Virgin Voyages Drinks: Bar Tab Instead of a Package

Where these numbers come from

Virgin Voyages does not sell a conventional unlimited drink package. The fare already includes still and sparkling water, sodas, tea, coffee and non-pressed juices, so the one thing a package usually sells, endless soda, is free. For alcohol and other premium drinks you pay as you go, or prepay with a Bar Tab.

A Bar Tab is prepaid onboard credit. The line lists purchase amounts from $100 to $1,000 and offers bonus credit of up to $250 on prepaid purchases. The FAQ does not publish the bonus tier schedule, so look at your booking page for the exact bonus on each amount. It must be bought at least 24 hours before sailing and is non-refundable once the voyage starts. Model it in the drink package calculator.

The credit covers premium drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, aboard the ship and at the Beach Club at Bimini. It does not cover bottles or take-home items, spa services or drinks already included. It can buy a round for anyone, including a stranger you befriend. Tips are already in menu prices, so the credit goes straight to the drink.

Here is the pay-as-you-go math. A sailor who has two cocktails at $11 and two beers at $8 each day spends $22 + $16 = $38. Over seven nights that is $266. By comparison, a package like Holland America's Signature at $55.95 a day would be $391.65 for seven nights. At Virgin's average of $9.50 per drink ($38 divided by 4), a $55.95 package would only pay off at about six drinks a day. See the Holland America overview for that line's fares.

The practical choice is about how much you will drink. Light drinkers can skip the prepay and use the pay-as-you-go prices. Regular drinkers may like prepaying for the bonus credit, since an unused balance is lost. Because the credit cannot be refunded, buy a smaller amount than you expect to use and top up by paying the difference on board.

Age matters here. Virgin is adults-only with a minimum age of 18, and alcohol requires age 21 on U.S. itineraries and Alaska voyages. Gratuities are a separate topic: read the Virgin gratuity page. For an overall comparison with a true all-inclusive, use the cruise vs all-inclusive calculator.

Sources

• Virgin Voyages drinks and Bar Tab
• Virgin Voyages Bar Tab FAQ
• Virgin Voyages what's included
• Virgin Voyages pre-voyage policies FAQ

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.