Virgin Voyages Tips You Wish You Knew Before Boarding

Thinking about sailing with Virgin Voyages, but not sure what to expect? We’ve got you covered! After taking six amazing cruises with them over the past three years, we’ve gathered the most helpful Virgin Voyages tips to make your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and totally stress-free.

In this post, we’ll walk you through my booking strategies, must-have packing essentials, and all the insider details that first-time sailors often miss.

Virgin Voyages does things differently, from dining and entertainment to the way you board and plan your days, so knowing what to expect can make all the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one.

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What Is A Virgin Voyages Cruise?

Virgin Voyages is a subsidiary of the Virgin Group brand, which you might be familiar with through their famous hotels, airlines, music, and even aerospace ventures.

Virgin Voyages features four sister ships:

Scarlet Lady (launched 2020)
Resilient Lady (launched 2021)
Valiant Lady (launched 2023)
Brilliant Lady (debuted in 2025)

The four Ladyships share a nearly identical layout (for example, the deck plan is practically the same across the fleet), with most of the same restaurants (except Razzle Dazzle) and entertainment, but in our opinion, each journey feels unique.

What Makes Virgin Voyages Different?

This cruise line breaks out of the typical family-oriented cruise culture because it offers an adult-only policy.

This means you don’t have to worry about children running, yelling around, or splashing water 💦 in the pool.

Don’t get us wrong, we like kids, but we never thought we would enjoy a no-kid environment until we sailed with Virgin Voyages.

Virgin Voyages Resilient Lady aquatic club pool — *Aquatic Club Pool*

Does Virgin Voyages Have Formal Nights?

One thing that really stood out to me about Virgin Voyages is how different it is from traditional cruise culture when it comes to dining and dress codes.

No formal nights: You won’t find rigid dinner schedules or mandatory fancy attire. Instead, you can eat when you want and how you want.
Lots of choices: There are 20+ eateries on board 🍽️, along with Virgin Voyages room service (known as Ship Eats), each offering unique menus. Many restaurants feature dedicated Virgin Voyages vegan options, which we always appreciate since finding quality plant-based food at sea makes planning so much easier.

Read More: If you are a plant-based traveler sailing from Miami and looking for the best eats in the city before you board, don’t miss our guide on vegan food in Miami in South Beach. If you are sailing from Barcelona, check out our guide on where to find the best plant-based food in Barcelona.

Special menus: Some dishes, like the “Treat Yourself” options, have an extra charge, but you’ll find that most meals are included in your booking.
Dinner shows: If you’re interested, shows like Ship Show and Another Rose are available for an additional fee.

From our experience, the highlight is definitely the elevated dining experience with menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs 🧑🏻‍🍳.

Other inclusions that surprised us:

Fitness classes are included.
Basic drinks are included, like Coke, teas, juices, and water.
Unlimited basic Wi-Fi access is included.

Even though the price has gone up a bit since our first trip in 2022, the quality of the meals and the overall experience make it feel worth it. Personally, I think Virgin Voyages really redefines what a modern cruise can be.

How Do Gratuities Work on Virgin Voyages?

Starting October 7, 2025, your fare will clearly show the gratuities, and you will have the option to prepay them in advance. As of September 2026, the prepaid rate is $20 per sailor per night.

If you opt to pay onboard instead, the cost is $22 per sailor per night. This gratuity covers every tip for the ship’s staff, meaning you don’t have to tip any crew members out of pocket while onboard.

Understanding the New Fare Options

Starting October 7, 2025, Virgin Voyages will offer additional fare options (Basic, Essential, and Premium).

These changes may impact flexibility for modifying bookings, Wi-Fi speed, and the days you can access pre-booked dining. For the latest details, you can check the official Virgin Voyages website.

Things To Know Before Boarding Virgin Voyages

Status Match Virgin Voyages

Few people know that if you possess a loyal status with another cruise line, you can request a status match with Virgin Voyages. They also offered another status match allowing selected hotel and airline status to get your Blue Extra, but that offer ended on February 28, 2026, so always keep an eye on the Sailing Club Status Match program on the official website for future offers.

