Before Cruising New

• Adults Only: Virgin Voyages is exclusively for guests 18 years of age and older. Every aspect of the experience, from entertainment to dining and nightlife, is designed with adult travelers in mind.
• Travel Documents: U.S. citizens sailing on a closed-loop cruise departing from and returning to the same U.S. port may generally travel with an original or certified birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID. A valid passport book is still strongly recommended in case an emergency requires you to return home by air from a foreign country.
• International Itineraries: Cruises beginning or ending in different countries, along with many international itineraries, require a valid passport book. Some destinations also require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended, particularly for international voyages. Third-party policies often provide broader medical, cancellation, baggage, trip interruption, and emergency transportation coverage than plans purchased directly through the cruise line.
• Research Your Ship: While the Lady Ships share a common design, each offers unique artwork, entertainment, restaurants, and experiences. Reviewing your ship's layout before sailing helps you discover venues you won't want to miss.
• VoyageFair Choices: Since October 7, 2025, Virgin has used multiple VoyageFair choices for Sea Terrace and lower accommodations. Base is the least flexible value-focused fare, while Essential and Premium add progressively greater flexibility and benefits. Compare cancellation/change rules and included Wi-Fi before choosing solely by price.
• Fare Affects Wi-Fi: The newer fare structure makes internet an important booking comparison. Current Virgin materials distinguish Basic, Classic, Premium, and Work From Sea Wi-Fi tiers, with the included level depending on fare or suite category and higher tiers available for purchase.
• Project Ruby & Rovey: Virgin introduced Project Ruby in April 2026 as a new AI-powered planning platform built with Google Cloud. Its consumer-facing AI Crew member, Rovey, is designed to provide conversational help comparing itineraries and cabins, finding Shore Things, answering planning questions, and using real-time availability as the digital experience rolls out.
• Book Early: Dining reservations, Shore Things excursions, spa treatments, and select onboard experiences become available before sailing and the most popular options often fill quickly.
• Pack Smart: Virgin has no formal nights, so resort casual attire works well for most of your cruise. However, themed parties such as Scarlet Night often inspire guests to pack coordinating outfits if they wish to participate.
• Carry-On Essentials: Keep medications, travel documents, valuables, electronics, swimwear, and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage. Checked luggage may not arrive at your cabin until later in the afternoon.

Sailing Club Updated

• Automatic Membership: Complete one eligible paid Virgin voyage and you are automatically enrolled in the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club. Eligible voyage credit is generally added after completion rather than at booking.
• Blue Extras: Complete two eligible voyages and Blue Extras apply on your third and fourth eligible voyages. Current benefits include dedicated Sailing Club Sailor Services, a cocktail event, one bag of laundry, and one specialty coffee per day.
• Deep Blue Extras: After four completed eligible voyages, Deep Blue Extras begin on the fifth eligible voyage. Benefits expand beyond Blue Extras and currently include enhanced laundry and specialty-coffee benefits, with qualifying legacy Sea-Blazers and Sea-Rovers retaining Deep Blue Extras through the end of 2026.
• Fare Eligibility: Base, Essential, and Premium VoyageFair bookings have been eligible to earn toward Sailing Club perks since October 7, 2025, although comped, deeply discounted, Access Key, casino, and certain other reduced-rate bookings can be excluded.
• Expanded Status Match: In December 2025, Virgin announced an expanded status-match program covering qualifying elite members of more than 35 airline, hotel, and cruise loyalty programs. The most recent application window closed February 28, 2026, so do not assume status matching is continuously open.
• Status Match Is Not Permanent Tier Credit: The 2026 enhanced match provided one-time Blue Extras on an eligible sailing; matched travelers still need to earn ongoing Blue or Deep Blue Extras through the standard Sailing Club voyage requirements.

Virgin Voyages App

• Before You Sail: The Virgin Voyages App is essential for managing nearly every part of your voyage. Download it well before departure to complete online check-in, upload travel documents, access your digital boarding pass, reserve restaurants, purchase Bar Tab, book Shore Things excursions, schedule spa treatments, and prepare for embarkation.
• Once Onboard: The app becomes your primary planning tool, displaying your daily schedule, entertainment, restaurant reservations, deck plans, onboard account, messaging, and many other ship services throughout your voyage.
• Stay Flexible: Entertainment, fitness classes, dining availability, and activities can occasionally change during the sailing. Checking the app throughout the day helps you stay informed and make the most of your cruise.

