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Billionaire Sir Richard Branson is offering up some cruise control for travelers with deep pockets.
Branson’s Virgin Voyages adults-only cruise line has announced its annual pass for 2026, giving ship guests the chance to travel on any of the company’s vessels, at any time, from anywhere for a calendar year.
Additionally, passholders will receive a one-week stay on Necker Island, Virgin Group founder Branson’s private island in the British Virgin Islands.
The pass also includes round-trip business-class flights and ferry transfers from anywhere in the continental U.S. to Necker Island, a $10,000 shopping spree in the High St. Shops, Moet champagne delivered on demand while on board, a Yellow Leaf Hammock to take home, birthday upgrades to a RockStar Quarters suite, a cabana at Virgin Voyages’ private Beach Club in Bimini as many as 10 times per year, and personalized RockStar robes.
And, yes, it comes at a hefty cost — $199,000. That’s up from $79,000 for the 2025 pass price.
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“After Richard Branson went on Good Morning America to talk about our annual pass, there was so much excitement and buzz,” Nicole Huang, Virgin Voyages’ senior vice president of sailor experiences, said, per people.com. “It’s truly an industry first, and there were long queues to learn more. Our voyage planners shared feedback of sailors inquiring about 2026 now, so we thought, ‘why wait?’ and added a few elements to make the package a little sweeter.”
Annual passholders can sail on Virgin’s newest ship, Brilliant Lady, which makes its maiden voyage to Alaska from Seattle in May 2026. Next year’s start dates are Jan. 1, Feb. 1, March 1 and April 1.
Virgin Voyages’ trio of ships currently depart from Miami, Barcelona, Athens and San Juan, Puerto Rico and travel to 100 ports of call.
Virgin’s year-long pass arrives as other cruise lines have begun to dip their toes into months-long sailings on the heels of the popularity of remote work following the COVID pandemic. Royal Caribbean recently completed its Ultimate World Cruise, allowing travelers to visit more than 65 countries over nine months.
Others such as residential cruise operator Villa Vie Residences and Life at Sea Cruises have offered long-term travel options.