 60 museums and cultural centers covering its history: the Russian occupation, gold booms – and busts as told in art and artifacts. Of course, the art of the Alaska native cultures is especially interesting. Beadwork, masks, carving, and basketry are some of the favorite collectable items. 

Tip: When you shop in Alaska, be sure to look for the silver hand logo which denotes the object was created by an Alaskan native artist using local materials.

More to Read

Visiting Seattle

Visiting Victoria

If you need help with airfare, check out our 6 Insider Secrets to Getting the Best Price for Airfare.

Visiting National Parks? Here’s our Guide.

The post Planning Your Alaska Dream Trip 2025 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Tip 1. Understand What Your Airfare Covers.

Don’t be doomed to the dreaded middle seat. You need to understand the different fares and what they don’t include. Every fare will get you there, eventually. Nowadays many airlines not only charge you for a checked bag, but will even charge you for a carry-on bag.

When you see a low advertised price, it is usually for a “basic fare.” Basic fares mean you cannot choose your seat, and often you will have to pay extra even for a carry-on bag. You may start with a basic fare then decide to pay a fee for a carry-on, and a checked bag, and an assigned seat. Before you know it you have paid more than if you had booked a higher fare class. Nowadays, even regular main cabin fares usually do not include a free checked bag, which is why you see people trying to stuff enormous carry-ons into overhead bins.

Tip 2.  The Best Way to Save Money on Airfare: Research

To save on airfare it is essential to do research. Go to Google Flights and enter your information. Once you find a flight or two that meets your needs, hit the “Track Prices” button and enter your email address. As prices go up and down, you receive alerts. Google Flights even tells if the prices are typically high or low for that flight.

If your plans are flexible, there is a grid that lets you to see the lowest priced date combinations to get the best price on your airfare.

Then double check the fare on the airline’s website.

Next book the flight. If you book directly with the airline most U.S. airlines will give e-credits for the difference if the fare comes down because they no longer charge cancellation or change fees. Just make sure the airline you select does that.

Important Note: This does not work if you book “basic economy” so be sure to book main cabin or better.

As long as you are willing to accept e-credits for future flights, you can now relax because you will get the best fare. The flight alerts make it easy. Doing this has saved us thousands of dollars. 

We set alerts for our personal travel after we have booked a flight. Be sure to only use airlines that let you rebook with no cancellation fee. If the flight price drops, we go to the airline site and adjust the fare. (Sometimes you might need to make a phone call.) Then, we have hundreds of dollars in e-credits ready to use for our next flight. Sometimes it will be better to cancel the flight, get the e-credit, and use the e-credit to book the flights at the new rate. Either way, you will end up with e-credits in your account.

Best of all, you can book that airfare now and relax in the knowledge that if the fare comes down, we can take advantage to save some money. And if the fare goes up, as it often does, you can appreciate how smart you were.

Tip 3.  Credit Card Perks Help Save on Airfare

Consider getting an airline credit card to save on airfare. Most of the major airlines offer a no-fee credit card for a year. Usually, they include free checked bags and other amenities. This alone can save you $70-$80 per checked bag per trip. It can be worth your while even if you only fly once a year. 

Tip 4. Sign Up for Airline Programs

This is an important tip to save on airfare. Even if you think you will never fly with them again, sign up for the airline’s frequent flier program. It costs nothing and you can get extra perks. For example, with Delta you will get free wi-fi on your flight and your Delta Skymiles will never expire. 

Here’s where you can sign up quickly and for free. We keep our clients frequent flier number on file so there is no need to remember them.

By the way, with most programs you can sign the kids up too. if you are paying for a seat, why not?

Click the airline to go to their page to join.

Delta Skymiles, United Airlines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Frontier, Jetblue, Spirit, Southwest, Icelandair, Air France, British Airways, Turkish Air, SAS, TAP Air Portugual, Emirates, Quantas

Tip 5. Taking a Cruise? How To Save on Airfare

Most cruise lines offer airfares at discount prices. Check to see what the cruise line is offering for the exact same flight you picked out earlier. Surprisingly, the cruise line price is sometimes lower.  The downside of using the cruise line is you have a bit less control over the booking. Be sure to book “flexible” or cancellable tickets if you can.

Tip 6. Understand Your Rights

The U.S. Department of Transportation has this helpful dashboard. It is important to understand them. In general, you will have fewer rights when the delay or cancellation is not controllable by the airline, like severe weather. Controllable delays within the airline’s control include maintenance or crew problems, aircraft cleaning, baggage loading, fueling, etc.

