11 Tips We Wish We Knew Before Sailing With Virgin Voyages 

My wife and I are hopping on a VV cruise Thursday!! It's crazy how nobody has made a video as simple as this, bless you sweet souls for just telling us what we need to know. I can't explain it but this is just the first useful video we've managed to find lol thanks yall

I have literally watched tons of videos advising about the charges in the cc, for those saying you had never seen anything before, do your homework. The ice cream parlor only changes one flavor per day, not all the flavors. The free champagne in sail away party is for 30 minutes. Thanks a lot for providing all these tips

My bar tab was combined with my bf because I clicked the “Sailor 1 is footing the bill” option when setting up the room. There was only one card so it was automatically merged

You two are adorable! We did a Virgin cruise in April. You're correct on all accounts. We booked only 3 weeks before sailing so we were unable to book anything ahead of time. Tip is to book an early embarkation time and run straight to book your dinner reservations. I didn't like the fact that you couldn't reserve the same restaurant twice. Another tip which I didn't realize is room service at breakfast. I found the food hall (great food) very overwhelming with people and this isn't something I enjoy first thing in the am. The beach club gets CROWDED. We arrived later and could not find two chaise next to each other. Jealous you got to do the shark snorkel. The sea conditions were too rough when we arrived.

I just got off Valiant Lady on July 14th. So about buying the drinks, when we bought our cruise I got $350 bar credit so did my husband. So no problem buying drinks. While on the cruise we’ve decided to buy a back to back. We added $300 cash to our account for the bar tab. It was added to my husband’s name. So when I went to buy a drink, my name was not there BUT the bartender finds your sail mate and add the drink to his account. Was not a big deal. After that, every time I order drinks, Sailor 1 foots the bill. No need to go to Guest Services. And another thing I loved about VV, you don’t hear announcements. The only time I heard was when they were doing a crew drill and when we were sailing away, we heard the captain speaking. Big difference from other cruise lines. Loved Virgin.

I have to say, I've watched a million videos about VV because we'll be going on our first one in a couple of weeks. But this is by far the best and most informative one I've watched. Thanks so much!

I just completed my first Virgin cruise in the Med, and your tips are 100% perfect. The Virgin App was so wonky and busted, and make sure to BOOK your dinners since you'll be stuck on the ship and the free food offerings leave a lot to be desired. My girlfriend almost lost her mind the day at sea lol.

Haven't even finished the video yet but so far these are the most useful practical tips thank you !

For tip #1, you can also have the primary traveler set up to "foot the bill" of the secondary traveler (on the app). Secondary person will have to sign in and add the primary person as the one who is paying for them and the primary person will have to "accept" to foot the secondary person's bill, but it can be set up this way.

Hubby and I are pondering a first ever Virgin cruise in the Mediterranean so this was very helpful as we conduct research. You two are adorable to watch and love your playful chemistry. Safe travels on your future trips!

Thanks soooo much for the tips! I’ll be boarding valient lady in august, and even though I’ve watched countless vids about the VV experience, I haven’t come across one like yours. Tips were super helpful!

I love VV! I have done 2 this year and am doing another next year. I do wish they would allow you to split the bar tab between the 2 sailors. I did one with my sister and she was the primary sailor. We had to keep checking our expenses to make sure I didn’t go over because her CC would have been charged.

Just found your video and channel. Thanks for the great tips! We’re sailing in December. It’ll be our first VV. We’ve cruised Cunard (way too formal) and Norwegian. Looking forward to the Virgin difference.

The best steak was at Blue Agave!!! You MUST try it!

My voyage is is 44 more days and I cant wait! Im so looking forward to the battle of the steaks. I was so excited about The wake but so many ppl are saying the steak at other restaurants was better. These were some good tips! Thanks

Going on a Virgin cruise in March and found this very helpful, especially the part about the free Champagne. Thanks a bunch.

As a champagne lover, I can't wait for the sailaway party!

Thanks for the tips, going on our first vv cruise in 4 weeks time can’t wait. We have booked Extra Virgin for our first night !

Wow, very informative. I haven’t book a Virgin cruise yet, but just researching and thank you for the tips. So far many people have said Virgin Voyages cruises have good food. We always complain about the food from previous cruise lines so looking forward to try Virgin. Enjoy your next cruise.🎉

Great tips!! We’re sailing on Valiant Lady on July 19th…. 5 nights from Miami. Tonight at 12:00am is the 45 day start to book dining and events. My plan is to start booking at 12:01😀 Any tips for a good time window to book dinner in order to see shows? When do you connect to the ships WiFi? Do they give you the password when you check in? We booked the splash of romance package and have priority boarding, so we plan to get there early. Thanks for your reply.

September will be our 3rd cruise with Virgin, and tip number 1 never occurred to me! THANKS!!!

Thanks for the information. We are sailing in two weeks so excited. First time on VV

Awesome video with tips I haven't heard! Thanks so much!

Awesome!! TY!! I just added a $500 bar tab for myself and for my husband and I think I did them separately so I should be OK. Right?

Do you remember (or are you given at some point) the start times for the sail away and the scarlet night parties??

