On most cruise lines, you carry a plastic key card everywhere. On Virgin Voyages, you wear it. The Band is Virgin's wearable wristband, and it's your room key, your onboard wallet, and your pass on and off the ship, all in one. Here's everything to know before you sail.
The Band: your room key, onboard wallet, and boarding pass, all on your wrist.
What Is The Band?
The Band is a lightweight rope bracelet with a small tag that you tap to unlock your cabin, pay for things, and get on and off the ship. There's no screen and nothing to charge. You just wear it.
Each Band has a unique encrypted ID tied to your security photo. When you tap it, crew can see your photo on their device and confirm it's really you.
What The Band Does
Opens your cabin door
Pays for onboard purchases, like drinks, shopping, and spa treatments
Gets you on and off the ship at embarkation and in port
Pays from your Bar Tab, if you've prepaid one. See Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Explained.
Helps crew find you for Shake for Champagne, Virgin's in-app feature that delivers a bottle of bubbly anywhere on the ship
Lets you order ShipEats on the pool deck
Gets you quick access to events
Gets RockStars into Richard's Rooftop, the suites-only deck
Purchases go to your onboard account, which is linked to the payment card on file.
Where to Get Your Band
You'll pick up your Band at the terminal on embarkation day, during check-in. It comes ready to go, so there's nothing to set up.
Band Colors
Band colors are set by Virgin, and you can't request a different one.
Sea Terrace, Sea View, and Insider cabins: red
RockStar and Mega RockStar suites: black and gold
That black and gold Band is a nice little perk on its own. For more on suites, see Is Virgin Voyages RockStar Quarters Worth It?
How to Wear It
Most sailors wear it on their wrist, but you don't have to. You can also:
Clip it to a belt loop
Keep it in your pocket
Attach it to a lanyard or keychain
As long as you have it with you, it works.
Don't Want to Wear It? Get a Key Card
If you'd rather not wear anything on your wrist, you can ask for a key card at the terminal instead. It works as your room key and for payments, but it doesn't unlock the Band extras like Shake for Champagne, ShipEats on the pool deck, and quick event access.
What If You Lose Your Band?
No one else can use it, since it's tied to your security photo. To get a replacement, stop by Sailor Services on Deck 5 or message them through the Virgin Voyages app. Do the same if your Band stops working.
Can You Keep Your Band?
Yes. The Band is yours to keep as a souvenir, and it's designed to be worn after your trip.
A few things to know:
It only works for one sailing. You can't reuse it on a future voyage.
You get a new Band every sailing, including back-to-back voyages.
Don't want to keep it? Drop it in the collection bin at the terminal on disembarkation day, and Virgin will recycle it.
Made From Ocean Plastic
The Band's rope is made from BIONIC® yarn, a material made from recycled marine and coastal plastic. Virgin says each Band helps remove two pounds of plastic from the ocean, which fits its bigger sustainability push.
Tips for Using The Band
Keep it on at the pool. It's easier than keeping track of a card, and you'll want it for drinks.
Check your onboard account in the app. Every tap is a purchase, so keep an eye on what you've spent.
Bring it every time you leave the ship. You'll need it, plus your photo ID, to get back on.
Start the trip with your Band. Your cabin opens with the Band, so put it on as soon as you get it at check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Band on Virgin Voyages?
A wearable wristband that works as your room key, onboard payment method, and boarding pass.
Do you have to charge The Band?
No. There's no battery or screen, so there's nothing to charge.
Can you use a key card instead of The Band on Virgin Voyages?
Yes. Ask for one at the terminal. It works for your cabin and payments, but not for Band extras like Shake for Champagne.
What color is the Virgin Voyages Band?
Red for most cabins. RockStar and Mega RockStar suite guests get black and gold.
Can you reuse your Band on your next Virgin cruise?
No. Each Band is tied to one sailing, and you'll get a new one every voyage.
What happens if you lose your Band?
Visit Sailor Services on Deck 5 or message them in the app for a replacement. No one else can use your lost Band.
Planning Your First Virgin Voyage?
See Virgin Voyages for First-Timers for everything else to know before you sail, or request a free quote and I'll find the right sailing and cabin for you.
