What to Know Before Sailing with Virgin Voyages

Are you planning for a cruise with Virgin Voyages? Before you hit the high seas, it’s time to know what you’re getting yourself into with this newer cruiseline. Check out these essential tips to make the most of your time with Virgin Voyages!

Tips for Booking and Pre-boarding

1. Adults only adventure: Ready for an exclusive escape? Virgin Voyages is strictly for adults! We loved this about Virgin, but if you are looking for a family vacation for kids under 18 years old, we’d go with NCL or Royal Caribbean.
2. Try to book with an onboard credit special: Keep an eye out for special offers that come with onboard credit. Since there aren’t any drink packages or premium dining options, this credit can be used towards your bar tab, extras at dinner, and more.
3. Pick a sailing that stops at Bimini: If you’re looking for a relaxing, private beach club experience, choose a sailing that stops at Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini! This stunning destination offers pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife that replicates the vibe of upscale Miami beach clubs. Plus, just like on the ship, there’s several bars and a few areas that serve food. Anything you eat at Bimini is free, but you can charge drinks to your room (which means using that onboard credit)!

Tips for your Onboard Experience

1. No premium dining: Unlike most cruiselines, Virgin doesn’t have any premium dining restaurants; everything is included! That being said, they do have “add ons” available at all their restaurants. For example, adding wagyu to your lineup at Gunbae for a flat fee, or paying a little extra for seafood at The Wake.
2. No drink packages: No need to worry about pricey drink packages – basic drinks like drip coffee, sodas, and tea are included. And while there isn’t anything all-inclusive when it comes to specialty coffee or alcohol, the drinks are fairly priced on board (think prices at any downtown or city bar).
3. Wifi is already included: Good news for digital explorers! Stay connected and share your unforgettable moments with complimentary Wi-Fi onboard. You can buy a “faster” internet speed that is more optimal for downloading or streaming, but we personally did not notice a major difference. The basic, included Wi-Fi is great for social media, texting, or light browsing. We wouldn’t recommend trying to WFCS (work from cruise ship) no matter what cruiseline you’re on, since even the most expensive internet is unreliable in the middle of the ocean.
4. Book entertainment, group fitness classes, and dinner/brunch reservations ahead of time: When you board, either use the convenient app or visit the customer service deck to secure your reservations early. Trust us, spots fill up fast! So to make the most of your voyage, we highly recommend prioritizing reservations. For an unforgettable evening, don’t miss out on dining at Extra Virgin and The Wake. And be sure to catch the mesmerizing “Duality” performance and the fabulous drag show. These experiences are not to be missed!
5. Save money on a future voyage by booking on board: Save some bucks by booking your future voyage onboard. Take advantage of exclusive discounts and incentives offered during your cruise to plan ahead and save some money.
6. Tips are already included: No need to stress about tipping on Virgin Voyages, as gratuities are already included in your fare. Even so, we recommend still tipping your favorite crewmembers or if you’re really happy with an experience or meal – the crew is always really grateful!

With these insider tips, you’re all set to embark on an unforgettable trip with Virgin Voyages. We can confidently say that sailing with Virgin was one of our favorite cruises we’ve been on so far (check out our full review on sailing on the Scarlet Lady). Sit back, relax, and let Virgin Voyages take care of every detail so you can enjoy a stress-free vacation.

Are you a beginner to cruising? Read our guide on for first time cruisers here!