Your first Virgin Voyages sailing is going to feel different from anything else on the water — no kids, no buffet, no formal nights, no nickel-and-diming for restaurants. But “different” also means there’s a learning curve. The policies, the app, the dining system, the fare tiers — it all works a little differently than what you might expect from a traditional cruise line. This guide is your complete collection of Virgin Voyages first time tips, covering everything from booking strategy and embarkation day logistics to dining reservations, onboard spending, and the insider tricks that seasoned Sailors swear by.
Virgin Voyages now uses a tiered fare system — Lock It In, Base, Essential, and Premium — and your tier affects far more than just the price. It determines when you can book dining reservations, what WiFi you get, whether you can change names on the booking, and how flexible your cancellation options are. First-timers often default to the cheapest fare without realizing the tradeoffs. Our full Virgin Voyages fare tiers breakdown covers every detail, but here’s the short version:
| Fare | Dining Window | WiFi | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock It In | 15 days before | Basic (1 device) | None — non-refundable, no changes |
| Base | 15 days before | Basic (1 device) | Non-refundable, no changes |
| Essential | 45 days before | Classic (1 device) | Moderate — FVC available, limited name changes |
| Premium | 60 days before | Premium (2 devices) | Maximum — date/name changes, FVC options |
Pro Tip: If you care about getting top restaurant picks like Test Kitchen or The Wake, the earlier dining window alone can justify upgrading from Base to Essential. A 45-day booking window versus 15 days is the difference between having your pick and scrambling for leftovers.
The standard deposit is 20% of the voyage fare (excluding taxes, fees, and add-ons). Final payment is due 120 days before departure. If you book within 120 days of sailing, full payment is required immediately — no grace period.
For bookings made more than 121 days out, you get a 7-day grace period to cancel for a full refund of your deposit. That window disappears once you’re inside 120 days. If you want to understand when to book for the best pricing and flexibility, timing matters more than most Sailors realize.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your voyage end date. This catches more first-time Sailors than almost anything else — check your expiration date now, not a week before departure.
US citizens on eligible closed-loop voyages (sailing from and returning to the same US port) can use a state-issued birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID instead of a passport. But a passport is still strongly recommended — if an emergency requires you to fly home from a foreign port, you’ll need one.
Complete online check-in as soon as your deposit is paid — Virgin recommends finishing at least 2 weeks before sailing. You’ll also need to complete a health check form that appears on the app homescreen 24 hours before departure.
On embarkation day, you’ll select a Terminal Arrival Time through the app. This matters. Arriving early doesn’t get you on the ship faster — it gets you waiting outside the terminal, sometimes without seating or shade. Stick to your assigned window. Boarding generally begins at 2:15 PM, and all Sailors must be checked in and onboard at least 1 hour before the ship’s departure time.
Our step-by-step guide on how to select your boarding time in the Virgin Voyages app walks you through the entire process.
Pro Tip: If you’re flying in on embarkation day, Virgin advises your flight arrives no later than 2 PM. That’s cutting it dangerously close. Fly in the night before whenever possible. If a delay or cancellation does happen on travel day, call Virgin’s day-of-embarkation line immediately: +1 954-654-7173.
Every meal at 20+ eateries is included in your fare. There’s no main dining room, no buffet, and no upcharges for specialty restaurants. Some “Treat Yourself” menu items and certain dinner show experiences have an extra cost, but the vast majority of dining is completely covered.
You’ll want to make dinner reservations in advance through the app. Your fare tier determines when your booking window opens — Premium Sailors get access at 60 days, Essential at 45 days, and Base/Lock It In at just 15 days. You can hold one dinner reservation per night, and group reservations through the app accommodate up to 12 Sailors.
Not all dining slots are released before the voyage. More reservations open once you’re onboard, and walk-ins plus same-day reservations are always available. Our full restaurant booking strategy guide covers the exact timing and tactics to secure your top choices.
Pro Tip: If the app is glitchy when your dining window opens, try booking through the Virgin Voyages website on a desktop browser instead. Community reports also suggest that ad blockers and Pi-hole configurations can interfere with Virgin’s web flow — use a clean browser or different device if you’re hitting errors.
Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer a traditional drink package. Instead, you choose between pre-purchasing a Bar Tab (a prepaid credit that includes bonus onboard credit up to $250) or simply paying for each drink individually as you go.
Key Bar Tab rules every first-time Sailor should know:
If you’re the type who wants two or three cocktails a day plus specialty coffees, the Bar Tab usually pays for itself with the bonus credit. If you’re a one-drink-at-dinner Sailor, Pay As You Go keeps things simple. Our complete Bar Tab guide breaks down the math for every drinking style.
All onboard purchases go through your onboard account, linked to The Band (Virgin’s wearable). Tap it at bars, the spa, the shop — everything charges to your folio. A $250 USD authorization hold is placed on your card at embarkation, and your final bill is charged on disembarkation day.
You can load Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or cash onto your account. Only one active card can be on file at a time — swap it at Sailor Services if needed. All onboard transactions are in USD, so international Sailors should expect potential foreign transaction fees.
There’s an ATM onboard (US currency only), but no currency exchange service.
Virgin Voyages displays service gratuities as a separate line item at booking. The total voyage cost doesn’t change — it’s just broken out so you can see it. Pre-pay at $20 per Sailor per night, or pay $22 per Sailor per night onboard. No additional tipping is expected anywhere on the ship.
Pro Tip: Pre-paying gratuities saves $2 per night per Sailor. On a 7-night voyage for two, that’s $28 back in your pocket — not life-changing, but free money is free money.
The first 30 minutes onboard set the tone for your entire voyage. Here’s what experienced Sailors prioritize:
Virgin allows 2 bottles of wine (750mL each) per cabin, carried on in your embarkation-day bag. Liquor and beer are not permitted. Any alcohol found in checked luggage will be confiscated at embarkation and returned when the voyage ends.
Smoking and vaping in cabins, on balconies, or in non-designated areas triggers a $500 fee and potential disembarkation. Designated smoking areas are available — use them. Check the full prohibited items list before packing.
One of the best-kept secrets among repeat Sailors: My Next Virgin Voyage (MNVV) certificates are available onboard for just $150 each and can be applied to future bookings for significant savings. Even if you’re not sure you’ll sail again, the math makes it worth considering. Our full MNVV breakdown explains exactly how and when to use them.
Voyage Protection (trip insurance) can be purchased any time before final payment and is non-refundable after a 10-day grace period. For Sailors with non-refundable fares — especially Lock It In or Base — this is the only safety net if something goes wrong before departure.
There’s also InVoyage Care, a separate medical coverage option purchased within 14 days before departure (priced $49–$69 depending on voyage length). It cannot be combined with Voyage Protection — choose one or the other.
Standard Shore Things (Virgin’s excursions) must be canceled at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund. Excursions involving hotels, charter flights, or private vehicles require 30 days’ notice. Book Shore Things you’re excited about, but know the cancellation cutoffs before you commit.
A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your voyage end date is the standard requirement. US citizens on eligible closed-loop sailings may use a birth certificate and photo ID, but a passport is always recommended in case of itinerary changes or emergencies requiring a flight home from a foreign port.
Reservations are recommended for dinner but not strictly required. Walk-ins and same-day bookings are available at most restaurants. Breakfast and lunch at The Galley and other casual spots are open seating with no reservation needed.
Every Sailor must be at least 18 years old to book and to board. No exceptions — this is an adults-only cruise line with no kids’ facilities or accommodations for minors.
Voyage Protection can be added at any time before your final payment is made. After purchase, there’s a 10-day window during which it can be refunded. After that, it’s non-refundable regardless of whether you cancel the voyage.
Virgin Voyages rewards Sailors who do a little homework before they board — the fare tier you choose, the dining reservations you make, and the small decisions like pre-paying gratuities and buying a Bar Tab all add up to a smoother, more enjoyable voyage. This guide gives you the foundation, but every sailing is different. If you want personalized advice from someone who’s actually been on these ships, reach out to a Serious Sailors™ First Mate — it’s booking made easy.
