The Ultimate Guide to Virgin Voyages
Pro Tips to Ace Your Virgin Voyage
Arrive a day before your voyage start date. The ship will leave on time, with or without you. If you fly on the day of departure, you risk missing the ship if you have a flight delay or cancellation. I have some great partner hotels close to the port that I can recommend for you.
Get to know the crew! From your favorite barista to the Happenings Cast (their version of a Cruise Director), everyone is there to make sure you have a good time. You may see spontaneous performances or tricks happening anywhere and anytime. They may even reveal secrets of the ship if you are extra fun.
To order at any of the casual dining spots and bars on board, pick a spot to sit and scan the QR code on the small tabletop sign to pull up the menu. When you are ready to order, raise the little red flag on the sign to signal to the waiters to visit your table. You can also order at the counter in the Galley.
Going to be ordering drinks on board? Buy a Bar Tab in advance. For every $300 Bar Tab purchased at least 2 days before departure, Virgin Voyages will top it off with an extra $50 for free. You can share a Bar Tab with someone if you would like (but it will only be loaded on one person’s Band).
Board as soon as boarding opens. As one of our clients, you have the special perk of Anytime Boarding. As soon as you can get on the ship wifi, book your breakfast & lunch reservations, as well as your fitness classes, spa treatments, hydrotherapy circuits, and entertainment on board. The most popular items fill up quickly so accessing the ship’s wifi as early as possible will allow you to snag those hard-to-get spots. To further speed up the boarding process, complete the online check-in process via the app prior to heading to the port.
When you board, the ship’s wifi can be difficult to connect to the first time. It may tell you your date of birth is incorrect. Keep trying - it usually allows you on by the 4th attempt. If you still can’t get on, call Sailor Service from the phone in your room. They will get you on the wifi immediately. If you visit the Sailor Services desk in person on embarkation day, the line will be very long. Calling allows you to access them immediately. Once you get onto the ship’s wifi, you can message Sailor Services for anything you need directly through the app.
Looking for the best photo stop on the boat? There are many great photo opps throughout the ship but the best one is the entrance to the manor, where a mirrored hallway with lots of twinkly lights creates a gorgeous sparkly walkway.
The hydrotherapy circuit is an awesome way to relax on the ship but it costs double on Days at Sea. Try scheduling the circuit for an evening in port, after you get back on the ship, for half the price!
Get off the ship early in the morning on disembarkation day. If a lot of ships are at the port that day, the number of customs officers per ship will be fewer and the lines build up throughout the morning.
Make your dinner reservation early for Scarlet Night so you don’t miss out on all the festivities, which will be detailed in your app.
Couldn’t get it into the restaurant or show you wanted? Message or stop by Sailor Services to see if they can help you get in.
If you are having a great time and want to go on another Virgin Voyage in the future, the best possible deal you will get is to secure a My Next Virgin Voyage (MNVV) onboard for $300 (per cabin). It secures you up to $500 in value towards your next Virgin Voyage. The best part? It’s combinable with all sales AND with the additional perks I can add (like the $100 credit), plus it’s good for two years. You must purchase at the MNVV onboard. Each MNVV allows for one name change so buy them for all your friends and family before you get off the ship!
Benefits of Booking Via a First Mate (AKA me)
All of the below benefits are combinable with any sales & My Next Virgin Voyage
$100 onboard credit per cabin
Anytime Boarding (this is the best benefit in my opinion)
Ability to select the specific cabin you would like
Access to a wider selection of dining reservations
You can book with me at any point via this link and the benefits will be automatically added to your booking!
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Sail Preparation
Things to Bring/Prepare
Passport: Virgin Voyages requires all passengers to show their passport on embarkation and disembarkation and it must be a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months after the voyage end date.
Reusable Water Bottle/Tumbler: This is a zero single-use plastic voyage so we recommend bringing a reusable water bottle or tumbler. It can be filled via the refill stations and soda machines throughout the ship or you can order water and ice in your cabin via the in-room tablet or your app.