Thank you for this! We go on our first Virgin cruise soon!

We are going in October! So excited, thanks for the tips!

Thank you all for this video it was entertaining can't wait for my cruise

Hi guys, great vlog! We have a first VV this September. Im not 100% sure of this so my question is, what is the best time to book dinner so we can also enjoy the shows? Thanks guys

Hi Elizabeth! I loved your honest VV review. I’m thinking of taking one - my first cruise ever!- your tips are great. How does the alcohol drinks work. Do you buy a drink package? Are they charged separately? I have heard the app that you use ito book reservations and excursions is not great is that the only way to book? All y’all’s tips are great! Anything else for a newbie to know? Thank you so much!!

Where did you get your scarlet night dress?! 😍. In love. Cruising over new years and that looks perfect.

Love this video! Thank you both!

So informative, thank you. My husband and I are trying to book our first adult only cruise. Which cruise line do you prefer? TIA

Great VV sailor tips, thank you guys!

My wife and I have been on a couple of the VV cruises so far and the second one we took at the end of November last year. We had a bar credit for that cruise and had no problem with the bar tab credits. When she ordered drinks it automatically came off my tab. Maybe they fixed it from September to November when we went. Maybe because I had it set up that I was fronting any bills she would ring up.

Sweet! I have the Resilient Lady booked for my 35th birthday March of 2026. I am unbelievably excited!

but I am 77 and go on my cruises for a vacation from nurseing so I had a good time just veging.

Thank you for these tips

He orders the drinks she sets the events, sounds like me and my future wife have a game plan....thanks guys

Thank you so much, we go next month 🥳

Mustard station for life! 😁

yum champagne! Thanks for the tips!

So informative! Thanks…… can you recommend any other great adult only cruise lines? Maybe one’s a bit more conservative

Very helpful! Thanks!

Do they provide hair dryers in the cabin? Do you need to bring a converter for your items to charge? Are there enough charging ports in the cabin nor should you bring a multiple charger port plug?

Just found your Channel and love the content !!

All you need to do is when you’re doing your pecheck on the app. You include your salor mate to link them. It’s easy and anyone you link is attached to your sailor loot or bar tab. FYI. If you used a TA shame on them for not telling you. I’ve never had an issue when I do this.

U said as soon as u get on book ur shows spas etc where do u do that at? On the tablet in ur room, is there an app that u have to download to ur phone, or do u have to go to a particular place on the ship to book? Thank you so much for this video enlightenment

Very informative video. I can't wait to sail with Virgin. QUICK TIP: IT'S A SHIP, NOT A BOAT 😊

It's a ship darling! Not a boat; it's a Muster Station! Not a Mustard Station; again it's a ship! The Bungee Class was amazing but hard work so if Ur not used to exercise especially in the sun and heat (yeh ur inside but still) it's hard... The Wake and Gunbae are the best eateries by far... Yeh I'm slightly known for my Scarlet Outfit or lack of haha... Oooooh yeh forgot about the Invite Only stuff.. now THAT is fun...yeh U go ashore in the day or chill by the pool/hot tubs especially on a sea day (tho on a sea day get there earlier to get a good spot) .. 🚢

Good tips! Thanks

Which cruise to go? First time for VV, taking my mother for the first time.

We had steak at EV and through it was strange! So maybe it can vary ship to ship

Pink Agave steak the best I ever had!

Do any of the restaurants have a cover charge? Or are they all included?

Other than Scarlett nite, what is dress code for the other nites?

Not entirely true about the bar tab. I have sailed with them multiple times and I’m in their top loyalty bracket and when for instance you get $300 per cabin is for all. Except when YOU explicitly buy it separately. We have always gotten “free” bar tab, and with Deep Blue Extras each sailor gets their own bar tab courtesy of VV. Also, the app is a great resource to keep track of spending and it will tell you about the bar tab if it’s for all or for the use of a specific sailor. Also, boarding at noon? Never seen that. The earliest boarding time for the past 3 years has been between 1:30 and 1:45pm, and that’s for the Deep Blue Extras sailors 😂

Can we switch the primary sailor to secondary???

You guys are good, I hope I can do a similar vlog

Is the balcony worth it?

My least favorite restaurant is the Wake, and I thought it would be my favorite.

is "wake" or extra virgin , extra charge?

👨🏻‍🦰: It reminds me of Glee. I’ve never seen Glee, have you? 👩🏻: No, but it reminds me of Glee. Me🧑🏾‍🦳: 😅

I don't think entertainment reservations are happening anymore they are first come first served

It's not champagne it's prosecco.. There's a huge difference in price and taste.

They don't treat you like adults. They use silly nonsense terms for cruise lingo. Sailor loot, first mates, mermaiden voyage. For an adults only cruise that's an interesting choice

I see this video as a pointless list of unnecessary complaints from a couple of inexperienced people.

