A week after announcing its 2026 Alaska Summer Season Pass, Virgin Voyages now says it will be launching “the broadest Status Match program ever offered.” The program will extend instant status recognition to about 50 million travellers who hold high-tier status with more than 35 airline, hotel and cruise loyalty programs.
According to recent data (Emarsys, January 2025), 83% of consumers feel undervalued by the brands they remain loyal to, while McKinsey reported that sentiment toward many loyalty programs has declined significantly. With Virgin Voyages’ new offer, members of the various loyalty programs can earn “Blue Extras” on their first sailing.
“Loyalty programs have gotten it backward,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “They ask for more, give less and call it a reward. We’re flipping that. From the moment Sailors step aboard, we want them to feel recognised, relaxed and reminded of why they fell in love with travel in the first place.”
Eligible Programs: Virgin Voyages is recognising loyalty members from across the Virgin family, extending Blue Extras hospitality to eligible members of Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club and Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer. This brings even greater value to Virgin customers across the U.K., U.S. and Australia.
Virgin Voyages’ enhanced Status Match is also eligible across 35+ travel programs including American Airlines’ AAdvantage, United MileagePlus Program, Delta SkyMiles, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitudes Rewards, Carnival’s VIFP Club and dozens more.
What Blue Extras Unlocks: Premium coffees at The Grounds Club, complimentary laundry service, exclusive cocktail events to connect with crew and fellow Sailors, and personalized Sailor Services support from embarkation to disembarkation. Guests will also receive access to special deals and entry into Virgin Voyages’ global rewards program benefits.
Matching Window: Apply for Virgin Voyages’ Status Match now through January 16, 2026, and book a voyage by March 31, 2026, to snag Blue Extras.
Sailings Available: Now through Summer 2027, with departures from Miami, San Juan, New York, Barcelona, Athens, Los Angeles and Seattle with ports that connect Sailors to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska and beyond.
