Virgin Voyages is an elevated and upscale cruise experience, but a top concern (if not COMPLAINT) many people have is .. WAIT A MINUTE…
NO DRINK PACKAGE?!
Unlike other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer a drink package. Except for that part where they are testing on on Valiant Lady. Read about it by clicking here.
So, how much might you spend on drinks? Letās walk through a day aboard to get an idea of the costs.
Spoiler alert: as two regular cruise-travelers who drink a lot, we have been astonished by how little we spend on drinks on our sailings. In fact: we spend TWICE AS MUCH ON DRINK PACKAGES on other cruise lines (like Royal Caribbean) than we do paying a-la-carte on Virgin Voyages.
Spoiler alert: you can pay for your drinks, but you don’t have to. Make sure you’re working with a Top Virgin Voyages travel agent (like mine), so you get extra on board credit, can book your dining 60 DAYS (instead of 45 days) in advance and more perks like this.
Why Doesn’t Virgin Voyages Have a Drinks Package?
Virgin Voyages cruises differently. Period.
Part of that means they don’t have a drinks package option and what’s new? BAR TAB IS GOING AWAY.
Wait?! I have bar tab!! Will I lose it??!
No of course not. It will eventually go away and moving forward Virgin Voyages will only use Sailor Loot (i.e. “on board credit” that can be used for drinks as well as many other things – a full blog post of that can be found here).
What does that mean for us? Having no option for drinks package can be a win or a lose.
There are plenty of times I’ve purchased (a very expensive) drinks package on Royal Caribbean and it didn’t come close to what it was worth. Doing the math, we would need to drink 8 or 9 premium alcoholic beverages per day per person to make it worth it. For me: that’s a lot.
I’m preparing to go on Royal Caribbean again, and this is what I’m expecting to pay for the drinks package for 2 people $1,077.86 (or $538.93 per person).
The last time I was on Virgin Voyages I had 3 drinks a day and 2 premium coffees and I spent $254.
In the same breath, there have also been times I’ve done a drink package (whether on Royal Caribbean or on MSC) and it was WELL worth it. It ALL depends on YOUR drinking habits and understanding how much you “actually” drink – which is why I’m offering as many images of menus as possible below so you can do your own back of the (bar) napkin math.
Don’t forget we’re talking specialty coffee, smoothies and alcohol.
Virgin sails differently – that means water, coffee and soda are all included in the price of your voyage. Don’t let this go lightly. Having to sail with another cruise line and “buy a water package” felt literally painful for me on a recent sailing with another cruise line.
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Don’t miss out on the Virgin Voyages guide which summarizes all the KEY things to know and serves as your go-to while you’re on the ship.
Start Your Morning “Right” (with coffee or alcohol)
Begin your morning on Virgin Voyages with your choice of beverage. Whether youāre a coffee enthusiast, a juice lover, or someone who likes to kick off with mimosas (hold the orange juice, please), you have several options.
If specialty coffee is your thing, you’ll find it in two places. Head to the coffee bar upstairs in The Galley or on the seventh floor (The Grounds Club), where you’ll find craft coffee and options for barista-made-beverages like a flat white or mocha. Expect items like these to cost around $4 to $5 (and they will taste well worth it).
If youāre looking for complimentary coffee, The Galley is your spot, or grab a (free) cup during brunch at Razzle Dazzle or the Wake.
Speaking of The Wake, it’s a hidden gem offering a bottomless brunch. For $25, indulge in unlimited rose wine, sparkling wine, mimosas, and more (see image above).
If you’re not in the mood for unlimited, individual brunch cocktails are priced at around $11 to $13. Beer enthusiasts have options ranging from $6 for a Heineken to $11 for a fancier Belgian ale. Wine lovers will find a price range between $6 to $21, depending on their choice.
My personal favorite: a mimosa with Moet, hold the OJ (for $25, used to be $21, prices have gone up).
Or Start Your Day with Juices, Smoothies, and More
There are more options than caffeine and alochol! The Dock and Dock House have got you covered. Located at the back of the boat on the seventh floor, you can grab cold pressed juices for $7 to $8, freshly extracted juice for around $10, or health shots for $5.
For something heartier, head to the Athletic Club bar. They serve smoothies priced at $10 to $11 ā perfect to pair with their gym classes.
And don’t forget Virgin sails differently, their gym classes are INCLUDED with the price of your voyage, be sure to sign up for them early. For more tips like this, check out the blog post on the top 22 questions people ask about Virgin Voyages (with answers).