Something Red: There is no dress code at the restaurants on board (hooray!) but you will definitely want to bring something red for the infamous Scarlet Night. Pro tip: Make sure your red outfit doesn’t go below the knees and that you are wearing shoes that are easy to remove.
Sun Protection, a Swimsuit, and Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Lotion: Your cabin will be stocked with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and bar hand soap but it does not have lotion.
EU Plug Adaptor: These cabins have a good amount of US and USB plugs but, to maximize power options, bring an EU adaptor.
Robe & Slippers: Unless you are in a Rockstar Cabin, your cabin will not come equipped with a robe & slippers, so bring your own if you would like them.
Seasickness Solutions: I prefer getting a prescription for Scopolamine from my doctor, but you can also wear Sea-Bands, chew ginger, or take Dramamine.
Virgin Voyages App: The Virgin Voyages app is essential for everything before boarding and while on board! It will allow you to check-in online in advance of arriving at the ship, book Shore Things, reserve dining, get Champagne and food delivered to you on the ship, and more. Get it here.
Allowable Drinks: You are welcome to bring two 750mL bottles of wine per cabin in carry-on bags (sorry, no liquor or beer). Please note, any alcohol in your checked luggage will be collected pre-sailing and returned once your voyage is complete, so you must put the wine in your carry-on bag. You are also welcome to bring specialty liquors from your destination on board but security will hold them until your final night. You can also bring a maximum of twelve sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person of water, protein based drinks, non-alcoholic beer, or soft drinks in boxes and cans in your carry-on luggage only. Drinks in bottles (glass or plastic) are not permitted.
Things Not to Bring
Hair Dryer: There’s already one in the cabin
Clothing Iron: Irons are not allowed but your cabin attendant can give you a steamer or send your clothing for pressing.
Food: There’s endless food available onboard already but if you have a necessary food item for medical reasons, contact Sailor Services in advance for a clearance request.
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Booking Logistics
Important Pre-Voyage Milestone
135 Days Before Departure: Those booked in RockStar Quarters will get early access to book Shore Things. Payment for Shore Things will be due at the time of booking.
120 Days Before Departure: Final payment is due! You can pay directly in the app. All Sailors will have the ability to book shore excursions (known as "Shore Things") directly in the app (or I can help you). Payment for Shore Things will be due at the time of booking.
60 Days Before Departure: Sailors booked in RockStar and Mega RockStar Quarters will have the ability to book their dining reservations.
45 Days Before Departure: Time to book your dining reservations! Reservations go FAST so book these immediately. Ask your First Mate (Nadia) for help in advance if you need assistance grabbing dining reservations. They typically go live anytime from early as 11 PM EST the night before to 3 AM EST the day of.
Onboard: Other onboard experiences such as spa treatments, the hydrotherapy circuit, fitness classes, salon services, entertainment, and tattoos will be available to book once you’re on board. Pro Tip: These fill up fast. Join the ship wifi immediately upon boarding (or from the boarding line if it lets you) and book as soon as you get on the wifi. Ahead of boarding, you can start planning your voyage by checking out our entertainment lineup in the Virgin Voyages app. Two extra special options to look for: The Grog Walk (Virgin Voyages version of a pub crawl), which is the perfect thing to do on your first or second day to make friends and learn about all of the drink options on the ship. Another cool option to consider is the Behind the Scenes Tour, which will show you parts of the ship not accessible to the general public!
PoliciesVirgin Voyage Cancellation Policy
If you’re booking more than 120 days prior to the start of the voyage, you have a 7-day grace period to request a full refund on your deposit and any other payments made. Refunds will be issued to your original form of payment.
After the 7 day grace period (but still before the 120-day window), you can receive a full refund on any payments, excluding your deposit. For your deposit, you will receive Future Voyage Credit.
