by Steve Griswold | Jun 29, 2026 | Planning Guide
Quick answer: Does it cost more to book Virgin Voyages with a travel agent? No. A Virgin Voyages “First Mate” is a travel agent, and booking through one costs exactly the same as booking direct on virginvoyages.com — Virgin pays the commission, not you....
by Steve Griswold | Jun 29, 2026 | Destinations, Planning Guide
Virgin Voyages’ first-ever Alaska season is sailing right now. Brilliant Lady — the newest ship in the fleet — runs 17 adults-only voyages from Seattle and Vancouver between May and September 2026, bringing the no-kids, tip-free, 20-restaurant VV experience to...
by Steve Griswold | Jun 28, 2026 | Planning Guide, Tips & Tricks
The Band is Virgin Voyages’ smart wearable wristband, and it does three jobs: it’s your cabin key, your ship entry pass, and your wallet. Virgin Voyages is fully cashless onboard, so instead of carrying a key card or a credit card around the ship, you just...
by Steve Griswold | Jun 28, 2026 | Planning Guide, Tips & Tricks
Here’s the short version: Virgin Voyages asks for a 20% deposit of your voyage fare (the cruise ticket only, not taxes and fees) to lock in a booking, and your final balance is due 120 days before you sail. Book inside that 120-day window and the full fare is...
by Steve Griswold | Jun 28, 2026 | Planning Guide, Tips & Tricks
Short answer: Virgin Voyages is an adults-only (18+), design-forward premium cruise line where almost everything is bundled into the fare, including WiFi, tips, and all the restaurants. Carnival is a family-friendly, mass-market “Fun Ship” line with the...
