Virgin Voyages Tips, Tricks & Everything You Need to Know Before You Sail
By Tom and Dom Travel | Updated: 16 September 2026
Looking aft from the upper decks as our Virgin Voyages ship glides gracefully toward our docking spot in downtown Amsterdam
If you're considering your first Virgin Voyages cruise, you've probably noticed that it looks very different from traditional cruise lines. There are no formal nights, no main dining room, no buffet, and no children running around the pool deck. Instead, Virgin has created an adults-only experience that feels more like a boutique hotel at sea than a conventional cruise holiday.
Having sailed with Virgin Voyages ourselves, we quickly realised that many of the things that make the experience so special aren't always obvious before you board. Some of the best tips come from experience, and a few can save you both time and money.
So whether you're booked on your first sailing or simply researching whether Virgin Voyages is right for you, here's everything we wish we had known before stepping onboard.
Understand What Is Included
One of Virgin Voyages' biggest strengths is the value built into the cruise fare.
Unlike many cruise lines that charge extra for numerous onboard experiences, Virgin includes a surprising amount in the upfront price.
Typically included are:
All dining venues
Essential drinks such as water, soda, tea and basic coffee
Wi-Fi
Group fitness classes
Entertainment
Gratuities
Port taxes and fees
This makes budgeting much simpler and means you spend less time signing receipts and worrying about hidden charges.
Forget Everything You Know About Cruise Dining
Food is arguably Virgin Voyages' greatest strength.
Rather than operating a traditional buffet and main dining room, Virgin offers a collection of unique restaurants, each with its own atmosphere, cuisine and menu.
You'll find options ranging from premium steak and seafood to Korean barbecue, Mexican-inspired dining, Mediterranean cuisine and vegetarian-focused restaurants.
The quality consistently exceeds what many travellers expect from a mainstream cruise line. Our biggest recommendation is simple: try everything.
Even if a restaurant serves a cuisine you wouldn't normally choose at home, give it a chance. Some of our favourite meals came from venues we initially thought we'd skip.
The Galley, Virgin's food-hall-style dining venue, is also worth exploring beyond breakfast. It's an excellent option for quick lunches, late-night snacks and casual meals throughout the day.
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Book Dining Strategically
When it comes to Virgin Voyages, the app truly is king. It is your key to unlocking everything from room controls to ordering 'Shake for Champagne.' However, the booking system looks a little different following Virgin’s recent pricing updates, so you'll want to mark your calendar carefully.
Your exact dining reservation window now depends on your fare tier. If you’ve booked a standard Lock-It-In or Base fare, your window opens 15 days before sailing. Those on an Essential fare get access at 45 days, Premium fares open at 60 days, and Rockstars get a massive head start at 120 days. Because ships are sailing completely full, prime dining times fill up incredibly fast pre-voyage.
Tom and Dom Insider Tip: If you log on and see your absolute favourite restaurants are fully booked, don't panic! Virgin only releases roughly 60% of the restaurant inventory ahead of time. The remaining slots open up the exact moment you connect to the ship's Wi-Fi at the port terminal. Our advice? Don’t wait until you unpack. The second you connect on embarkation day, open the app and lock in those missing slots, or head straight to the dining help desk usually set up in Razzle Dazzle or The Manor on day one.
Learn How the Bar Tab Works
Unlike most traditional cruise lines, Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer a conventional 'all-you-can-drink' daily package. Instead, they use a pre-paid Bar Tab system, which can actually save you a decent amount of money if you play your cards right.
If you load money onto your Bar Tab before you set sail, Virgin will give you a nice little top-up bonus. For example, buying a $300 Bar Tab gives you a free $50 bonus (or a $100 bonus if you have legacy loyalty status like Sea Rovers). If you step up to a $500 tab, you'll snag a $100 bonus.
