If you are curious about cruising with Virgin Voyages and what you actually get for your money, you are in the right place. After sailing twice with Virgin, once in the Caribbean and once in the Mediterranean, I have experienced firsthand what is included, what costs extra, and where things can feel a little unclear, especially with the recent launch of the VoyageFair Choices program.
Virgin Voyages has always positioned itself differently from traditional cruise lines. From the start, the promise was fewer surprise charges, no kids onboard, and a more modern cruise experience.
However, like many cruise lines, Virgin has continued to evolve its pricing and inclusions. The introduction of VoyageFair Choices gives cruisers more flexibility, but it also means there are more decisions to make when booking.
In this article, I will clearly break down what is included in a Virgin Voyages cruise and what is not. I will also explain how the VoyageFair Choices program works and what it means for your overall cruise cost
What Is Included On Virgin Voyages
Your Accommodations
When you book a Virgin Voyages cruise, your room or suite is included in the base fare. That means from the moment you step aboard until you disembark, you have a comfortable place to sleep, relax, and call home at sea.
Virgin’s cabins are modern, thoughtful, and designed for comfort. They feel a bit boutique-hotel inspired, with clever storage, mood lighting, and tech-forward touches like USB/charging stations and Bluetooth connectivity.
The vibe leans more stylish and contemporary than the classic cruise ship cabin vibe, which many sailors love!
Casual Dining & Enhanced Dining Options
One area where Virgin Voyages really shakes up the cruise world is food. Instead of a single main dining room with set times and table numbers, Virgin offers a variety of included restaurants with open seating and menus that lean fun and flavorful.
Casual Dining
The Galley is the main food hub on Virgin Voyages, featuring multiple stations serving everything from sandwiches and burgers to plant based bowls. It is an easy choice for lunch, dinner, or whenever hunger strikes.
The Dock and Dock House offer casual Mediterranean inspired bites and are a favorite for relaxing with small plates and ocean views.
The Social Club leans into comfort food, serving hot dogs, chicken wings, pretzels, chocolate, candy, and other fun snacks throughout the day.
The Pizza Place serves made to order pizzas that you can enjoy in the restaurant or take to go and eat anywhere around the ship.
Sun Club Cafe rounds out the casual options with lighter fare like bao buns, poke bowls, dips, and snacks, perfect for a quick and flavorful bite.
Ehanced Dining Options:
Virgin Voyages also offers a collection of restaurants that feel more upscale than casual dining, with refined menus and elevated atmospheres. Unlike many cruise lines, these dining experiences are included in your cruise fare, which means you can enjoy a more polished meal without paying an extra restaurant fee.
The Wake is Virgin’s upscale steak and seafood restaurant, inspired by classic chophouses. It is a popular spot for dinner, with an elegant atmosphere and ocean views. Breakfast and brunch are also served here and are included.
Razzle Dazzle is known for its playful, bold menu and stylish design. It offers a mix of creative comfort food and plant forward options, and it is a favorite for brunch as well as dinner. Everything on the standard menu is included.
Lucky Lotus brings a pan Asian inspired menu to the ship, with vibrant flavors and beautifully presented dishes. It is a great choice if you are looking for something different from traditional cruise fare, and the dining itself is included.
The Test Kitchen is one of Virgin’s most unique dining experiences. It features a tasting menu concept with thoughtfully curated courses that change periodically. While the experience feels like fine dining, the standard tasting menu is included, though reservations are highly recommended.
Extra Virgin serves Italian inspired dishes with a focus on handmade pasta, classic flavors, and shareable plates. It is an excellent option for a relaxed but elevated dinner, and the food is included in your fare.
Gunbae offers a lively Korean BBQ experience where food is cooked at the table and shared family style. The atmosphere is social and interactive, making it a fun option for groups. The meal is included, while alcoholic drinks are extra.
Pink Agave delivers an elevated Mexican dining experience with bold flavors and beautiful presentation. The food is included, but specialty tequila and mezcal drinks are an additional cost.
Please note: Reservations are often required for enhanced dining restaurants, especially in the evenings. While the food is included, beverages, specialty cocktails, and certain limited culinary experiences may come at an extra charge.
Entertainment & Activities
Entertainment is another area where Virgin Voyages really shines, and the good news is that most onboard entertainment and activities are included in your cruise fare. From high energy production shows to live music and interactive events, there is always something happening around the ship.
Virgin’s production shows are modern, creative, and very different from traditional cruise ship theater. Expect immersive performances, bold storytelling, and shows that feel more like something you would see in a city venue rather than at sea.
