Your Virgin Voyages boarding time determines when you’re allowed to arrive at the terminal on embarkation day — and picking the right slot can make the difference between a relaxed start and a frustrating wait. Virgin Voyages calls these “Terminal Arrival Times,” and you select yours during online check-in through the app. Here’s everything you need to know to choose wisely and start your voyage stress-free.
Unlike traditional cruise lines that give you a vague “anytime” window, Virgin Voyages assigns specific boarding time slots to manage the flow of sailors through the terminal. Each slot covers a 15-to-30-minute window, and the available times typically range from around 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM depending on the port and sailing.
You don’t get to pick your Virgin Voyages boarding time until you’ve completed online check-in in the Virgin Voyages Sailor App. Once all check-in steps are finished, the app unlocks the Terminal Arrival Time selector where you choose your preferred slot from what’s still available.
The process is straightforward, but every step must be completed in order before the boarding time option appears.
The app is available on iOS and Android. You cannot select your boarding time through the website — it must be done in the app. Download it early so you’re ready when check-in opens.
Before the boarding time selector becomes available, you must complete all required check-in steps:
Virgin Voyages recommends completing check-in at least two weeks before your sailing. The earlier you finish, the better your selection of boarding time slots. If you’re booking strategically, treat check-in day with the same urgency — early birds get the best time slots.
Once check-in is complete, the app prompts you to select your Terminal Arrival Time. You’ll see a list of available slots. Pick the one that works best for your plans, keeping in mind that this is the time you’re allowed to arrive at the port — not the time the ship departs.
Your boarding pass becomes available in the app 24 hours before sailing, after you complete the health questionnaire. It shows your assigned Virgin Voyages boarding time and a QR code you’ll scan at the terminal. Screenshot it in case of connectivity issues at the port.
The “best” time depends on what you want out of embarkation day. Here’s how each window plays out:
Best for maximizing your first day onboard. You’ll get first access to restaurant reservations at the terminals, can explore the ship before it gets crowded, claim lounge chairs, and enjoy a full afternoon before dinner. The trade-off is that cabins may not be ready immediately — luggage delivery can take a few hours after boarding begins.
The most popular window, which means the terminal is busiest during this stretch. You’ll still have plenty of time to settle in before the ship departs (usually around 5:00 or 6:00 PM). Your cabin will likely be ready by the time you board, and luggage delivery is faster.
Best if you’re flying in the morning of embarkation or want a leisurely start. The terminal is usually quieter by this point. The downside is less time to explore before dinner and the Bar Tab starts ticking whether you’re onboard or not. Popular onboard activities may already be fully booked.
1. Complete check-in the moment it opens. Check-in typically opens around 14 days before sailing. The earliest check-in completions get access to the most boarding time slots. Procrastinate and you’ll be stuck with whatever is left.
2. Don’t show up early for your slot. Virgin Voyages enforces arrival times. If you arrive before your assigned window, you may be asked to wait outside the terminal or in a holding area. This is especially uncomfortable in hot ports like Miami during summer.
3. You can change your boarding time. If a better slot opens up (someone else switches), you can update your Terminal Arrival Time in the app as long as new slots are still available. Check back periodically in the days before your sailing.
4. Both sailors in a cabin should pick the same time. If you’re traveling with someone, coordinate. You both need to complete check-in separately in the app, and you should choose the same boarding time slot to arrive together.
5. Account for travel logistics. If you’re flying in on embarkation day, don’t pick an early slot. Flight delays happen. Build in at least a two-hour buffer between your expected airport arrival and your boarding time. Better yet, arrive the night before — especially for transatlantic sailings where missing the ship means missing the entire voyage.
When you arrive at the port during your assigned Virgin Voyages boarding time window, the process moves quickly. You’ll scan your boarding pass QR code, go through security screening (similar to airport security but faster), and then use the facial recognition system from your check-in selfie to board. The entire process from terminal entrance to stepping onto the ship typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Insider cabin guests and other standard cabin holders go through the regular boarding lanes. RockStar Suite guests get priority boarding with a dedicated lane and RockStar Agent greeting, which means even late boarding times feel fast.
No. You must complete online check-in and select a Terminal Arrival Time before embarkation day. If you show up at the terminal without a boarding pass and assigned time, you’ll be directed to a help desk and may experience significant delays. There is no walk-up boarding option on Virgin Voyages.
Online check-in typically opens around 14 days before your sailing date. Complete it as early as possible to get the best selection of Virgin Voyages boarding time slots. All check-in steps must be finished in the Virgin Voyages Sailor App before the boarding time selector appears.
Yes. You can update your Terminal Arrival Time in the app as long as other slots are still available. Check back periodically in the days before sailing — slots sometimes open up when other sailors change their plans.
Early slots (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM) give you the most time onboard and first access to activities and restaurant reservations. Mid-day is most popular but busiest at the terminal. Late slots work best if you’re flying in same-day or want a relaxed start.
Yes. RockStar Suite guests get a dedicated priority boarding lane and a RockStar Agent greeting at the terminal. This means even a later boarding time slot moves quickly for suite guests.
Selecting your Virgin Voyages boarding time is simple once you know the process: complete check-in in the app as early as possible, pick the time slot that fits your travel plans, download your boarding pass 24 hours before sailing, and arrive at the terminal during your assigned window. Early slots give you more time onboard, mid-day is the most popular, and late works best if you’re flying in same-day. Whichever you choose, the key is finishing check-in early to get the widest selection of times.
