Virgin Voyages Tips for First Time “Sailors”

After taking multiple cruises on the most established cruise lines, Royal, Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian and Disney, I can confidently say that cruising with Virgin Voyages is an entirely different experience! And, with these Virgin Voyages tips, you can see how it’s different — and how to get the most from your vacation!

From booking to boarding to the entire cruise experience, a Virgin Voyages cruise is quite different from other cruise lines, and knowing these Virgin Voyages tips will help first-time “sailors” with Virgin to get the most from your vacation!

These Virgin Voyages tips come from my personal experience, sailing on the Resilient Lady just a few short weeks ago.

Use a travel agent

Unlike other cruise lines where you might get a better price or some onboard credit when booking with a travel agent, Virgin Voyages is set up to make travel agents almost essential to the cruising process. Of all the Virgin Voyages tips, this is the one I think most people might not know. A travel agent is truly helpful on a Virgin cruise.

In fact, they’re so important, Virgin gave them a special name, “First Mate.” Your First Mate (travel agent) helps you select the best cabin, makes sure you know when to book dining reservations and shore excursions, and assists right up to the day you board the ship.

Usually, First Mates will have bonus offers available, based on their level of experience and volume of sailors (by the way, that’s you…. you’re a sailor) with Virgin Voyages, that they pass along to those who book through them. It pays to shop around a bit to find the best offer out there.

We used Cruise Compete to get “bids” from travel agents for our cruise, and found one who offered bonus onboard credit (called sailor loot) in addition to what the cruise line offered. If you use them, make sure you understand the offer and conditions to find the best cruise option for you.

AND, when you book your Virgin Voyages cruise, it includes ALL TIPS! You will never be left a tip envelope or asked to tip a server onboard. Virgin Voyages pays its staff a living wage and your cruise price is inclusive of all staff fees. The only extras you’ll pay are for things you want to buy: drinks, shopping, special shows, the casino and activities on shore.

Virgin Voyages Tip One: Use a travel agent (called a First Mate in VV lingo) to book your trip.

Virgin Voyages Tip Two: There is no tipping expected or required on Virgin Voyages cruises. REALLY!

Book the cabin that fits your budget

There are five cabin types on Virgin Voyages:

• Insider Cabins — These cabins, which sleep 1-4 guests, are the smallest and do not have a window. I personally book a balcony cabin whenever I can, but on Virgin Voyages, that’s much less of an issue (You’ll see why later). Book an insider cabin to save some money for other fun.
• Sea View Cabins — These cabins sleep 1-3 guests and offer a window seat or porthole window. If you want to see the sea but don’t need a balcony, this is a good choice.
• Sea Terrace Cabins — By far the most common cabin type, Sea Terrace Cabins sleep 2-4 guests and have a balcony. Most Sea Terrace Cabins have the “famous” Virgin Voyages red hammock. Some cabins have a limited view, as they look out over the lifeboats. And some cabins, designated XL, have a slightly larger bathroom with double sink.
• Rockstar Quarters — These cabins located fore and aft are the equivalent of suites on other cruise lines. They offer perks like free booze, an exclusive Rockstars only sundeck, priority tender at tender ports, a larger balcony and a dedicated king size bed.
• Mega Rockstar Quarters — Located in the fore of the ship offer the most perks, including the Rockstars only sundeck, a king size bed, an unlimited in room bar, large balcony, daily spa access and free transfers or parking, among others.

All cabins include soap, shampoo and conditioner. Only Rockstar Suites include body lotion.

While I have stayed in suites with Concierge service and other perks on Norwegian, Royal and Celebrity, I don’t know that it’s entirely “necessary” on Virgin Voyages. We were mere mortals, with a Sea Terrace cabin (not the XL), and found we didn’t need the perks to feel pampered. The only time it might matter is on an itinerary with lots of tendered ports. Rockstars have a priority line for tendering that gets them off the ship quicker.

Experienced cruisers know that the cabins on Deck 14 are below The Galley and the pool, so noise can be an issue. So, for the best cabin, don’t overlook these Virgin Voyages tips.

Virgin Voyages Tip Three: Most cabins are quite similar, so choose the one that best fits your budget.

Experience all the fabulous dining on Virgin Voyages

Food on Virgin Voyages Cruise Line is much better than the food on other cruise lines.

And, it includes things like filet, New York Strip, ribeye, and lobster without paying an upcharge! Yep! You could have filet and New York Strip every evening if you want, without paying a penny more. With so much great dining included, everyone gets a rockstar type experience on their voyage.

There is no main dining room or assigned dinner hour on a Virgin Voyages cruise. You can book reservations at any of the sit down restaurants before you sail through the Virgin Voyages app, though walk-ins are welcome. Guests staying in suites (Rockstar Quarters) can book reservations 60 days before sailing. Guests in regular cabins can book dining reservations 45 days before sailing.

We booked reservations in advance for dinner every night of our cruise, but we adjusted the time once onboard to better fit our plans — because it’s vacation!

Casual fare is also available in the Galley on Deck 15 and other quick service spots throughout the ship.

