Virgin Voyages: What the Fare Covers and What Costs Extra

Where these numbers come from

Virgin Voyages sells one adults-only ship style with a fare that bundles more than most lines. Dining at more than twenty venues, tea, coffee, water, sodas and non-pressed juice, onboard Wi-Fi and group fitness classes are in the ticket. The brand also says its fare carries over $1,000 of value. What sits outside that ticket is where the final bill is built.

Three outside items decide your total. First, taxes and fees are separate: the deposit rule says 20% of the fare, not counting taxes and fees. Second, since bookings made on October 7, 2025, the ticket contract treats the nightly service gratuity as its own charge of $22 per sailor, or $20 if prepaid. Third, alcohol and other premium drinks are bought with pay-as-you-go prices or a prepaid Bar Tab. Model all three in the cruise cost calculator.

Worked example for two sailors on the 7-night Western Caribbean sailing from Miami, using the advertised starting price of $973 each. Fare: 2 x $973 = $1,946. Gratuities paid on board: 2 x 7 x $22 = $308. Subtotal: $2,254 before taxes and fees, drinks and excursions. Prepaying gratuities at $20 cuts that line to $280 and saves $28. The gratuity calculator works through longer sailings.

Older bookings behave differently. For cruises booked through October 6, 2025, the ticket contract says the fare covers gratuities and service charges, so no nightly charge applies. From October 7, 2025, the contract says the fare covers service charges for hotel, drink and food service but leaves out the service gratuity. If you booked long ago, read your own booking summary before assuming either version.

Flexibility also depends on the fare tier. Newer bookings use tiers named Lock It In, Base, Essential and Premium, plus a higher level for suites. The two lowest tiers are non-refundable beyond the first week after booking. Higher tiers allow a future voyage certificate or a date change in the 46 to 120 day window. Final payment is due 120 days before sailing, so the cheap tier saves money only if your plans are fixed.

Who is it best for? Couples and friend groups who want no children aboard, no set dress code and meals included in the ticket. Families cannot sail, since 18 is the minimum age. Compare it with the Virgin gratuity page and the Bar Tab page, or start with the which cruise line quiz.

Sources

• Virgin Voyages home page fares
• Virgin Voyages what's included
• Virgin Voyages VoyageFair choices FAQ
• Virgin Voyages ticket contract
• Virgin Voyages payments FAQ
• Virgin Voyages pre-voyage policies FAQ
• Virgin Voyages drinks and Bar Tab

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.