This means you’ll get the benefits of the Blue Extra status until you unlock the highest tier of Deep Blue Extra. This tier gives you access to:

Premium WiFi
$100 bar tab
Two (2) specialty coffees per day, and other perks on your first voyage.

If you want to learn the benefits of being a repeat Virgin Voyages cruiser and how it impacts your status, check out my guide on the Virgin Voyages Loyalty Program.

Download The Virgin Voyages App

As soon as you book your trip, the first thing I recommend you do is download the Virgin Voyages app. Seriously, EVERYTHING is managed through the app! With the app, you can:

Check in and choose your boarding time
Track your cruise schedule
Manage and track payments
Book your dining time
Book an excursion, etc.

Most importantly, get familiar with the app because it might be confusing even for the tech-savvy. You’ll want to keep a close eye on it because:

The Virgin Voyages dining reservations open before embarkation (15 days before for Basic, 45 days for Essential, and 120 days before for Premium and 🎸RockStar).
Shorethings open 120 days before embarkation (135 days before for 🎸Mega RockStar and RockStar Quarters).

Tip: If you’re planning to attend the popular shows on board, they typically run from 7:30–8:30 PM or 10–11 PM. We usually log in around midnight (the night before the window to book opens) to secure the best dinner times. Make sure to check the show schedule so your dining reservation doesn’t conflict with a performance you don’t want to miss.

Virgin Voyages Tips For Boarding

We have sailed from both the Miami and Barcelona ports, and below are things you need to know when sailing from these ports.

As soon as you book your trip, download the VV app to watch and choose your desired embarkation time.

If you happen to arrive earlier than your chosen boarding time, you’ll have the option to drop off your luggage. After that, you’ll have to wait outside until your boarding time. Unless you’re booked in one of these categories:

Rockstar Suite
Deep Blue Extra
Splash of Romance

…you’ll need to wait until after 2:15 PM, which is the time when anyone other than RockStar, Deep Blue Extra, and Splash of Romance can choose their boarding time.

virgin voyages miami port entrance joenidcorner — *Virgin Voyages Miami Port Entrance*

miami port view joenid corner — *Beautiful Sunset in Miami, Perfect View on the Sailing Away Day*

Virgin Voyages Miami terminal

Terminal V is where Virgin Voyages sails from in Miami. If you are traveling from Central Florida, taking the Brightline train from Orlando to Miami is a seamless and stress-free way to reach the city before your voyage.

Once at the terminal, if you arrive before your boarding time, instead of waiting outside the terminal, you may opt to explore the Miami vicinity. There is a Miami trolley which stops right at Terminal V. You can check the current trolley times and locations here.

To help you plan, if you sail from Miami:

Since Terminal V is right in the heart of the city, many sailors arrive a day or two early to soak up the Miami vibe. Whether you’re figuring out how to get here or looking for the best spots to explore, these guides have you covered:

How to Get from Orlando to Miami: Brightline Train Guide – If you are traveling from Central Florida, this is the most stress-free way to reach the city without dealing with traffic or car rentals.
Where To Stay In Miami Before A Cruise: Hotel Greystone Review – This is an adult-only hotel which we stayed at prior to our sail, and it was the perfect way to kick off our vacation. Located in the heart of South Beach, the hotel is just a quick rideshare ride away from the port, making the transition to Terminal V incredibly smooth. ➡️Check current rates and availability for Hotel Greystone here.
Miami One Day Itinerary: Guide for First Visit – Follow our personal favorites, from the art walls of Wynwood to a stop at the iconic Villa Casa Casuarina, famously known as the house of Versace.
Where To Find Vegan Food In South Beach Miami? – Our exact roadmap for finding the best plant-based eats in South Beach, just minutes away from the cruise port.

Virgin Voyages Barcelona terminal

Virgin Voyages typically sails from the South Terminal at the World Trade Centre Barcelona. If you’re coming from Barcelona Airport, it helps to plan your trip. ➡️Arrange a seamless private transfer from Barcelona Airport to the cruise port here.

