How booking Virgin Voyages works (and booking through an advisor)
Checked against the cruise line’s own pages. Policies change, so we confirm the details on your booking before you pay.
Booking Virgin Voyages comes down to four decisions: the sailing, the cabin type, the fare (Base, Essential or Premium) and who books it for you. You pay a 20% deposit on the fare when you book, the balance is due 120 days before you sail, and booking through an advisor gets you the same Virgin pricing. The fare choice is the one people get wrong, because it controls refunds, changes, WiFi and how early you can reserve restaurants.
Step 1: pick the sailing
Start with dates and where you want to go, then look at the ship. Virgin’s four ships (Scarlet, Valiant, Resilient and Brilliant Lady) are similar enough that the itinerary and the dates usually matter more than the ship.
Step 2: pick the cabin type
Virgin has five cabin types, from smallest to largest: Insider, Sea View, Sea Terrace (with a private terrace), RockStar Quarters and Mega RockStar Quarters (the suites). Sea Terrace is our default pick for most couples. RockStar Quarters add perks like earlier dining and Shore Things booking, a RockStar check-in lounge at the Miami terminal and dedicated RockStar Agents, so they are worth pricing out if a suite is on the table.
Step 3: pick the fare
For Sea Terrace cabins and below, Virgin sells three fares, called VoyageFair Choices. The suites aren’t part of it.
| Base | Essential | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refunds | Non-refundable | Cancel for a Future Voyage Credit | Same as Essential |
| Changes | No name, cabin or date changes | Change cabin and dates | Same as Essential |
| WiFi | Basic (messaging, social, light browsing) | Classic (adds audio calls) | Premium, 2 devices |
| Dining reservations open | 15 days before sailing | 45 days | 60 days |
| Extras | Daily drinks credit, priority support line |
How we pick:
- Base works when your dates are locked and nobody in the cabin is likely to change. It is the cheapest for a reason.
- Essential is our default for most Sailors. Plans change, and being able to move dates or cancel for a credit is worth more than the price gap on most sailings.
- Premium makes sense when you’ll use what it adds: the earliest dining window, better WiFi for two devices and a daily drinks credit.
You will also see Lock It In rates. They are separate from Base: non-refundable, no changes, and Virgin assigns your cabin instead of you choosing it.
Dining windows above are for bookings made since October 7, 2025. RockStar Quarters open dining at 120 days.
Step 4: deposit and payments
The deposit is 20% of the voyage fare, not counting taxes and fees, and it is due when you book. Final payment is due 120 days before your sailing. Book inside 120 days and you pay the full fare at booking.
Gratuities are a separate line. Virgin adds $22 per Sailor per day onboard, or you can prepay $20 per night before you sail (prepaid gratuities are non-refundable).
Step 5: after you book
Download the Virgin Voyages App. From there you’ll:
- complete Ready to Sail, Virgin’s online check-in,
- pick your terminal arrival time,
- book dining when your window opens, and
- book Shore Things (excursions), which open 120 days before sailing, or 135 days in RockStar Quarters.
Our know before you go guide covers the rest of the run-up to sail day.
Booking through an advisor
Booking Virgin through us costs you nothing extra. You get the same Virgin pricing, and we do not charge fees for most standard travel bookings. Complex itineraries or group coordination may include a planning fee, which we disclose upfront.
What changes is who you call. When you book with us, changes, payment reminders and Shore Things come through us instead of a call center. We also tell you plainly which fare fits your plans, which is usually where the real money is.
If you already booked directly with Virgin, changes to that booking usually have to go through Virgin. We’re still happy to answer questions, and your next sailing can start with us.
Quick answers
How much is the deposit on a Virgin Voyages cruise?
20% of the voyage fare, paid when you book. Taxes and fees are not part of the deposit. The rest is due 120 days before you sail, and if you book inside 120 days you pay in full up front.
What is the difference between Base, Essential and Premium?
They are Virgin's VoyageFair Choices for Sea Terrace cabins and below. Base is the lowest price but non-refundable, with no changes to names, cabin or dates. Essential lets you change your cabin and dates, or cancel for a Future Voyage Credit, and upgrades your WiFi. Premium adds Premium WiFi for two devices, a daily drinks credit, a priority support line and the earliest dining window.
When can I book restaurants on Virgin Voyages?
It depends on your fare. For bookings made since October 7, 2025, dining reservations open 15 days before sailing on Base and Lock It In rates, 45 days on Essential, 60 days on Premium and 120 days in RockStar Quarters. You book them in the Virgin Voyages App.
Does it cost more to book Virgin Voyages through a travel advisor?
No. You get the same Virgin pricing, and we do not charge fees for most standard travel bookings. Complex itineraries or group coordination may include a planning fee, which we disclose upfront.
Can I switch my booking to an advisor after booking directly with Virgin?
Changes to a booking you made directly usually have to go through Virgin. We're happy to answer questions either way, and for your next sailing, booking with us from the start means changes, payment reminders and Shore Things come through us.