2024 Pro-tip out of Miami- u actually can arrive early to the port bc they will check in ypur luggage & then u can hop on their free shuttle to Bayside shop area in Miami which is awesome to kill time. The rest of your tips are EXCELLENT. Best video ive seen for Virgin tips esp getting the required safety video out of the way 1st thing in your cabin. Our fav shows in sept '24 were Miss Behave & Diva Around the World. Fun tip: Pink Agaves steak is a rib eye. Extra Virgin's steak is a NY Strip. The Wake's steaks are a choice be a hangar steak, a NY Strip or a filet mignon. For a lot of extra $, you can get their huge Tomahawk steak option but we loved Extra Virgin's strip steak best just like you two.

Awesome!! TY!! I just added a $500 bar tab for myself and for my husband and I think I did them separately so I should be OK. Right?

In the app, when your second sailor checks in, there is a check box for you to use the primary account holders payment method. When you check in at the port, always make sure all secondary sailor drink will be charged to the credit. They can set that up for you if you did not.

I agree, Agave was our favorite restaurant and Extra Virgin steak was better then The Wake. We are headed for our second cruise with VV in a few weeks! Love it!

We went in September too. Loved the experience. *You just need to allow the charging privilege on your card for your other sailor in your party. Our bands charged on 1 account.

Very informative and providing not typical information given in other videos. I’ve watched a lot of videos and your info was the first I’ve heard. Thanks!

It you click the little button on the app that says you are responsible for all charges for both people in your cabin, either wearable can be used for all charging.....simple. Since boarding on VV doesn't start until 1:30, you would definitely be waiting if you showed up before 12. VV recommends that you show up 30 minutes prior to your assigned terminal arrival time. Note, it is NOT a boarding time, it is arrival time. You can book dinner reservations 45 days before cruising, but 35% of reservations are held back till after boarding. And yes, The Wake does not have the best steaks! There is no "early" or "late" dinner--dinner is whenever you made your reservation. On our 14 and 15 night cruises, there were activities all day every day.... Did you watch any good videos (like Where's Walter Travels) before cruising? The best videos contain all this info and far more. It is a ship. For scarlet night, you can wear as little as a red headband or handkerchief or go all out in a red tux or ball gown.....none will be out of place.

Great overview - have just found your channel - great to find fellow young cruisers! I'm sure you'll help so many people with this one!

wow your experiences were completely different than mine. Things stayed some time

I was there in July, you can arrive before your boarding time to drop off your luggage and do the prebroading. We then left and, to bayside, showed back up at my boarding time and walked right in.

Thank you for your VV videos. They were very helpful and informative! My wife and I had a blast and were able to navigate successfully thanks to your tips and tricks.

Tip #2: we always get the Splash of Romance, so we can board prior! 😊

Thanks for the tips, guys.

Enjoyed watching you guys!

We got locked out on our balcony! We were out there when housekeeping came in to clean. He poked his head out to tell us he was finished, then he reflexively LOCKED the door! Thankfully we were in a rock star suite so I messaged our roadie and he got them back to open the door. That was definitely a first for us. And completely agree about the Miami terminal - we got there early - in late May - and had to stand out there even longer due to some issue with the previous cruise that delayed our embarkation.

I wish I was still young like you guys. You're a lovely couple and you seem to really enjoy yourselves, which is awesome. The Virgin sounds like parties will be at a pace I can't keep up with, so I don't know if this cruise suits me. But I loved hearing your tips and experiences. I've never been on a cruise, but have one booked for 2 months from now on the Celebrity Eclipse. It's likely to be an older crowd than what you had on your ship. In any event, I enjoyed your video!

Hey! loved y’all’s video! Me and my boyfriend are planning a trip in November with VV, we are both under 21 and we’re wondering how things work with the drinking? Will we get champagne? lol😂

Love this video and you two are adorable!! Thanks for such a comprehensive list of tips. My guy and I are headed on the VV cruise to Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece leaving Athens in May 2025. We will take advantage of all your tips. Thx again.

Mustard station?!

Thanks for your video, next inter ww will going on the scarlet lady from Miami for our first cruise ever, so your video will really help us to have a great trip. Thanks!

10:21 Every RU-vid cruise video I have ever seen says "Skip the spa," because they try to upsell you every chance they get. People don't enjoy it because the staff is so high pressure, trying to sell you extra services.

I was on scarlet lady ship 2 weeks ago. Great experience, but yes, there is a lot they don't tell you. There is no more air hockey. And all the board games are missing pieces or the board. Some of the signs they have on decks by elevator are wrong. Oh and they say the Galley is 24 hours but not true. It becomes for the crew after 1am. They only have omelets and cookies there at that time for you.

Good video…thanks for being brief and to the point….with a little bit of humor. So many vids are long winded and rather silly! Just sayin’

Thank you for these tips. I am a travel agent and I'm familiar with all of this. I do tell my clients all these details, and they appreciate it. I have learned these things from trainings and communications with VV. But, it's great that you are making this video and help those who are not using a knowledgeable travel agent.

So annoying when you talk over him and interrupt so many times.

Very Informative !!

Not a mustard station! Muster station ❤

Wondering if you can provide me some help/insight on what one can do at night if they aren’t a partier/drinker? Are there places other than you room to enjoy and appreciate quieter environments?

great video, did you try any cheesecake :)

This is great info. We are booked for Jan 2025!