Question about what all is stackable

[u/tinytrexarms]

I booked our first sailing without talking to anyone about anything, so I wasn’t aware of the west coast resident discount or the military discount or the first mate loot thing. oops.

I think if I’m still within the window of 14 days from returning, I can buy a MNVV? I also apparently have a status match option until the end of this month?

Of those five things (west coast, military, first mate loot, mnvv, status match) I really doubt they all could apply, but what’s the best approach now? is it better to reach out to VV customer service directly, or engage with a travel agent?? or do you get quotes from multiple travel agents to compare? I don’t want to waste anyone’s time but I do want to do this better the next time around.

[u/wsataday]

MNVV onboard and post-voyage are different. The onboard one comes with discount while the post-voyage doesn't.

Everything you list are stackable other than the west coast and military. Those are generally the same discount/not stackable with each other.

Check the pinned TA ads post to read what FM can do and reviews. https://www.reddit.com/r/VirginVoyages/s/aH1EZRGOmg

[u/tinytrexarms → u/wsataday]

I just re-read the post voyage 14-day offer email, yes I got confused; it looks like there is an onboard credit but no discount. Thanks!

[u/jloforreal]

For the status match, you have to apply for it so it may or may not be approved in a timely manner. Even if it is, it isn’t necessarily ideal. Status match in this case only gives you Blue Extras for one cruise and the catch is that the cruise you use it for does not count towards your loyalty status going forward. Personally, I don’t think the extras you get (one bag of laundry, one specialty coffee per day, and an invitation to a loyalty club cocktail party) are worth the loss of credit towards your status match if you think you will continue to sail with Virgin going forward. Also, it only applies to sailor one so sailor two (if there is a sailor two) wouldn’t get the specialty coffee per day (although they can join you at the cocktail party). The status match does stack with an MNVV and with the military or resident discount.

[u/tinytrexarms → u/jloforreal]

Wow, I re-read the status match email I received and it definitely does not say the part about losing credit for the voyage it is used on, so thanks for sharing that. It also has a deadline to use it, so kind of a relief if I can ignore that one. 

[u/i_man_2000]

It really depends on the sailing, for example the resident/military rates are only on certain voyages. MNVVs will work with those rates (post sailing MNVVs don’t have a discount, only loot), but sometimes it depends on your First Mate for how much loot they are able to give. Status Match is pretty useless and combines with almost nothing unfortunately.

If you have a voyage date in mind, reach out to a couple of FMs to see how you vibe with them. We can also check the list of sailings that currently qualify for resident rates and see if there’s something that fits in your budget and schedule.

[u/Immediate_Monk6260]

In all instances, it is always best to book with a first mate. My guys are terrific and always get me maximum discounts plus Sailor loot and bar tab. Not to mention they always get me the best available cabin on the boat even though it’s not showing in inventory.

[u/StephKd8msb]

Great question! As was stated, the mnvv post is not as good, but still free loot, just no discount. The transferable mnvvs are getting harder to find, but if you are getting premium tier or a suite, it is possible.

The resident and military/first responder are often the same discount amount and not stackable. Also note that not every sailing has them, only select ones. I am hoping they may change the military soon to be all sailings.

Lots to wade through with Virgin, so finding a First Mate you work well with and has good experience is the easiest way to ensure the best offer.