Tipping / Gratuities Updated

• Daily Service Gratuity: For bookings made beginning October 7, 2025, Virgin automatically applies a $22 per-sailor, per-night service gratuity to the onboard folio.
• Prepay for Less: The service gratuity can be prepaid before the voyage for $20 per sailor, per night. Prepaid gratuities receive the lower rate but are locked in and non-refundable once onboard.
• Previous Policy: Virgin previously included crew gratuities in the voyage fare. The October 2025 change means current sailors should no longer rely on older Virgin guidance describing all crew tips as automatically included in the fare.
• No Extra Percentage on Purchases: Virgin does not add separate gratuities to drinks, dining experiences, or spa services. The daily service gratuity supports crew across departments.
• Onboard Adjustment: When the daily gratuity is charged onboard rather than prepaid, Virgin currently allows sailors to add to, reduce, or remove it through Sailor Services before disembarkation.

Embarking

• Arrival Time: Complete online check-in before your voyage and arrive during your assigned terminal arrival window for the smoothest boarding experience.
• Digital Boarding: Virgin uses a streamlined digital boarding process through its mobile app, helping reduce paperwork and speed embarkation.
• Carry-On Essentials: Keep medications, passports, valuables, electronics, swimwear, and any items you'll need during your first few hours onboard with you.
• Explore Early: Once onboard, take time to explore the ship before it becomes busy. Visit restaurants, lounges, The Dock, The Athletic Club, Redemption Spa, and other unique spaces.
• Airplane Mode: Place your phone in Airplane Mode before departure and connect only to the ship's Wi-Fi to avoid international roaming charges.
• Scarlet Night: If your voyage includes Scarlet Night, check the schedule early and consider packing something red if you'd like to participate in the ship's signature celebration.

Wi-Fi / Internet Access

• Four Wi-Fi Tiers: Virgin's current connectivity structure uses Basic, Classic, Premium, and Work From Sea tiers rather than one universal included service.
• Basic: Basic is intended for messaging, social media, and web browsing and is associated with Base and applicable Lock It In fares in Sea Terrace and lower accommodations.
• Classic: Classic adds faster browsing and Wi-Fi audio calling and is included with Essential fares and qualifying RockStar accommodations under current published terms.
• Premium: Premium supports video calling and entertainment streaming and can be purchased as an upgrade when it is not already included through a booking benefit.
• Work From Sea: Work From Sea is Virgin's highest connectivity tier, designed for VPN access, meeting platforms, streaming, and remote work. It is included with qualifying Mega RockStar accommodations and can also be purchased where offered.
• Performance: Shipboard internet performance varies with satellite coverage, itinerary, weather, and onboard demand even when using newer satellite systems.
• App Access: Keep the Virgin Voyages App available throughout the sailing because it remains central to reservations, activities, account information, and onboard planning.
• Airplane Mode: Put cellular devices in Airplane Mode at sea and turn Wi-Fi back on separately to avoid maritime cellular roaming charges.

Cabin

• Modern Design: Virgin Voyages cabins feature a contemporary design with mood lighting, ample USB charging ports, comfortable bedding, an in-room safe, mini refrigerator, hair dryer, and an interactive tablet used to control many cabin features.
• Transforming Seabed: Most Sea Terrace cabins feature Virgin's signature Seabed, which converts from a sofa during the day into a bed at night, creating additional living space while you're awake.
• Cabin Host: Your cabin host services your room each day and can assist with additional towels, pillows, blankets, ice, and other reasonable requests throughout your voyage.
• Room Service: Virgin's Ship Eats service allows you to order many meals, snacks, beverages, and other items directly through the Virgin Voyages App. Most menu items are included, although a small delivery fee may apply unless ordering qualifying beverages.
• Storage Space: Store luggage under the bed after unpacking to maximize available cabin space. Most cabins provide generous closet, drawer, and shelf storage.
• Sea Terrace Hammocks: Every Sea Terrace balcony includes Virgin's signature red hammock, providing one of the most popular places onboard to relax while enjoying ocean views.
• RockStar Quarters: RockStar suites add larger accommodations and enhanced privileges, including access to Richard's Rooftop, priority services, and RockStar Agent assistance. Exact inclusions vary by suite and VoyageFair.
• Mega RockStar Quarters: Mega RockStar suites layer additional premium benefits onto the RockStar experience, with enhanced service and beverage-related inclusions. Review your exact suite terms because benefits and limits can change by fare and sailing.
• Richard's Rooftop: RockStar and Mega RockStar sailors receive access to this exclusive outdoor retreat, which provides dedicated lounging and social space away from the main pool deck.

