"How much is it really going to cost?" is one of the first questions I get from anyone looking at Virgin Voyages. The good news is that Virgin includes more in the fare than most cruise lines. The fare still isn't the whole story, though, so here's everything to budget for, line by line, so there are no surprises when you get home.
A Sea Terrace cocktail with an ocean view. Plan your Bar Tab and extras up front so the only surprise is the sunset.
The Short Answer
Your total Virgin Voyages cost comes down to five things:
Your cruise fare, which depends on the sailing, cabin, and fare type
Taxes and port fees
Gratuities: $20 per sailor, per night when prepaid
Drinks, if you drink alcohol
Shore Things and extras, like excursions and the spa
Everything else, including all 20+ restaurants, essential drinks, Wi-Fi, fitness classes, and entertainment, is already in your fare.
1. The Cruise Fare
Fares move with demand, so the same cabin can cost very different amounts depending on when you sail and when you book. Short Caribbean sailings are usually the most affordable way to try Virgin. Longer sailings, Europe, Alaska, and holiday dates cost more.
Three things change your fare the most:
The cabin. Insider (interior) cabins are the lowest price, Sea View and Sea Terrace cost more, and RockStar suites are in their own league.
The fare type. Lock It In is the cheapest, followed by Base, Essential, and Premium. Premium costs the most but includes a $15 per sailor, per night Bar Tab and the best Wi-Fi. See Lock It In vs. Base vs. Essential vs. Premium.
Timing. Sales like Black Friday and Wave Season can add Sailor Loot or extra Bar Tab bonuses, which lowers your real cost even when the fare looks the same.
Virgin prices are per person and based on two sailors in a cabin. Solo sailors should plan on paying more per person.
2. Taxes and Port Fees
Taxes and port fees are charged per person on top of the fare. The amount depends on the ports you visit, so a sailing with more stops usually has higher fees. They're always shown in your quote, so make sure you're comparing totals, not just the headline fare.
3. Gratuities
Gratuities aren't included in any fare. They're a flat amount per sailor, per night:
$20 per night if you prepay before your sailing
$22 per night if you pay onboard
For two sailors on a 7-night sailing, that's $280 prepaid or $308 onboard. That's the only tipping you need to do. Virgin doesn't add a service charge to your drinks, spa services, or dining, which is a nice change from the 18% many lines add to every drink. I always recommend prepaying, since it's cheaper and one less thing to think about onboard.
4. Drinks
Soda, still and sparkling water, drip coffee, tea, and basic juices are included. Cocktails, beer, wine, specialty coffee, and fresh-pressed juices are extra.
Rough 2026 menu prices:
Cocktails: about $11 to $15
Wine by the glass: about $9 to $15
Beer and seltzers: about $7 to $9
Specialty coffee: about $4 to $6
Virgin doesn't sell an unlimited drink package. Instead, you prepay a Bar Tab and get bonus credit on top, like $600 in credit for $500. If you drink, a Bar Tab is the easiest way to lower this part of your budget. My Bar Tab Calculator shows which tab saves you the most, and Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Explained covers how it works.
5. Shore Things and Extras
Shore Things (Excursions)
Excursions are where budgets vary the most. A beach day or walking tour costs far less than a catamaran, snorkel trip, or Alaska floatplane. Plan on one or two paid excursions per sailing and price them out when you look at the itinerary. Payment is due when you book. See my Shore Things Guide for the best picks.
On sailings that stop at The Beach Club at Bimini, the day is included, with food, pools, and basic drinks. See The Beach Club at Bimini Guide.
Spa and Thermal Suite
Thermal suite passes run $59 on port days and $79 on sea days for a three-hour block. Massages, facials, and salon services are extra.
Wi-Fi Upgrades
Every fare includes Wi-Fi. If you need to stream or video call and you didn't book Premium, you can pay to upgrade.
Treat Yourself Items
A few restaurants have optional upcharge items, like the seafood tower and tomahawk steak at The Wake. Everything else on the menu is included.
Costs Outside the Ship
Don't forget the trip around the cruise:
Flights to your departure port
A hotel the night before, which I always recommend so a delayed flight doesn't cost you the cruise
Parking or rideshare at the port
Travel protection. Voyage Protection can be added to your booking on request.
Sample Budget: Two Sailors, 7 Nights
Here's what the extras could look like for a couple on a 7-night Caribbean sailing, on top of the fare, taxes, and travel:
Prepaid gratuities: $280
Bar Tab: $1,000 ($500 each, for $1,200 in total credit)
Shore Things: about $400 for two excursions each
Thermal suite: $158 for one sea day for two
Estimated extras: about $1,840 for two. Skip the spa or drink less and that drops fast. Book Premium and part of the Bar Tab is already covered.
How to Lower Your Virgin Voyages Cost
Book during a sale. Black Friday and Wave Season often bring extra Sailor Loot or bigger Bar Tab bonuses. Check my current deals.
Prepay gratuities to save $2 per person, per night.
Buy your Bar Tab before you sail. The bonus only applies to pre-voyage purchases.
Use your Sailor Loot. It works on drinks, the spa, Shore Things, and shopping. See How to Use Your Virgin Voyages Sailor Loot.
Run the numbers on Premium. If you'd buy a Bar Tab and better Wi-Fi anyway, Premium can cost less than it looks.
Check status match. Loyal to another cruise line, airline, or hotel? You may qualify for Sailing Club perks. See Virgin Voyages Sailing Club.
Book through a First Mate. You pay the same price as booking direct, and depending on the sailing, I can sometimes add extra Sailor Loot or Bar Tab credit.
Is Virgin Voyages Worth the Price?
The fare can look higher than some mainstream lines at first glance. Once you add in what Virgin includes, like every restaurant, Wi-Fi, and no service charge on drinks, the gap usually shrinks or disappears. For adults who want great food and a relaxed, grown-up vibe, most of my clients find it's worth it. For the full list, see What's Included in Your Virgin Voyages Fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Virgin Voyages cruise cost?
It depends on the sailing, cabin, and fare type. Plan for the fare plus taxes and fees, then $20 per person, per night for prepaid gratuities, plus drinks and excursions.
Is Virgin Voyages all-inclusive?
Not fully. Restaurants, essential drinks, Wi-Fi, fitness, and entertainment are included. Gratuities, alcohol, spa services, and Shore Things cost extra.
Are gratuities included on Virgin Voyages?
No. Gratuities are $20 per sailor, per night if prepaid, or $22 if paid onboard.
Does Virgin Voyages have a drink package?
No. You prepay a Bar Tab instead and get bonus credit on top.
Is it cheaper to book Virgin Voyages direct?
No. Booking through a First Mate costs the same as booking direct, and I can choose your exact cabin on Base, Essential, and Premium fares.
Want a Real Number for Your Trip?
PTO Passport is an independent cruise travel agency and Gold Tier Virgin Voyages First Mate. Tell me your dates and who's sailing, and I'll send you the full cost up front, with the best fare, current offers, and no surprises. Same price as booking direct.
