Is Virgin Voyages Worth It? What to Know Before You Book

By Alex Xygkas | 20 Years in Travel & Hospitality

Our verdict

Virgin Voyages could be worth your money if you want a cruise without children, plenty of places to eat, and more included in the price. But everything isn’t included. Drinks such as cocktails, shore trips and service gratuities still need a place in your budget.

The best way to decide is to look at the whole trip, not just the cruise fare. Think about what you would use on board and what you would pay for separately.

Who Virgin Voyages suits

Virgin Voyages is for adults aged 18 and over. It can suit couples, friends and solo travellers who want an adults-only holiday.

It is worth considering if you enjoy trying different restaurants. You may also get good value from the included gym, fitness classes and entertainment.

It is not an option if you are travelling with children. If your main goal is the lowest total price, compare other cruise lines too. More included does not always mean a cheaper trip.

What is included in the cruise fare?

These are the main everyday items included in the fare. Your booking confirmation sets out what your chosen fare covers.

Included item	What that means
Dining	Enjoy more than 20 eateries included in your fare, with no standard restaurant cover charges. Certain special experiences or extras may cost more.
Basic Wi-Fi	Internet access is included with every voyage. The type of Wi-Fi and number of devices depend on your selected fare. Higher-speed options may be available at an extra cost.
Everyday drinks	Water, soda, tea, drip coffee and non-pressed juices.
Fitness	Gym access and group fitness classes.
Entertainment	Regular onboard shows and entertainment.

“Essential drinks” means the everyday drinks listed above. It does not mean an unlimited alcohol or specialty-drinks package.

What costs extra?

Leave room in your budget for the extras you actually want:

• Alcohol and specialty drinks, such as specialty coffees and pressed juices.
• Shore excursions.
• Spa treatments and salon services.
• Selected premium dining and events.
• Wi-Fi upgrades, unless your chosen fare includes them.
• Flights, transfers and hotel stays, unless included in your package.
• Some food deliveries.

You do not need to buy every extra. Choose the ones that matter to your holiday rather than treating them all as part of the plan.

How service gratuities work

Service gratuities are separate from the fare for new bookings and booking modifications made from October 7, 2025. Older bookings that have not been modified keep their included gratuities.

The current charge is $20 USD per person, per night if prepaid, or $22 USD per person, per night onboard.

For two people sailing for seven nights, that is $280 USD prepaid or $308 USD onboard. These are gratuity totals, not cruise prices.

Virgin Voyages’ FAQ says prepaid gratuities are non-refundable. If you pay onboard, you can adjust or remove the charges at Sailor Services before you disembark.

Once your service gratuity is covered, no extra tipping is expected for onboard drinks, dining or spa services.

How to compare the total cost

Compare trips for the same travellers, the same number of nights and a similar cabin. A lower headline fare is not enough to tell you which trip costs less.

1. Start with the final cruise price. Include the taxes and fees displayed for your booking. Do not add them twice if they are already in the total.
2. Add the service gratuities that apply to your booking. Use the prepaid or onboard amount you plan to pay.
3. Add your planned extras. Include drinks, excursions and any other paid activities you want.
4. Add travel and hotels. Count flights, transfers and any hotel nights before or after the cruise, unless already included.
5. Compare the full totals. Use the same approach for each cruise line so you are comparing like with like.

Also check the cancellation terms for your chosen fare. A cheaper fare may not offer the flexibility you need.

Our recommendation and next step

Choose Virgin Voyages when its adults-only setting and restaurant choice suit you, and the full trip cost fits your budget. If the lowest overall cost matters most, compare alternatives before choosing.

For help choosing a region, read Virgin Voyages Summer 2027 - how to choose your sailing. Then compare sailings for the dates you can travel.

Plan the rest of your trip

These guides can help you put the rest of your holiday together:

• Virgin Voyages Summer 2027 - choose your region and sailing
• Cruise deals on AlwaysTravel
• Compare flights on AlwaysTravel
• Browse hotels on AlwaysTravel
• Vacation packages on AlwaysTravel

Facts checked October 11, 2026 against Virgin Voyages’ VoyageFair Choices FAQ, What’s Included page, ticket contract and cruise dining page.