Your Complete Guide to Sailing Virgin Voyages for the First Time
If you are planning your first Virgin Voyages cruise, congratulations — you are in for something completely different from a traditional cruise. Virgin Voyages is adults-only (18+), there is no buffet, no formal night, and no nickel-and-diming for basics. Dining at all 20+ restaurants is included, WiFi is included, tips are included, and even group fitness classes are included in your fare.
This guide pulls together everything you need to know from our in-depth articles and free planning tools so you can walk onboard feeling like a seasoned Sailor, not a confused first-timer. Bookmark this page — you will come back to it.
Step 1: Choose Your Ship and Itinerary
Virgin Voyages has four ships in its fleet: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady. All four are sister ships with the same layout, cabin types, and restaurants — so you are getting a consistent experience no matter which one you sail on.
Caribbean sailings depart from PortMiami and typically include stops at the Beach Club at Bimini (Virgin Voyages’ private island experience), along with ports like Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Key West, and San Juan. Mediterranean sailings depart from Barcelona or Athens and visit ports across Spain, Italy, Greece, Croatia, and beyond.
We keep a running list of all announced routes in our 2026-2027 itineraries guide.
Step 2: Pick the Right Cabin
Virgin Voyages has four main cabin categories, each with several subtypes:
- Insider — No window, but the most affordable option. Great for Sailors who plan to spend most of their time out exploring the ship.
- Sea View — A porthole window with natural light but no balcony. A good middle ground.
- Sea Terrace — The most popular choice. Balcony cabin with a hammock on your terrace. These book up fast.
- RockStar Quarters — The VIP experience with premium perks including a dedicated RockStar Agent, access to Richard’s Rooftop, and complimentary drinks. Read our RockStar Suites guide to see if the upgrade is worth it.
Use our interactive Cabin Guide to compare every cabin type with photos, or look up a specific cabin number with our Cabin Lookup tool to see exactly what you are getting before you book.
Step 3: Understand VoyageFair Pricing
In 2026, Virgin Voyages introduced VoyageFair, which splits fares into three tiers: Base, Essential, and Premium. Each tier includes different levels of extras like Bar Tab credit, WiFi speed, and shore excursion discounts. Our VoyageFair Choices explainer breaks down exactly what you get at each level so you can decide which tier is right for your trip.
Step 4: Figure Out Your Drink Situation
There is no drink package on Virgin Voyages. Instead, they use a Bar Tab system — you prepay a set amount before your cruise and get bonus credit added on top. As of 2026, a $300 Bar Tab gets you $50 in bonus credit.
Basic drinks are included in your fare: water, drip coffee, tea, non-pressed juices, and soft drinks. Everything else — cocktails, beer, wine, specialty coffee — comes from your Bar Tab or pay-as-you-go.
The single most useful tool for first-timers: Our Bar Tab Calculator lets you input your drinking habits and sailing length to see exactly how much Bar Tab you should buy. Thousands of Sailors have used it to plan their drink budget.
For the full breakdown, read our Bar Tab deep dive.
Step 5: Know What to Pack
Packing for Virgin Voyages is different from a traditional cruise. There is no formal night, so leave the tuxedo at home — but you will want something red or scarlet-themed for Scarlet Night, the ship’s signature party. You will also want athletic wear for the fitness center, swimwear for the pool decks, and casual-nice outfits for dinner at places like The Wake and Gunbae.
Our interactive Packing Checklist covers everything from cabin essentials to Scarlet Night outfits. Check items off as you pack so nothing gets left behind.
Step 6: Plan Your Embarkation Day
Your first day onboard sets the tone for the entire cruise. There are things you need to do right away — like booking dining reservations and exploring the ship — and rookie mistakes that can waste your first afternoon.
Our Embarkation Day Guide walks you through the entire day from check-in at the terminal through the Sailaway party, including what to do in what order.
Step 7: Plan Your Dining
This is what surprises first-timers the most: every single restaurant on Virgin Voyages is included in your fare. There are 20+ places to eat and none of them cost extra. No buffet, no main dining room — just unique restaurants ranging from Korean BBQ (Gunbae) to a Mexican taqueria (Pink Agave) to high-end steak and seafood (The Wake).
