Cruise ship expert explains Richard Branson's $199,999 cruise pass letting you travel on any of his ships for a year

A cruise expert has explained whether Virgin's year-long cruise pass is really worth it, with Richard Branson's company adding new perks for 2026.

When it comes to taking a cruise, the idea of having to plan out every possible aspect of it and exactly where you go can be so stressful that it almost takes away some of the enjoyment.

With that in mind, many planning to go on a cruise ship may be reassured to hear that there is now a pass on Virgin’s cruise line, Virgin Voyages, that lets you pick any ship you want for a full year.

Recently, when discussing how much it costs to live on a cruise ship, an expert in the field explained how Richard Branson’s year-round pass works and how much it costs.

Comparing the different options, he spoke about the ‘annual pass’ option on Virgin Voyages.

The pass lets you travel on any Virgin cruise ship for a year (Getty Stock Image)

Tips for Travellers, a Cruise YouTuber and expert, described this as a ‘part-time living on a cruise ship’, saying that they are the only cruise line that offer the option that he is aware of.

The cost however is absolutely massive, with next year’s pass costing a whopping $199,000 (£154,000).

He said of the pass: “It means you can sail on any voyage on any of their ships at any time of the year.”

He also described how the extra cost is in part due to the fact that the 2026 pass gives you access to a balcony room rather than an inside one.

Last year’s pass was $120,000 (£92,999) and gave you access to any given cruise ship, however this year’s pass has a number of extra features.

Virgin’s premiere feature is that the 2026 pass allows you a complimentary week individual stay at Necker Island in the Caribbean.

In addition, it offers ‘daily shake for Champagne’, ‘Roundtrip travel to Necker Island from anywhere in the continental US’, and a ‘$10K onboard shopping spree at High Street shops’.

Whilst the new $199,999 pass offers extra options than last year’s $120,000 offer, it may fall under similar criticism as last year’s pass.

One cruise ship fan posted on the r/VirginVoyages subreddit, asking what people thought of the year-round pass.

Is Richard Branson's pass worth the money? (John Lamparski/Getty Images)

One popular comment tore into the idea however, saying: “I don't think I would go for this even if I were a rich retiree with unlimited vacation money. Virgin doesn't have the number of ships and itineraries for this to draw people in, imo.

“You'd end up just repeating the same itinerary 7-8 times a year.

"Unless they guarantee you a Rockstar suite every time I don't see this being cheaper than just buying those cruises separately anyway.”

Though some pointed out that there’s 60 different itineraries to choose from, they responded saying: “Sure, but the port stops overlap incredibly.

"All the restaurants will serve you the same food & have the same shows on endless repeat.

“There are much much better ways to spend a year traveling and probably cheaper. There's some world cruises where you won't repeat a single stop, and they will run for a whole year plus go outta their way to change up dining and such.”