September 25, 2025|Virgin Voyages

by Eric Lipkind

Virgin Voyages continues to innovate the cruise travel experience.   I’ve made no secret of my love for Virgin Voyages and have sailed with them five times already.  In addition to the recent addition of the fourth ship to the fleet, the beautiful Brilliant Lady, which I had the opportunity to preview in New York City a few weeks ago, Virgin Voyages made an announcement today regarding new booking options starting October 7, 2025.

 Voyage Fare Choices

Per the press release from Virgin Voyages:

The new model introduces three distinct pricing tiers for Sea Terrace and cabins below, each designed to give Sailors greater flexibility in how they book.

· With the Base fare, Sailors can choose the most value-driven option. This non-refundable fare introduces a new Basic WiFi tier for one device per Sailor designed for social media, messaging and light browsing. Dining reservations open 15 days before sailing, and while changes to names, cabins or dates aren’t permitted, it’s an ideal choice for Sailors who know their plans and prefer straightforward savings.

· The Essential fare remains closest to what Sailors know and love today. It includes Classic WiFi for one device per Sailor, with social media, messaging, browsing and audio calling. This option includes a 45-day dining reservation window, along with added flexibility to adjust voyage dates using a Future Voyage Credit. Name changes are also allowed for Sailors Two through Four, making this option a familiar favorite with a touch more flexibility.

· For those seeking more perks and freedom, the Premium fare delivers elevated benefits. For the first time, Sea Terrace categories and below will enjoy a 60-day dining reservation window, previously reserved only for suites. Premium also includes Premium WiFi for two devices per Sailor with streaming and video capabilities, an included Bar Tab (drinks credit), and access to a priority support line for pre-voyage booking. This fare is designed for Sailors who want greater convenience, more benefits and maximum flexibility.

For RockStar and Mega RockStar Quarters, VoyageFair Choices brings one important upgrade: dining reservations now open 120 days prior to sailing, giving these Sailors the earliest opportunity to curate their onboard experience. All other elevated inclusions – from Richard’s Rooftop and priority boarding to curated in-room bars, dedicated RockStar Agent service and daily Bar Tabs for Mega RockStars – continue to define the RockStar journey, ensuring these Sailors enjoy the exclusivity and luxury that set Virgin Voyages apart.
 

Virgin Voyages is also raising the bar on transparency by displaying service gratuities as a separate line item at the time of booking. Previously bundled into the fare, these contributions will now be shown clearly so Sailors know exactly how they are applied. The total cost of a voyage does not change, and Sailors may prepay at a discounted rate of $20 per Sailor per night or settle onboard at $22 per Sailor per night. Once covered, that’s it – there are no hidden charges, no surprise gratuities and no tipping expected anywhere onboard. The singular gratuities line item, offered visibly upfront, reflects the brand’s commitment to clarity and its ethos of keeping the experience easy, transparent, and free of nickel-and-diming.
 

What remains unchanged is the heart of the Virgin Voyages experience: Always Included Luxury. Every fare delivers more than $1,000 USD in value, including diverse dining from world-class chefs, unlimited group fitness, unlimited WiFi, soda, still and sparkling water, as well as entertainment that pushes boundaries. Once onboard, Sailors have the freedom to curate their own adventure, whether that’s through bold culinary experiences, innovative entertainment, fitness and wellness or late-night celebrations. Virgin Voyages continues to evolve its experience so that every voyage is unique and unforgettable.

In a move similar to how airlines price, Virgin has moved to more of an à la carte pricing model, while still giving the sailor the choice of the existing pricing model (Essential Fare).   With the ability to remove prepaid gratuities, Virgin Voyages will now separate the fare amount from the gratuity amount.   The total cost remains the same as the current pricing if sailors choose to pre-pay the gratuities. 

Nothing will change for sailors who have already booked an upcoming voyage.  However, for bookings at Sea Terrace and below, Virgin Voyages will open the dining booking window 60 days before sailing instead of 45 days.

More pricing visibility and options are always a good thing.

If you would like to book a Virgin Voyage using either points or via payment, please reach out to me.