On Deck

• The Dock: One of Virgin's signature outdoor spaces, The Dock offers comfortable seating, ocean views, complimentary light bites during select hours, and a relaxed atmosphere that's especially popular during sailaways and sunset.
• The Athletic Club: Inspired by upscale beach clubs, The Athletic Club features outdoor fitness equipment, games, daybeds, lounging areas, and one of the ship's most distinctive social spaces.
• Pool Deck: Virgin's pool deck focuses on relaxation, music, and socializing rather than waterslides or large family attractions. DJs, live entertainment, and themed events are common throughout the voyage.
• The Perch: Located high on the ship, The Perch provides a quieter area for yoga classes, wellness activities, sunbathing, and enjoying panoramic ocean views.
• Adults-Only Atmosphere: Since every guest is at least 18 years old, outdoor spaces maintain a quieter atmosphere without children's pools, splash areas, or youth activities.
• Chair Etiquette: Virgin asks guests not to reserve loungers for extended periods without using them. During busy times, unattended belongings may be removed to make seating available for other sailors.

Dining

• No Main Dining Room: Virgin Voyages replaces the traditional main dining room and buffet with more than 20 unique eateries, each offering its own menu and atmosphere. Nearly all dining venues are included in your cruise fare.
• Signature Restaurants: Popular venues include The Wake, Extra Virgin, Pink Agave, Razzle Dazzle, Gunbae, The Test Kitchen, and several casual dining locations throughout the ship.
• Made-to-Order Dining: Most meals are prepared to order rather than served buffet style, giving guests a restaurant-quality experience throughout the voyage.
• Reservations: Restaurant reservations open before sailing through the Virgin Voyages App. Booking popular restaurants early provides the greatest choice of dining times.
• Dress Code: There are no formal nights aboard Virgin Voyages. Most restaurants recommend smart casual attire, while guests are encouraged to dress comfortably throughout the voyage.
• The Galley: Instead of a conventional buffet, The Galley uses multiple food stations with made-to-order and grab-and-go choices. It is especially useful for breakfast, casual meals, and groups that want different cuisines without making a restaurant reservation.
• Gunbae: Virgin's Korean barbecue restaurant is designed as a social experience with communal tables, tabletop grilling, and group interaction, making it notably different from the line's other reservation restaurants.
• The Test Kitchen: The Test Kitchen is a multi-course experimental dining concept rather than a conventional restaurant menu. Its format can take longer than a typical dinner, so avoid scheduling a tightly timed show immediately afterward.
• Dietary Requests: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and many other dietary needs are accommodated throughout the fleet. Discuss allergies and dietary restrictions with your server rather than relying only on menu symbols.

Food & Beverage

• Included Dining: Unlike most cruise lines, nearly every restaurant aboard Virgin Voyages is included in your cruise fare, eliminating traditional specialty dining surcharges at most venues.
• Complimentary Beverages: Filtered still and sparkling water, basic coffee, tea, fountain soda, and select juices are included throughout your voyage.
• Specialty Coffee: Premium espresso beverages, handcrafted coffees, fresh juices, smoothies, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at various cafés and bars throughout the ship.
• Hydration: Spending time in the sun, participating in Shore Things excursions, and consuming alcoholic beverages can quickly lead to dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout your voyage.