We prepared a guide to show you how to get from Barcelona Airport to the Barcelona cruise port and what to expect at the terminal.

To help you plan, if you sail from Barcelona:

If your Mediterranean adventure starts in Spain, I highly recommend arriving a few days early. Barcelona is a city of incredible history and art, and it’s the perfect place to get into the vacation spirit before heading to the port.

Essential Barcelona Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors – Avoid common tourist mistakes with this guide on everything you need to know before landing in the city, from local customs to transport hacks.
One Day in Barcelona: A Guide for Architecture Lovers – If you only have 24 hours before boarding, this itinerary focuses on the most stunning landmarks and Gaudí masterpieces you can see in a short time. ➡️Tip: Be sure to grab your skip-the-line tickets for Sagrada Familia here before they sell out
Where to Find the Best Vegan Food in Barcelona – Barcelona has a thriving plant-based scene! These are my top restaurant recommendations for a delicious and stress-free vegan stay.
Seventy Hotel Barcelona: My Favorite Boutique Stay – This is exactly where we stayed to wind down after our cruise. If you’re looking for a beautiful hotel with an incredible spa, this is it.
If you’re not sure where to stay, we recommend the Occidental Diagonal 414, which we stayed at before our sail, and it has a rooftop pool with incredible views of Barcelona. ➡️Book your stay at Occidental Diagonal 414 here. We also chose the Seventy Hotel Barcelona and absolutely loved it. We stayed there after our Mediterranean cruise to Cannes, Ibiza, and Ajaccio, and the highlight was the complimentary spa. While it’s not the same as the Virgin Voyages thermal suite, it has a dry sauna, pool, and steam room that were perfect for winding down after our trip.

Bring Cash For Onshore Expenses

While you don’t have to worry about crew members on board, you might need to tip other non-crew members.

At the Miami port, you will meet luggage porters who are not Virgin Voyages employees, so bring cash because you’ll need it for the tip.
While sailing from Barcelona, I found that the Virgin Voyages crew took care of our luggage, and tipping wasn’t required.

Also, if you venture out at any port (especially on Caribbean itineraries), having cash on hand for local taxis 🚕 will save you any potential hassles and ensure you get where you need to go.

If you’re planning a trip, you might also find my Virgin Voyages port guides helpful.

They cover Mediterranean stops like the Virgin Voyages Ibiza port (including where Virgin Voyages docks in Ibiza), the Virgin Voyages Cannes tender process, and navigating the Virgin Voyages Barcelona port. For Caribbean itineraries, we also cover what to do in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and details on the Virgin Voyages Puerto Plata port.

Does Virgin Voyages Have A Drink Package?

Virgin Voyages does not offer drink packages like other cruise lines, but they do offer a pre-purchase bar tab.

Is the Virgin Voyages bar tab worth it?

In our opinion, yes, since it isn’t just for alcoholic beverages. The bar tab covers a wide range of drinks that aren’t complimentary:

Mocktails
Espresso coffee
Smoothies
Cold-pressed juices
Sip and Savor (drink pairing)
Plus, if you bring your bottle of wine to a restaurant, you can also use it to cover the corkage fees ($25).

virgin voyages on the rocks bar gimlet cocktail joenidcorner — *Enjoying A Gimlet Cocktail At On The Rocks Bar*

virgin voyages cocktail drink joenidcorner — *Cocktail At On The Rocks Bar*

Virgin Voyages bar tab rules

Bar Tab options vary and currently start at $200 (+$25 bonus) up to $1,000 (+$250 bonus). The bigger the bar tab, the bigger the bonus you can get.
You’re allowed to share your bar tab with any friend on the ship. When using it, make sure to pay with your red wristband, which holds your bar tab balance.
You need to buy the bar tab before boarding through the VV app. And if you aren’t as tech-savvy, there’s a booth at the Virgin Voyages Miami port waiting area.

Note: This booth is your final opportunity to purchase a bar tab before boarding the ship. We sailed from Barcelona, and we did not see the same booth, so if you are interested, we recommend getting it before boarding to make sure that you get it.

