32+ Necessary Virgin Voyages Tips You Need to Know For A Successful Sailing

We are seasoned cruisers, but sailing with Virgin Voyages felt almost like being first-time cruisers again. On our first sailings, back when Virgin’s fares were fully all-inclusive, we learned quickly how important it was to book dining as soon as the window opened and to connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi at the terminal so we could grab Shore Things with Sailor Loot before they sold out. Those little steps made a big difference in our trip.

Since then, Virgin has introduced new fare tiers, separated gratuities from the cruise fare, and shifted planning windows for dining and activities. We’ve updated these tips to reflect those changes while keeping the practical advice from our own experiences onboard.

Know What’s Actually Included on Virgin Voyages

Don’t be discouraged by the initial rates; remember, a lot is still built in. Most importantly, it’s an ADULT-ONLY cruise. When I booked my first sailing, I found Virgin’s pricing a little confusing. The site displays rates based on double occupancy by default, but you can switch the filter to view rates per person.

Your fare includes all dining (yes, every restaurant), basic Wi-Fi, and fountain drinks, such as soda, water, tea, and drip coffee. As of October 7, 2025, gratuities are no longer included — they’re $20 per person per night if you prepay or $22 if you pay onboard. If you booked before that date, your fare is considered legacy (grandfathered in) and still includes gratuities.

What’s not included: alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee, spa services, Shore Things, and certain premium upgrades.

Understand Virgin’s New Tiered Pricing

As of October 7, 2025, Virgin now offers three fare options called VoyageFair Choices:

• Base: Comes with basic Wi-Fi for one device. Dining reservations open 15 days before sailing. You can only select the cabin type, not the exact location, and Virgin may reassign it up to seven days prior. These fares are non-refundable and cannot be changed.
• Essential: This is the fare that feels most like the old “legacy” Virgin rate. It includes classic Wi-Fi for one device, dining reservations at 45 days, and the ability to choose your cabin. The one change is that the lead guest cannot be swapped, but secondary guests can.
• Premium: Adds more flexibility. You’ll get faster Wi-Fi for two devices, dining reservations at 60 days, the option to make name and date changes, a $15 per person per night Bar Tab credit, and priority phone support when you need Virgin.
• RockStar & Mega RockStar: Suite perks remain the same, with dining opening 120 days before sailing.

If you booked before October 7, you’re considered a legacy fare. Your original inclusions remain, and your dining window is now extended to 60 days (120 for RockStars).

Gratuities Are Now a Line Item

For years, one of the things that set Virgin Voyages apart was that gratuities were already part of the cruise fare. Starting October 7, 2025, that changed. Virgin says this shift is about giving Sailors more transparency, so now gratuities appear as their own line item when booking: $20 per person, per night if pre-paid, or $22 if paid on board.

If your cruise was booked before October 7, it’s considered a legacy fare, and gratuities are still included in the price. For new bookings, I recommend having your First Mate add them when they quote your trip. It keeps the cost upfront and locks in the lower prepaid rate.

You still don’t need to worry about extra tipping once you’re on board, unless you genuinely want to.

Sofabeds in Standard Cabins

One aspect of Virgin Voyages that differs—and has sparked controversy—is the use of sofabeds instead of traditional beds in standard cabins. The only regular beds with full mattresses are found in the Rockstar Suites. Although I initially hesitated, fearing that the sofabeds would be the least comfortable option at sea, the sofabed in our XL Sea Terrace cabin was surprisingly one of the most comfortable beds we’ve slept in.

However, sharing the cabin with two or more people can make the situation with the sofabed awkward. The bed is configured into an L-shape, which means you’ll have to sleep head-to-head, head-to-feet, or feet-to-feet with your cabin mate. A third cabin mate would fit in a bunk. It might surprise you, too, so it’s something to consider when planning who you’re cruising with.

Watch Our XL Sea Terrace Cabin Tour

Book with a First Mate For Extra Perks

First Mates are certified travel/cruise agents with Virgin Voyages. You can book a cruise online, but booking with a First Mate has additional benefits, including perks such as Sailor Loot or exclusive cabin choices. Their rates will never exceed what you see on Virgin. They also act as a liaison between the cruise line and you, so if you need to make changes, they will contact Virgin on your behalf.

