How to Board Virgin Voyages Early: Everything You Need to Know

One of the most common questions sailors ask is: How can I board my Virgin Voyages cruise early?

Let’s be honest, we all want to START our vacation as early as we possibly can which means getting onto the ship as early as we possibly can.

The good news? There are multiple ways to secure early boarding.

Some methods involve paying for a package, others are earned through loyalty, and a few rely on smart timing and planning.

In this guide, we’ll walk through six different ways to board early, plus expert tips to help you maximize your chances of getting an earlier boarding time.

Don’t forget there is a podcast version of this blog post!

How Virgin Voyages Boarding Works

Virgin Voyages follows a boarding group system, similar to an airline. You cannot just show up early and expect to board—your boarding time is assigned in the Virgin Voyages app when you check in.

Instead of waiting in long lines, sailors board the ship in waves, allowing for a smoother, stress-free process.

Your boarding group time will determine when you can enter the terminal and step onboard.

However, if you’re looking for ways to board sooner, there are several strategies you can use. Let’s break them down.

1. Book a Rockstar or Mega Rockstar Suite

One of the easiest ways to guarantee an early boarding time is by booking a Rockstar or Mega Rockstar Suite.

• Mega Rockstars get the earliest possible boarding time, usually around 1:30 PM.
  
  
• Rockstar sailors board shortly after, typically around 1:45 PM.
  
  
• Both groups enjoy a private check-in area and dedicated boarding lounge, making the embarkation process effortless and luxurious.

This perk is exclusive to Rockstar and Mega Rockstar sailors, meaning if you book a standard Sea Terrace or Insider cabin, you won’t receive this priority boarding (unless you have Sailing Club perks – read on for that).

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2. Purchase Splash of Romance

If you’re not staying in a suite but still want early boarding, you can purchase Splash of Romance—a premium add-on designed to enhance your experience.

• Cost: $250 per cabin (for up to two people).
  
  
• Includes:
  • Priority boarding (same time as Rockstar sailors).
  • A bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne.

To learn more about all the perks of Splash of Romance, read the full blog post. To be honest, the majority of people who buy it are buying into boarding early.

Important Tip: You don’t have to be in a romantic relationship to book this package. It works for friends, family members, or even solo travelers looking to board early and enjoy the extra perks.

Since Splash of Romance is limited per sailing, it often sells out quickly. If early boarding is important to you, book this package as soon as it becomes available.

OR if you’re just looking for some inspo! See the curated list of Amazon items I’ve put together (and use!) for Virgin Voyages.

3. Earn Deep Blue Extras Status

Frequent Virgin Voyages sailors can earn early boarding through Deep Blue Extras, a loyalty perk awarded to sailors who have completed five sailings.

• Unlike other cruise lines that require hundreds of days at sea, Virgin Voyages allows you to reach top-tier perks quickly.
  
  
• One of the biggest benefits of Deep Blue Extras is priority boarding, meaning you’ll get an early boarding time just like Rockstar sailors.
  
  
• Other perks of Deep Blue Extras include:
  • Premium Wi-Fi
  • Specialty coffees
  • Laundry services
  • $100 bar tab

Since these perks change from time to time, it’s always a good idea to check for the latest Deep Blue Extras benefits before your sailing. Read more about here!

4. Check In Early on the Virgin Voyages App

If you don’t want to pay for priority boarding and you haven’t yet earned Deep Blue Extras status, the simplest way to increase your chances of getting an early boarding time is to check in as soon as possible in the Virgin Voyages app.

• Once you book your sailing, download the Virgin Voyages app and complete the check-in process immediately.
  
  
• Your boarding time is assigned when you check in—so the earlier you do it, the better your chances of securing an earlier slot.
  
  
• If you wait too long to check in, you may be stuck with a late afternoon boarding time, which could mean waiting longer before stepping onboard.
  
  

The check-in process only takes about 15 minutes, but it can make a huge difference in getting an earlier boarding group.

I’m going to be honest: I’m a super savvy traveler and I didn’t believe travel agents could get a better deal than me..

Until I was proven wrong by a *TOP 100* Virgin Voyages travel agent who beat every price I compared.

Learn more by clicking here!

Not sure if we can get you the best deal? Learn more about us in Virgin Voyages Facebook group by clicking here!

5. Watch for Last-Minute Boarding Time Drops

A little-known trick is that Virgin Voyages sometimes releases extra boarding slots closer to the sailing date.

• Check your Virgin Voyages app frequently in the days leading up to embarkation.
  
  
• If additional earlier boarding slots open up, you may be able to switch to an earlier time.
  
  
• This strategy recently helped a group of 40 sailors move from a 4:15 PM boarding time to 2:00 PM, giving them over two extra hours onboard before general boarding.

Since these boarding slots aren’t always guaranteed, checking the app regularly is the best way to take advantage if extra slots become available.

Don’t forget there a VIDEO and PODCAST version of this blog post!

6. Book a Wedding Package

A newer way to secure early boarding is by getting married onboard.

• Virgin Voyages now offers wedding packages, which include priority boarding for the wedding couple.
  
  
• This ensures that you and your guests can get onboard without the hassle of waiting in general boarding lines.

If you’re planning a wedding at sea, this is a great bonus to make your big day even more seamless.

What If You Can’t Get an Early Boarding Time?

If none of these options work for you and you’re assigned a later boarding time, don’t stress.

• Your vacation starts the moment you arrive, even if you board later in the afternoon. It’s a mindset!
  
  
• Consider exploring the port city before heading to the cruise terminal.
  
  
• Once you’re onboard, your experience begins immediately, and there’s plenty of time to enjoy the ship.

Many first-time sailors worry about boarding late, but in reality, everyone boards on the same day—so even if you’re in a later group, you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy your first evening onboard.

Bottom Line

If getting on your Virgin Voyages cruise early is a priority, here’s a quick recap of the six ways to do it:

1. Book a Rockstar or Mega Rockstar Suite – Guarantees earliest boarding and a private check-in lounge.
   
   
2. Purchase Splash of Romance – A $250 package that includes priority boarding and champagne.
   
   
3. Earn Deep Blue Extras Status – After five completed sailings, you get early boarding and premium perks.
   
   
4. Check In Early on the App – The sooner you check in, the better your boarding time.
   
   
5. Watch for Last-Minute Boarding Time Drops – Keep checking the app for potential earlier slots.
   
   
6. Book a Wedding Package – If you’re getting married onboard, you and your guests get priority boarding.

Want expert help booking your Virgin Voyages sailing?

We have exclusive deals that aren’t available anywhere else. Even if you’ve already booked, we can check if you’re eligible for a better rate or extra perks.