Insider Tips For Your Virgin Voyage Cruise
Virgin Voyages is the ‘Kid Free’ Cruise line and is quite different to traditional cruises.
You won’t find a buffet on VV, instead 21 Different places to eat from casual pizza and tacos to fine dining at Michelin Inspired restaurants. The best thing, it’s all included!
Here are my Top Tips & Tricks for 2025 to navigate Virgin Voyages. Whether you’ve already booked and getting ready to board, or considering a Virgin Voyages cruise, this guide should help you.
PREPARING TO BOARD
Join a Facebook Group
A great way to connect with other Sailors on your cruise, is to join the Facebook Group for your dedicated sailing. There is usually one already created. Ask questions and learn from other experienced Virgin Voyage Sailors and get tips about your itinerary.
Simply search by your Lady ships name and the sailing date to find the group.
Download the Virgin Voyages app
As you your booking is confirmed, download the Virgin Voyages app and log into your account to access your booking.
It’s important you select a boarding time ASAP. You can do this by clicking on ‘Check in & Get Ready to Sail’.
Boarding generally starts at 1.45pm for regular sailors. Boarding Times are allocated first come, first served.
You can also view Shore Excursions, Restaurant Options and Ship Information including spa, itinerary guides and more.
Pre Buy Bar Tab
Virgin Voyages is pretty much all inclusive, however, it does not include alcohol or speciality coffees such as a flat white or a smoothie. You can pre buy your bar tab and Virgin Voyages will add a bonus.
$200 Bar Tab: Bonus $25 = $225 in drinks
$300 Bar Tab: Bonus $50 = $350 in drinks
$500 Bar Tab: Bonus $100 = $600 in drinks
$750 Bar Tab: Bonus $175 = $925 in drinks
$1000 Bar Tab: Bonus $250= $1250 in drinks
The Splash of Romance Package
This one sells out fast, the perks are popular and great value for money. The Virgin Voyages Splash of Romance package Includes:
Early boarding, allowing Sailors to board at 1:30 PM (After Rockstars, priority over regular sailors).
It features a 3 -hour thermal spa pass valued at $138, offering a luxurious experience.
A bottle of Moët Champagne, worth $105
Additionally, the package includes daily curated cold-pressed juices valued at $154.
An invitation to an exclusive cocktail event
A selection of sultry bites are also part of this enticing offer
This package is currently available to add on at £200.
Pack Something Red
Every Virgin Voyage Cruise has a ‘Scarlet Night’. The ships turns red, there are lots of pop up events throughout the ship and ends with a pool party around 9pm. Sailors are encouraged to wear red, the ships signature colour.
Shore Things (Excursions)
Enhance your day at port by joining a tour or experience, Virgin calls these Shore Things. You can find all the bookable Shore Things on the app 120 Days before you are due to set sail.
I highly recommend booking these in advance as they do sell out fast. The price also increases when booking on board, so book in advance if you can.
My advice is always to book the cruise line organised tours when in port. If there are any delays on your cruise organised trip, the ship will wait for your return. However, if you book a privately booked tour and things go wrong, the ship will not necessary wait for you.
Carry on Wine
You can save yourself some money and take on board with you up to two bottles of wine or Champagne.
Make sure you put these in your personal luggage and not checked luggage, doing so can cause delays to your luggage.
If you choose to bring your bottle to a restaurant, there is a $25 corkage fee. Top Tip: Ask your cabin host for a wine glass, you can take your glass to the restaurant to avoid the corkage fee.
Cabin Electrical SocketS
There are multiple US and EU electrical sockets and USB sockets in the cabin.
EU Outlet (220V): These are ideal for UK/European/Australian appliance and you can use an adapter if required.
North American Outlet (110V): Ideal for charging devices or using US appliances.
USB-A Ports: 6 USB ports throughout the cabin and located next to the bed.
On Board Tips & Tricks
Sail Away Party & Free Champagne
Don’t miss the Sail Away party on your first day! This usually starts around 5.30pm by the pool to celevrate the voyage ahead.