Bar Tab

• No Beverage Packages: Unlike most cruise lines, Virgin Voyages does not sell traditional unlimited beverage packages. Instead, guests may purchase Bar Tab credit before or during their voyage.
• Prepaid Credit: Bar Tab works like a prepaid onboard beverage credit that can be used toward cocktails, beer, wine, premium coffee, specialty juices, and many non-alcoholic beverages throughout the ship.
• Bonus Credit: Virgin frequently offers promotional bonus Bar Tab credit when purchasing before sailing, making advance purchases one of the best values available.
• Only Pay For What You Drink: Since beverages are deducted from your prepaid balance, guests who don't drink heavily often spend less than they would with a traditional unlimited beverage package.
• Not Unlimited: Bar Tab is stored-value credit, not an unlimited drinks package. Once the available balance is exhausted, additional drinks are charged to your onboard account.
• Where It Works: Bar Tab can be used for eligible beverage purchases around the ship and at The Beach Club at Bimini, making it useful across both onboard and Bimini bar service.
• Track Your Balance: Monitor Bar Tab and onboard spending in the Virgin Voyages App so you know how much prepaid credit remains before the end of the voyage.

The Beach Club at Bimini

• Exclusive Beach Club: Most Caribbean itineraries include a visit to The Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin Voyages' exclusive beachfront destination in The Bahamas. The club combines a relaxed beach atmosphere with music, pools, food, and entertainment.
• Included Dining: Complimentary food is served throughout the day, allowing sailors to enjoy lunch ashore without returning to the ship.
• Pools & Entertainment: The Beach Club features lagoon-style pools, beachfront lounging, live DJs, and afternoon pool parties that reflect Virgin's relaxed and social atmosphere.
• Beach Amenities: Complimentary loungers, umbrellas, and beach access are provided, while private cabanas and premium experiences are available for an additional charge.
• Beach Towels: Complimentary beach towels are available onboard and may be taken ashore. Remember to return them before leaving the beach club.
• Bar Tab: Your onboard Bar Tab can be used at participating bars throughout The Beach Club, allowing you to enjoy beverages without carrying cash or credit cards.
• Getting There: The Beach Club is away from the Bimini cruise pier, with transportation provided between the ship area and the club during Virgin calls.
• RockStar Area: RockStar sailors have access to a dedicated area at the Beach Club with enhanced service and amenities separate from the primary beach-club spaces.
• Weather Matters: Bimini is an outdoor destination, so weather and sea conditions can affect activities, entertainment, and the overall beach day.

Ports / Shore Things

• Shore Things: Virgin Voyages calls its shore excursions "Shore Things." Experiences range from cultural tours and food experiences to snorkeling, adventure activities, and private beach excursions.
• Book Early: Popular Shore Things frequently sell out before sailing, particularly on shorter Caribbean itineraries. Reserving early provides the greatest selection.
• Independent Exploration: Many ports are easy to explore independently, but always allow sufficient time to return before the published all-aboard time.
• Ship Time: Always verify whether Virgin Voyages is operating on ship time or local time before leaving the port area.
• Virgin-Operated Protection: A Shore Thing booked through Virgin provides the convenience of cruise-line coordination if the excursion is delayed, an important distinction from independent touring.
• Return Early: Plan to return to the ship at least 30 to 60 minutes before departure when exploring independently. Ships cannot delay departure for late-arriving independent sailors.

Onboard Entertainment

• Not Traditional Cruise Shows: Virgin's entertainment program emphasizes contemporary productions, immersive performances, live music, comedy, nightlife, pop-up events, and audience participation rather than relying primarily on conventional Broadway-style theater shows.
• The Red Room: The fleet's flexible main performance space can be reconfigured for different productions, parties, and events rather than functioning as a fixed traditional theater.
• The Manor: The Manor is Virgin's nightclub and entertainment venue, hosting performances, parties, DJs, and late-night events. Programming changes by ship and voyage.
• Scarlet Night: Virgin's signature shipwide celebration transforms multiple venues through performances, pop-up events, music, and parties. Red clothing is encouraged but not required.
• Reservations: Some shows, fitness classes, and experiences use reservations while other entertainment is walk-in or appears as pop-up programming. Check the app after boarding because the actual schedule and reservation availability can change.
• Live Music & DJs: Musicians and DJs perform throughout lounges, outdoor spaces, bars, and nightlife venues, with entertainment often continuing substantially later than on more traditional cruise lines.
• Flexible Planning: Avoid overbooking every hour. Some of Virgin's distinctive entertainment is designed to be discovered around the ship rather than reserved days in advance.