These shows are included, although seating can be limited, so arriving early is a smart move.
Live music is a big part of the Virgin Voyages vibe. You will find musicians, DJs, and performers throughout the ship, from relaxed acoustic sets to late night dance parties. These performances are included and happen daily, creating a lively atmosphere without any added cost.
Virgin also offers a wide range of activities and events that are included. You can expect themed parties, trivia, game shows, deck events, and interactive experiences that feel more grown up and playful than traditional cruise programming.
Whether you want something energetic or just entertaining to watch with a cocktail in hand, it is all part of your fare.
With Virgin Voyages, entertainment is not treated as an add on. Shows, live music, and onboard activities are included, making it easy to enjoy the experience without constantly having to spend extra money.
Unlimited Free Wi-Fi
Virgin Voyages includes unlimited basic WiFi for all sailors, which is a big perk compared to many cruise lines. The included WiFi is designed for everyday use like messaging apps, email, browsing the web, and checking social media.
While it is not intended for heavy streaming or work that requires a very strong connection, it is more than enough to stay connected with friends and family or post the occasional cruise photo. For faster speeds or streaming, Virgin does offer paid WiFi upgrades, but having basic WiFi included means you are not completely disconnected at sea unless you want to be.
Beverages (Water, Fountain Drinks, Coffee & Tea)
Virgin Voyages includes a selection of non alcoholic beverages in the cruise fare, which helps keep everyday drink costs down. Sailors have access to still and sparkling water, fountain drinks, and a variety of basic coffee and tea options throughout the ship.
Coffee and tea are available in dining venues, making it easy to grab a morning coffee or an afternoon pick me up without paying extra. Fountain sodas are also included, which is a nice perk compared to many cruise lines that charge separately for soft drink packages.
Fitness Center & Classes
Virgin Voyages includes access to a state of the art fitness center, and it is one of the most impressive gyms you will find at sea. The space is modern, well equipped, and designed for both serious workouts and casual movement, with plenty of cardio machines, strength training equipment, and open areas for stretching.
In addition to the fitness center, many group fitness classes are included in the cruise fare. One standout experience is the bungee workout class, which I tried and genuinely loved.
It is energetic, a little challenging, and a lot of fun, even if you feel slightly ridiculous at first. It is one of those experiences that feels very “Virgin” and makes working out on vacation surprisingly enjoyable.
Bimini Beach Club (On Select Itineraries)
On select Caribbean itineraries, Virgin Voyages includes a stop at its private Bimini Beach Club in the Bahamas, and access to the beach club is included in your cruise fare. This means you can enjoy the beach, pool, loungers, and overall atmosphere without paying an extra entrance fee.
The Bimini Beach Club has a relaxed, resort style vibe with DJ music, plenty of seating, and beautiful ocean views. Food is included while you are there, making it easy to spend the whole day without needing to head back to the ship. Drinks are available for purchase, just like onboard.
It is one of Virgin’s standout destinations and often a highlight of Caribbean sailings, especially for sailors who enjoy a lively beach day with a touch of luxury.
What Is Not Included On Virgin Voyages
Alcoholic Beverages & Specialty Coffee
While Virgin Voyages includes many non alcoholic drinks, alcoholic beverages and specialty coffee are not included in the base cruise fare. This means cocktails, beer, wine, and premium spirits are an additional cost unless you add a drinks option through Virgin’s booking programs.
Specialty coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffee creations are also extra, even though basic drip coffee and tea are included. If you are someone who loves a daily fancy coffee or enjoys cocktails by the pool, this is an important cost to factor in.
Virgin does not offer a traditional unlimited drink package. Instead, sailors can pre purchase bar tabs or take advantage of promotions and programs like VoyageFair Choices, which may include drink related perks depending on the fare selected.
We will break down exactly how that works later in this article.
Gratuities (No Longer Included)
Unlike Virgin Voyages’ original pricing model, gratuities are no longer included in the cruise fare for new bookings under the VoyageFair Choices program. Instead, gratuities are now listed as a separate charge during the booking process or can be paid onboard.
The gratuities cover service across the ship, including dining teams, housekeeping, and behind the scenes crew members. While this does add an extra cost to consider, Virgin still aims to keep the experience simple by applying a set service charge rather than expecting individual tipping throughout the cruise.
The good news is that gratuities can be prepaid in advance, often at a slightly lower rate than paying onboard ($20 per day pre-cruise or $22 per day once you’re onboard). Once they are paid, there is no need to tip at bars, restaurants, or for standard services unless you choose to do so for exceptional service.