Some restaurants require reservations (The Test Kitchen, Gunbae, The Wake, Pink Agave, Extra Virgin) while others are walk-in. We ranked every restaurant and told you what to order at each one in our restaurant ranking guide.
Insider tip: The Test Kitchen is the most in-demand reservation on the ship. Book it the moment your dining window opens. Read our Test Kitchen review to see what makes it special.
Step 8: Do Not Miss These Experiences
Scarlet Night — Virgin Voyages’ legendary onboard party. The entire ship transforms for one evening with special performances, themed drinks, and a dress code centered around red. It is consistently the highlight of every sailing.
Red Room Shows — The ship’s entertainment venue hosts original productions that are nothing like traditional cruise ship shows. They are edgy, creative, and always included.
Beach Club at Bimini — If your itinerary stops at Bimini, you get access to a private beach resort with a pool, DJ, bars, and food — all included.
Shore Excursions — Called “Shore Things” on VV. While excursions cost extra, some are unique to Virgin Voyages. Our guide covers the best options at every port.
Step 9: Loyalty and Status
Virgin Voyages has a loyalty program called the Sailing Club along with the Voyage Well Rewards program introduced in 2026. Even first-time Sailors can benefit — especially if you have status with another cruise line, as Virgin Voyages offers status matching.
Read our Voyage Well Rewards guide to understand how to earn and maximize your points from your very first sailing.
Step 10: Book Through a Specialist (It Is Free)
Here is something many first-timers do not realize: booking through a travel agent who specializes in Virgin Voyages costs you nothing extra. You get the same price as booking direct, but with a dedicated person who can help you choose the right cabin, stack promotions, and handle any issues.
Pixie Vacations is a top-rated travel agency with over 735 five-star Google reviews. Their team books Virgin Voyages cruises daily and can help you get the best deal. The planning is completely free.
Your Free Planning Toolkit
Bookmark these tools — they are all free, no sign-up required:
- Bar Tab Calculator — How much Bar Tab to buy
- Cabin Guide — Browse and compare every cabin type
- Cabin Lookup — Look up any specific cabin number
- Packing Checklist — Interactive checklist so nothing is forgotten
- Embarkation Day Guide — Your first day playbook
- Sail-Away 7 — This week’s best Virgin Voyages deals
Frequently Asked Questions From First-Time Sailors
Is Virgin Voyages all inclusive?
Almost. Your fare includes all dining, basic drinks (water, coffee, tea, juice, soda), WiFi, tips, fitness classes, and entertainment. Alcoholic drinks, spa treatments, specialty coffee, and shore excursions are extra.
Is Virgin Voyages adults only?
Yes. All Virgin Voyages ships are 18+ only. No exceptions, no kids’ club, no family suites. That is a core part of the brand.
What should I wear on Virgin Voyages?
The vibe is resort casual. No formal nights. Pack comfortable, stylish clothes — think what you would wear to a nice beach bar or rooftop restaurant. The one exception is Scarlet Night, where you want something red.
Do I need to book dining reservations?
For the most popular restaurants (Test Kitchen, Gunbae, The Wake, Pink Agave), yes — book as early as possible. The Galley, Razzle Dazzle, and casual spots are walk-in.
How much should I budget beyond my fare?
The main extras are Bar Tab ($300-$600 for most Sailors — use our calculator), shore excursions ($50-200 per port), and spa treatments. Many Sailors spend $500-$1,000 in extras for a 5-7 night cruise.
Can I bring alcohol onboard?
No. Virgin Voyages does not allow outside alcohol. You can bring a small amount of non-alcoholic beverages.
Is there a casino on Virgin Voyages?
Yes. The Casino is open on sea days and in port (depending on local laws). It is a full casino with slots, table games, and poker.
This guide is maintained by the team at Pixie Vacations, a top-rated travel agency with over 735 five-star Google reviews. Steve Griswold and his team of certified cruise specialists can help you book your first Virgin Voyages cruise at no extra cost. Get a free quote today.