If you decide not to purchase it before boarding, don’t worry, because drink 🍹prices will be the same. The only difference is missing out on the bar bonuses.

What is Virgin Voyages Sailor Loot?

Sailor Loot is onboard credit that adds extra value to your Virgin Voyages cruise experience. These credits cover a variety of expenses, such as excursions (also known as “Shore Things”), rejuvenating spa treatments, premium drinks, and more.

Read More: Wondering what can you use Sailor Loot for on Virgin? We put together a clear guide breaking down Virgin Voyages Sailor Loot and how to get Sailor Loot on Virgin to help you plan your onboard budget.

Virgin Voyages Dress Code: Tips For Packing

The best part of Virgin Voyages is that there is no dress code because they really embrace a “come-as-you-are” experience. This means you don’t have to worry about packing formal night clothing.

However, they do have “theme” activities, and you aren’t required to dress up for theme nights, but you might regret it if you don’t! Other than that, just focus on packing comfortable and versatile outfits.

Virgin Cruise Pajama Party

One of the highlights of each cruise is the fun Virgin Voyages pajama party, so be ready to pack your favorite PJs.

The PJ party is at The Athletic Club Bar (Deck 16) and typically the first night on board. If it rains, they might move it to The Manor (Deck 6).

If you feel creative, be prepared because they also have a contest for the most original PJs. Always check the app to double-check the PJ party time and location.

virgin voyages pajama party the manor joenidcorner — *Pajama Party At The Manor*

virgin voyages the manor entrance pajama party joenidcorner — *The Manor Entrance*

Scarlet Night Virgin Voyages dress code 💃🏻

Every cruise features Scarlet Night, a captivating night when the cruise is transformed into a red-themed performance.

The Scarlet Night ends with a pool party at Deck 15. If the weather doesn’t cooperate on Scarlet Night, the party is moved to the Red Room (Deck 6).

virgin voyages the roundabout scarlet night joenidcorner — *The Roundabout On Scarlet Night*

virgin voyages Scarlet Night Pool Party joenidcorner — *Scarlet Night Pool Party*

While it’s not mandatory to wear red, you might regret it if you don’t! It doesn’t have to be formal clothing; it can be whatever makes you feel comfortable.

On this night, you’ll see casual clothing, and some people decide to bring the most creative, reddest attire.

Virgin Voyages We Fancy

We Fancy is an entertainment show with The Happening Cast. On this night, you are welcome to participate in your best glamorous version, and usually, people wear gold/glitter✨.

Check your trip entertainment activities because We Fancy doesn’t happen on all trips.

Virgin Voyages Workout Classes

Pack your workout clothes because you’ll find plenty of complimentary ways to stay active on board. Including fitness classes, a gym on Deck 15, and The Runway (the running track on Deck 17). If you’re feeling motivated, you can try:

Spinning 🚲 classes, and you don’t need shoes/cleats because the bikes can work with regular sneakers (Bike Studio at Deck 15).
Outdoor Yoga 🧘 classes (The Perch at Deck 17).
HIIT classes are high-intensity interval training (Group Fitness at Deck 16).
Virgin Voyages VHS 1980s music workout class. If you want to participate, I highly encourage you to pack your 80s workout outfit.
In the past, they used to have a Bungee class, but on our last trip in summer 2026, we noticed that they removed it from the app schedule. Hopefully, it’s something that can come back in the near future. (Balance Studio at Deck 15).

virgin voyages b complex joenidcorner — *Getting Ready For a Workout*

virgin voyages b complex cycle joenidcorner — *B-Complex Cycle*

Other Clothing Accessory

We tend to get cold easily, and we find the interior temperature on the cruise comfortable. However, we have experienced some chilly nights, which is why we always pack:

Light jacket
Warm scarf

Extras To Bring For Convenience

Tech Gear

If you can’t escape from your professional commitments and still have to do some remote work from the cruise, then don’t forget to pack your tech essentials!

Laptop. 💻
Mouse.
Earphones.🎧
Charger ⚡️ (the cabins come equipped with American-style outlets, European plugs, and USB charging).
There are plenty of electrical outlets 🔌 around the ship, but if you plan to take your laptop off the cruise, a portable power bank will save you from battery anxiety.