Virgin Voyages Tip Four: There’s no main dining room or assigned seating. Think of dining on VV more like booking reservations at a restaurant on land.

Virgin Voyages Tip Five: The “Galley” (Deck 15) is like a food hall with fast casual dining. Order at the counter and food is prepared to order. Each counter is its own cuisine and some stations are open 24/7. It’s VV’s answer to the traditional ship buffet.

Book shore excursions before you sail

Like other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages offers ship curated shore excursions, which they call shore things. Suite level guests (Rockstar level) can book shore things 135 days before their sailing. Guests in regular cabins can book shore things 120 days prior to sailing.

Recommended: Everything you need to know about shore excursions

Shore things are offered at every port. As far as Virgin Voyages tips, if booking through the cruise line, use the Virgin Voyages app to make it easy. Read the description for difficulty level and other requirements. We booked three shore things through Virgin Voyages and found that, just like other cruise lines, some are better than others.

You can also book independent shore excursions, through independent companies like Viator or Resort Pass.

Virgin Voyages Tip Six: Use the Virgin Voyages app to book shore things (excursions) when your booking window opens. Book early for the most options.

Virgin Voyages Tip Seven: Shore things can be canceled, but read the fine print. If you cancel a shore thing while on board, you get a folio credit, not a refund. To be honest, this is just about the only thing I do not like about Virgin Voyages (I think a refund should be a refund. Period.)

Make any day a vacation with a Resort Day Pass to a luxury hotel for access to the pool, spa and amenities.

Enjoy sea days your way

While other ships need space for children’s activities, every space on a Virgin Voyages cruise is dedicated to adult relaxation and fun.

• You’ll find the main pool on Deck 15 with lots of loungers, hot tubs and bar areas.
• On Decks 7 and 16, there are quiet lounging spaces, hot tubs and lots of space to catch some rays.
• Indoors, there are bars, casual dining areas and lounges on Decks 6, 7 and 15.

We never struggled to find a spot in the sun or in the air conditioning to relax!

Similarly, every show on Virgin has an adults only vibe. If you don’t like cussing or sexual innuendo, the shows might not be for you.

I am fairly straight laced, though, and I was not put out by the shows. If that kind of entertainment is not for you, head to the Social Club for board games, join in for games with the cast, sing karaoke or play video games (ALL FREE). Or, listen to music at one of the bars.

There’s plenty to do for any interest.

Virgin Voyages Tip Eight: There’s something for everyone on VV, whether you want to party all night long or just relax and chill.

Pack for theme nights

Other cruise lines offer a formal night, 80s night or something similar. Virgin Voyages offer special theme nights, too.

The most well known is Scarlet Night. But, your cruise could also have a pajama party and a “We Fancy” night. Some of the exercise classes have an 80s VHS theme (think leg warmers). Our next Virgin Voyages tips are about what to pack for theme nights.

Scarlet Night generally happens mid-cruise, and everyone is encouraged to wear red. Some people go all-out, dressed in red from head to toe. Most everyone participates to some degree, whether red shorts, shirt or tie. It’s a fun evening that ends with a dance party on the pool deck.

The PJ Party usually happens late evening the first night of the cruise and sets the celebratory mood for the week. The PJ Party usually happens on the pool deck. We wore long PJs for the cooler temps.

We missed out on the We Fancy night on our cruise because there was a schedule change and we didn’t see it. BUT, no worries… People who participate in We Fancy wear gold, whether a blouse, a dress or even a gold suit! It’s a great excuse to dress for fun.

Other than these few special events, there’s no dress code on Virgin Voyages. Except for no swimsuits in the sit down dining rooms, there are no real rules. Be you. Be comfortable. We packed in carryon only for an eight night trip.

Virgin Voyages Tip Nine: There is no formal night or strict dress code on Virgin Voyages. Dress your way and have fun with the theme nights (if you want to).

Download the Virgin Voyages App

Just about everything is handled through the Virgin Voyages app, and it helps to download the app as soon as you book your trip. And then, be sure to sign up for your boarding time ASAP!

It’s handy for booking shore things, making restaurant reservations and managing your booking (like all the required paperwork and passport information). Onboard, the free wifi is sufficient for using the app — which has the daily schedule and is where you can make restaurant and spa reservations during your sailing.

Each sailor should use a separate email address to register for the cruise. In our house, I manage our vacation bookings and generally use my email address for both me and my husband. To get the app to work on his phone, we had to update his registration by phone to use his (never checked) email address. Easy fix, but annoying.

If you and your cabin mate will be sharing a credit card or onboard credit (which VV calls sailor loot and bar tab), make sure you indicate that through the primary account. When the primary sailor agrees to pay the bill for someone else, the entire account is linked which is great for onboard expenses.

Virgin Voyages Tip Ten: Download the Virgin Voyages app with a unique email address for each sailor and link accounts if you want to pay for someone else’s stuff onboard.

Understand Sailor Loot and Bar Tab

Virgin Voyages offers onboard credit, called Sailor Loot, and a bar tab, which is their alternative to a drink package. They work differently than on other cruise lines and are a bit confusing until you use them. On social media, the Sailor Loot and Bar Tab questions never end… So, I hope this helps!