Download the Virgin Voyages App (Yes, there’s a new one)

You’ll need the Virgin Voyages app for just about everything: check-in, dining, and Shore Thing reservations, fitness classes, cabin controls, and cruise notifications. It’s the one tool you don’t want to board without.

Virgin recently launched a new version of the app (iOS first, with Android to follow). It’s supposed to be more reliable, but since it’s still rolling out, a few features may feel different or not fully polished. Don’t wait until embarkation day — download it early, log in, and get comfortable using it.

The app always works best once you’re connected to ship Wi-Fi, so give it a little patience if it’s fussy before you sail.

Cabin Assignments Depend on Your Fare

How Virgin assigns your cabin now comes down to the fare you book.

• Base: You choose the cabin type (e.g., Sea Terrace, Insider), but Virgin assigns the exact room. They can also move it up to seven days before sailing, and you can’t make changes.
• Essential and Premium: You can select your exact cabin at booking and switch to a different one later, if available.

On our first Virgin booking, we were assigned an XL Sea Terrace without a hammock. Since we really wanted the hammock, we called and switched to a different cabin. If you’re not in Base, you can still do this today. And if you booked with a First Mate, they can assist you with the change.

Status Match for Blue Extras

Virgin still operates a status match program through its Sailing Club, but it a evolved slightly. If you have loyalty status with another cruise line or an eligible Virgin brand, you can apply through October 31, 2025, and be matched into Blue Extras for your first Virgin cruise.

A few years ago, we matched our MSC status with Deep Blue Extras. That’s not how it works anymore. Deep Blue is something you earn after sailing a certain number of times with Virgin, whereas status matching today only gets you Blue Extras.

It’s still worth checking Virgin’s list of eligible programs before you book. Even a small perk like priority boarding or an extra barista coffee each day can elevate your cruise.

Elevate Your Cruise Experience with the Splash of Romance Package

For a smoother start to your cruise, think about adding the Splash of Romance (SOR) package to your booking. With this package, you’ll board the ship right after RockStars and Deep Blue Extras, usually around 1:30 PM, giving you extra time to enjoy the ship. This is a big plus if your assigned check-in time is later, like 3:45 PM.

But the Splash of Romance package includes more than early boarding. You get two 3-hour thermal spa passes, a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne delivered with the app’s Shake for Champagne feature, daily cold-pressed juices from Gym & Tonic, an exclusive cocktail hour with live music, and “sultry bites” delivered to your cabin during the sailing.

The Splash of Romance package is now $250 per cabin (for up to two Sailors) and is limited to about 90 cabins per sailing. Be sure to add it to your reservation early, because it does sell out.

Curious About RockStar But Think It’s Too Pricey? Try Bidding on an Upgrade

Cruising as a RockStar or Mega RockStar has its perks, but let’s be honest, it can be pretty pricey. If you’re feeling lucky, you can try to score an upgrade by submitting a bid through Virgin’s Level Upgrade program. Offers are accepted up until 48 hours before your sailing, and while there’s no guarantee you’ll win, it’s a chance to enjoy those RockStar benefits without paying full price.

It’s a great way to possibly elevate your experience without breaking the bank.

Check In and Pick a Boarding Time as Soon as It Opens

The Virgin Voyages app now opens check-in 45 days before your sailing (or 60 days if you’re a RockStar). That’s when you’ll want to log in and grab the earliest boarding time available.

Unlike other cruise lines, Virgin doesn’t make you wait until the last minute; you’ll know your boarding time well in advance, which makes planning easier. Snagging an early slot means you can get on board, settle in, and start your vacation without sitting around the terminal.

Book Your Restaurant Reservations 45 Days Before Embarkation Day

Your dining reservation window now depends on the fare you booked: 15 days before sailing for Base, 45 days for Essential, 60 days for Premium, and 120 days if you’re a RockStar. The system opens at midnight EST, so I recommend setting a reminder to log in right at 12:01 AM EST when your window opens.

If you don’t see the times you want, don’t stress. Once on board, you can adjust reservations on the first day of the cruise. After that, walk-in options may be harder to grab, and you might end up with later or less convenient dining times. It’s worth the effort to book early, since Virgin’s sit-down restaurants are part of the experience.

You can only reserve each restaurant once during a sailing of 6 nights or less, and plan to spend about two hours for dinner.

