Do not expect buffets, water slides or kids clubs; instead prepare for free fitness classes, risqué shows and even a tattoo parlour. If this sounds like your type of holiday, check out our top ten tips before you book, to help you get the most for your money.
Find the best deal
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your Virgin Voyages cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
Travel planning
Virgin offers its cruisers late checkout, up to 10:45am. This is a great option after a week of excitement on board. However, check in is later than on many other lines, beginning at 2pm. So if you're booking flights, there's no need to schedule them too early on either journey.
Room choice made simple
Unlike some cruise lines, which have a multitude of confusing cabin choices, Virgin offers four different options and they will then choose the location for you. Even their basic Insider rooms have rainfall showers and mood lighting - perfect for those who want the luxury but plan to be out of their cabin most of the time. Sea View rooms do as they say on the tin. They have the same luxurious finishes but with a porthole to gaze at the sea. Then Virgin's Sea Terrace offering allows you to laze on your hammock on your private balcony. Finally, the Rock Star rooms are an extravagant choice but definitely worth the money if it's within budget (see below for more details).
Are you a Rockstar?
If you're used to luxury cruising, you can't go wrong with a Rockstar room. They have everything that you'd expect with a premium package: priority boarding, concierge, private lounges and free spa access. On top of this, the rooms are extremely lavish. Different options can include marble bathrooms, hot tubs and verandas.
What’s included?
Virgin Cruises are in the luxury market and the prices reflect this. However, when making comparisons against other companies, keep in mind that Virgin offer a number of perks for every customer. All food and some non-alcoholic drinks, as well as WiFi, gratuities and unlimited fitness classes are available for you throughout your holiday. With all this taken into account, Virgin work out as one of the most budget-friendly premium cruise lines.
Beach Club
Another great inclusion in your fare if you are cruising in the Caribbean is a day (and evening) at the Beach Club at Bimini. This Virgin private resort offers hammocks, loungers, pools and food as complimentary so you can have a full day off the ship without spending a penny - definitely something to consider when comparing the cost of cruise lines.
Optional extras
There are so many inclusions in your booking, but of course there are other added extras. So be prepared to pay for alcoholic drinks (see bar tabs below), spa treatments, room service delivery, premium hot drinks, excursions and the occasional onboard activity.
Food, glorious food!
For us, the dining offerings on Virgin ships are one of the main reasons to book. Not only are they all included, but there is such a range of exquisitely-crafted menus to choose from. Forget buffets, Virgin do it very differently. Bookings for the restaurants open 45 days before departure (60 days for Rockstars) and they are of course incredibly popular so be sure to get ahead.
Talking of pre-booking…
Dining is not the only decision you should make before you board. Virgin’s entertainment offerings are very popular. There are not a wide variety and the venues are smaller than on many other boats, so booking ahead is essential if you plan to take part.
Open the bar tab
Instead of a drinks package, Virgin offer a bar tab system. These need to be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of the cruise. You can choose from three different amounts which are added to your tab daily and best of all, you're free to share, so groups can club together if it's more convenient. When you buy the bar tab online, Virgin will add an additional contribution to increase you're spending limit, making this a great deal for those who plan to drink throughout their trip.
GET.cruises will help you find the best cruise deals. Search for your Virgin Voyages cruise holiday and compare prices from all the major travel agents.
