Virgin Voyages offers four fare types for most cabins: Lock It In, Base, Essential, and Premium. They all get you the same ship, the same 20+ restaurants, and the same onboard experience. What changes is your flexibility, your Wi-Fi, a few extras, and whether you can pick your own cabin. Here's how they compare and how to choose the right one.
Virgin's VoyageFair Choices at a glance. Tap to view full size.
The Four Virgin Voyages Fare Types at a Glance
Virgin calls these "VoyageFair Choices," and these four apply to standard cabins, from Insider up to Sea Terrace. RockStar and Mega RockStar suites have their own two options: a Lock It In rate, where your suite is assigned up to 2 days before sailing and the fare is non-refundable with no changes, or the regular RockStar or Mega RockStar fare, where your suite is assigned at booking, changes are allowed, and you're eligible for Future Voyage Credit.
Lock It In
Lowest price
Virgin assigns your cabin, and it can't be changed
No changes allowed
Non-refundable from the moment you book
Base
Basic Wi-Fi for one device
Dining reservations open 15 days before sailing
No date or name changes
Non-refundable deposit
Essential
Faster Wi-Fi for one device, including audio calls
Dining reservations open 45 days before sailing
Date and cabin changes allowed more than 45 days out
Name changes allowed for everyone except the lead sailor
Refundable deposit if you cancel early enough
Premium
Premium Wi-Fi for two devices, including video calls and streaming
A $15 per sailor, per night Bar Tab included
Dining reservations open 60 days before sailing
Date and cabin changes allowed more than 45 days out
Name changes allowed for every sailor, including the lead
Refundable deposit if you cancel early enough
All four fares include the basics: every restaurant, essential drinks, Wi-Fi, fitness classes, and entertainment. Gratuities are extra on every fare. See What's Included in Your Virgin Voyages Fare for the full breakdown.
The Cabin Choice Difference
This is the part most people don't realize until it's too late.
When you book direct with Virgin, on any fare, Virgin assigns your specific cabin. You choose a category, and Virgin decides which room you get. If you want a different one, you have to contact Virgin and ask.
When you book through a First Mate, I can choose your exact cabin for you on Base, Essential, and Premium fares. That means picking a room away from the elevators, below a quiet deck, or in the spot on the ship where you'll feel the least motion.
Lock It In is the exception. On Lock It In fares, Virgin always assigns the cabin, no matter how you book, and it can't be changed.
For tips on picking the right room, see How to Pick the Best Cabin on Virgin Voyages.
Which Fare Should You Choose?
Choose Lock It In if...
Your dates are completely set
You don't care which cabin you get
Saving money matters more than flexibility
Lock It In is often 20 to 30 percent cheaper than Base for the same cabin category. Just know that once you book, there's no going back.
Choose Base if...
Your dates are firm
You want to pick your cabin
Basic Wi-Fi is enough for you
Base is the sweet spot for travelers who want their own room choice without paying for flexibility they won't use.
Choose Essential if...
You're booking far in advance and plans could change
You want earlier dining reservations
You'll make calls from the ship
For a first Virgin sailing, Essential is a smart middle ground. The extra flexibility is worth a lot if life gets in the way.
Choose Premium if...
You'd buy a Bar Tab anyway
You want to stream or video call
You want the most flexibility, including changing the lead sailor's name
Run the math on Premium. Two sailors on a 7-night sailing get $210 in Bar Tab credit. If you were going to load a Bar Tab anyway, Premium can cost less than it looks. See Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Explained. Or compare it in my Bar Tab Calculator.
How Sales Affect Your Fare Choice
Virgin's promotions don't always apply to every fare. Some offers, like Sailor Loot during a sale, only apply to Base, Essential, and Premium, not Lock It In. Before you book the cheapest fare, check whether a current offer would add more value on a different one. Check my current deals to see what's running now.
Want to see what each fare adds up to for a whole trip, with gratuities, drinks, and excursions? See my budget guide, How Much Does a Virgin Voyages Cruise Really Cost?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest Virgin Voyages fare?
Lock It In is the lowest price, but Virgin assigns your cabin and you can't make any changes or get a refund.
Can I choose my cabin on Virgin Voyages?
When you book direct with Virgin, Virgin assigns your specific cabin on every fare type. Booking through a First Mate, you can choose your exact cabin on Base, Essential, and Premium fares. Lock It In cabins are always assigned by Virgin.
Which Virgin Voyages fare includes a Bar Tab?
Premium includes a $15 per sailor, per night Bar Tab.
Are gratuities included in any Virgin Voyages fare?
No. Gratuities are $20 per sailor, per night if prepaid, or $22 if paid onboard, on every fare type.
Can I upgrade my fare after booking?
In many cases, yes. Reach out before you sail and I'll check what's possible for your booking.
Not Sure Which Fare Fits?
Request a free quote and I'll compare the fares for your exact sailing, pick your cabin, and stack every offer you qualify for, at the same price as booking direct.