Casino

• Casino: Virgin Voyages casinos feature slot machines, blackjack, roulette, poker, and other popular table games. Gaming is generally available only while the ship is sailing in international waters.
• Cashless Play: Most gaming transactions can be charged directly to your onboard account, providing a convenient cashless gaming experience.
• Rewards: Eligible casino play earns rewards that may include future voyage offers, onboard benefits, and promotional incentives.
• Smoking: Virgin restricts smoking to designated areas of the ship. Follow the posted onboard smoking policy rather than assuming casino gaming areas permit smoking.

Wellness & Fitness

• Redemption Spa: Virgin Voyages' Redemption Spa offers massages, facials, salon services, thermal experiences, mud rooms, salt rooms, steam rooms, saunas, and a hydrotherapy pool on select ships. Appointments are recommended, especially on sea days.
• Fitness Classes: A wide variety of complimentary and premium fitness classes are offered throughout each voyage, including yoga, cycling, HIIT, meditation, strength training, and specialty wellness programs.
• B-Complex: Virgin's modern fitness center features cardio equipment, free weights, strength machines, and dedicated workout spaces with panoramic ocean views.
• Outdoor Fitness: The Athletic Club includes an outdoor training area, jogging track, boxing equipment, and unique workout spaces that encourage guests to stay active while at sea.
• Thermal Suite: Redemption Spa's thermal experience is separate from standard complimentary fitness facilities and generally requires a paid spa booking or thermal-suite access. Capacity and session structure vary by sailing.
• The Perch: This quieter outdoor space is used for yoga, wellness programming, and relaxation and offers an alternative to the busier pool and Athletic Club areas.
• Wellness Focus: Wellness is integrated across the ship through healthy dining choices, fitness programming, spa services, outdoor training spaces, and relaxation areas rather than being confined to the spa.

Complimentary Extras

• Included Dining: Nearly every restaurant aboard Virgin Voyages is included with your voyage fare, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of made-to-order dining experiences without paying traditional specialty restaurant surcharges.
• Gratuities Included: Unlike most cruise lines, gratuities for crew members are already included in your voyage fare, eliminating the daily service charges commonly added to onboard accounts.
• Basic Wi-Fi: Every sailor receives complimentary basic Wi-Fi throughout the voyage, making it easy to stay connected without purchasing an internet package.
• Group Fitness Classes: A variety of fitness classes, including yoga, HIIT, cycling, meditation, and strength training, are included throughout your voyage, with only select specialty classes carrying an additional charge.
• Entertainment: Original theatrical productions, live music, comedy performances, immersive shows, themed parties, DJs, and many evening events are all included as part of the Virgin Voyages experience.
• Everyday Beverages: Filtered still and sparkling water, fountain soda, basic coffee, tea, and select juices are complimentary throughout your voyage.
• No Specialty Dining Cover Charges: Virgin's signature restaurants are part of the included dining program rather than carrying the per-person cover charges common on many cruise lines, although premium menu add-ons may still cost extra.
• The Beach Club at Bimini: When included in the itinerary, general Beach Club admission, standard loungers, pools, beach access, entertainment, and included dining are part of the experience; cabanas and premium purchases remain extra.

Disembarking

• Express Departure: Sailors carrying all of their own luggage may choose to leave the ship as soon as local authorities clear the vessel for disembarkation.
• Checked Luggage: Guests placing luggage outside their cabin the evening before departure will receive luggage tags with an assigned collection area inside the cruise terminal.
• Final Morning: Enjoy breakfast before leaving the ship, review your onboard account one final time, and confirm you've collected all personal belongings from your cabin.
• Customs & Immigration: Many cruise terminals now use facial recognition technology to speed arrival processing for eligible travelers. Guests traveling with passports often experience the quickest processing.
• Ground Transportation: Whether using ride-share services, taxis, rental cars, cruise transfers, or personal vehicles, review your transportation plans before leaving the terminal to ensure a smooth trip home.
• Before You Leave: Before leaving your cabin, check the safe, closets, drawers, charging outlets, bathroom, and under the bed one final time. Taking a few extra moments can help prevent accidentally leaving behind passports, medications, electronics, or other valuables.