Between 119 and 45 days, any funds paid will be converted to Future Voyage Credit (FVC), good to use on any voyage 1 year from the original voyage start date.
Sailors may change their voyage date up until 45 days prior to the sailing, and the new voyage date can be up to 1 year from the original sailing start date.
Once you’re within 44 days of your voyage, all funds paid are final. But you do have the option to send someone else in your place up to 48 hours before your voyage if you can't sail. Please note that taxes and fees will be refunded regardless of when the booking is canceled.
Deposits
Deposits are 20% of your voyage fare (ticket price only, not taxes and fees), and they are due at the time of booking. However, if you're booking less than 120 days prior to your voyage start date, full voyage fare is required.
Pregnancy
You must be less than 24 weeks pregnant by the end of the sailing. Please make sure to bring all appropriate medical documentation to confirm this timing when you arrive.
Passports
Virgin Voyages requires Sailors to have a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months after the voyage end date.
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Dining Guide
Dinner Options (Reserve in Advance)
Gunbae: This is the only Korean BBQ at sea, and the only restaurant aboard where you’ll be seated with strangers. It’s the perfect restaurant for your first night so you can make new friends! Get ready for some drinking games to help break the ice.
Extra Virgin: This is the Italian restaurant on the ship, which has handmade pastas, seafood and meat, complimentary aperitifs, and an Affogato cart.
Test Kitchen: This is my favorite restaurant onboard! It offers a truly unique experience out at sea with a science-inspired tasting menu that alternates every other day. Each course focuses on one ingredient. You are welcome to order drinks a la carte (my favorite is the Yuzu Ginger Sour) or you can add the cocktail or mocktail pairing (a great deal). Note - this is a true tasting menu experience and will take 2+ hours so don’t schedule a show too soon after your dining reservation.
The Wake: This is a luxe steak and seafood restaurant with a view of the wake. Book your reservation at sunset while traveling East for the best views.
Pink Agave: This is the most popular restaurant on board serving delicious Mexican cuisine. The entrance to the restaurant is a very popular photo stop (you’ll see why). Don’t skip the fun chocolate-themed desserts! They have an extensive selection of tequila and mezcal, available in spirit form or in fun cocktails.
Razzle Dazzle by Night: This is a fun colorful option that just launched their dinner menu! They have a fun naughty or nice menu, where you can choose healthy vegan/vegetarian options (nice) or decadent eats like pork and fried chicken (naughty). Don’t sleep on the rainbow churros - my favorite! Pop into the secret Red Bar in the back afterwards for a Popcorn Old Fashioned.
Sit Down Breakfast Options (Reserve on Ship Wifi)
The Wake: This steakhouse is a great option to book a second time for brunch for some delicious benedicts and a bottomless brunch option.
Razzle Dazzle: A great brunch option (with a $25 bottomless drinks add-on available), and they serve dinner as well. They continue with their naughty or nice menu, where you can choose healthy vegan/vegetarian options (nice) or decadent eats like bacon and fairy toast (naughty).
Casual Food Options (no reservations)
The Galley: This is the main food hall with TONS of options set up in a similar fashion to a food hall (sushi next to a diner next to a pastry shop next to a taco stand next to a ramen shop, etc). I love that you can grab ready to go sushi and fruit bento boxes from here! The diner breakfast options are available 24 hours a day. I love the Express Breakfast with the soft scrambled eggs as a fast and hearty option to power you through days full of Shore Things! Pro Tip: The most affordable wine on the ship is available on tap here. You can also come here to refill your water bottle 24/7, as well as for the other included beverages, like sparkling water, soda, basic coffee + tea, and carton juices. Remember - you need to raise the little red flag on the QR code sign to signal to the waiters that you are ready to order.
The Dock: This is a fun casual option with Mediterranean bites and cocktails on offer. It sometimes has chill live music at sunset, which you can also hear from your balcony if your room is towards the back of the ship. It’s a great stop for good views when leaving each port. Don’t skip trying the delicious shrimp!