Virgin Voyages Afternoon Delights
Post workout, it’s “gym and tonic” time! Pool bar offers an array of drinks, from smoothies and cold pressed juices ($7 to $13) to Froze for $13 or beers like Heineken for $6.
Following some fun at the pool, head to the Dock House. This Mediterranean-themed location offers small tapas style plates and unique drinks like their Orange Blossom and blackberry sangria.
Glass of sangria? That’s $12. A whole carafe? You’re looking at $48. Cocktails are between $11 and $15, wines between $7 and $14, and beers start at $5.
Are you more of a pool person?
Grab alcoholic or non alcoholic goodness either way….
Even if you’re just enjoying a snack or lunch (or anytime meal in The Galley) they have a full drink list as well. Check it out below…
Don’t miss this!
Did you know there is a video version of this blog post? SEE what you’re reading about in the video below!
Evening Drinks To Turn UP or Wind DOWN
As evening approaches, consider ordering drinks to your stateroom through the Virgin Voyage app. Each room comes with a refrigerator, so you can enjoy a bottle of wine in the comfort of your space.
And don’t forget you can BYO wine! Each stateroom is allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine. It’s one of the things in the Virgin Voyages specific pack list that you can download free by clicking here. Or watch the full video on what to pack.
Want to see what the rooms look like? Here’s a quick video tour!
The way I plan my voyages? Dinner at 7.
There is kind of a “lull” period as people come in from afternoon activities/pool and then head to dinner before night time activities. This is NOT a dinner at 9pm kind of ship (things like shows, activities, etc are starting to happen) and EVERY time I’ve tried to have dinner at 5 or 5:30 or even 6, crap, I’m scrambling to wake up from a nap or get showered in time.
Below is an example of the drink menu at Extra Virgin.
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.
Turn Up Your Night
After a refreshing nap and a drink in your room, head to On the Rocks for some live tunes.
Located on the sixth floor, you’ll find a plethora of whiskey options. Prices can vary, from a single malt scotch at $17 to pricier options at sixty dollars and up. Cocktails here range from $13 to $17.
So pick your poison and expect some great music.
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!
If champagne is more your speed, Sip is where you should be.
They offer champagnes by the glass on the high end like Dom for $55 or Moet Brut Rose for $29 or get a (still amazing) glass of bubbles by Chandon for way less.
You’ll find comfy couches or a lively bar where you can meet other sailors. Order at the bar or a waiter or waitress will come around with fantastic service.
How about eating and drinking? Consider Pink Agave.
You might find a DJ spinning live music at Pink Agave, the Spanish or Mexican themed restaurant, which boasts an extensive Mezcal and Tequila list.
Want a little bit more of a casual environment? You’ll love The Loose Cannon
Winding Down the Night
If gambling’s your game, remember that while actively gambling, your drinks are on the house.
Or if you’re looking for a simple nightcap before heading to bed, don’t forget each restaurant has it’s own unique cocktail and drink list (and some restaurants like Razzle Dazzle and Pink Agave) have a bar you can sit at.
Dance the Night Away
The Manor! A splendid way to “burn off all the calories you ate and drank that day” (yah right).
The good news? It’s not any different price wise than anywhere else on the ship. Amazing, right?
When I compare a day of drinking on Scarlet Lady to a day of drinking in South Beach or Downtown Miami, I feel like I’ve won the lotto. Like that time we had a round of drinks for eight people in Miami and it cost us $300 and I wrote a scathing review on Yelp about it because the service was AWFUL and yet we were required to tip $43 š….
Click here to see my review and receipt.
I also recently paid $537 for a bottle of Moet at a night club in SF. This costs $105 on Virgin Voyages. You can see that painful memory on instagram here.
Don’t Forget About A FULLY Stocked or UNLIMITED Bar
Rockstar status right? Not only does it get you a fully stocked in room bar (catered to your drinking preferences), but it gets you access to Richard’s Rooftop where you’ll have a daily hour of free Moet (and other select drinks) during the sail away party.
Bottom Line
Without a drinks package on Virgin Voyages, many cruise passengers are frustrated because they can’t figure out how to plan for their bar tab.
My biggest surprise? How reasonable drink prices are.
My second biggest surprise? I don’t have to pay for it and neither do you. WHAT?! I really did think I was a savvy traveler until I learned about the perks that travel agents (those still exist?!) have access to that we simply… don’t.
I booked my last voyage with Sea Sun vacations and I didn’t pay for my drinks (thanks, JC) you can grab a free quote from him by clicking here or below.
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