Tip 7: Travel Insurance Can Save You Money

While we strongly recommend travel protection, do not buy it from the airline, and rarely from the cruise line. Instead ask for quotes from reputable third-party insurers. And if you travel more than once a year, consider a very affordable annual multi-trip plan. You can learn more here.

Ready To Fly?

Don’t forget our tips for surviving air travel.

The post How to Save Money on Airfare 2025 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Also, make sure to read up on avoiding Cyber Scams when traveling.

There has to be a better way!

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Don’t Get Huge Exchange Rates

1. Don’t get foreign currency at currency exchange windows or kiosks at airports, you will pay huge fees. Never do this!
2. Don’t answer yes when a credit or debit card transaction asks if you want to convert your payment to U.S. Dollars. It’s just another way to get more fees.
3. Avoid multiple ATM cash transactions in a day. Unless your bank is waiving your ATM fees, those fees are racking up. And don’t use an ATM without checking the surroundings and making sure no one can see your pin entry.

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Don’t Forget to Check Ahead

1. Don’t worry about getting foreign currency for tips etc.  In almost any country, they will gladly accept USD if that’s what you have.
2. Verify your cell phone plan before traveling to any country. Know what the charges will be, if any.
3. We love our Amex, but they are not widely accepted abroad. Bring a Visa or MasterCard for backup.
4. Don’t forget to confirm your travel with your bank, so they don’t shut down your card.

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Don’t Forget Insurance

Don’t forget travel insurance!

If something happens, you could be out thousands of dollars, all your clothes, and worse. Travel Insurance can be one of the most important things you can buy to keep your money safe. Plus, a lot of health plans don’t cover much overseas, so you can lose a lot of money getting sick or hurt on your trip!

There were a lot of tips in there! Keeping your money safe is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling. With these tips, and some common sense, you can enjoy your travel to the fullest without worry!

The post Travel Money Mistakes – The Don’ts appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Also, make sure to read up on avoiding Cyber Scams when traveling. And after these tips, we cover the Travel Money Mistakes-The Don’ts.

There has to be a better way!

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Charge it.

Credit cards are widely accepted around the world.  Here are our simple rules for using credit cards abroad:

1. Check your credit and debit cards for PIN numbers. While not common in the US, pin numbers are sometimes needed in other countries.
2. Bring at least two cards. If one gets lost, stolen or frozen due to a fraud alert, you want a back-up. We once landed in Norway for a two-week trip only to get word from our credit card company that our primary card was frozen due to a fraud attempt. Fortunately, we had brought a back-up card.
3. Check to make sure you are using a card that does NOT charge foreign exchange fees. If yours does, find another for travel. Also, do NOT use your credit card to get cash from an ATM. You will be paying big fees. Instead take your debit card for ATM withdrawals.

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Your Phone

Nowadays, your cell phone is your lifeline to the world. Be sure to be careful with how you use it while traveling.

1. Put your phone in airplane mode the minute you get on a cruise ship. We have seen people charged hundreds and hundreds of dollars in cell fees because they did not.
2. Use an app like WhatsApp or Signal so you can make free VoiP calls to family and friends. Make sure your friends are on the same system.
3. Think you’ll use Uber abroad? Uber sneaks in a 1.5 percent fee for paying in dollars instead of the local currency. To avoid paying the extra cost, go into your account, open your “Wallet” and, under “Preferred currency,” select “No preferred currency.”

Avoid Travel Money Mistakes: Common Sense Safety

1. Stay aware of your surroundings and do not leave a bag or backpack unattended even for a few minutes.
2. Keep a picture of your passport on your phone or in the cloud in case a replacement is needed. Also, keep a picture of your luggage on your phone. If your luggage does get lost, this will make recovery easier.
3. Check the network of the ATM before you use it. Those no-name machines in hotels or corner stores often come with inflated fees and terrible exchange rates. Use one affiliated with major international banks—HSBC, Barclays, Santander, etc.
4. Know before you go. Most European countries are now almost entirely cashless cards are accepted everywhere. But countries like Egypt, Morocco, Philippines and Japan, are still cash based. If you think you may return, save those spare Euros or Pesos in an envelope for your next trip.

There were a lot of tips in there! Keeping your money safe is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling. With these tips, and some common sense, you can enjoy your travel to the fullest without worry!

The post Travel Money Mistakes – The Dos appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Virgin Voyages Miami Terminal V

Boarding Times

Virgin boarding time are generally 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. but this can vary with the sailing and port. In Miami, 5:00 p.m. is the absolute final boarding time so don’t be late! The first slot, at 1:30, goes to suite guests (rock stars), those with high status in the loyalty program, and those who have purchased the Splash of Romance package.