VV Does Brunch

Don’t skip brunch on Virgin Voyages. Both The Wake and Razzle Dazzle serve it during your cruise, and it’s always a hit. Brunch slots aren’t as plentiful as dinner, so make a reservation as soon as you get on board to lock one in.

I recommend booking on a sea day when you can linger and enjoy it without rushing — or saving it for disembarkation day as a final send-off before heading home.

Follow the Happenings Cast on Instagram

Virgin used to have a separate Happenings Cast Instagram for each Lady Ship, but now they’ve moved everything into one official account: @vvhappeningscast.

It’s still worth following before your cruise. The Happenings Cast shares updates, behind-the-scenes fun, and highlights of what’s happening on board. It’s a great way to get insider tips and see what kind of energy you can expect once you’re sailing.

What to Pack for Virgin Voyages

While our general cruise packing list is always a good starting point, there are a few Virgin-specific items you’ll definitely want to bring along:

• Refillable Water Bottle: Virgin Voyages does not provide disposable water bottles on board. They highly recommend bringing a refillable water bottle, as plenty of water stations are around the ship, and you can always ask for water at the bars.
• USB-C Wall Plug-in: The cabins are well-equipped with electrical and USB-A ports but lack USB-C ports. A charging port will be necessary if your devices require this type of connection.
• Hanging Toiletry Bag: Another item we highly recommend, especially if you’re staying in a Sea Terrace, is a hanging toiletry bag. The bathrooms can be a bit cramped, with limited storage and shelving, so having a hanging toiletry bag will keep your essentials organized and easily accessible.
• Pajamas for the Pajama Party: Pack a pair of pajamas or comfy loungewear that you love for the Pajama Party on the first night.
• 80’s VHS Fitness Class Outfit: For a blast from the past, pack an 80’s themed workout outfit for the 80’s VHS fitness class. It’s a fun way to sweat it out with some nostalgic flair.
• A Red Outfit for Scarlet Night: Scarlet Night is a signature event on Virgin Voyages, so bring a red outfit or at least a flash of red to join in the fun.
• Gold Outfit for “We Fancy” Night: Not all itineraries include a “We Fancy” night, but if yours does, a gold outfit or a fun gold accessory will have you fitting right in.

No Need to Print Luggage Tags

One cool thing about Virgin Voyages is that you don’t have to fuss with printing out luggage tags before you sail. Simply arrive at the cruise port, pull up your cabin number on the Virgin Voyages app, and hand it over to a porter. They’ll sort out your luggage tags right there. It’s easy and one less thing to worry about before departing.

Just a heads-up: The porters aren’t Virgin employees, so they will probably expect a tip for their help. A small tip can go a long way toward ensuring your luggage is well cared for.

Boarding Process: What to Expect

Boarding with Virgin Voyages starts with RockStars around 1 PM. They’re first on the ship, followed by guests with Deep Blue Extras, then those with a Splash of Romance (SOR) package. General boarding usually begins closer to 1:30–2 PM, and Virgin tends to stick to those scheduled times.

If your check-in time is later, like 3 PM, and you show up at noon, expect to either be asked to return closer to your time or wait in line until boarding opens for your group. The best move is to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled check-in time.

For RockStars, DBE, and SOR, the check-in times listed in the app aren’t always accurate. You can — and should — arrive earlier (around 1 PM) since you’ll be among the first to board.

Once you’re let in, you’ll go through security, check in with a representative, and receive your band for onboard charges. Boarding is then called by groups, starting with RockStars.

Goodbye Cruise Cards, Hello Bands

Virgin Voyages has ditched traditional cruise cards and switched to convenient wristbands. These bands act as your cabin key and your onboard charge account, so you’ll always have what you need right on your wrist. We loved the convenience of not having to dig around for a keycard.

You’ll receive your band when you check in at the terminal. They’re waterproof, so you can wear them in the pool or ocean without worry. At the end of your cruise, you can recycle the bands or keep them as a souvenir.

Book Shore Things in Advance

Got your heart set on a Shore Thing? The popular ones go quickly. On Virgin Voyages, Sailors can start booking 120 days before you sail. If you’re in a RockStar suite, you get a head start at 135 days out.

If you plan to use Sailor Loot, you’ll need to wait until you’re connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi. On one of our sailings, we connected as soon as we entered the terminal to book “Swimming with Sharks in Bimini.” The morning slot was already gone, but we snagged the afternoon tour.

