Travel Blog

The New Virgin Voyages Fare Experience

12/16/2025

So, what’s actually included on Virgin Voyages? Pretty much everything you want included — really.
✔️ 20+ dining venues
✔️ Group fitness & entertainment
✔️ Essential drinks
✔️ Wi-Fi

Your fare tier mainly affects three things:
• How early you can book dining
• Your Wi-Fi speed
• Your flexibility & perks (like bar tab)
✨ Suite guests? RockStar treatment — no tiers needed.

When I first started helping Sailors plan their Virgin Voyages adventures, I noticed this same question popping up. While the answer has changed over time, many of the inclusions have stayed the same.
Here’s up to date information on exactly what’s included, what varies by tier, and what you never have to worry about paying extra for on a day at sea- Virgin Style!

Good morning, Sailor!
Imagine waking up, stepping onto your balcony and being greeted by the salty air! You’re deciding what you want to grab for breakfast. Whether you want a breakfast bowl from The Galley, a full brunch at The Wake, or a croissant and drip coffee from The Grounds Club, it’s already included. 20+ eateries, all included. No main dining room. No specialty dining up charges.

Now here’s where the new fare tiers come into play as far as dining for sit down restaurants as it’s always advisable to make reservations ahead of your voyage to ensure your preferred dining day and time.

Dining reservations open:
• Base: 15 days
• Essential: 45 days
• Premium: 60 days and also includes a $15/day bar tab — your mimosa is covered.

Midday: Fitness, Relaxation, and Choice
Maybe you head to a yoga class overlooking the ocean. Don your legwarmers for an 80’s workout in The Manor or try out a bungee class. Every single group fitness class — whether you’re a beginner or a beast — is included for every Sailor on board.

Relax poolside with soda, sparkling water, or tea — Virgin’s “essential drinks” are always covered.
Looking to keep in touch with friends and family or binge watch your favorite show?

While Wi-Fi is always included, the tier booked only affects the wi-fi speed. Whether you are a Netflix and chill type of person or a casual influencer here are some things to keep in mind when choosing your tier:

Base gives you basic Wi-Fi for one device — enough for messages, light scrolling, and bragging rights of pictures of you in your hammock. Essential gives you classic Wi-Fi, so you can take calls or send videos home. Premium gives you premium Wi-Fi for two devices, strong enough to stream.

Evening: Dining, Scarlet Night, and That Effortless Virgin Vibe
Dinner time is where Virgin truly shines. Imagine:

A seven-course tasting at The Test Kitchen
A steakhouse dinner at The Wake
Korean BBQ with table grills at Gunbae
Elevated dining at Razzle Dazzle/ Lucky Lotus
Italian cuisine complete with Affogato cart at Extra Virgin

All amazing and included. All without a single “premium dining” upcharge.

On each Voyage you’ll experience Scarlet Night — the red-hot, ship-wide celebration with dancers, entertainment, DJs, immersive fun — and if you want a glass of bubbly, that’s where your Premium Fare daily bar tab becomes your best friend.

As the night drifts by, you may take in a show, join a trivia session, or listen to the live music at On the Rocks— Regardless of your tier, the amazing vibe is always included.

Night: Returning to the Cabin You Actually Want to Hang Out In
The Virgin difference is evident throughout your voyage—from rainshower relaxation and mood lighting to the dedicated service of your room attendant. Best of all, most balconies feature a signature red hammock, a beloved Sailor favorite!

And the gratuities for the crew who take amazing care of you? Now listed as a separate line item outside of the fare, you have the option of saving and paying $20 per Sailor per night ahead of sailing or settling up onboard for $22 per Sailor per night.

Live the Suite Life!
Not digging the tiered way of life? Then consider being a RockStar or Mega RockStar. These are the Sailors who book Suites (and if you’re one of them — lucky you!).
Suites don’t use the fare tiers at all — they have their own luxuries including:

Consider Flexibility Before Booking
Fare flexibility varies. The non-refundable Base Fare doesn't allow changes to name, date, or cabin. The Essential Fare permits a cabin change, a Future Voyage Credit, a date change (up to 45 days before sailing), and a name change for non-lead Sailors (up to 48 hours before departure). The Premium Fare or a suite offers a cabin change, a Future Voyage Credit, a date change (up to 45 days before sailing), and a name change for all Sailors (up to 48 hours before departure).

Ultimately, regardless of fare, Virgin Voyages delivers a vibe. A mood. A whole new way to experience the world at sea. Once onboard, your only concern is whether to order one dessert… or two. (Always order two.)

All about Becky Keenan – Travel Advisor Specializing in Curated Experiences
Growing up I learned early on how meaningful family vacations can be—those unforgettable moments are what sparked my lifelong love of travel. That same passion inspired me to help others discover the world and create memories of their own.

