Virgin Voyages becomes first cruise line to embrace Bitcoin payments

Virgin Voyages, a cruise line founded in 2014 by Virgin Group's Sir Richard Branson and Bain Capital’s Bill Bain and Mitt Romney, has announced that it will start accepting Bitcoin as payment for its cruises.
According to the company, Bitcoin can be used to pay for voyages on any Virgin Voyages ship and to purchase an annual membership, which offers exclusive perks for frequent travelers.
Virgin Voyages claims to be the first in the maritime travel industry to adopt cryptocurrency for payments. This move aligns with its broader strategy to position itself as an innovative leader in the cruise sector.
Cruises for digital asset lovers
The company aims to attract younger, tech-savvy travelers and cryptocurrency enthusiasts by offering shorter, exclusive Caribbean cruises.
Its fleet, including Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, and Valiant Lady, is tailored to appeal to this demographic.
As the cryptocurrency market grows, the hospitality industry has become increasingly open to adopting innovations. For instance, crypto-friendly travel service Travala, in partnership with major travel platforms like Skyscanner, enables users to book over 2.2 million hotels using cryptocurrency.
Renowned financial analyst Tom Lee has shared his optimistic forecast for Bitcoin’s price in 2025. Highlighting a best-case scenario, Lee stated that Bitcoin could potentially reach $250,000 within the next 12 months, driven by the current price cycle and strategic developments in the U.S.