Are you thinking about taking a Virgin Voyages cruise? If so, get ready for an incredible adventure! This blog post will explain everything that’s included in your cruise price and let you know about any extra costs you might need to be aware of. We’ll cover everything from dining options and fitness activities to Wi-Fi and tipping.
We’ll provide all the important information to help you plan the perfect cruise vacation. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned pro, this guide will give you the inside scoop on what to expect and how to plan a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Table of Contents
A Quick History of Virgin Voyages
In 2014, Sir Richard Branson launched Virgin Voyages, a new company in the cruise industry. Branson, widely known for his innovations like Virgin Records, Virgin Galactic, and Virgin Atlantic Airways, aimed to transform the cruise experience by infusing it with the fresh, stylish vibe that embodies the adventurous spirit of the Virgin brand.
Virgin Voyages launched its first cruise ship, the Scarlet Lady, in 2020. This ship was designed with a sleek, adults-only concept, focusing on luxury and wellness. After that, the company introduced two more ships: the Valiant Lady in 2021 and the Resilient Lady in 2022. These ships continue the brand’s dedication to offering unique, high-quality experiences at sea. Looking ahead, Virgin Voyages is preparing to welcome its fourth ship, the Brilliant Lady, set to enter service in 2025.
What Makes Virgin Voyages Different
Richard Branson wanted Virgin Voyages to stand out among other cruise lines by offering a transparent, all-inclusive experience. Usually, traditional cruise lines entice customers by advertising low base fares and upselling for premium services once passengers are on board. Instead, Virgin Voyages’ base price covers all expenses, including meals, fitness classes, Wi-Fi, and tips, allowing passengers to enjoy their vacation without adding additional fees.
Included Dining on Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages ships are a dream come true for food lovers. They feature a variety of specialty dining venues, and the great news is that all these options are included in your cruise fare. Here are just a few of the restaurants you can enjoy:
- The Galley: Virgin Voyage’s interpretation of the traditional cruise ship buffet. It offers many American and International cuisine, desserts, and grab-and-go dishes.
- Pink Agave: Provides diners with traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern flair. Specialties include tacos, enchiladas, and ceviche.
- The Wake: A high-end steak and seafood restaurant. Cruisers can find unique cuts of meat and seafood such as ribeye, filet mignon, lobster, and scallops.
- Gunbae: Specializes in Korean BBQ and offers a unique dining experience. Guests can grill their meats at the table and enjoy exotic Korean food in a more social setting.
- The Pizza Place: Offers artisanal pizzas in a relaxed casual setting. It’s a great place to grab a late-night slice after dancing the night away on Scarlet Night.
- Razzle Dazzle: A vibrant and colorful eatery specializing in plant-based cuisine. This dining spot is a top choice due to its lively atmosphere and eclectic menu.
- Lick Me Till I Scream: A fun ice cream spot that serves a variety of unique and tasty flavors. It’s a great place to enjoy a sweet treat.
Please note that while most menu items are included, some specialty items, like tomahawk steaks or lobster, may have an additional fee.
Staying Active at Sea
After enjoying all the delicious food on your cruise, you might want to burn off a few extra calories. Luckily, Virgin has you covered. Their excellent fitness facilities and a variety of fitness classes are all included in your cruise fare. Whether you prefer high-energy workouts, relaxing yoga sessions, or a refreshing swim, you can enjoy these options at no extra cost. Here’s a look at what’s available:
- The B Complex Gym: A high-tech fitness center with top-of-the-line equipment, such as treadmills, ellipticals, free weights, and resistance machines.
- Group Fitness: Includes spinning, barre, and HIIT classes (High-Intensity Interval Training).
- Yoga and Pilates: Available both indoors and on the outdoor deck, where you can take in the stunning ocean view.
Keeping Connected on Your Cruise
Virgin Voyages also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the ship, so you can stay connected without paying more. Whether lounging by the pool, dining, or relaxing in your cabin, you’ll have high-speed internet access to check emails, stream content, or share photos. The connection is easy to use throughout the ship, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones while exploring new destinations. On other cruise lines, Wi-Fi can cost up to $300 a week, making Virgin Voyages’ complimentary Wi-Fi one of the best deals at sea.
Tipping and Gratuities
When planning a cruise, it’s important to consider the additional costs for tipping or gratuities, which can sometimes catch you off guard. On some cruise lines, these charges are added to the base fare. For a seven-day cruise, these charges can add up to $200 or more for two people, usually billed at the end of your trip.
Virgin Voyages simplifies things by including most gratuities for dining staff, housekeeping, and other service personnel in the base cruise fare. This all-inclusive approach helps you avoid extra charges and surprise bills and supports a positive work environment for the crew. Virgin Voyages is known for offering competitive wages and better working conditions than other cruise lines, ensuring that crew members are fairly compensated. So, you can relax and enjoy your vacation knowing that you and the staff are well taken care of.
Visiting Bimini Beach Club
Bimini Beach is a private beach club exclusively for Virgin Voyages guests visiting the Caribbean. It is located on the serene island of Bimini in the Bahamas, providing an escape from crowded beaches.
At Bimini Beach, you can continue enjoying Virgin’s all-inclusive experience, which includes complimentary meals, snacks, soft drinks, and water. The beach club offers free activities and amenities, including a live DJ, beach chairs, pool loungers, and inflatables. Clean restrooms, changing rooms, and showers are available at no extra cost.
For those looking to add more to their day, options such as private cabanas, poolside drinks, and shore excursions are also available for an extra fee. However, plenty of free activities and amenities are available to ensure you have a fantastic time without any additional expenses.
Included Beverages
With so many unique restaurants and bars on a Virgin cruise ship, it’s handy to know which drinks are included and which might incur an extra charge.
Virgin Voyages makes it easy to stay hydrated with complimentary beverages like still and sparkling waters, soft drinks, non-pressed juices, tea, and coffee. These are available throughout the ship, so you can enjoy them anytime without spending extra.
Regarding alcoholic drinks, they’re generally not included in the all-inclusive plan, except for guests staying in specific suites. But don’t worry—Virgin Voyages offers competitive drink prices, often lower than other cruise lines. Plus, you can pre-purchase a Virgin Voyages bar tab before your trip, which gives you credits for free alcoholic drinks. This way, you can enjoy premium options while keeping your onboard expenses in check.
What’s Not Included
Although Virgin Voyages has one of the best all-inclusive packages at sea, please remember that some items are not included in your Virgin Voyages cruise fare. While most activities and dining options are included, you may need to pay extra for premium activities such as shore excursions and spa treatments. Also, although you won’t need to pay gratuities for most services, it is customary to tip bartenders for alcoholic drinks and any staff member who goes above and beyond.
Let’s Set Sail!
When you choose Virgin Voyages, you choose an extraordinary, all-inclusive experience. Knowing what’s included and what might come with an additional charge will help you enjoy your time at sea to the fullest.
Are you ready for an incredible Virgin Voyages adventure!? Let The Fun Cruise Crew cover all the details for your next cruise vacation. Our expert planning and personalized service guarantee a fantastic experience from start to finish. Contact us today to book your next cruise and prepare for an unforgettable vacation!
About the Author
Meet Kelli, a travel expert with over 20 years of experience creating unforgettable cruise vacations. She’s proudly achieved a gold certification from Virgin Voyages’ Seacademy, highlighting her extensive knowledge of their brand.
Kelli is a huge fan of Virgin Voyages and can’t get enough of their “Shake for Champagne” feature! If you’re looking for insider tips and advice on your next cruise, Kelli’s got you covered.
