The Virgin Voyages Value Proposition
One of the most common questions from first-time Virgin Voyages sailors is “What’s actually included in my fare?” The good news: a lot more than most cruise lines. Virgin Voyages has built their pricing model around including things that competitors charge extra for, particularly when it comes to dining, gratuities, and basic connectivity. Here’s the complete breakdown.
What’s Included in Every Fare
All Dining — No Exceptions
Every restaurant on the ship is included in your base fare. That means The Wake steakhouse, Pink Agave’s upscale Mexican, Gunbae Korean BBQ, Test Kitchen’s experimental dining, Extra Virgin Italian, Razzle Dazzle, and every other sit-down and casual venue. On competing lines, these specialty restaurants would cost $35-75 per person, per meal. On a 7-night voyage, the dining value alone can exceed $500 per person.
Basic Wi-Fi
Every sailor gets complimentary basic Wi-Fi — enough for messaging, social media, and email. It’s not lightning-fast streaming quality, but it keeps you connected without the nickel-and-diming you’ll find on other lines. Premium Wi-Fi upgrades are available for those who need faster speeds or want to stream video.
Gratuities and Tips
No awkward daily gratuity charges on your bill. Tips are included in your fare, which means the crew is already taken care of. You can still tip additionally for exceptional service, of course, but there’s no daily $16-20 per person charge like you’ll find on most mainstream cruise lines.
Fitness and Wellness Classes
Group fitness classes — including yoga, cycling, HIIT, and more — are complimentary. The Athletic Club gym facilities are also included. Only spa treatments and premium wellness experiences (like the Thermal Suite or individual sessions) carry extra charges.
Essential Beverages
Still and sparkling water, drip coffee, teas, juices at breakfast, and sodas at meal times are included. This doesn’t extend to specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, or any alcoholic beverages — those require purchase or a Bar Tab package.
Entertainment
All shows, DJ sets, parties, and entertainment programming are included. There are no premium show tickets or reserved seating charges.
What Costs Extra
Alcoholic Drinks and Bar Tab
Cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits are pay-as-you-go or covered by the Bar Tab package. The Bar Tab is a popular add-on — it covers drinks up to a certain price point at all bars. Most sailors find it worthwhile for voyages of 4 nights or more. Pricing varies by voyage length and is often discounted during early booking promotions.
Shore Excursions
Port excursions are an additional cost, booked through the Virgin Voyages app or onboard. Beach Club access at Bimini is included in your fare, but premium cabanas and daybeds cost extra.
Spa and Thermal Suite
The Redemption Spa services and the Thermal Suite day pass are extra. The Thermal Suite is a popular add-on offering hydrotherapy pools, mud rooms, salt rooms, and cold plunge pools. Consider booking a voyage-long Thermal Suite pass for the best per-day value.
Premium Wi-Fi
If basic Wi-Fi isn’t cutting it and you need to stream, video call, or work remotely, the premium upgrade is available for purchase.
How It Compares to Competitors
When you factor in the included dining, gratuities, and Wi-Fi, Virgin Voyages often comes out cheaper than competitors whose base fares look lower but pile on surcharges. A typical 5-night Caribbean cruise on a competing line might add $100+ in gratuities, $200+ in specialty dining, and $75+ for Wi-Fi — costs that are already baked into your VV fare. Always compare the total cost, not just the sticker price.