One of the most common questions from first-time Virgin Voyages Sailors is about dining reservations: when do they open, how do you make them, and how do you make sure you get what you want? The system is straightforward once you understand it, but the timing matters more than most people realize.
Here’s everything you need to know — from someone who’s done it multiple times and learned a few things the hard way.
When Do Reservations Open?
Standard cabins (Insider, Sea View, Sea Terrace): 45 days before your sailing date. Set a reminder. This is the most important date on your pre-cruise calendar.
RockStar and Mega RockStar suite guests: 60 days before your sailing date. One of the most practical perks of a suite booking — you get first access to the most in-demand reservations on the ship.
How to Make Reservations
All dining reservations are made through the Virgin Voyages app. Download it well before your sailing window and make sure your booking is linked to your account. On the day reservations open, log in and book your priority restaurants first.
The app is also how you check same-day availability once you’re onboard. Cancellations and new slots become available throughout the voyage, so checking the app each morning is worth building into your routine.
Which Restaurants Book Up Fastest
Based on Sailor experience across the fleet, these fill up fastest and should be your first priority:
- Gunbae — consistently the hardest reservation to get on any Virgin Voyages ship. Book it first.
- Test Kitchen — high demand due to the unique concept and limited seating.
- The Wake — especially prime-time dinner slots and sea day brunch.
- Lucky Lotus (Scarlet Lady only) — high demand as a ship-exclusive concept.
- Rojo (Brilliant Lady only) — similarly high demand as a Brilliant Lady exclusive.
Dining Without Reservations
Not every meal requires a reservation. The Galley (Virgin Voyages’s food hall), The Pizza Place, The Dock House, and other casual venues are walk-up only and available throughout the day and evening. These options are genuinely good — the no-reservation strategy works fine for lunches, quick bites, and late-night hunger.
Razzle Dazzle brunch is popular but tends to have more availability than evening restaurants. It’s still worth booking in advance, but it’s usually the easiest of the major dining reservations to get.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- Mark your 45-day date on your calendar the day you book your cruise. Then set a phone alarm for that morning. Seriously.
- Prioritize in this order: Gunbae first, Test Kitchen second, The Wake third, then your ship-exclusive restaurant (Lucky Lotus or Rojo), then everything else.
- Check the app every morning onboard. Same-day reservations open up regularly as Sailors cancel or change plans. The app is updated in real time.
- As your First Mates, we can give you a personalized dining strategy. Tell us your sailing length, your food preferences, and your priorities — we’ll build you a reservation plan before you even get on the ship.
Ready to Sail?
Joel and Erin are certified Virgin Voyages First Mates who help Sailors navigate the booking process from start to finish — including dining strategy before you ever step onboard.
Book your Virgin Voyages cruise and experience your next Virgin Voyages cruise at CruisePlanner.pro