What is sailor loot?

When you book your cruise, it might include free Sailor Loot from a Virgin Voyages offer or free Sailor Loot from your First Mate (aka, Travel Agent). Sailor Loot is the VV term for onboard credit. And, whatever you don’t use is not credited back to you.

Sailor Loot can be used in the bars, coffee shop and stores onboard. It can be used — onboard — to book shore things, spa treatments or special events (like Grog Crawl and Another Rose dinner show).

Sailor Loot cannot be used before boarding to book shore things, only during your cruise.

What is the bar tab?

Virgin Voyages does NOT offer a drinks package. You’re an adult, and they treat you like an adult. Along those lines, they offer good drinks and a reasonable price, similar to what you’d pay on shore, and the tip is already included. An $8 beer is $8. An $11 cocktail is $11. You get the idea.

Virgin Voyages does offer Bar Tab Bonuses if you purchase a bar tab before you check in for the cruise. As of this writing, if you prepay a $200 bar tab for your cruise, VV will give you an additional $25 (for a total of $225 in drinks to share). If you prepay $300, they give you an additional $50 to spend. You can buy drinks for yourself, for friends, or for the people at the next table. It’s up to you.

Like Sailor Loot, anything left on your bar tab at the end of your sailing is forfeited. You don’t get that money back.

For both Sailor Loot and your Bar Tab, you can track the balance in the Virgin Voyages app under the wallet icon.

Some pro tips for using your bar tab:

• Use this handy bar tab calculator to decide how much bar tab to purchase, if any. It factors in how much alcohol, specialty coffee and smoothies you might drink in a day. We only had two sea days on our sailing, and don’t drink a lot so we did not get a bar tab this cruise. Our Sailor Loot covered our tab.
• If you like to have breakfast in your cabin, the bar tab is a great way to avoid the $10 delivery fee. Instead, order $10 worth of specialty coffee, juices or drinks, paid with the bar tab, and the delivery fee is waived.
• Soda is included with your voyage, so don’t calculate that in your bar tab.
• Rockstars get free drinks in their cabin, and some include free drinks at the bars, so don’t buy a bar tab if you get enough free stuff already.

Virgin Voyages Tip Eleven: Sailor Loot on VV is like onboard credit with other cruise lines. Use it onboard or lose it. You don’t get that money back.

Virgin Voyages Tip Twelve: VV uses a Bar Tab, which offers a bonus if you pre-purchase for drink purchases onboard including alcohol, mocktails, fresh juices, smoothies and specialty coffees. Leftover bar tabs are not refunded at the end of the cruise.

Bring a water bottle

Virgin Voyages is committed to being as environmentally friendly as they can. There are no disposable cups or plastic water bottles onboard. Every cabin gets daily water or sparkling water (you can request more whenever you need it).

Take a water bottle to fill for shore excursions and on sea days at the pool deck.

Virgin Voyages Tip Thirteen: Bring a water bottle!

Check in early on the day of sailing if you can

Virgin Voyages allows sailors to drop off their luggage as early as 9:00 a.m. on the day of departure. That includes checked bags and carry-on luggage. Then, you have the day to enjoy in the departure port city without hauling luggage everywhere.

The Virgin Voyages staff will attach your luggage tags at drop off. There’s nothing to print at home or bring with you.

But don’t miss the opportunity to check in early for the cruise! Get your “Band” (the wearable bracelet that acts as ID, room key and charge card throughout the cruise) and skip the check in line later in the day.

Then, at your check-in time, return to the ship and bypass the check-in line. You can go straight to security and on to the ship to enjoy the sail away party.

Virgin Voyages Tip Fourteen: Drop off bags and check in early on departure day.

Enjoy being treated like an adult on vacation!

Last, but certainly not least, enjoy being treated like an adult on vacation! Virgin Voyages does things differently, more like a luxury resort at sea than a floating theme park. Though, the free arcade might seem a bit like a theme park attraction… but who’s going to quibble about having fun?

Lots of things don’t happen with Virgin Voyages like captain’s announcements (it’s all in the app), photographers, art sales, and overscheduled days at sea.

Lots of great things do happen, too! Little things, like an ice cream shop, popcorn stand and a candy window suggest the carefree whimsy of childhood.

Great selfie spots throughout the ship, unlimited pool towels without needing to sign them out, and that fabulous hammock on your own balcony invite relaxation without fuss.

And perhaps this, relaxation without fuss, is the best of all the Virgin Voyages tips I can offer. Enjoy the moments — made the way you like them.

Virgin Voyages Tip Fifteen: Enjoy that comfy hammock on your balcony — and all the other comforts included throughout the ship!

Cruising through Virgin Voyages is different from the moment you decide to book.

The cruise line has its own “lingo:” You’re a sailor. Your travel agent is your first mate. Shore excursions are shore things. And, your onboard credit is sailor loot. But, once you get the language down, it’s not too different from other cruises.

Well…. Except there are no kids. And no tipping. Ever! And, there’s plenty of space without overcrowded elevators. And, the soap and shampoo are good quality. And, the staff is super friendly (because they aren’t overworked). And…. they have their famous red hammocks.