How do I stay productive while working on the ocean?

If you want to know how we stay productive while working from a cruise, check out my post where we share tips for balancing work and ocean vibes.

What Medication To Take On A Cruise?

While we generally don’t get motion sickness, on one occasion, we hit some rough waters. It was the first and only time in our sixth sailing trip that we felt very sick. To be on the safe side, don’t forget to pack:
Motion sickness medication.
Motion sickness wristbands or motion patches. If you forget, no worries, because you can find them in The Ship Shop, Deck 6. However, they can be pricey, so be sure to pack everything you need before your trip.
Ginger chews (a natural remedy for nausea)
For those with special medical needs:
Ensure you bring essentials like an extra glucose monitoring (CGM) system (if you are diabetic). We are not diabetic, but on one of my trips, a sailor’s CGM system got damaged, and the sailor was not able to find a replacement at the cruise Medical Center (Deck 4).
I am allergic to shellfish, and I always pack an EpiPen and Benadryl.

Are you noise-sensitive?
We feel that we are too sensitive to noise, especially since we find the music at the Bimini Beach Club to be a bit loud. If you are sensitive to noise, we recommend packing some noise-reduction earplugs.
While we haven’t had any noise issues in the cabin ourselves, we’ve heard some complaints about noise from the neighboring sailor. If that’s something you’re concerned about, bringing noise-reduction earplugs can make a significant difference.

More Essentials to Pack on Virgin Voyages

As a book lover, I can’t travel without my Kindle (Oasis) or a book. Whether you are into physical books or an e-reader lover, don’t forget to pack something to get lost in during quiet corners aboard the ship.
What we love about Virgin Voyages is that each cabin has a complimentary water pitcher filled daily with fresh water. They provide two types of water: still and sparkling water. While they don’t provide bottled water, they encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle, and you’ll find several water stations to refill it.

virgin voyages sea terrace cabin water pitcher joenidcorner — *Complimentary Fresh Water In The Cabin*

reading kindle oasis cruise joenidcorner — *Reading At The Perch (Deck 17)*

virgin voyages cabin octopus water pitcher wine opener — *Gold Corkscrew*

Tip: Empty your bottle before boarding for the first time on the ship to avoid issues with security.

Lastly, don’t forget to pack two (750ml) bottles of wine per cabin (in your carry-on bags). We typically pack Jam Jar wine 🍷 (no need for uncorking). But don’t worry if you forget this tip because there’s a corkscrew in the cabin. If you really love the corkscrew, you can even purchase it on board.

Virgin Voyages Tips After Boarding

First Things To Do After Boarding

Once you step aboard, the first order of business is to connect to Virgin Voyages’ complimentary Wi-Fi so you can start booking popular entertainment shows, thermal suite, and massage time slots. To book spa services in the Redemption Spa at Virgin Voyages, head to Deck 5.

Virgin Voyages redemption spa pothole — *spa pothole*

If you are not a savvy tech or have issues with the VV app, just visit the Sailor Services on Deck 5 (or The Manor Deck 6 for Rockstar Quarters).

They’ll assist you in booking popular entertainment shows. Book dining experiences and shore things even if you miss them before boarding.

After you’ve made reservations, we recommend you explore the ship and familiarize yourself with each deck.

Don’t forget to watch the safety video; you can watch it on your phone through the VV app or on the TV in your cabin. It’s a crucial step for a smooth start to your cruise.

Tips You Need For Visiting Ports

Some people don’t know that they are allowed to buy alcohol at the ports. Just remember, once you pass through the security check-in, you’ll find a standing table where you need to hand over any liquor. They will keep it safe until your final night on board.

virgin voyages on the rocks bar whiskeys joenidcorner — *Whiskey Options At On The Rocks Bar*

virgin voyages tips for port liquor collection dropoff joenidcorner — Liquor Collection

If your cruise is departing from Miami port, get ready for a stop at Bimini Beach Club.
When it comes to beach towels, Virgin Voyages now provides two beach towels directly in your cabin. You are welcome to take these off the ship if you are doing a shore excursion or exploring the port, but you must return them to your cabin afterward to avoid being charged a fee.