Since 2014, I’ve been designing seamless, stress-free vacations for my clients, crafting personalized itineraries tailored to every travel style. Whether you're dreaming of a quick weekend escape, an all-inclusive getaway in Mexico, an adult-only cruise with Virgin Voyages, a scenic river cruise, or even a once-in-a-lifetime African safari, I’m here to curate the perfect adventure.

Where will your journey take you next? Let’s start planning today!

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Adulting as Sea: Who will love Virgin Voyages?

12/4/2025

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After 10 sailings with Virgin Voyages, I’ve learned exactly who this stylish, social, adults-only cruise line is perfect for.
Virgin replaces traditional cruise clichés with boutique-hotel vibes, elevated dining, modern design, and a relaxed “come as you are” atmosphere.
Ideal for couples, friends, solo travelers, and busy professionals seeking a premium, inclusive, effortlessly fun way to sail.

Adults‑only, not age‑specific
Virgin Voyages is strictly 18+, offering a kid-free escape perfect for those who prefer the atmosphere of a boutique hotel over a family resort. Their four ships appeal to a wide demographic; I have personally booked clients ranging from 18 to 82 years young.
The brand attracts travelers who are open-minded, social, and eager for new experiences, rather than targeting a single generation. It’s common to see a mix of couples, friend groups, and solo travelers enjoying all the lovely Lady ships have to offer.

Experience‑seekers over Traditional Cruisers
Virgin Voyages is a perfect fit for those who feel that "traditional cruising isn't for me." The experience moves away from cruise clichés: there is no large main dining room, no formal night, and no cruise director. Instead, Virgin Voyages focuses on elevated experiences like specialty dining, wellness, and innovative entertainment. The onboard Happening's Cast is there to help guests find activities they love and ensure they have a fantastic time at sea.
Guests who prioritize quality over quantity will find this cruise line most satisfying. They value a premium experience, including well-designed cabins, attentive crew service, Michelin Star dining, expertly crafted cocktails, and high-quality entertainment.

How are Sailors traveling: Couples, Friends, and Solo
VV appeals to couples seeking a modern, romantic escape without the traditional, formal atmosphere of many cruise lines. The ships are perfectly designed and feature cozy deck spaces, numerous cocktail bars, vibrant nightlife, and a selection of top-notch restaurants, perfect for both date nights and relaxing days at sea.
The VV experience is ideal for groups of friends. The casual dress code, late-night venues, and themed parties create a relaxed environment where you can easily barhop, dance, or simply unwind by the pool.
Don't hesitate to sail solo! The public spaces, such as the beach-club-style pool decks and shared dining tables at certain venues, are laid out to encourage natural mingling without being forced. Plus, having your own private hammock is truly priceless.

Busy Professionals and "Treat Yourself" Travelers
Virgin Voyages is an excellent choice for busy professionals who want to unplug without having to plan every detail. The all-inclusive nature of the fare—which covers Wi-Fi, basic beverages, fitness classes, and dining—appeals to those who prefer making one decision upfront and then simply enjoying the journey.
These travelers may not be frequent cruisers, but they prioritize a smoother, elevated, yet still fun and relaxed experience, and are willing to pay a premium for it. Shorter sailings attract a younger crowd of professionals and friends looking for a quick escape, while longer itineraries are popular with more established travelers who have greater flexibility in time and budget.

Open-minded Travelers and LGBTQ+ Friendly Vibe
Virgin Voyages is ideal for travelers who appreciate an inclusive, "come as you are" environment. The line's progressive, playful branding, entertainment, and culture particularly appeal to LGBTQ+ guests and all who seek a fully welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned sailor looking for something fresh, Virgin Voyages provides a modern, boutique-hotel-at-sea experience that’s fun, relaxing, and unforgettable.
Ready to experience an effortless escape at sea? Let me help you set sail today!

All about Becky Keenan – Travel Advisor Specializing in Curated Experiences
Growing up I learned early on how meaningful family vacations can be—those unforgettable moments are what sparked my lifelong love of travel. That same passion inspired me to help others discover the world and create memories of their own.
Since 2014, I’ve been designing seamless, stress-free vacations for my clients, crafting personalized itineraries tailored to every travel style. Whether you're dreaming of a quick weekend escape, an all-inclusive getaway in Mexico, an adult-only cruise with Virgin Voyages, a scenic river cruise, or even a once-in-a-lifetime African safari, I’m here to curate the perfect adventure.

Where will your journey take you next? Let’s start planning today!

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Living in the Moment in Switzerland!

8/31/2025

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11 countries. Many cities. But one place stands out as being the clear winner as my favorite destination from my summer travels. Keep in mind a favorite place may be for a very specific reason. Who you traveled with, a place you explored on your own, a picture perfect destination, or possibly because of the amazing people that you meet along the way.