When you arrive, you will be placed in a line according to your assigned time. If the lines ahead of your clear, you will be allowed to board even if it is before your time. This means people with a 3 p.m. time, for example, can sometimes board at 2:30 or earlier. If you arrive early, though, don’t be disappointed if you have to wait until your assigned time.

Before You Arrive

It is important to do the seven step pre-cruise check-in process as soon as you can after you book. When you do, you will be assigned a boarding time. You can do this either through the app (you’ll need the app on board) or through your Virgin Voyage web account. You’ll upload your information like emergency contacts, passport information, and picture. If you cannot accomplish it all, you can complete steps at the terminal check-in. On the app it is called “Before You Sail.”

After you complete this, you will receive a boarding time.

Inside Miami Terminal V

Getting a Better Virgin Voyages Boarding Time

This usually works-eventually. If you have done the pre-cruise check-in and are unhappy with your boarding time, try this. You may need to do it multiple times over a period of time.

Open the app. Restart the check-in process and go to the last item, number 7. Enter a new arrival flight or whatever (it really does not matter what you put in), and you will see available boarding times.

If there is a better time, grab it. If there is no better time, back out of the app process.

If you backed out it will look like you have only completed 6 of 7 items, but that won’t matter. Check every few days. I recently went from 4:45 to 2:00 pm three days before sailing.

Keep checking the app as earlier times will often pop up. If you see an earlier time, grab it. It’s amazing how often earlier ones open.

If you don’t get an earlier time, you can take your chances by arriving earlier, but you might have to wait.  Here’s how the system in Miami works:

Around 1:30 they will board Rockstars, Splash of Romance, and Deep Blue Extras. Then around 2 to 2:30 they will start boarding everyone else.  There will be a well-marked line for each boarding time like 2:30, 3:00. Etc.

They will board the lines in order, BUT if a line empties, they will move to the next boarding group, even if it is early.

This means someone with a 3:30 boarding time might (or might not) be able to board at 2:30.

Scarlet Night

One More Tip

Virgin Voyages boarding times are not the whole story. At most Virgin ports, notably Miami and San Juan, you can drop your bags off as early as 9 a.m. so you can go explore luggage-free. In fact, they often will do your check-in and issue your bracelet.

San Juan is especially great for this. We recently dropped off our bags, got our bracelets and walked the few blocks into Old San Juan. After several delightful hours of shopping, sight-seeing, and stopping for margaritas, we arrived back at our boarding time. It was delightful to show our bracelets, run our carry-ons through security, and be welcomed onto the ship.

More About Virgin Voyages

It’s no secret we love Virgin Voyages. Here are some of our best posts.

Virgin Voyages Exercise Facilities Made It Easy to Stay Fit

Mega RockStar on Virgin Voyages – Review

Virgin Voyages Menu Changes – Lucky Lotus Review

Everything to Know About Virgin Voyages New Loyalty Program

Why I Love Virgin Voyages

Ready To Book With Us?

The post Virgin Voyages Secrets: Get the Best Boarding Time appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

March 28, 2025

Real ID Required to Fly in U.S. and ETA Needed to Visit the U.K.

The New U.S. Travel Regulation: You Need a Real I.D. to Fly

In the U.S., the implementation of Real ID begins after years of delays.

This means if you are flying domestically in the U.S. you must have an I.D. that complies with real ID or use a passport.

What’s a Real I.D? As of May 7, 2025 a Real I.D. is required to fly in the U.S. It is your driver’s license or state I.D. but with an important distinction—it must have a Star. REAL ID-compliant cards will have one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft.

To learn more visit the official website.

Here are examples of what it looks like on your license or state i.d:

Visiting the U.K. from the U.S? There a New Travel Regulation

You need an ETA

It’s not really a visa, it’s an electronic travel authorization. You need one if you are visiting the U.K. 

Note: if you are simply traveling through a U.K. airport, and not going through passport control, you don’t need this.  But if you do plan to spend any time in the U.K. you need to do this before you leave home.

It will cost £16 per person. Children and infants need one too. If you do have a visa, you do not need this.

Here’s what you need to know and where you can apply.

Visiting Europe? You Don’t Need This-Yet

The European Union countries are planning to require an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) but implementation has been delayed until at least 2026. If you want to keep on on the news, this is the official site.

More travel information from Far Far Away Travels:

Our Tips to Getting the Best Airfare

Will a Hurricane Mess Up My Cruise?

Airfare Secrets! Two For One

The post New Travel Regulations: Real ID and ETA Explained appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.