Embarkation Day: From Check-In to Your First Night

Embarkation on Virgin is quick when you've done a little prep. Here's the whole day, start to finish.

Before you go

Complete online check-in in the Virgin Voyages app and choose your Terminal Arrival Time — the earlier you check in, the better the slots. Note that your arrival time is not your boarding time: boarding generally begins in the early afternoon, and arriving before your slot won't get you on sooner (it may just mean waiting outside). Complete the health check in the ~24 hours before, and save your boarding pass to your phone's wallet.

At the terminal

There are usually three check-in lines: General Boarding (by arrival time), a Priority line (Deep Blue Extras loyalty or the Splash of Romance package), and RockStar suites & VIPs. You'll need a hard credit card at check-in. Your wristband (the Band) is your cabin key and onboard payment — standard bands are red, RockStar/VIP bands are black.

Carry-on & what you can bring

Screening is lighter than an airport, but your carry-on still passes an X-ray. You may bring day-one essentials (medications, swimsuit, documents) and up to two unopened bottles of wine per cabin. Checked bags arrive at your cabin later in the day.

Your first hour aboard

• Cabins are typically ready when you board — drop your carry-on.

• Grab lunch (The Galley and a few spots are open and quiet on day one).

• Firm up any dining you missed at the embarkation-day booking desk.

• Watch the safety video in the app/on the cabin TV and complete the muster check, then explore.

Want a stress-free start? We'll send you a simple day-one game plan before you sail. Message The Cruise Boys®.