Virgin Voyages Redefines Its All-Inclusive Pricing With New Fare Tiers
Virgin Voyages is making a change to the way it sells cruises. Starting October 7, the line will roll out a new pricing model called VoyageFair Choices, moving away from its single all-inclusive fare and introducing three new options: Base, Essential, and Premium. Virgin says the new structure is about transparency and giving Sailors more choice.
The shift brings Virgin closer to what travelers are used to with airlines and hotels, where flexibility and perks depend on the fare you choose. For Sailors in Sea Terrace cabins and below, this means deciding between a no-frills Base fare, a middle-ground Essential fare, or the perk-filled Premium option. Gratuities, which were previously bundled, will now be a separate line item.
Here is how the new fares break down:
- Base Fare: The most budget-friendly option. It includes new Basic Wi-Fi for one device, suitable for messaging and light browsing, as well as dining reservations 15 days before sailing. The trade-off is that it is non-refundable and does not allow name, date, or cabin changes.
- Essential Fare: Closest to what Virgin’s fares have looked like until now. It comes with Classic Wi-Fi for one device, which supports faster browsing and audio calls, a 45-day dining reservation window, and flexibility to move dates with a Future Voyage Credit. Name changes are allowed for the second through fourth Sailor on the booking.
- Premium Fare: The top level includes Premium Wi-Fi for two devices, featuring streaming capabilities, along with a $15 per person per day Bar Tab credit, priority pre-voyage support, and dining reservations 60 days prior, previously reserved exclusively for suite guests.
For RockStar and Mega RockStar Quarters, the changes are more subtle but still meaningful. These Sailors will now get access to dining reservations 120 days in advance, while their existing suite perks remain the same.
The gratuity change may be the most noticeable for many repeat Sailors. Instead of being included in the upfront price, service charges will now appear as a separate line item. They are set at $20 per person per night if prepaid or $22 per person per night if paid onboard. Virgin emphasizes that crew pay and onboard tipping policies are unchanged. This shift aims to make pricing clearer and easier to compare with other cruise lines.
Virgin Voyages CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu said the new model is about transparency and choice, not fine print. “Travelers expect clarity and choice from airlines and hotels, and Virgin Voyages is the first to bring that same simplicity and pricing model to cruising,” he explained.
Still, some loyal fans have voiced concerns online. Part of Virgin’s appeal was the simplicity of a one-price model where tips and perks were built in. The new approach makes the experience feel more like what other cruise lines already do.
For now, anyone who books before October 7 will retain their “Legacy” fare, with dining reservations extended to 60 days in advance, or 120 days for suites. After that date, all new bookings will be under VoyageFair Choices.
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Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.