Just keep two vital rules in mind: First, your Bar Tab is technically attached to the first sailor listed on the booking. If you are traveling with friends in a separate cabin, you won't automatically share it, though you can easily link your accounts together at Sailor Services once you get on board. Second, any leftover promotional or pre-paid Bar Tab money is strictly use-it-or-lose-it. It won't be refunded to your credit card at the end of the cruise, so make sure to treat yourself to that extra round of cocktails on the final night!
Don't Miss the Signature Events
Virgin's entertainment is very different from traditional cruise productions.
Rather than focusing solely on large theatre shows, much of the entertainment is immersive, interactive and designed to encourage participation.
Some of the most memorable experiences often happen outside traditional venues.
Theme nights, deck parties, pop-up performances and interactive events frequently become the highlights of the voyage.
Our advice is simple: embrace the experience.
Even if something sounds outside your comfort zone, give it a try. Some of our favourite memories onboard came from events we almost skipped.
Tom and Dom grabbing pre-dinner cocktails at On the Rocks with the fabulous Diva of Resilient Lady
Pack Something Red
If there's one packing tip we give every first-time Virgin sailor, it's this: Bring at least one red outfit.
Virgin's famous Scarlet Night celebration has become one of the most iconic events at sea.
The exact format can vary by sailing and weather conditions, but the entire ship transforms into an immersive celebration featuring music, performances and late-night festivities.
You don't need to go overboard, but having something red helps you feel part of the occasion.
Explore Every Corner of the Ship
Virgin's ships are designed differently from many traditional cruise vessels.
Instead of focusing everything around a grand central atrium, the ships feature numerous smaller venues and hidden spaces.
Some of our favourite areas onboard weren't the places highlighted in brochures.
Take time during your first day to wander. You'll discover quieter lounges, outdoor relaxation areas, hidden seating spots and unique venues that many passengers never find.
The ships reward exploration more than almost any other cruise line we've experienced.
Take Advantage of Included Fitness Classes
Even if you're not normally someone who exercises on holiday, Virgin's fitness offering is worth considering.
Many group classes are included in the fare and range from yoga and meditation to HIIT workouts, cycling and strength training.
Classes can fill quickly, so booking early through the app is a good idea.
The fitness facilities themselves are among the most impressive we've seen at sea, particularly for a mainstream cruise line.
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Tom and Dom checking out the clever design and iconic red hammock inside their Sea Terrace cabin on Scarlet Lady
Room Service Has a Few Tricks
Virgin's room service system, known as Ship Eats, is incredibly convenient.
While there is usually a small delivery fee, ordering certain chargeable items can often offset or waive that charge.
Breakfast delivered to your cabin can be particularly enjoyable, especially on sea days when you're not rushing anywhere.
Few things beat coffee and pastries while watching the ocean from your balcony.
Don't Overspend on Shore Excursion
Virgin's shore excursions, known as Shore Things, are generally well organised but can be expensive.
As with most cruise lines, it's often worth comparing prices with independent providers in port.
Many destinations are easy to explore independently, particularly if you're comfortable doing a little research beforehand.
That said, if a unique excursion genuinely appeals to you, don't automatically dismiss it based on price alone. Some experiences simply aren't easy to replicate independently.
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Expect exclusive Tom & Dom Travel events, beautiful ports, and the chance to cruise with fellow channel fans.
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Tom and Dom catching up with a fantastic member of the Happenings Cast onboard Resilient Lady
Is Virgin Voyages Right for You?
Virgin Voyages isn't trying to appeal to everyone, and that's precisely why it works.
If you love formal nights, traditional cruise traditions, fixed dining schedules and classic cruise entertainment, you may prefer a more conventional cruise line.
However, if you're looking for outstanding food, modern design, flexible dining, innovative entertainment and an adults-only atmosphere, Virgin offers something genuinely different.
The line has successfully created a cruise experience that feels contemporary without being pretentious, relaxed without being boring and luxurious without feeling stuffy.
For us, that's exactly what makes it special.