The DJ will be playing tunes to get the party started and The Happenings Cast will be there to introduce themselves with free flowing Champagne .
My advice is to book your dinner reservations for 6.30pm / 7pm on your first night to allow yourself to enjoy the Sail Away Party as well as the evening activities.
Book Fitness Classes When you Board
These classes are free and you and part of your cruise fare. However, reservations are necessary for classes like HIIT, barre, yoga, spin, and bungee, with limited availability. Connect to the ship Wi-Fi when you step on the ship to book.
The bungee and yoga sessions tend to fill up quickly, so it’s advisable to secure your spot soon.
You can also show up just before the class begins, as there may be an opportunity to join if there are any no-shows.
Breakfast & Brunch
Virgin Voyages serves up a range of breakfast including casual options at The Galley (Open 24/7) .
Make sure you don’t miss brunch until 1pm at The Wake and Razzle Dazzle.
The Wake and Razzle Dazzle Bruch options can be booked on board.
You can also preorder room service the night before, this is known as ‘Ship Eats’ and available via the Virgin Voyages App.
Try Ship Eats (Room Service)
Ship Eats is what Virgin calls Room Service, it’s available to order via the app when on board. It’s a great way to enjoy breakfast, lunch or even dinner in the comfort of your cabin, or even on the terrace.
This is included in your fare and you can order as much as you like, however, there is a $10 delivery charge.
Top Tip: If your order includes paid items up to $10 or more, the delivery fee will be waived.
Grog Walk
This is a pub-crawl-like experience and can only be booked through the app once you are on board.
You’ll also play games along the way. A great way to start your trip and meet fellow sailors too!
This experience sells out fast and you must book via the app as soon as you board. Priced at $50pp and includes 4 drinks.
Make Friends with The Happenings Cast
The Happenings Cast replaces the traditional ‘Cruise Director’ on other lines. They are a group of 12 who host entertainment throughout the voyage. Each cast member has their area of expertise including ‘The Foodie’, ‘The Gamer’, ‘The Diva’, ‘The Hostess’ and more.
It’s worth making friends with them, they may well invite you to the secret parties!
Shake for Champagne
A unique and convenient experience to Virgin Voyages! Shake your phone for Moet Champagne.
Settle yourself somewhere on the ship, open the Virgin Voyages App and Shake!
The VV Crew will locate you and bring a bottle of Moet Champagne and up to 4 Glasses.
If you purchase the Splash of Romance package, this ‘Shake’ is included.
The Shake for Champagne costs $105.
Tip: My favourite location to use this feature is in the Hot Tub located on Deck 16, particularly during sunset or leaving a port.
Bimini Beach Club
If your Voyage stops at Bimini Beach Club, you are on for a treat! You can relax on the beach overlooking crystal blue waters, lounge by the pool or enjoy the pool party in the afternoon.
The Beach Club is owned by Virgin Voyages and has exclusive use of the beach and resort. Your Virgin Voyages Bar Tab and inclusions extend to the beach club. So you can enjoy free wifi, essential drinks, food and more! You can also use your VV Bar tab at the beach club.
Transportation: When you disembark the ship, there is a regular Tram that will take you along to the Beach Club. The Tram also stops at the local village.
Food: is usually serviced from 11.30am - 3pm.
Rockstars: Can expect private transfers from the ship on demand as well as access to the Rockstar area on the beach and VIP Cabanas.
Hire a Golf Buggy: Bimini is a small island and you can hire a Golf Buggy to explore the many beaches, small cafes, bars and restaurants on the island, outside of the beach club.
You can rent a buggy at the local village, you just need to bring your drivers license. For UK and Australian Sailors, the great thing is Bimini also drive on the left - making it very easy to adjust!
Ask for a steamer
There are no irons on board - they are a fire risk! However, if you need to iron your clothes, you can ask your Cabin Host for a Steamer. They will bring this to your cabin and usually collect the steamer the next day during your cabin clean.
There are also laundry amenities on board if you choose to have your clothing washed and steamed by the Laundry Team.
