Virgin Voyages includes all dining at 20+ restaurants, basic beverages (non-alcoholic plus select alcoholic drinks), gratuities, group fitness classes, and Wi-Fi in their base fare — making it one of the most genuinely inclusive fares in the cruise industry, starting around $150–$250/person/night.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
Most cruise lines use the word 'included' like a magician uses a handkerchief — to distract you from what's actually missing. Virgin Voyages is different. Their base fare genuinely covers a lot, but there are still upsells waiting for you on board. Here's exactly what you're getting — and what you're not.
What's Actually Included in the Virgin Voyages Base Fare
Virgin Voyages markets itself as an 'all-in' experience, and for once, that's not entirely marketing spin. The base fare covers:
- All dining at 20+ restaurants (no specialty dining surcharges — this is a big deal)
- Non-alcoholic beverages including sodas, juices, specialty coffee, and tea
- Basic alcoholic drinks during group fitness classes and certain events (yes, really)
- Gratuities/tips — fully included, no daily service charge tacked on at the end
- Group fitness classes including yoga, cycling, and HIIT
- Basic Wi-Fi — a single-device social media/messaging package
- Entertainment — all shows, live music, and events on board
- Room amenity kit with premium bath products
That dining inclusion alone is worth calling out. On Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, specialty restaurants run $40–$75/person per meal on top of your fare. On Virgin, Gunbae (Korean BBQ), Extra Virgin (Italian), and The Wake (steakhouse) are all included. That's real money saved.
Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
Virgin Voyages Fare Breakdown: What You Pay vs. What You'd Pay Elsewhere
| Item | Virgin Voyages | Traditional Cruise Line |
|---|---|---|
| Base cabin fare (per person/night) | $150–$350 | $100–$250 |
| Specialty dining (per meal) | $0 included | $40–$75 |
| Gratuities (per person/day) | $0 included | $18–$25 |
| Non-alcoholic beverages | $0 included | $5–$10/day |
| Group fitness classes | $0 included | $15–$25/class |
| Basic Wi-Fi | $0 included | $20–$35/day |
| Shows & entertainment | $0 included | $0 (usually included) |
| Estimated daily value of inclusions | ~$80–$120/person | Paid separately |
When you factor in what you'd spend a la carte on a traditional line, Virgin's sticker price starts looking a lot more reasonable.
What's NOT Included (The Honest Part)
This is where I earn your trust. Virgin Voyages still has a meaningful upsell ecosystem:
- The Bar Tab (full alcohol package): $40–$55/person/day depending on sailing. If you're a drinker, you'll want this. Cocktails run $14–$18 each on board.
- Premium Wi-Fi: The included package is basic. Full streaming Wi-Fi costs $10–$20/day extra.
- Spa treatments: The Redemption Spa is stunning and expensive — massages start at $150.
- Shore excursions: Nothing included. Budget $50–$200/person per port.
- Airfare and hotel: Not included (obviously, but worth stating).
- Richard's Rooftop: The exclusive suite-only deck experience costs extra for non-suite guests.
- Tattoos: Yes, there's a tattoo parlor. No, it's not included.
| Add-On | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| The Bar Tab (alcohol package) | $40–$55/person/day |
| Premium streaming Wi-Fi | $10–$20/person/day |
| Spa treatments | $150–$300+ per service |
| Shore excursions | $50–$200/person per port |
| Cabana at The Beach Club (Bimini) | $500–$1,500/day |
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
Key Factors That Affect What You'll Actually Spend
Your drinking habits matter most. The Bar Tab alcohol package is the single biggest variable. A heavy drinker skipping the package could easily spend $100+/day on cocktails. At $40–$55/day for the package, it pays for itself at roughly 3 drinks per day.
Sailing length changes the math. On a 4-night Bahamas sailing (Virgin's shortest itinerary), you have less time to use the spa and shore excursions — your add-on spend will be lower. On a 7-night Mediterranean sailing, budget for 3–5 shore excursions easily.
Cabin category matters for perks. Sea Terrace (balcony) cabins are the base. Mega RockStar and Massive Suite categories come with serious extras: The Bar Tab included, priority everything, and in some cases, shore excursion credits. If you're a big spender, pricing up a suite might actually be more cost-effective than buying add-ons piecemeal.
| Cabin Category | What's Extra Beyond Base Inclusions |
|---|---|
| Sea View / Seaside (interior/porthole) | Nothing — same inclusions |
| Sea Terrace (balcony) | Nothing — same inclusions |
| XL Sea Terrace | Nothing — same inclusions |
| Stunning Suite | Priority boarding, some extras |
| Mega RockStar Suite | Bar Tab included, shore excursion credits, transfer included |
| Massive Suite | All of the above + dedicated sailor services |
Practical Tips to Maximize the All-In Value
1. Book the Bar Tab in advance. Pre-cruise pricing for The Bar Tab is consistently 10–20% cheaper than buying it on board. Watch for Virgin's flash sales — they run Bar Tab promos regularly.
2. Don't skip the dining reservations. All restaurants are included, but popular spots like Gunbae and The Wake book up fast. Reserve your dining before you sail through the Virgin Voyages app — it's free, it's included, and it sells out.
3. Use the fitness classes aggressively. At $15–$25/class at a land gym, 14 group fitness classes over a 7-night sailing represents $200–$350 in value. Take advantage.
4. Audit your Wi-Fi needs. For basic Instagram and WhatsApp, the included package is fine. If you need to work or stream video, pay for the upgrade — but don't pay for it if you'll actually unplug.
5. Compare the Mega RockStar suite math. On a 7-night sailing with two people, buying The Bar Tab ($55 x 2 x 7 = $770) plus transfers plus excursion credits can sometimes make a suite upgrade pencil out. Run the numbers before you book.
Who Virgin Voyages Is Best For
Virgin Voyages hits hardest for non-drinkers or light drinkers who eat at specialty restaurants on every cruise — you'll save $300–$600 on dining alone versus a mainstream line. It's also excellent for fitness-focused travelers and couples without kids (Virgin is adults-only, which is by design).
It's less of a slam-dunk for heavy drinkers (the bar tab cost erodes the 'all-in' advantage) or families (adults-only — not an option).
If you want to stress-test whether Virgin Voyages' all-in fare actually beats what you'd pay on Royal Caribbean or Norwegian for the same sailing dates, use CruiseMutiny to model the real total cost with your personal spending habits — drinks, dining, Wi-Fi, and excursions included. The sticker price comparison never tells the whole story.