Is Virgin Voyages all inclusive? In short: no, but it comes very close. While it isn’t a traditional 100% limitless experience, the Virgin Voyages fare inclusions are far more generous than what you will find on mainstream competitors. Your fare covers all dining at 20+ eateries, essential drinks soda, water, coffee, tea, Wi-Fi, tips, and group fitness classes.
Virgin Voyages is a luxury-boutique cruise line that includes more than standard lines but is not fully all-inclusive. The fare includes all food, basic beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and group workouts. However, you will pay extra for alcohol, premium treat yourself food items, spa treatments, and shore excursions.
What is included in Virgin Voyages?
When you book a cabin, your Sail Fare covers several costs that usually appear as nickle and dime charges on other ships. To understand what is included in Virgin Voyages, you have to look at their Always Included Luxury promise.
Here is a breakdown of what you get for free:
- All Dining at 20+ Eateries: There are no specialty dining cover charges. Whether you eat at the upscale steakhouse or the Korean BBQ, the food is included.
- Essential Drinks: Filtered water, sparkling water, non-alcoholic sodas, juices, drip coffee, and tea are all what is free on Virgin Voyages.
- Prepaid Gratuities: Virgin has eliminated the automatic daily gratuity added to your folio. Tips for dining and housekeeping are baked into the fare.
- Basic Wi-Fi: Unlike most lines that charge $20+ per day, basic browsing and messaging are free for all Sailors.
- Group Fitness Classes: Yoga, HIIT, bungee classes, and spin sessions are included at no extra cost.
- Live Entertainment: All shows, from immersive circus acts to interactive game shows and the famous Scarlet Night party, are included.
What is NOT included on a Virgin cruise?
While the list of virgin voyages fare inclusions is impressive, certain premium services still require an additional fee. This is the main reason why people ask, is Virgin Voyages really all inclusive? The following items are NOT included:
- Alcoholic Beverages: There is no unlimited virgin voyages drink package. Every cocktail, beer, and glass of wine is charged individually or via a pre-paid Bar Tab.
- Premium Drinks: Specialty coffees lattes, cappuccinos, fresh-pressed juices, and top-shelf mocktails cost extra.
- Shore Things (Excursions): Any guided tours or activities at ports of call are an additional expense.
- Squid Ink (Tattoos): Virgin features the first tattoo parlor at sea, and services are priced based on the complexity of the art.
- Redemption Spa: Access to the thermal suite, massages, and beauty treatments are not included.
- Premium Wi-Fi: If you need to stream video or take Zoom calls, you must pay to upgrade your connection.
Is food free on Virgin Voyages?
Yes, food is essentially free on Virgin Voyages because there are no surcharges for any of the 20+ onsite restaurants. Unlike traditional cruise lines that charge $40,$60 per person for specialty dining, Virgin includes every venue in your standard fare.
No Buffets, Just Fresh Food
Virgin Voyages has famously ditched the traditional cruise buffet. Instead, they offer The Galley, a food hall with various shops ranging from sushi and tacos to 24-hour breakfast. Because everything is made to order, the virgin voyages food quality is significantly higher than a standard buffet.
Signature Restaurants
You can dine at any of the following without paying a cent extra:
- Pink Agave: Upscale Mexican cuisine.
- Extra Virgin: Regional Italian with handmade pasta.
- Test Kitchen: A laboratory-style dining experience.
- Razzle Dazzle: Vegetarian-forward dining.
For a deeper dive into the culinary experience, check out our guide to Virgin Voyages restaurants and menus.
Do you get free drinks on Virgin Voyages?
You do not get free alcoholic drinks on Virgin Voyages, as the line does not offer a traditional unlimited beverage package. However, essential drinks like soda, filtered water, and drip coffee are included for all passengers at no extra charge.
The Bar Tab System
Instead of a daily flat fee for alcohol, Virgin uses a Bar Tab system. Sailors can pre-pay a specific amount to be used for alcoholic drinks and premium coffees. Virgin often runs promotions where they provide a Free Bar Tab as a booking incentive.
If you are planning your budget, you should read our detailed breakdown of the Virgin Voyages drink package and how it compares to other lines.
How does Virgin Voyages compare to other all-inclusive cruises?
When comparing Virgin Voyages all inclusive features to other lines, it occupies a middle ground.
- Vs. Contemporary Lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival): Virgin is much more inclusive. On those lines, you typically pay for Wi-Fi, tips, and specialty dining.
- Vs. Ultra-Luxury (Silversea, Regent Seven Seas): These lines are truly all-inclusive, covering all alcohol and often shore excursions. However, their base fares are usually 3x to 4x higher than Virgin’s.
Conclusion
So, is Virgin Voyages really all inclusive? Not quite but it is much closer than the average cruise. By including food, Wi-Fi, and tips, Virgin removes the most common hidden costs of cruising, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than your budget.
If you are ready to set sail, check out our booking guide and cabin types to find the perfect room, or read our full Virgin Voyages review for a detailed look at life on board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virgin Voyages all inclusive?
Virgin Voyages is semi-inclusive. It includes all dining, basic drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and fitness classes, but alcohol, excursions, and spa services cost extra.
What is not included on a Virgin cruise?
Alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, shore excursions, spa treatments, laundry services, and premium Wi-Fi are not included in the standard fare.
Is food free on Virgin Voyages?
Yes, all 20+ restaurants are included in the fare. There are no specialty dining cover charges, though some premium items like caviar or Wagyu beef may have a surcharge.
Do you get free drinks on Virgin cruises?
Basic drinks like soda, water, and drip coffee are free. Alcohol and specialty espresso-based drinks are not free and must be purchased individually.
