Know Before You Go: The First-Time Virgin Sailor Guide
New to Virgin? Here's the quick, honest rundown so you board like a pro.
What's included in your fare
All the restaurants — 20+ eateries with no buffet and no cover charges.
Most non-alcoholic drinks — water, sodas, drip coffee, and tea.
Basic Wi-Fi, group fitness classes and the gym, and all the shows and parties.
What costs extra
Alcohol (handled best with a Bar Tab), specialty coffees and fresh-pressed juices.
Spa treatments, shore excursions, premium menu items, premium Wi-Fi, and in-cabin delivery.
The one thing to know that changed
As of late 2025, Virgin moved to a new fare structure and gratuities are generally no longer bundled into the base fare — budget roughly $20 per sailor, per night (when pre-purchased). It's an easy thing to miss because older articles still say "tips included," so we call it out here. We'll always confirm what your specific fare includes before you book.
Before you sail
Download the Virgin Voyages app, complete check-in ahead of embarkation, and book your top restaurants and shows early (remember, more open up once you're aboard). No formal dress codes, adults-only throughout — just pack what makes you feel great.
First Virgin voyage? That's our favorite kind of client. We'll handle the details and answer every question — get started with The Cruise Boys®.