Final Thoughts
The best way to approach Virgin Voyages is to arrive with an open mind.
Don't compare it to other cruise lines. Don't spend your holiday looking for traditions that aren't there.
Instead, embrace what Virgin does differently.
Book the restaurants. Attend the events. Explore the ship. Meet new people. Try new foods.
Most importantly, allow yourself to enjoy a cruise experience that deliberately breaks many of the industry's long-established rules.
You might just discover, as we did, that those differences are exactly what make Virgin Voyages so memorable.
Before you go... check these out next:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I really not need to pack any formalwear?
Nope, you can completely leave the tuxedos and evening gowns at home! Virgin Voyages has entirely thrown out the traditional cruise dress code. The vibe on board is "casual chic"—meaning you'll see people in everything from shorts and t-shirts to stylish streetwear and sundresses. The only real outfit planning you need to do is for the themed nights: bring something bright red for the legendary Scarlet Night and some cozy PJs for the Pajama Party on night one. Otherwise, come exactly as you are.
2. How do dining reservations work if there’s no main buffet or dining room?
Instead of a massive dining hall with set seating times, Virgin features over 20 distinct, boutique eateries (all included in your fare!). Because of this, booking ahead is highly recommended. Your exact reservation window depends on the fare tier you booked:
RockStar & Mega RockStar Suites: 120 days out
Premium Fares: 60 days out
Essential Fares: 45 days out
Base / Lock-It-In Fares: 15 days out
Top Tip: If you booked a Base fare and your favorite restaurant looks completely booked by day 15, don't panic! Virgin holds back a significant percentage of tables for walk-ins and onboard booking. The moment you connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi at the terminal, open your app to grab slots at spots like The Wake or Test Kitchen
3. What is a "Bar Tab," and do I actually need one?
Virgin Voyages doesn't offer a traditional "all-you-can-drink" daily beverage package. Instead, they use a Bar Tab system—a pre-paid credit used exclusively for alcohol, premium coffees, and fresh juices. You can buy these in chunks of $300 before you sail, and Virgin will usually reward you with a free bonus top-up (like an extra $50 or $100 to spend). If you plan on having more than a couple of drinks a day or want to treat new friends to a round of Korean BBQ drinking games at Gunbae, pre-purchasing a Bar Tab is a massive money-saver.
4. Can I bring my own alcohol or water on board?
Yes, but with strict rules! You are allowed to bring up to two 750ml bottles of wine, Champagne, or sparkling wine per cabin, but they must be packed in your carry-on luggage. Note that if you drink your own wine in one of the restaurants, there is a $25 corkage fee. You cannot bring your own beer or hard liquor.
As for non-alcoholic drinks: Virgin is a strictly zero-single-use-plastics cruise line, so plastic or glass bottles are banned. However, you can pack up to twelve 12-oz sealed cans or cartons of water, soda, or energy drinks per person in your hand luggage. Packing a reusable water bottle is also highly recommended, as there are filtered water stations scattered all over the ship.
5. What should I do the absolute minute I step on board?
Your first hour on the ship sets the tone for the rest of the voyage. Once you cross the gangway, find a comfortable spot (like The Dock or The Dock House for some complimentary tapas), connect to the ship's Wi-Fi, and complete these three things immediately:
Book your fitness classes: High-demand slots like bungee class, HIIT, and morning yoga cap out incredibly fast.
Snag entertainment tickets: Shows like Untitled Danceshowpartything or specialized comedy acts require reservations on the app.
Book a tattoo session: If you want a permanent souvenir from Squid Ink (the first tattoo parlor at sea), slots fill up almost entirely on day one.
About the Authors
We’re Tom and Dom, the creators behind Tom and Dom Travel. Through our ship reviews, cabin tours, port guides, and cruise tips, we share honest, experience-led advice from our travels around the world. Everything we publish is designed to help you cruise with confidence.
Thanks for reading, and happy cruising.