If the app gives you trouble, don’t panic — head straight to the Shore Things desk once you’re on board and they’ll help.

Book Popular Activities and Entertainment Upon Boarding

As soon as you step on board, make it a priority to book the activities and entertainment you don’t want to miss. Think main shows, drag bingo, mixology classes, and other specialty events. Some are included, while others incur an additional fee; however, space is limited in either case.

This is one of the primary reasons to board as early as possible. Virgin’s venues are more intimate, and reservations fill up fast. Booking right away ensures you won’t miss out on the experiences you’re most excited about during your cruise.

No Drink Packages, But There Are Bar Tabs

Virgin Voyages still doesn’t sell drink packages. Alcoholic drinks are purchased à la carte, and prices are reasonable compared to other cruise lines.

Instead, Virgin offers a Bar Tab, which you can set up before you sail. If you load $300, Virgin adds a bonus $50 (sometimes more during promos). The Bar Tab is non-refundable, so you’ll want to spend it all before the end of your cruise. If you don’t add a Bar Tab, any drinks you buy are charged to your onboard account.

Here’s what’s new: if you book a Premium fare, it now includes a $15 per person, per night Bar Tab credit. That’s applied automatically, so you’ll start each day with a little extra to spend on cocktails, wine, specialty coffee, or even smoothies.

Come as You Are Dress Code on Virgin

Virgin Voyages takes the whole “Freestyle Cruising” thing to a new level. There aren’t any strict dress codes, but they kindly ask that you refrain from wearing swimsuits to dinner. They’ve got some fun theme nights, like Scarlet Lady, but joining in is totally up to you. You can dress how you like and focus on having a good time. It’s all about being yourself and enjoying the ride, so packing should be a breeze.

While the ship had a relaxed vibe, I thought everyone was pretty well-dressed at night for dinner.

Fitness Classes Are Included

Unlike most cruise lines that charge extra for fitness classes, Virgin Voyages includes them in your cruise fare. If staying active is part of your cruise goals, you’re in the right place. You can join as many classes as you like without worrying about additional fees. Just remember to book them as soon as you board because they can fill up quickly. Walk-ins might be an option since sometimes people don’t show up at the last minute, but it’s not guaranteed.

Important Note: If you book a class and fail to show up without canceling, Virgin Voyages will charge a $10 no-show fee to your account, which will be donated to charity.

Also, it’s worth noting that you won’t find typical frozen drinks like mudslides on the ship. Virgin Voyages offers a variety of crafted cocktails, which are a step up from the usual cruise drink fare. This is perfect for those looking to try something a bit more sophisticated and unique.

You May Want to Upgrade to Premium Wi-Fi

Your Wi-Fi now depends on the fare you book: Base comes with Basic, Essential includes Classic, and Premium includes faster Wi-Fi for two devices. Both Basic and Classic are suitable for messaging, browsing, and social media, but if you require more, consider upgrading.

Premium Wi-Fi supports streaming, video calls, and faster browsing. It’s $30 per day if you buy a Voyage Pass before sailing or $40 per day onboard. Extra devices are $15 each.

For heavier needs, Virgin added a Work From Sea plan. This one supports VPN access, video conferencing, and online gaming. It costs $50 per day with a Voyage Pass or $60 onboard, with additional devices ranging from $25 to $50 each, depending on the cruise.

Be Food Adventurous

The food on Virgin Voyages is some of the best we’ve had at sea—perfect for foodies and anyone who loves good eats. Their food is generally creatively fun, high-quality, and gourmet. They’ve covered the basics with pizza, hot dogs, and sandwiches for those who prefer to stick to what they know. But if you stick only to those, you’re missing out.

On our cruise, we saw too many people looking skeptically at other folks’ plates or sitting in The Wake for brunch, wishing for something as basic as a Grand Slam Breakfast (they can go to Diner-and-Dash at the Galley for that). Remember, you’re not at Denny’s. Virgin Voyages offers unique, delicious options that are well worth trying. So try something different—you might fall in love with it!

Avoid Lines at The Galley, Raise the Flag

The Galley isn’t a typical cruise buffet — it’s a food court with servers. Just sit down and raise the little flag at your table when you’re ready to order. A server will come to take care of you, so there’s no need to line up unless you’re grabbing something quick like pastries, a dessert, or a bento box.

