THIS IS A TEST. No really, it is. For a limited time you can get unlimited on drinks on Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady.
Virgin Voyages just launched something new—and it’s causing waves.
For the first time ever, Virgin is testing an unlimited drinks package. And while that might sound like your dream vacation, it also raises questions—especially for those of us who know and love the unique way Virgin typically does things.

So in this post, I’m breaking it down:
- What exactly the new “Drink Like a VIP” package includes
- How it compares to Virgin’s usual Bar Tab system
- My honest opinion on how this could shift the vibe onboard
And yes—we’re also talking about what this means for Mega RockStars, how this affects the crew, and what I’m most worried about seeing on Scarlet Night (spoiler: it involves the pool).
What Is the “Drink Like a VIP” Virgin Voyages Unlimited Drinks Package?
Starting in April and May 2025, Virgin Voyages is testing an unlimited drinks package on select Valiant Lady sailings.
This is a first—because up until now, Virgin has been proudly drink-package-free.

The new “Drink Like a VIP” offer includes:
- $95 per person, per night
- Unlimited cocktails, wine by the glass, and craft beers (up to $20 each)
- Specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, and fresh-pressed juices
- Coverage for the entire sailing, including The Beach Club at Bimini
- You can order two drinks at a time

Important notes:
- All Sailors in the cabin must participate
- It must be booked for the entire voyage
- It’s non-refundable once added
- You have to call Sailor Services to book it
- Must be 21+ to purchase
It’s a big change—and while it might sound like an automatic yes, there’s a lot to think about before you sign up.
How It Compares to the Classic Virgin Voyages Bar Tab
Virgin Voyages has always offered a smart and flexible alternative to drink packages: the Bar Tab.
It’s a pre-paid onboard credit that’s specifically set aside for drinks—alcoholic or not—and it comes with a built-in bonus. Here’s why it works so well:
- Prepay between $200–$1,000 and receive bonus onboard credit
- Can be used on:
- Cocktails, wine, beer
- Specialty coffees, mocktails, smoothies, juices
- Works at all bars and at Bimini
- You can share your Bar Tab—it’s not tied to one person
- Must be purchased at least 24 hours before your voyage
- Not available to purchase onboard and is non-refundable once your trip starts
If you and your travel partner drink differently (like most couples do), Bar Tab gives each of you more freedom to consume what and how you want—without overcommitting or overspending.

🎥 Watch the Podcast for the Full Debate
Want the full back-and-forth? In my latest episode of the Virgin Voyages Tips podcast, I sat down (with a drink in hand, of course) and had a very real conversation about this package—including cost breakdowns, concerns for the crew, and what this might mean for Scarlet Night.
Let’s Talk Mega RockStar: Does This Devalue Their Experience?
This is a huge part of the conversation that a lot of people miss. Virgin Voyages’ Mega RockStar Sailors already receive incredible drink perks. Here’s what’s included:
- 2 bottles of wine (up to $90 each)
- Bottomless in-room bar—restocked on request
- Unlimited drinks “within reason” throughout the ship
When everyone onboard suddenly has “unlimited drinks,” it naturally raises the question: Does this take away some of the value from being a Mega RockStar?
The answer is: maybe.
Mega RockStars pay a significantly higher fare for exclusivity, top-tier service, and those drink perks. If non-RockStars now have access to unlimited drinks too—at a lower price—it could feel like a step down in exclusivity.

Don’t forget to pack THIS!
Virgin Voyages has reimagined sailing and what you need to pack on for this trip is DIFFERENT than a normal cruise line. There are many items I wish I knew to bring (that I didn’t have with me on my first sailing).
Get a free printable pack list and save yourself the headache!

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.
My Honest Concerns (and Some Unexpected Perks)
Let’s get real. This drinks package might sound like a dream, but we’ve seen what can happen when people drink a little too much.
From my own experience (and dozens of sailings), here are some of the big things I’m thinking about:
1. It could shift the vibe onboard
Virgin is all about freedom, elevated fun, and not feeling pressured to “get your money’s worth.” Adding a traditional unlimited drinks package puts people in that mindset—and that could lead to more rowdy behavior and even some cringey moments.
I’ve seen people slip on deck at Scarlet Night. I’ve seen pool party mishaps. I’ve got footage I’ll never show, because no one wants their vacation memories turned into viral content.

2. The crew might suffer
The bartenders onboard work hard. They’re crafting drinks to order—no pre-mixed pitchers or plastic cups. With everyone drinking more, they’ll be juggling longer lines, more complex orders, and potentially more intoxicated guests.
The impact on service, safety, and staff morale is real.
3. The math works—for some
If you’re ordering:
- 5+ cocktails a day
- A couple premium coffees in the morning
- Fresh-pressed juice in the afternoon
…then yeah, $95 per night might be a great deal. But if you’re a wine drinker who prefers something like Moët (not included), or if you’re sipping slowly across the day, the Bar Tab is probably a better fit.

4. I totally get the appeal
I’ll admit it—I love the idea of not thinking about my drink budget while I’m cruising. Knowing everything is already covered before I get on board? There’s something satisfying about that, and it removes the surprise of a big final bill.
Meatball (who co-hosted the episode with me) put it best: “When I cruise, I just want to be done. I don’t want to worry about anything else.”
That’s fair. But for me? I’d still rather choose Bar Tab and sip smarter.

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!
Any guesses on what happened? This wasn’t even a sailing with an unlimited drinks package.

Bottom Line
If you skimmed the whole post (I get it), here’s what to remember:
- Virgin Voyages is testing a Drink Like a VIP package on Valiant Lady in April & May 2025
- $95/night includes cocktails, wine (up to $20), coffee, juice, and more
- Mega RockStars already get:
- 2 bottles of wine (up to $90) per day
- Unlimited drinks “within reason”
- A bottomless in-room bar
- The classic Bar Tab is still available and gives you bonus credit
My take? This test might make sense for high-consumption Sailors—but it changes the vibe, impacts the crew, and devalues the VIP tiers.
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