Upgraded Wi-Fi
While Virgin Voyages includes unlimited basic Wi-Fi, upgraded Wi-Fi plans are not included in the base fare. These higher tier options offer faster speeds and are better suited for streaming, video calls, or working remotely while onboard.
If you plan to stream content, upload videos, or stay closely connected for work, you may want to budget extra for the upgraded Wi-Fi package.
Shore Excursions (Shore Things)
Shore excursions, known on Virgin Voyages as Shore Things, are not included in the cruise fare. These are organized experiences in port, ranging from sightseeing tours and cultural experiences to adventure activities and beach days.
While you can explore ports on your own at no cost, Shore Things are an added expense and should be factored into your overall cruise budget. Prices vary depending on the destination and activity, and popular excursions can sell out, so booking in advance is often a good idea.
Virgin’s Shore Things tend to focus on smaller group experiences and unique activities rather than large bus tours, which many sailors appreciate. That said, whether or not they are worth the extra cost depends on your travel style and how comfortable you are exploring independently.
Spa Treatments & Thermal Suite
While Virgin Voyages has a beautiful spa, spa treatments and access to the Thermal Suite are not included in the cruise fare. Services such as massages, facials, body treatments, and salon services all come at an additional cost.
The Thermal Suite, which features heated loungers, sauna, steam room, and other relaxation spaces, also requires a paid pass. Many sailors find it worth the splurge for a relaxing sea day, but it is definitely something to budget for separately.
Laundry Service
Laundry services are not included in the Virgin Voyages cruise fare. This includes wash and fold service, dry cleaning, and pressing, all of which are available for an additional fee.
Virgin does not offer self service laundry rooms for guests, so if you need clothes cleaned during your sailing, you will need to use the paid laundry service. Pricing is typically per item or by bag, so costs can add up, especially on longer cruises.
Tattoo Parlor
Yes, Virgin Voyages really does have a tattoo parlor onboard, and no, it is not included in your cruise fare. Getting a tattoo at sea is an optional add on and comes at an extra cost, with pricing varying based on size, design, and placement.
The tattoo studio is professionally run and follows strict hygiene standards, making it a unique experience for sailors looking to get a permanent cruise souvenir. Appointments are limited and can fill up quickly, so booking early is recommended if this is on your cruise bucket list.
Onboard Shops
Shopping onboard Virgin Voyages is not included in the cruise fare. The onboard shops sell a mix of clothing, accessories, beauty products, souvenirs, and Virgin branded merchandise, all available for an additional cost.
You will also find duty free items like fragrances, cosmetics, and alcohol. While browsing is free, purchases are charged to your onboard account.
Virgin Voyages VoyageFair Choices Explained
Virgin Voyages recently introduced a new booking structure called VoyageFair Choices, which changes how fares are priced and what is included before you even step onboard. Instead of one standard fare, sailors now choose from different fare levels based on flexibility, perks, and how much control they want over their booking.
It’s important to know that your experience onboard does not change, but how and when you access certain perks does.
The Three VoyageFair Choices Fare Types:
Virgin Voyages now offers three main fare options.
Base Fare
This is the lowest priced option and works best if your travel plans are firm. You receive a confirmed cabin, basic WiFi for everyday use, and access to all of Virgin’s standard onboard inclusions like dining, entertainment, fitness classes, and gratuities.
Dining reservations open closer to sailing, and changes or cancellations are very limited.
Essential Fare
This is the most balanced option and closest to the traditional Virgin Voyages booking experience. It includes classic WiFi, earlier access to dining reservations, and more flexibility if you need to adjust your plans using future voyage credit.
This fare is popular with travelers who want peace of mind without paying for top tier perks.
Premium Fare
The Premium fare offers the most flexibility and added value without booking a suite. It includes upgraded WiFi for two devices, the earliest access to dining reservations, and a $15 per day bar tab credit that can be used for drinks onboard.
This fare also allows for more booking changes and priority support, making it a good fit for cruisers who want fewer restrictions and more perks built in.
What Does Not Change:
No matter which VoyageFair Choice you select, the core Virgin Voyages experience remains the same once you are onboard. Your restaurants, entertainment, fitness classes, basic beverages, and overall vibe are all included and unchanged.
The difference is mostly about booking flexibility, WiFi level, dining access timing, and added perks.
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Have you sailed with Virgin Voyages? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy cruising!
Ethan