Dock House: Adjacent to the Dock, Dock House is the inside option with a larger menu and a beautiful bar with an extensive rose and spritzer selection, as well as a roving mezze cart. You can also purchase freshly-pressed juice and smoothies here using your Bar Tab for a healthy alternative to alcohol.
Sun Club Cafe: A nonchalant spot outdoors on the upper decks, offering the perfect refreshing lunch items, like poke bowls, for eating lunch outside.
The Pizza Place: This is the best stop for a snack or a late night meal. It’s not typical cruise ship pizza that sits under warmers on buffets. It’s delicious, made to order woodfired pizza, which you order by the personal pizza size (not the slice). You can order off the menu or request a custom pie. My favorite, hands down, is the Pretty Fly for a White Pie. Bring the pizza out to the outdoor patio once it’s ready and enjoy it outside by the water.
Lick Me Till… Ice Cream: Who doesn’t love ice cream? Visit everyday to try all the fun flavors - from Orange Ricotta (my favorite) to Key Lime Pie. They have vegan sorbets too!
Social Club: Carnival fare galore! This is a good stop when you want an indulgent snack - pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, and candy are all on offer. You can even get adult spiked milkshakes and floats. This is a great place to come to be entertained on your Days at Sea; they have lots of fun activities, including air hockey, shuffleboard, foosball, board games, and even puzzle competitions.
Ship Eats: This is VV’s version of 24/7 Room Service, which features the best of each restaurant for an elevated experience. It is available round the clock (with the exception of your final night and morning) and breakfast can be preordered for the next morning as long as you order it via the app before 2 AM. Ship Eats has a $7 delivery fee but that fee is waived if you're ordering a chargeable item - like a glass of wine or specialty coffee - or if you're staying in one of the RockStar Quarters. You can also shake your app for champagne to be delivered anywhere on the ship (they will locate you via your Band).
Additional Option: There are grab-and-go coolers at The Galley and The Dock. Grab items from here throughout the day and put them in your cabin fridge for when you want a late-night snack.
Watering Holes
Most of the restaurants above also have bars. Here are a few more to check out!
Sip Lounge: This is the most beautiful & elegant bar aboard, with bubbly, caviar, and afternoon tea all on offer. You can even grab breakfast pastries here. The espresso martini here is quite popular. The afternoon tea is chargeable to your Bar Tab, which is a great alcohol-free option to use your Bar Tab.
On The Rocks: This martini bar near all the action is the perfect place to grab drinks before a show or listen to the live music offered every night. Tell the mixologist what you like and they will make you a custom creation just for you!
The Aquatic Club & Sun Club: These bars are by the pool, which you are very likely to visit. Love the frose and other frozen drink options on a hot afternoon by the pool.
Gym & Tonic: “Healthy” cocktails, pressed juices, and made-to-order shakes are available here!
Draught Haus: WIth a similar feel to a brewery, this spot has a wide range of craft beer, beer cocktails, and shot cocktails (even a breakfast shot).
The Loose Cannon: This British & nautical-themed bar has very lively trivia nights, unique cocktails, and a Shoctopus.
The Red Bar: This bar is hidden in the back of the Razzle Dazzle restaurant. They have super fun drinks ready for Instagram photo opps - like the glittery champagne cocktails and the popcorn old-fashioned
Grounds Club: This is another great non-alcoholic spot to use your Bar Tab. If you want fancier coffee or tea than the free coffee and tea on offer in the Galley, The Grounds Club is your place! They have lattes, cold brew, loose leaf tea, and pastries available. Pro Tip: There are multiple locations on board and the one within the Galley tends to have a shorter line.
The Manor: This night club is where most people end their nights. With its sparkly mirrored entrance and its collection of disco balls, it’s a picture-perfect stop to dance the night away with some surprises along the way.