Embarking on a Virgin Voyages cruise? Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser, having a smooth embarkation at Port Miami Terminal V starts your vacation RIGHT.
I’ve sailed over a dozen times on Virgin Voyages and the way I get on this cruise looks VERY different than what I did the first time.
Read on for some some helpful tips to ensure your embarkation day out of Terminal V is hassle-free…
Arrive to the Terminal at Your Embarkation Time
If your scheduled time says “3pm”, it means “3pm” and you’ll have to wait until that time. Many think they can come early, but they won’t let you board any sooner.
Think of it like an airline.
When you’re in boarding group 5 on your airline and you try to board with group 1, what happens? They turn you away. It’s the same da** thing with Virgin Voyages.
Do they ever let you on earlier?
Yes of course! Sometimes…
Haven’t you ever walked into an INSANELY popular restaurant and “omg! you were able to get in immediately and 15 minutes later the line was out the door?” – this scenario is no different.
Plenty of people have positive stories of being able to sliiiiide in early. And PLENTY of others have waited hours for their expected boarding time.
GENERALLY SPEAKING – Virgin Voyages operates on strict boarding times. They won’t let you board before your designated time slot, so plan to arrive punctually to avoid unnecessary waiting.
How early should you get there? If I want to be early, I generally get in line 10-15 minutes before my boarding time, but that’s my own preference. Tbh, I usually get there AFTER my time, walk up to the front doors and chat with a friendly port worker about how my time slot has already passed, then walk directly in without waiting in any lines.
Helpful to know: At Terminal V they will (sometimes) allow you to check in and get your band early. Then you LEAVE the terminal and when it’s ACTUALLY your boarding time, you simply walk through to security.
Pack As MUCH Luggage As You Want on Virgin Voyages
Unlike other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages doesn’t have luggage restrictions. You can be like my mom and pack the entire house if you want!
Feel free to bring as much luggage as you need, but keep airline limitations in mind if you’re flying in.
Also, while rooms are spacious, they aren’t insanely big (unless you’re opting for a rockstar room), so consider your space!
What AREN’T you allowed to bring on Virgin Voyages?
There IS a prohibited items list. See the photo below or read more in this blog post by clicking here.
Want more tips? Checkout the video below for helpful items to pack (and not pack!)
Parking and Drop-Off at PortMiami
If you’re driving to the Port of Miami, overnight parking costs $25 per night (it’s gone up from the previous $22) and parking lot “G” is easy to navigate to (and is directly across from Terminal V where you will depart). You can pay with credit card (or cash) to the attendant as you leave the garage area.
Drop-off areas are conveniently located near the terminal. Rockstar passengers have a separate entrance, so check your designated drop-off point based on your booking tier.
One thing to note, have the Virgin Voyages app ready (or your room number ready) because they’re going to ask for it as as you get to the terminal!
Helpful tip: I personally WRITE DOWN my room number so I can just hand it to the porter (and not fumble with my phone trying to pull up the app while my hands are full with all my belongings).
Grab a Deal on Virgin Voyages!
Be a smart traveler and PRICE COMPARE.
Whether you’ve picked your sailing, or already booked your sailing, or aren’t sure which one is right for you – I recommend reaching out to my travel agent JC. He’ll help you to get a price quote and make the right choice for you.
Check-In Process for Virgin Voyages
Upon arrival, head to the check-in counters where staff will assist you with document verification and provide you with a band that serves as your key to various onboard amenities.
If you have a small wrist, tighten the band and wrap it twice for a snug fit.
Want to see the video version of this blog post as well as tips for how to put on your band? See the full video below!
Essential Items To Have With You
Remember to bring your passport for check-in. If you check it in your luggage (and your luggage is carried to your room, it can take over 2 hours to retrieve it).
If you don’t have a passport, get one. Period. Go see the world.
Ok I’m done scolding you. There are other travel documents you can use. You can read more in this blog post by clicking here.
You can also bring your own water on board, but avoid single-use plastic bottles (as well as these prohibited items). For a helpful pack list, see below or read the full blog post here!
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.
Can I Carry on My Luggage?
This is a top question asked and the answer is: Yes!
It’s helpful to know that your stateroom is ready as soon as you get on board. Here are reasons why you might want to carry on your luggage:
- You have things you want from there IMMEDIATELY when you’re on board
- You want to unpack as soon as you’re on board
- You don’t want your luggage handled by anyone else
- You’re a DIY kind of person
So in what case would you NOT want to hand carry your luggage?
- You have a lot of luggage and you don’t want to have to lug it through the terminal, up the escalators, onto the ship, and then wait for the elevators with a ton of people
- You want to get STRAIGHT to vacationing and go enjoy yourself
- You want to get STRAIGHT to the bar for a drink
- You want to get STRAIGHT to the fun for the fun
Ok I think you get it.
Which side note, if you want to have a TON of fun at the sail away party, you might want to read the helpful tips in this blog post by clicking here.
Get Connected to the Virgin Voyages App ASAP!
Once on board, your room will be available immediately. Many people don’t realize this!
Take the opportunity to connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi and start booking activities and excursions.
YOU CANNOT BOOK ANYTHING THROUGH THE APP UNTIL YOU ARE ON THE WIFI.
Yes the premium wifi is worth it. I’ll be honest.
One more helpful tip? When the wifi asks you for your BIRTHDAY and CABIN number you KNOW you’re on the wifi. If it hasn’t done it, then.. well, you’re not online.
Go restart your phone, rub a rabbits foot, and “forget” then “reconnect” to the wifi.
Want to see some examples of daily itineraries? Check out this blog post for some examples!
Want to see me going through an example itinerary?
In the video below, we tour the Valiant Lady, but at the end I open the Virgin Voyages app and I take you through an example of the activities that are happening that day with some insider tips.
This will help you to get a feel for what YOUR day could look like. Skip ahead to that exact part of the video by clicking here or below.
Disembarkation at Terminal V
What about when it’s time to go? Here’s a few helpful tips…
Assistance with Your Luggage
A reminder that if you have A LOT of luggage, putting it outside your door (with tags on it) by 10pm the night before disembarkation means the crew will move your luggage port side (and you’ll pick it up in the terminal).
However, if you are a in a RUSH to get off the ship, keep your luggage with you so you can leave as early as 7:30 or 7:45am (depending on when the ship clears).
Otherwise you need to wait another 30 minutes or so for your luggage. Additionally there will be porters that will help you move your luggage (yet again) to your car or taxi.
Getting off The Ship
You gotta get off the ship by 10:30am.
You are encouraged to book your “disembarkation time”, but tbh, I don’t think it matters. No one holds you accountable to it nor do you show it to anyone. You’re welcome to do it, I generally will do it 50% of the time.
How do you book a disembarkation time? Under Shore Things (go to the final day and it’s an option in there).
99% of the time, you will disembark from the same place you embarked at Terminal V (which is on the 7th deck near the Chart Table).
A reminder if you’re a rockstar, a rockstar agent will take you to the special rockstar and help you to have prioritized disembarkation.
This can help SIGNIFICANTLY on days when there are “things happening at port” (like the Miami marathon happening at the same time as your disembarkation), or if the ship is a full sailing and you’re trying to leave at the mandatory 10:30am.
Bottom Line
Remember, a smooth embarkation process sets the stage for an enjoyable cruise experience.
Whether you’re eager to explore new destinations or relax onboard, following these tips will help you make the most of your Virgin Voyages cruise. Safe travels and bon voyage!
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!