Virgin Voyages Drinks & Drink Packages: Everything You Need to Know
One of the things that makes a cruise feel extra special? The drinks! Whether you’re soaking up the sun with a smoothie in hand or vibing with a glass of bubbly at golden hour, Virgin Voyages knows how to do drinks right.
I’ve cruised with Virgin Voyages twice now. Once while I was drinking, and again more recently as a non-drinker and let me tell you, the drinks experience on board is chef’s kiss either way.
If you're wondering things like “Does Virgin Voyages have a drink package?” or “How much are drinks on Virgin Voyages?” - you're in the perfect place. Let’s dive in!
Do Virgin Voyages Include Alcohol?
In true Virgin fashion, they do things a little differently. Alcohol isn’t included in your cruise fare, but all your non-alcoholic staples like still and sparkling water, sodas, juices, teas, and drip coffee are.
And you won’t find those sneaky fees or forced drink packages here (thank goodness). You’re free to choose what you drink, when you drink, whether that’s a poolside cocktail or a fresh-pressed green juice after morning yoga.
As someone who no longer drinks alcohol, I loved how easy it was to order a fancy mocktail or barista-made almond latte without feeling like I was missing out.
So don’t worry, Virgin Voyages has made it super simple (and affordable!) to enjoy all of your favourite drinks at sea.
How Much Are Drinks on Virgin Voyages?
If you’ve ever been stung by $25 cocktails (been there, ouch!), Virgin Voyages will feel like a breath of fresh air. Their drink prices are more like what you’d expect at a stylish bar in the city, not a cruise ship. Here’s a rough idea of how much drinks cost on Virgin Voyages:
Cocktails: $9 - $15
Beer: $5 - $7
Wine by the glass: $9 - $14
Barista-made coffee: $4 - $7
Bottles of wine/champagne: Starting at around $25
And the best part? No surprise service charges or gratuity fees added on at the end of your trip. What you see is what you pay. It makes budgeting (and tipping) so much easier.
Does Virgin Voyages Have a Drink Package?
Unlike traditional cruise lines that offer unlimited drink packages (often with hefty price tags), Virgin Voyages takes a different approach. Instead of a standard drink package, they offer what they call the “Bar Tab.” It offers a flexible way to prepay for drinks and get a little extra for your money.
Here’s the lowdown:
Preload your Bar Tab in $100 increments before you sail.
Spend it on anything from cocktails to mocktails, smoothies, pressed juices, or fancy coffees.
Get bonus credit when you preload $200 or more. (Yes, free drinks basically.)
You can even share it with your cabin mates, or keep it all to yourself. (I won’t judge.)
Is the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Worth It?
Short answer? Yes, especially if you like a drink or two a day.
When I cruised as a drinker, I found the Bar Tab was an easy way to not think twice about ordering another Aperol or espresso martini. But now that I don’t drink, I still use the Bar Tab for mocktails, smoothies, and barista-made coffees.
Even if you're planning to just enjoy the ship’s amazing juice bars and coffee spots, it’s 100% still worth preloading a Bar Tab. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, there’s plenty of value there.
Who Should Get the Bar Tab?
If you plan on enjoying a few drinks a day, it’s definitely worth it! With extra drink credits added for every bar tab purchase over $200, you’re basically getting free drinks. Remember, the bar tab isn’t just for alcoholic drinks. We N/A lovers (myself included) can also enjoy the bar tab and use it on pressed juices, barista-made coffee, smoothies and mocktails. The options are truly endless!
Can You Take Alcohol on Virgin Voyages?
Ah, the age-old question! If you’re wondering, “Can you take alcohol on Virgin Voyages?”, the answer is sort of.
You can bring two 750ml bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin when you board.
Spirits, beer, or other alcohol? Unfortunately, those aren’t allowed.
If you bring your own wine, you can enjoy it in your cabin or at any bar/restaurant for a $25 corkage fee.
So, if you’re a wine lover, this is a great way to bring your favourites aboard without relying solely on the ship’s selection.
The Best Bars on Virgin Voyages
One of the coolest things about Virgin Voyages? The ship is packed with unique, high-end bars where the drinks are crafted with care. Here are a few of my faves:
Sip Lounge: A sophisticated Champagne bar, perfect for pre-dinner bubbles.
On the Rocks: A sleek cocktail bar where expert mixologists whip up craft drinks.
The Dock House: A laid-back Mediterranean-inspired bar with refreshing spritzes and ocean views.
Grounds Club: You can catch me here every morning! The place for espresso martinis and specialty coffees (because caffeine is essential!).
The Social Club: Great for casual drinks, boozy milkshakes, beers on tap, and retro diner vibes.
Whether you’re in the mood for a mocktail with brunch or something bubbly before dinner, there’s a bar for every mood and moment.
Final Thoughts: Cheers to a Fabulous Cruise (Whatever You’re Drinking!)
Virgin Voyages makes it so easy to drink well at sea. Whether you’re team cocktail, coffee, or mocktail. While there’s no traditional drink package, the Bar Tab gives you flexibility, value, and a little something extra (literally, with the bonus credit!).
So, is the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab worth it? If you plan on having a few drinks each day, absolutely! I’ve experienced Virgin Voyages both as someone who drinks and as someone who doesn’t, and I can honestly say the experience is just as fun either way.
Now, all that’s left to do is pack your bags, preload your Bar Tab, and get ready for smooth sailing (and delicious specialty drinks) on one of the most unique cruise lines out there - Virgin Voyages!
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