Every time we used the flag system, service was quick and easy — no unnecessary waiting in line.

Navigating the Lady Ships

ll of Virgin’s Lady Ships share a similar overall design, but I’ll be honest — they aren’t always the easiest to figure out on the first day. It helps to review the deck plans in the app before you sail so you don’t spend your first afternoon wandering in circles.

A few spots to keep in mind across the fleet:

• Sailor Services: Deck 5 mid-ship for help with anything.
• Shore Things & My Next Virgin Voyage: Deck 7 for excursions and future cruise planning.
• Main connector to lower decks: Deck 7 is usually the best route down to decks 6, 5, and 4.
• Social hubs: Deck 7 has many of the casual hangouts — pizza, ice cream, coffee, and bars.
• The Galley: Up on Deck 15 aft.
• The Manor entrance: Hidden in plain sight through the casino on Deck 6.

Once you get your bearings, you’ll notice the layout feels familiar across the Lady Ships, but it can still take a day or two before it really clicks.

Make it a Movie Night in Your Cabin

Who doesn’t love a good movie night? On Virgin Voyages, movies are free and included with your cruise fare, and there’s a vast selection to choose from—everything from classic films to the latest blockbusters. For the whole movie experience, swing by the Social Club to grab some freshly popped popcorn, or hit The Pizza Palace for a slice or two (or maybe even both). Then head back to your cabin for a cozy night in.

Join in on Theme Nights and Events—You Might Be Surprised

If you’re on the fence about joining in on Virgin Voyages’ theme nights and events, give it a shot—you might be pleasantly surprised! As someone who usually keeps to myself, I decided to dive into the fun during Scarlet Night by dressing up in red and heading to the pool party. It turned out to be a blast! Participating can enhance your cruise experience, providing memorable moments and possibly even helping you make new friends.

Don’t Debark Without Purchasing My Next Virgin Voyage

Virgin’s My Next Virgin Voyage (MNVV) program is worth looking into before you leave the ship. It’s basically a placeholder for your next cruise, and it comes with extra perks you won’t find once you’re back home.

When we bought it on board a couple of years ago, we put down $300 and locked in a deal that gave us $600 in Sailor Loot for our next cruise if we booked within two months. That was a fantastic offer, but Virgin has since adjusted the program.

Here’s how it works now: a $150 deposit secures your MNVV placeholder, and depending on the length of your next cruise, you’ll get both a discount and onboard credit (the credit is often referred to as Sailor Loot):

• 4–5 nights: $150 discount + $150 Sailor Loot
• 6–8 nights: $200 discount + $200 Sailor Loot
• 9+ nights: $250 discount + $250 Sailor Loot

The placeholder is valid for two years, and the $150 deposit is refundable within seven days if you change your mind.

You can purchase MNVV at the My Next Virgin Voyage desk on Deck 7 or directly through the app. We went to the desk because we had questions, and the crew even handed us a PDF of upcoming itineraries to help us make a decision. But if you already know what you want, buying it in the app is just as easy.

You Can Debark the Ship as Late as 10:30 AM

No early morning rush to leave the ship here. Virgin Voyages lets you debark as late as 10:30 AM. That means you can enjoy a leisurely brunch before you say goodbye to the ship—just remember to book it early in the week to get a spot.

Debarkation on Virgin isn’t much different from other cruise lines, apart from the more relaxed check-out time. You can carry your own luggage off early with the self-assist group or pick a debarkation time slot under ‘Shore Things’ in the app a couple of days before the end of the cruise. If you’re not carrying it off yourself, make sure your luggage is outside your cabin by 10:30 PM the night before.

We opted for a later debarkation and kept our luggage with us, which allowed us to sleep in a bit on our last day.

Virgin’s Website is a Wealth of Knowledge

I’ve found that Virgin Voyages’ website is way ahead of the curve compared to other cruise lines. It’s packed with answers to almost all your FAQs, plus loads of tips and insights about cruising with them. They even have some cool videos that give you cabin hacks and other handy cruising tips. It’s definitely worth taking a moment to explore their site. Also, don’t forget to follow them on social media for the latest updates and additional insights.

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

• VV Scarlet Lady: Cruise Review
• How to Book Shore Excursions on Your Own