Mar 25

Mar 25 Essential Tips You NEED to Know Before Your First Virgin Voyages Cruise

So, you’re thinking about booking (or have already booked) your first Virgin Voyages cruise?

Listen, I’m about to put you on to everything you need to know before you step foot on that ship—because Virgin does things very differently from traditional cruise lines.

This isn’t your grandma’s cruise with buffets and bingo. We’re talking adults-only, no kids running around, no stuffy dining rooms, and no annoying upsells every five seconds.

But if you go in unprepared, you might miss out on some of the best parts of the experience.

I got you, though. Here’s the real deal on what you need to know before you sail.

(And if you want help booking the best cabin or unlocking exclusive perks, I can help with that too—more on that at the end.)

Central Sea Terrace Cabin on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

1. The Cabin Hack That Most People Don’t Know

First things first—choose your cabin wisely. Most people assume “higher deck = better room,” but with Virgin Voyages, the real gems are in the middle of the ship, Deck 8-10.

Why?

You’re close to everything—restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues—without dealing with too much noise.

You avoid the sway that can happen on higher decks (which can make motion sickness worse).
If you book a Sea Terrace, make sure it’s NOT obstructed (some have metal railings instead of full glass—check the deck plans before booking).

And if you’re on a budget? Insider cabins (the windowless rooms) are surprisingly great, especially for people who just need a place to sleep after a long day of eating, drinking, and vibing.

Not sure which cabin is best for you? I can help you pick the perfect one based on your travel style. Just shoot me a message here.

2. The Best Perks You’re Already Paying For (But Most People Forget to Use)

Virgin Voyages is one of the only cruise lines where so much is included in the price. But a lot of people don’t take full advantage of it.

Here’s what you’re already paying for—so USE IT:

All restaurants are included. Forget buffets and main dining rooms. You get access to over 20 legit restaurants with no upcharges. From Korean BBQ at Gunbae to elevated Italian at Extra Virgin, it’s all included.

Unlimited fitness classes. Pilates, HIIT, bungee workouts—free. If you’ve ever paid $25 for a SoulCycle class, you know how much of a deal this is.
Premium coffee shops. While most cruise lines charge extra, you can grab specialty coffees from The Grounds Club without a price tag.
Free high-speed Wi-Fi. Unlike other cruise lines where you pay $20+ a day, Virgin lets you stream, scroll, and flex on Instagram for free.

Pro tip: Book your dining reservations, spa treatments, and entertainment as soon as the booking window opens. The best time slots go fast. (Need help figuring out what to book? I can send you my curated list of must-do experiences)

3. The Virgin Voyages App Is Your Best Friend (And Champagne Dealer)

Download the Virgin Voyages app before you board. It’s how you:

Check-in and get your boarding pass
Book dining, shows, and activities
Chat with other passengers (no need for expensive onboard texting plans)
Order champagne anywhere on the ship (Shake your phone and a bottle of bubbly will appear—literally)

And here’s the hack: If you want the best dining times and activities, log in at midnight EST when the booking window opens. The early bird gets the best steak at The Wake.

Ahi Tuna from Pink Agave Restaurant on Virgin Voyages

4. The Secret Menu Items You Didn’t Know Existed

If you like exclusivity, you’ll love this. Virgin Voyages has secret menu items that aren’t advertised. Here’s a taste:

Gunbae (the Korean BBQ restaurant) has a hidden kimchi mac & cheese that’s not on the regular menu—but you can ask for it.
The Dock (the Mediterranean lounge) has a secret seafood tower that only people in-the-know order.
Pink Agave (the upscale Mexican spot) makes an off-menu mezcal margarita that will change your life.

Ask your server, and they’ll hook you up.

5. The Beach Club at Bimini: What They Don’t Tell You

Most people assume Virgin’s private beach club in Bimini is just a nice beach. It’s so much more than that—if you do it right.

Go early. The best seats (like the daybeds and loungers near the pool) get snatched up quickly. Aim to be off the ship by 10 AM if you want a prime spot.
Stay late. The real fun starts in the afternoon when the DJs turn the beach into a full-blown day party.
Find the hidden hammocks. There’s a tucked-away section with secluded hammocks and swings that most people never find.
Skip the buffet—order à la carte. The Beach Club has a buffet, but you can order fresh seafood and poke bowls from the servers instead.

Mocktail from Gunbae Restaurant on Virgin Voyages

6. How to Save Money on Drinks Without the Drink Package

Virgin Voyages doesn’t do the traditional drink package that other cruise lines offer, but that doesn’t mean you have to go broke on cocktails.

Here’s how to drink smarter:

Buy a “Bar Tab” before you sail. If you pre-load money onto your Bar Tab (Virgin’s version of a drink credit), they’ll give you bonus credit (e.g., put $300 in, and get $350 to spend).
Hit up the Sip Lounge during Happy Hour. This is where you’ll find the best drink specials.
Order the “Ship Show Special.” This is a rotating secret cocktail that’s cheaper than other drinks on the menu. Ask the bartender what it is that day.

7. Avoid These Rookie Mistakes

Nobody wants to be that person on their first Virgin cruise. Avoid these common slip-ups:

Not booking your shows early. The best shows (like the “Duel Reality” acrobatics show) sell out fast.
Forgetting that the Scarlet Night dress code is RED. Everyone wears red for Virgin’s biggest theme party—don’t be the person in blue.
Overpacking. The cabins have limited storage, so pack light and bring multi-use outfits.
Skipping the late-night pizza spot. The Pizza Place on the ship is open until the early morning hours and serves some of the best pizza at sea.