Virgin Voyages: What's Included & The Bar Tab
Virgin Voyages is "almost all-inclusive" — but not quite. Here's exactly what your cruise fare covers, what costs extra, and how the Bar Tab drink system works.
The Virgin Voyages Philosophy
Virgin Voyages describes itself as "almost all-inclusive" — and that phrasing is deliberately honest. Your cruise fare covers significantly more than a traditional cruise line, but it is not a fully unlimited all-in experience. The critical distinction: all dining is included, but alcoholic drinks are not.
What's Always Included in Your Fare
| Category | What's Covered |
|---|---|
| All Dining (20+ eateries) | Every one of Virgin's restaurants is included — no cover charges, no per-dish billing. This includes The Wake (premium steakhouse), Gunbae (Korean BBQ), Pink Agave (Mexican), Extra Virgin (Italian), Test Kitchen (tasting menu fine dining), Razzle Dazzle, and The Galley casual food hall. No exceptions, no hidden costs. |
| Essential Drinks | Still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas, and drip/filter coffee are always complimentary. Specialty coffees (espresso, lattes, etc.) and alcoholic drinks require additional payment or Bar Tab credit. |
| Basic Wi-Fi | Unlimited basic internet is included for all sailors — enough for messaging apps, social media, and web browsing. Premium Wi-Fi (for streaming and HD video calls) is available as a paid upgrade. |
| All Entertainment | All live shows, performances, DJ events, The Manor nightclub, comedy nights, and onboard activities are included in your fare. No ticket system or show reservations required. |
| All Fitness Classes | All group fitness classes in the B-Complex gym — yoga, HIIT, spin, Pilates, stretching — are included. Individual personal training sessions cost extra. |
| All Gratuities | 100% of service gratuities — for dining staff, cabin crew, and spa staff (on treatments you purchase) — are covered in your fare. You will never be asked to add a tip to a restaurant bill or drink receipt. |
| Beach Club at Bimini | On Caribbean itineraries that call at Bimini (Virgin's private beach club destination), access to the beach club including food is included in your fare — a significant saving compared to competing cruise lines' private island experiences. |
What's NOT Included
- Alcoholic Drinks: All wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails are pay-as-you-go (or via a pre-purchased Bar Tab credit).
- Specialty Coffees: Espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, and premium cold brews require payment or Bar Tab credit.
- Shore Things (Excursions): Virgin's official excursions ("Shore Things") are an additional cost, bookable via the app or website.
- Spa Treatments: Individual treatments (massages, facials, etc.) are charged extra. Classes are included.
- Premium Wi-Fi: Upgrading to HD streaming speed Wi-Fi is paid separately.
- Shopping: Onboard retail and merchandise.
How the Bar Tab System Works
Virgin Voyages does not offer a traditional unlimited drink package. Instead, they use a Bar Tab credit system:
- Pre-Purchase a Bar Tab: Before your sailing, you can purchase a Bar Tab credit in the Virgin Voyages app or website. Bar Tabs are sold in denominations (e.g., $300, $500). Virgin frequently offers bonus credit — for example, buy a $300 Bar Tab and receive $50 extra, giving you $350 to spend.
- Flexible Spending: Unlike traditional drink packages that expire at the end of each day, your Bar Tab is a pool of credit that you can use freely throughout your voyage. Drink when you want — there is no pressure to "get your money's worth" by drinking every day.
- Pay As You Go: If you choose not to pre-purchase a Bar Tab, drinks and specialty coffees are charged directly to your onboard account, payable at the end of the voyage. Standard pricing for cocktails is typically $12–20, beers $7–12.
- Sailor Loot: "Sailor Loot" is Virgin's term for onboard credit. It is often awarded as a promotional incentive at booking, through the Sailing Club loyalty programme, or via special offers. Sailor Loot can be spent on Shore Things excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic drinks, and other extras.
Is Virgin Voyages Better Value Than Traditional Cruising?
Comparing Virgin's fare to a traditional cruise fare is complex because the inclusions are so different. A fair comparison to NCL or Celebrity requires adding back the cost of specialty dining (saved on Virgin), gratuities (saved on Virgin), and entertainment (saved on Virgin) to the traditional cruise price before comparing.
Real-World Example (7-Night Caribbean for 2)
On a traditional cruise (NCL/Celebrity): Base fare + gratuities (£250) + 3 specialty dining meals (£120) + basic drink package (£400) = substantial additional cost. Virgin includes all of this in the base fare — the premium over traditional pricing often evaporates when comparable costs are stacked.