And sometimes if you’re lucky, a place checks all of the boxes… Engelberg, Switzerland. Nestled 3,000 feet up in the Alps, this cute cozy village left me with all the feels that travel should give you. As the switchbacks took us higher and higher the view around each curve literally made me gasp. Not due to elevation (I’ll get there!) but because the scenery became more beautiful the higher we climbed.

After copious amounts of photos and videos were taken, we pulled into our super cute bed and breakfast– The owners came out and introduced themselves to our group and I knew that this inviting little place would be perfect for our 3 nights below the snow-capped mountains that surrounded us on all sides.

Walkable to the cobblestone street of shops, small restaurants and bars, we made our way to dinner which was planned through our tour. I had the pleasure of meeting some other parents and we quickly became friends who looked for ways to entertain ourselves while our kids were doing the same.

If you know me, you know I love my red wine, I love to sit outside and low and behold I found the cutest little wine bar complete with inviting outdoor seating! Enter La Dolce Vita Wine Bar. This wasn’t just any ole’ place. Let’s keep in mind that even though it was July the temps at night were in the 50s and this gal had on shorts. But the sweet owner, Alexandra, didn’t just pour our wine… She brought out blankets and handwarmers as that extra special touch and her exuberant personality made you feel like you had known her for years. I was excited to know that I found my place that made me feel like home 4,000 miles away.

I will be honest in that I personally didn’t plan this trip– I was a part of my son’s band tour through Europe with VA Ambassadors of Music (highly recommended by the way). I approached this trip as I would simply be a tourist and live in the moment of whatever came my way. After a wonderful night’s sleep with the windows open in July (hello…am I in heaven) we were heading up to Mt Titlis, 10,000 feet above sea level. I love how their website accurately describes the experience: ‘Your feet on the glacier and your head in the sky’. Remember how I mentioned I didn’t plan– the shock value of this day will forever live on in my mind as one of the best.

I assumed that the cable car I was about to board would take me to the end of my journey. The beauty of Engelberg below, the sound of cow bells in the pasture, the patches of snow that still glistened in the summer sun had me thinking wow! It can’t possibly get better than this. We at first exited the cable car to find a beautiful lake complete with rowboats, places to sit and have the picnic lunch we had brought. But this was just the appetizer. A little taste of what was still to come thousands of feet higher!

We once again boarded the 8-person Titlis Xpress cable car to Stand station and continued up the mountainside. From there we boarded the Rotair which revolves as you complete your climb to the top! Oh My God what an amazing experience. But it’s literally just the beginning. Keep in mind that I’m sharing this day with my son and his friends which for me just made everything more memorable. We exited and were greeted with a turquoise blue glacier cave, where the 5,000 year old ice made me happy I had brought appropriate clothing for the occasion. There was a really cool throne of ice you could sit on as a photo opp and I was like wow, I'm so glad I made it to the top. BUT WAIT– I mean why would I come all this way and think I had seen it all. We slid and slipped our way through the rest of the glacier tubes and made our way outside to the Cliff Walk.

Europe’s highest suspension bridge invites you to cross the icy abyss below you while majestic mountains surround you. I don’t think I have ever felt so insignificant in the world other than when I experienced the Grand Canyon. Both grandeur in size and both leaving you with a feeling that so much more exists beyond where you currently are on the map. We crossed with confidence, we got selfies and once again we thought we had experienced it all. Once again, we were wrong. Switzerland had more in store for us. It was July so why in the world would I think that I may go snow tubing?!

After crossing the bridge, you have the option of heading back down the way you came or you can purchase a ticket for the Ice Flyer. I didn’t travel thousands of miles or climb thousands of feet to not take this ride. The one that will leave my feet dangling over a glacier and deliver me to what I was so excited to learn I could do here! Snow tube! What!? I get to test out my waterproof Vessi’s I bought for Iceland in the snow? In Switzerland? In July? The harrowing journey down the mountain to Glacier Park left my son begging me to put my phone away as I captured every moment of the beauty before us.

After we arrived, we took amazing pictures in the snow alongside the mountain. We walked down to the bottom of the snow-covered hill to collect the snow tube from the previous rider, climbed back up, climbed aboard and turned on the video to capture us flying down the Swiss mountainside, laughing the whole way. I love that I had no idea this would happen and am a firm believer that sometimes the best times are those that happen when you’re living in the moment.

While I could go on, I think I need to make Switzerland at least a two-part blog. I obviously have way too much to say about a place I truly adored. And to think we didn’t even head down the mountain yet! Stay-tuned!

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Travel Inspirations

The New Virgin Voyages Fare Experience

Adulting as Sea: Who will love Virgin Voyages?

Living in the Moment in Switzerland!

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