Virgin Voyages Cabin Towels — *Cabin Beach Towels*

If you plan to visit the Bimini Beach Club and forget to bring your cabin towel, don’t worry. You can borrow a towel directly at the Beach Club. They will just note down your room number and the quantity borrowed. Just make sure you return it to the Beach Club before heading back to the ship to avoid any charges.

The Main House Virgin Voyages The Beach Club at Bimini Reviews — *Bimini Beach Club Entrance*

Virgin Voyages Bimini beach club pool — *Bimini Beach Club Pool*

Virgin Voyages Tips For First-Time Sailors

Let us share some entertaining insights to improve your journey.

Most of the entertainment shows happen in two primary locations:
The Manor is like a cabaret-style experience that will leave you speechless with the magical entrance, and you cannot walk in without having a perfect photo-shoot section.
The Red Room is the larger entertainment venue that makes you feel like you are visiting a new place every time you enter, because the theater has a rotating stage for diverse shows.

Tip: If you are an introvert and prefer to enjoy the show without being in the spotlight, we recommend you sit down at the second level of both venues. If shyness is not an issue for you, then sit in the first rows so you can be part of the show from the start.

Do you need to find some quiet and relaxed spots to get some work done or to lose yourself in a good book? Then check out my post where I go over the variety of perfect places to find inspiration and get work done onboard.

Can You Smoke On Virgin Voyages?

Yes, you can. There are two designated smoking areas on board (one outdoor and one indoor).

The outdoor smoking area is located by Richard’s Rooftop entrance on Deck 16.
If you prefer trying your luck at the casino slot, there’s an indoor smoking area on Deck 6.

Overall Virgin Voyages Tips

We honestly love sailing with Virgin Voyages, and we feel the experience truly stands apart from traditional cruise lines. The vibe on board is unique, attracting both relaxation seekers and those looking for a joyful environment.

We’ve noticed a particular shift in the age range of Virgin Cruises, leaning toward a more mature crowd. Interestingly, we found that the most mature people on board are often the happiest and funniest. If you want to enjoy the full experience, you must leave behind your age and bring your youthful spirit.

Virgin Voyages The Dock House Outdoor Reading a Book — *The Dock House*

To wrap up:

Explore the restaurants (We highly recommend trying as many as you can!) and bring an open mind because you’ll encounter the most creative dishes!
Explore each port stop because there’s nourishing culture waiting for you. Low budget? You can stay in the port area and explore it.
Puerto Plata port offers free pool access (which is gorgeous!).
There’s free transportation to get to Bimini Beach Club, and the food options at the Beach Club are complimentary.
Take advantage of the free fitness classes because Virgin Voyages also gives tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Issues understanding the VV app? You can visit the Grounds Club (Deck 7) or Grounds Club Too (Deck 15) and grab a hard copy brochure with the daily itinerary.

I hope these tips make your Virgin Voyages experience seamless and enjoyable. Feel free to leave a comment if you want to share any of your Virgin Voyages tips!☺️

Before You Go: If you enjoyed learning about Virgin Voyages tips, you might like reading some of my other guides and experiences on Virgin Voyages:

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4 Comments

Mary says:

May 8, 2025 at 10:43 pm

Wow! Just what i was looking for! Very detailed information! Thanks for this!

1. Joenid’s Corner says:
  
  May 9, 2025 at 5:31 pm
  
  Thanks for your comment, I’m so glad you found it helpful.
  
James Butler says:

May 11, 2025 at 8:18 pm

Me and my husband are sailing on Resiliant Lady August 31st for a 7 night Greek Island Cruise to celebrate our 10th Anniversary. This review was very helpful and we are so excited!

1. Joenid’s Corner says:
  
  May 28, 2025 at 10:38 am
  
  I’m glad you found it helpful. I haven’t experienced the Greek island cruise yet, let me know if it’s worth it.