Wondering about drinks on Virgin Voyages? Learn what’s included in your fare, how the Bar Tab works, and whether it’s worth buying.
One of my favourite moments on my Virgin Voyages cruise was when a friend used the Shake for Champagne feature in the Sip lounge. Within minutes, a bottle of Moët appeared and we shared a glass. It was fun, a bit different, and very Virgin.
That experience sums up the way Virgin approaches drinks onboard. They do not offer the traditional daily drink package you see on most other cruise lines. Instead, they have the Bar Tab, which is prepaid credit you can spend however you like, from cocktails and wine to smoothies and speciality coffee.
On my cruise I had bar tab credit included in my booking. As I am not a big drinker, I mainly used it for wine and champagne in the cabin. It felt simple, flexible, and much better than worrying about whether I was getting value from a package.
Here is everything you need to know about how drinks work on Virgin Voyages.
Does Virgin Voyages have a drink package?
No, Virgin Voyages doesn’t have a drink package.
On most other cruise lines you can buy a daily package for unlimited drinks, but they often come with rules. You usually have to buy it for the full cruise, everyone in your cabin has to get the same one, and you can only use it for yourself. Unless you drink quite a lot every day, it can be poor value.
Virgin decided to scrap all of that. They did research with potential sailors (their word for passengers) and found people preferred fair pricing and flexibility. So, they introduced the Bar Tab instead.
What is a Virgin Voyages Bar Tab?
The Bar Tab is prepaid credit that you buy before your cruise. Once onboard, you can use it to pay for drinks such as cocktails, wine, beer, smoothies and speciality coffee.
- You can buy it right up until the day you sail.
- Drinks are charged against your balance as you go.
- Anything left over is non-refundable, so it’s best to load slightly less than you think you’ll use.
Tip | Virgin often runs promotions where they give you bonus credit when you pre-purchase a bar tab. Check what offers are available when you book, as it is an easy way to get extra value.
What drinks are included without a Bar Tab?
Virgin includes a lot more in the fare than many other cruise lines, which is a big plus. You can help yourself to:
- Still and sparkling water
- Sodas and soft drinks
- Drip coffee and tea
On most other ships I have cruised on, you would be paying extra even for a Coke or bottled water. On Virgin, it felt like such a relief not having to think about it. I loved being able to grab a soft drink, glass of water or a cuppa without wondering what it would add to my bill. It definitely takes away that background stress of keeping a running total in your head. (Although, they did run out of teabags on the last day of my first sailing — true story!)
Alcoholic drinks are not included, but you can either pay as you go or use your bar tab. There are also a few chances to enjoy a complimentary drink during your cruise. Everyone gets a glass of sparkling wine at sail away, and you might also get a shot at Gunbae or a limoncello in Extra Virgin.
Read more: Virgin Voyages have over 20 bars and restaurants on their ships so you’ll find plenty of places to spend your bar tab at.
How much do drinks cost on Virgin Voyages?
Virgin says their drinks are reasonably priced, and I would agree. On my cruise I did not feel ripped off at all.
Here is a guide:
- Beers: $7-9
- Cocktails: from $11
- Wine by the glass: around 40% under $11.
Overall, prices felt very similar to what you would pay in a good bar on land, which made it easy to relax and just order what I fancied without worrying about surprise costs.
Read more: My Virgin Voyages restaurant and bar guide covers all the places you can try different cocktails, wines and coffees onboard, so you’ll never be short of ideas on where to spend your bar tab.
Can you share a Virgin Voyages Bar Tab?
Yes, and this is one of the best things about it. Unlike traditional drink packages where each person has to buy their own, Virgin’s bar tab can be shared.
You can use it to buy drinks for your cabin mate, your friends or even new cruise pals. That flexibility really stood out compared to other cruise lines I have sailed with
Can you use the Bar Tab at Bimini Beach Club?
Yes, you can. If your cruise visits Virgin’s private Bimini Beach Club, you can use your bar tab there as well as onboard. Handy if you fancy a cocktail by the pool or a cold beer on the beach.
Are drinks included in the RockStar Quarters?
If you are staying in the suites, you get extra perks:
- Mega RockStar Quarters: A bottomless in-suite bar, plus a daily bar tab included in your fare. You also get free afternoon champagne at Richard’s Rooftop.
- RockStar Quarters: A bar in your suite, with the first round complimentary. You will need to pay for refills, but you can use your bar tab for that.
What is Shake for Champagne?
Using the Virgin Voyages app, shake your phone and a bottle of Moët & Chandon will appear wherever you are on the ship.
On my sailing, my friend tried it in the Sip lounge, and we shared a glass. It arrived quickly and felt like one of those quirky extras that really sums up the Virgin experience.
Can You Bring Alcohol on Virgin Voyages?
Yes, but with some limits. Each cabin can bring up to two bottles of wine (750ml each), carried in your hand luggage.
- You can enjoy them in your cabin at no extra cost, which is perfect if you fancy sipping a glass of wine on your balcony while watching the sea, it really does feel like living the dream.
- If you take your bottles to a restaurant, there is a $25 corkage fee.
- Spirits and beer are not allowed. If you try to bring them on board, they will be collected and returned at the end of your cruise.
Virgin Voyages Bar Tab vs Traditional drink packages
Here is how Virgin’s approach compares:
- Flexibility: Bar tabs can be shared and topped up. Drink packages are usually per person, per day.
- Value: With a tab you only pay for what you use. With a package you often feel like you need to drink more to get your money’s worth.
- Inclusions: Virgin includes sodas, water, drip coffee and tea. Most cruise lines charge extra.
- Freedom: Bar tabs can be used to buy drinks for friends. Traditional packages restrict you to buying for yourself.
Is the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab worth it?
For me, yes. It feels fairer, simpler and more flexible than a traditional package.
If you like the idea of a cocktail or two, a glass of wine with dinner or champagne in your cabin, a few hundred dollars on a bar tab should comfortably see you through. If you hardly drink alcohol, you may not need one at all since sodas and water are already included.
On my cruise, my included bar tab covered wine and champagne in the cabin, plus I got to share a bottle of bubbly thanks to Shake for Champagne with a friend. It never felt like I was overpaying or missing out.
Virgin has stripped away the hassle of drink packages and replaced it with something much simpler.
The last word
Virgin Voyages has taken a fresh approach to drinks at sea. By scrapping the traditional package and introducing the Bar Tab, they have made things simpler, more flexible and (in my view) much fairer.
Whether the Bar Tab is right for you depends on how much you plan to drink, but I think Virgin has struck a good balance. With sodas, water and coffee already included, and the option to top up your bar tab if you need to, it is easy to stay in control of both your spending and your enjoyment.
For me, it works, and it fits perfectly with Virgin’s relaxed, modern way of doing cruises.