After hours spent meticulously researching, browsing through countless brochures, scouring various websites, and consulting with your trusted travel agent, you've finally found the perfect cruise. What's the following step on this exhilarating journey? It's a reality as old as time – it's time to pay up! Most cruise enthusiasts are accustomed to using credit cards to make a deposit and to settle their balance as the departure date draws near. But there's a rising wave of alternative payment methods opening a myriad of options.
These alternative methods range from conventional to cutting-edge payment possibilities - exciting especially for those drawn to the tech world and looking for novel ways to finance their maritime adventures. Let's unearth these payment options that can bring you one step closer to your dream cruise.
Breaking new ground in the luxury travel sector, the boutique luxury line SeaDream Yacht Club was the trailblazer in accepting cryptocurrency. This digital or virtual currency, designed to work via the internet, has taken the finance world by storm. Bitcoin (BTC) was the pioneer, launched in 2008, and since then has remained the kingpin of cryptocurrencies, maintaining its position as the largest and most widely used. It has since been joined by competitors including Ethereum (ETH), pushing the boundaries of digital finance.
Guests sailing aboard SeaDream can now use not only BTC and ETH but also over 200 of the most commonly traded cryptocurrencies to pay for their cruise. As part of their groundbreaking step, SeaDream relies on the leading cryptocurrency payment platform, Coinbase Commerce, guaranteeing secure, efficient, and fail-safe payment processing.
"SeaDream has always been an innovator, setting new standards in luxury travel. By accepting cryptocurrency, we are embracing a payment solution that is increasingly sought after by our guests," spoke Andreas Brynestad, Executive Vice-President of SeaDream. In a further commitment to embracing this digital revolution, SeaDream has incorporated a cryptocurrency payment option on its website, SeaDream.com.
Brynestad added, "Staying ahead of emerging trends has been our cornerstone. For us, cryptocurrency is the next big step forward."
Never one to shy from innovative ideas, Richard Branson's Virgin Voyages — launched with the goal of redefining cruising norms in 2021 — also accepts cryptocurrency. A spokesperson echoed this sentiment: "This innovative move aligns with Virgin Voyages' forward-thinking approach and its appeal to a modern, tech-savvy demographic."
The company introduced the BTC payment option in December 2024, debuted alongside the Annual Pass - an industry-first offer allowing guests unlimited access to sailings across the Virgin Voyages fleet for an entire calendar year.