Virgin Voyages Cruise Tips: First-Time Dos and Don’ts
Learn the essential dos and don’ts to make the most of your first Virgin Voyages cruise. Find out insider tips to avoid common mistakes.
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All food, soft drinks, and regular teas and coffees are included on Virgin Voyages. Instead of buffets, there's a made-to-order food court, specialty restaurants for dinner, and several casual dining options. Be sure to try smaller eateries like the Dockhouse for Mediterranean small plates or the Loose Cannon for wings and bar snacks. There are even grab-and-go wraps, salads, and charcuterie snacks located in refrigerators near the food court and pizza parlor for a quick bite. You'll never go hungry!
DON'T: Overlook all the dining options.
Are you interested in sailing with Virgin Voyages? Here are some insider tips for vacationing on this unique modern cruise line.
DO: Make reservations for dinner and brunch.
Dinner and brunch reservations open in the app 45 days before sailing, with more slots available on embarkation day. You don’t need a reservation every night, but secure spots at must-visit restaurants like The Wake steakhouse or Gunbae Korean barbecue. Walk-ins are welcome but subject to availability. No reservations are needed for casual dining spots.
Unlike other cruises, Virgin Voyages ditches the Broadway-like shows, and instead offers quirkier, more interactive entertainment options. There’s drag queen numbers, game shows, cabaret, acrobatic shows, and other zany performances. You won’t be bored! And, you’ll be left impressed by the talent of the onboard cast.
DON'T: Skip the shows.
DO: Splurge at the spa.
If you enjoy treating yourself to some self-care, indulge in a premium treatment or spa package. Along with your massage, facial, or other service, you’ll gain access to the thermal suite, which features wet and dry saunas, hot and cold pools, and more. Access to the thermal suite has limited, timed entry, meaning it's never overcrowded or noisy.
Many nights onboard feature themed parties, and sailors love to go all out. Every sailing includes a PJ party, the VHS Workout class, and Scarlett Night, so be sure to pack fun pajamas, an 80s-inspired workout outfit, and an all-red ensemble. Other themes may include disco, Latin, glow-in-the-dark, and fancy nights. Check your sailing schedule in advance to see which parties are planned. Aside from these, there’s no formal dress code onboard!
DON'T: Forget your party outfits.
DO: Pre-load your bar tab.
Instead of a drink plan, Virgin Voyages uses a bar tab system. When you add money in advance, you earn bonus credit. For example, adding $300 gives you an extra $50, giving you $350 to spend on cocktails, mocktails, specialty coffees, and other premium drinks once onboard.
Within your booking, you’ll select an arrival time for embarkation day. Please do not arrive at the terminal before this time, or you may have to wait outside with your luggage. Terminal staff check documents to ensure guests begin the check-in process at their assigned times.
DON'T: Arrive outside your boarding time for embarkation.
DO: Complete the onboard surveys.
Be sure to complete the onboard surveys that appear in your app. If you encounter any issues, report them there, and the crew will address them promptly. For example, when I mentioned my bed was too firm in the survey, housekeeping quickly offered a mattress topper that same night. Their responsiveness and eagerness to help really stood out!
Although you won’t want your vacation to come to an end, don’t forget to select a debarkation slot in the app. For Miami sailings, debarkation slots were offered between 8:00am and 10:30am.
DON'T: Don't forget to select a debarkation slot.
DO: Make a final breakfast reservation.
Since Virgin Voyages lets you stay onboard later than other cruise lines on your final morning, be sure to make a final breakfast reservation. The Wake and Razzle Dazzle offer sit-down brunch on debarkation days while grab-and-go options are available at the Galley food court and coffee shop if you’re pressed for time.
Virgin ships feature a fully equipped gym, cycling studio, basketball and pickleball courts, and an outdoor boxing ring. Enjoy free spin classes, HIIT workouts, yoga and meditation, Zumba, bungee fitness, ’80s aerobics, and more. There’s also a running track on the top deck. Don't forget to bring your workout gear!
DON'T: Miss out on the fitness options.
DO: Enjoy dessert.
You’re on vacation, and we’ve already covered fitness options, so fully enjoy the delicious, included sweets onboard. Don’t miss the hand-scooped ice cream parlor, the popsicle and Prosecco cart in the food court, and the affogato cart at Extra Virgin Italian. Made tableside, the affogato features a scoop of gelato, espresso, and your choice of toppings. Yum!
Don’t worry about planning your stop in Bimini. After leaving the ship, board the complimentary tram, and you’ll be shuttled to Virgin's private beach club, which features two large resort pools; beach access with chairs, umbrellas, and towels; and plenty of entertainment. Your bar tab applies to the beach bars, and there’s also free food served.
DON'T: Worry about planning your stop in Bimini.
DO: Pre-book excursions for other ports.
Virgin Voyages prides itself on offering more unique, exciting, and sustainable local experiences. Travel advisors like me can help book the perfect experience for your interests. Many will sell out before sailing, so it’s best to book in advance.
A must-visit photo spot on every Virgin Voyages sailing is the glittering hallway that leads to the Manor. Arrive early to capture your sparkly shots, as this area opens only before events held inside the Manor. On Scarlet Night, enjoy several themed photo booths where you can snap fun pictures and receive them by email for free. Check your activity schedule for these photo opportunities.
DON'T: Miss out on photo ops.
DO: Book with a travel advisor for deals and perks on select sailings.
Work with a travel advisor like me to unlock exclusive promotions and perks you won’t find elsewhere. Booking through me ensures you get the best deals and personalized service every step of the way.
