Quote Originally Posted by Slotspert View Post
Odd: I just called the Blue Chip club.. I do have 5500 points accumulated during the last three cruises from 2022 but now they only offer a 10% cruise fare discount. We were getting 60% net off cruise fare but the rep told me they dont offer it anymore as of February 1st. Apparently they don't need to fill up their ships anymore with mid-level casino players since their pandemic desperation to fill ships with passengers has ended. Ill try calling again later to see if another rep has better access to casino rates, but it appears that unless you are a true top tier player (25,000+ points) which I would never get in one year, the "great" casino deals are over with Celebrity. RCCL still has some nice offers but they have been watered down as well.

Now, the Virgin cruise I was on in January was the most "unique" cruise experience (out of the 90 cruises I have been on). YES--- do a Virgin cruise before you do another Edge class ship to compare the experience---Somethings I really liked (18+ age, no kids, eating options, younger vibe, great gyms, nonsmoking casino), others (no early boarding and way-too-loud entertainment) not so much.. but overall enough to want me to go back one more time. The BEST part was they generally do not discount their empty pre-cruise "last-minute" cabins and that means during an off season week, the ships can go 1/4-1/2 full which, like our 1/3 passenger filled ship, makes the experience amazing... (more staff then passengers!).
thanks for info on virgin which itinerary did you do?
4 or 5 nights seems so quick but told amy we could always spend a day or 2 in fl after the cruise too.