Ultimate Sailors Guide for your Virgin Voyage!

Heading back from a day at Virgin Voyages private beach club in Bimini Bahamas.

As a fan of Virgin Voyages and a First Mate (Travel Agent specializing in Virgin Voyages), I'm here to offer tips to enhance your cruising experience. I'll provide advice on preparing for your cruise, what to expect on Day One (Embarkation), and guides to the various areas of the ships.

Maximizing Your Sailing Experience with Virgin Voyages!

If you're ready to elevate your cruising experience, Virgin Voyages is charting a new course in sea travel with innovation, ease, and style. Enjoy stress-free cruising while leaving the kids at home! Virgin Voyages puts the power in your hands from the moment you book—with their intuitive app allowing early check-in, easy access to booking dinner reservations up to 45 days before sailing (or 60 days for Rock Star suite guests), and the flexibility to select your embarkation time. Add in savvy perks like pre-purchasing a Bar Tab to maximize onboard value, and you'll quickly see how planning ahead can unlock a smooth and unforgettable journey. Plus, arriving at your port city the day before sailing is a game-changing tip for a stress-free start. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first-timer, these insider insights will help you make the most of every moment aboard a Virgin Voyages adventure.

You've Booked Your Virgin Voyage, What's Next?

Whether you're embarking on your first cruise or your first journey with Virgin Voyages, I have some tips to ensure a smooth experience. Virgin Voyages offers the pinnacle of adult-only cruising. They revolutionize the cruise experience with no children, no buffets, and no main dining room.

Begin your cruise journey by downloading the Virgin Voyages App. This app serves as the central platform for checking in for your cruise, arranging shore excursions, buying your Bar Tab, and making dinner reservations. Additionally, you can schedule your embarkation time (trip boarding time) through the app.

Your cruise fare covers all meals, gratuities, and basic drinks like soda, water, juice, drip coffee, and tea. If you wish to buy alcoholic beverages, specialty coffee, pressed juices, and smoothies, you can either pay per drink or opt for a Bar Tab. The Bar Tab must be purchased before the cruise begins and ranges from $200 to $1000. Each Bar Tab purchase comes with a bonus; for instance, a $200 Bar Tab gives you an extra $25 in drinks, while a $1000 Bar Tab provides an additional $300.

Embarkation Day

On Embarkation Day, it's best not to arrive too early since there aren't any seating areas available. However, boarding is quick, so arriving 30 to 45 minutes early is acceptable. Upon reaching the port, you can hand your luggage to the porter. You now have the option to preprint your luggage tags at home, or you can choose to carry your own luggage. Embarkation occurs in 15-minute intervals, with a line for each assigned time. When it's your turn to board, an agent will welcome you for check-in. You may have the opportunity to upgrade your cabin, so be sure to inquire about availability. During check-in, you'll receive a bracelet. This bracelet is used to unlock your cabin door, make purchases using your Bar Tab and Sailor's Loot, and serves as identification. Unlike other cruise lines, your cabin will be ready as soon as you board.

After boarding the ship, there are several tasks to enhance your experience. Additional dining reservation times become available once on board. If you're interested in specialty workouts like the Spin Class or Bungie Fitness, make sure to book them once you're on board. For spa services, especially on Sea Days, visit Redemption Spa on Deck 5 to schedule your appointments. Don't miss the Thermal Spa experience. Finally, prepare for the champagne toast on deck as the ship departs from port. Be sure to pack your PJs and enjoy Pajama Party on the pool deck.

Activities I Enjoy Most on the Ship

One of my top activities on the ship is reserving the private Karaoke rooms at the Groupie. Located on Deck 7, Forward, just outside the Red Room (Entertainment Theater), the Groupie offers a sign-in sheet each day for booking a private Karaoke room. There are three room sizes: a small room for 2 - 4 people, a medium room for 4 - 6, and a large room for up to 10 people. Another favorite spot is the Retro Arcade! Situated mid-ship on Deck 7 next to the Social Club, the Arcade features classic games like Pac Man, Super Mario Brothers, Galaga, Donkey Kong, and Pole Position, ready to bring back memories from your youth!

The Adult Playground on Deck 16, Aft is also not to be missed! There is a basketball court that also doubles as a Pickle Ball court. There is also a tire swing and see-saw.

Remember to wear red for Scarlet Night, typically on the third day at sea (verify the event schedule for the exact day). Everyone aboard will be dressed in red. Attend the Scarlet Night party on the pool deck (see the event schedule for the time). Visit the glam stations to add some dazzling designs to your face and enhance your look. Don't forget to visit the selfie stations to capture memories of your journey!

Aside from dining at various restaurants such as Pink Agave (Mexican), The Wake (Steak House), Gumbae (Korean Bar-B-Que), Extra Virgin (Italian), Razzle-Dazzle (American, vegan-focused), and the Test Kitchen, be sure to visit the Dock for Mediterranean-style small bites, the pizza parlor, and the Galley (food court). Enjoy board and card games at the Social or relax by the pool on Deck 15. The Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin Voyages' private club, offers a stunning beach and pool. To secure a spot on the beach close to the shoreline, aim to arrive at the beach club on one of the earliest shuttles. Many visitors rent a golf cart to explore the island, as it is small and easy to navigate.

Main Takeaways

Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, Virgin Voyages delivers a cruise experience that’s refreshingly different—and effortlessly chic. With thoughtful details like flexible dining, all-inclusive perks, and immersive onboard activities, every moment at sea feels tailor-made for adult travelers. By planning ahead, taking advantage of the Virgin Voyages app, and embracing all the ship has to offer, you're setting yourself up for smooth sailing and unforgettable memories. As your trusted First Mate, I’m here to help you navigate every step of the journey—from booking to boarding and beyond. So let’s raise a glass (or a Bar Tab!) to the voyage ahead—your dream cruise is just getting started!