⚓ CamJon Travel
April 2026 Newsletter
Three Virgin Voyages Truths, Alaska on the Podcast & What's Coming May 1st
Ahoy Sailor!
I recently published a piece explaining why CamJon Travel is relationship-focused, not transactional. This newsletter is that philosophy in action.
Three Virgin Voyages truths I have been helping sailors work through lately. The new podcast episode on why Virgin's Alaska is not Holland America. What is coming on May 1st. A few fresh blogs worth your time. And why now is a great moment to get set up on CJ Travel Connect.
No big sales push this month. Just value. Let's get into it.
Tips & Tricks
Three Virgin Voyages Truths Worth Knowing
Small things that make a real difference. Stuff I find myself explaining on repeat, because Virgin Voyages will not tell you this outright.
Your Flight Home Is Probably Too Early
The ship arrives back in port around 6:30 AM on disembark day. It sounds like plenty of time. It is not.
Between disembarkation flow, customs, getting to the airport, international check-in, and security, you want a real buffer. My rule of thumb:
✈️ Domestic flights: Aim for 1:00 PM or later.
🌎 International flights: Aim for 2:00 PM or later.
Want the stress-free version? Spend the night in the arrival city and fly out the next day. Better flights, no pressure, one more morning of good coffee before you go home. It is what I recommend to almost every international sailor.
What is Included vs. What is Bar Tab
This question comes up on almost every call with a new sailor. Here is the quick breakdown:
✅ Included in your fare (no cost)
Filtered still and sparkling water in your cabin (refreshed as needed), still and sparkling water at dining venues, regular drip coffee, hot tea, and fountain sodas (Coca-Cola products).
Want to figure out if a Bar Tab makes sense for your sailing? Our Bar Tab Calculator does the math for you.
Grab an MNVV Before You Disembark
If you are enjoying your sailing (and you will be), do this one thing before you get off the ship: visit Sailor Services and grab a My Next Virgin Voyage certificate.
It is a $150 deposit onboard that holds up to $500 in value toward a future sailing. You do not need to know the dates. You do not even need to know the ship. You have up to two years to use it, and it is transferable once — so if plans change, you can pass it to a friend or family member.
Most sailors do not realize this exists until they are home wishing they had. Future-you will thank current-you.
Have a Virgin Voyages question you would like answered in a future newsletter? Drop me a note.
🎙 Why Virgin Voyages Alaska Isn't Holland America
Virgin Voyages enters Alaska this summer on Brilliant Lady. And I have been hearing a lot of "is it going to feel like Holland America up there?" The short answer is no. The long answer is this episode.
We get into who Virgin's Alaska is for, what the experience is actually going to feel like on board, why Brilliant Lady is the ship that made this itinerary possible in the first place, and how the Happenings Cast additions (The Naturalist and The Lumberjack) are going to reshape the onboard experience.
CJ Travel Connect Is Getting a Glow-Up
Nearly two months in, and the feedback has been incredible. You told us what worked, what confused you, and what you wanted more of. We listened.
On May 1st, CJ Travel Connect is evolving with a refreshed experience based directly on what you shared. Cleaner navigation, a smoother onboarding, and more of the features you loved most.
If you have not registered yet, now is the moment. Get set up before May 1st so you are ready to experience the next version the day it launches. Current CamJon Travel sailors get priority approval (5–7 business days).
Register at CJTConnect.com →May 1st, 2026
The Next Chapter
There are tens of thousands of people selling cruises.
Our goal from day one has been to be your 1 of 1.
Most travel advisors sell 60+ cruise lines. We sell one. By choice. That focus is what makes us experts in the details that shape your experience — and it cuts both ways. We know Virgin Voyages is not for everyone. Our Perfect Cruise Quiz exists because we would rather tell you that up front than book you a sailing you will not love. We also know a sailor who adores Virgin Voyages may not want their next trip to be another one — and when that day comes, we will still be here for you.
We are not transactional.
We are relationship-based.
On May 1st, we are tightening some things up to make sure every sailor has the most unique experience in the world of cruise travel. Current CamJon Travel sailors will be the first to hear the full story in the days ahead. Your voyage, your booking, your experience — protected.
Stay Tuned
Read Up
Latest from the Blog
Three fresh pieces. The first is the manifesto that anchors this whole newsletter. The other two are genuinely useful.
Why CamJon Travel Is Relationship-Focused, Not Transactional
The piece that anchors this whole newsletter. If you have ever wondered why we work the way we do, start here.
Brilliant Lady Alaska Packing Guide
Heading north this summer? This is the packing list I wish somebody had handed me.
Sisters at Sea: The Four-Ship Rendezvous in 2027
The first time all four Virgin Voyages ships will be in one place. It is going to be a moment.
That's a Wrap for April
Every month, we are focused on being better than we were the month before. Tips that actually help. Content that goes deeper than the brochure. Processes built around how you actually want to travel. May 1st is the next expression of that commitment. And CJ Travel Connect is about to get even better.
Have a question? Want to talk through a sailing? cam@camjontravel.com. I am always happy to help.