Virgin Voyages, explained plainly.
The questions our travelers ask most about Virgin Voyages, from the new My Next Virgin Voyage rules to fares, deposits and what you’ll actually pay onboard.
Last reviewed October 26, 2026. Virgin changes its policies often, so we confirm the details on your booking before you pay.
The basics
Is Virgin Voyages adults-only?
Yes. Every Sailor has to be 18 or older. If you’re bringing kids, we’ll help you find a cruise line that works for the whole family.
What’s included in a Virgin Voyages fare?
More than most cruise lines. Every restaurant onboard is included, with no specialty dining surcharge. So are essential drinks like still and sparkling water and drip coffee, group fitness classes, entertainment and WiFi. Your WiFi level depends on the fare you book.
What costs extra?
Alcohol and other premium drinks, the spa, Shore Things (excursions), retail and flights. Gratuities are also extra for US bookings made or changed from October 7, 2025, unless your offer includes them. Earlier bookings may have different terms, so we check yours before we build your budget.
Does Virgin have a drink package?
Not a traditional one. Instead there’s Bar Tab, which is credit you buy before your voyage to spend on premium drinks onboard. Virgin adds bonus credit when you buy it. You can buy it in the app or your account until 24 hours before sailing, not onboard, and anything you don’t use isn’t refunded.
Fares, deposits and changes
What’s the difference between Base, Essential and Premium?
They’re Virgin’s VoyageFair Choices. Base is the lowest price, but it’s non-refundable and you can’t change names, cabin or dates. Essential lets you change your cabin and voyage date, or cancel for a Future Voyage Credit, and it opens dining reservations 45 days out. Premium adds a 60-day dining window, Premium WiFi for two devices, a daily drinks credit and a priority support line.
How much is the deposit, and when is final payment due?
The deposit is 20% of the voyage fare (not taxes and fees), paid when you book. Final payment is due 120 days before you sail. Booking inside 120 days? You pay the full fare up front.
Can I change or cancel my booking?
It depends on your fare. Base and Lock It In rates don’t allow changes. Essential and Premium allow voyage changes up to 45 days before you sail, and a cancellation comes back as a Future Voyage Credit. This is the biggest reason we ask how firm your dates are before we pick a fare.
My Next Virgin Voyage (MNVV)
What is My Next Virgin Voyage?
It’s a future cruise offer you can only buy while you’re onboard. You pay a $150 deposit for a placeholder, then get a fare discount plus onboard credit when you book your next sailing: $150 of each for 4 to 5 nights, $200 for 6 to 8 nights and $250 for 9 nights or longer. The offer is only valid on sailings of 4 nights or longer.
What changed with MNVV on October 27, 2026?
Virgin told travel advisors on October 26 that MNVV now works on any open voyage, including itineraries it hasn’t announced yet. You still have two years from the day you buy it to choose your sailing, but the sailing no longer has to happen within those two years. Virgin says this covers every MNVV, including ones bought before the change. Its public FAQ may still show the older wording for a while.
Can I give my MNVV to someone else?
No. MNVV stays with the Sailor who bought it, and name changes aren’t allowed on the placeholder. Once you turn it into a booking, the rules of the fare you choose apply.
What if I change my mind about my MNVV?
Cancel within 7 days of buying it and you get the $150 back. After that, the deposit becomes a Future Voyage Credit good for one year, and you lose the discount and onboard credit.
Which cabins can I use MNVV on?
Most Sea Terrace cabins (The Sea Terrace, Central Sea Terrace and XL Sea Terrace), RockStar Quarters and Mega RockStar Quarters. Insider and Sea View cabins, smaller and limited-view Sea Terraces, and Lock It In rates are excluded. MNVV also doesn’t combine with some discounted rates, so we check the math against current offers before you book.
Excursions, flights and hotels
When can I book Shore Things?
Booking opens 120 days before your voyage, or 135 days if you’re in RockStar Quarters, and you pay when you book. Most can be canceled or rescheduled up to 48 hours before the excursion, unless its description says otherwise. We can book them for you before you sail.
Can Virgin book my flights and hotel?
Virgin told travel advisors that its air and hotel program is now Fly & Stay by Internova, starting October 26, 2026, and that you book it by calling Virgin’s Sailor Services. Virgin’s public site doesn’t describe it yet. It’s convenient, but it isn’t always the best price or flight time, so we compare it against booking your flights and pre-cruise hotel separately.
Loyalty and booking with us
How does the Sailing Club work?
Finish one eligible voyage and you’re in the Sailing Club. After two, you unlock Blue Extras for your third and fourth voyages. After four, you unlock Deep Blue Extras from your fifth voyage on. Sailings booked with deeply discounted rates may not count, so ask before you assume a voyage qualifies.
Does it cost more to book Virgin 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 you help if I already booked directly with Virgin?
We’re happy to answer questions, but changes to a booking you made directly usually have to go through Virgin. For your next sailing, book with us from the start and we’ll handle changes, Shore Things and payment reminders for you.
Keep reading.
- Virgin Voyages in 2026: what travelers keep asking me
- This week’s Virgin Voyages picks
- Planning a Virgin group cruise
- Find the Facebook group for your sailing
- Virgin Voyages planning from New Jersey
Official terms live on Virgin’s FAQ. If something here doesn’t match your booking, your booking wins, and we’ll help you sort it out.
Ask us about your sailing.
Tell us when you want to go and who’s coming. We’ll match you to the right ship, cabin and fare.