Sailor Loot Explained: Virgin Voyages’ Onboard Credit System

Sailor Loot is Virgin Voyages’ version of onboard credit — the currency you use for everything that isn’t a drink or a meal. Shore excursions, spa treatments, salon appointments, tattoos at Squid Ink, shopping, ticketed events like the Grog Walk and mixology classes, Treat Yourself dining items, and pretty much any other paid experience on the ship runs through Sailor Loot.

Understanding how Sailor Loot works — and how to get more of it for free — is one of the most practical things you can do before a Virgin Voyages sailing.

How Sailor Loot Works

Your Sailor Loot balance is linked to your Sailor Band wristband, the same band used for your Bar Tab and cabin access. When you make a purchase that isn’t a drink, the system charges Sailor Loot first, then your onboard credit card account. Everything is tracked in the Virgin Voyages app, where you can check your balance in real time throughout the voyage.

What Sailor Loot Covers

Virtually everything with a cost onboard except casino gaming and Bar Tab purchases: Check out Gym & Tonic: The Juice Bar With a Full Bar on Virgin Voyages.

• Shore Things (all shore excursions)
• Spa treatments at Redemption Spa
• Salon services at Dry Dock and Medi Spa
• Tattoos at Squid Ink
• Onboard shopping (duty-free, branded merchandise, fashion)
• Ticketed events: Grog Walk, Shot 4 Shot mixology, specialty shows
• Treat Yourself dining supplements (Bo Ssam, 90 Day Aged Steak, etc.)
• Fitness class upgrades and personal training sessions
• Room service delivery fees (for standard Sea Terrace cabins)

How to Get Free Sailor Loot

This is where smart booking pays off. Virgin Voyages regularly includes Sailor Loot as a booking incentive:

• Promotional offers: Wave Season and regular Virgin Voyages promotions often include $50-$300 in free Sailor Loot with qualifying bookings
• First Mate booking bonuses: Booking through a certified First Mate (like Joel and Erin) can unlock additional Sailor Loot that isn’t available through direct booking
• Loyalty benefits: Returning Sailors accumulate status that includes Sailor Loot perks on future voyages
• Credit card perks: The Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard includes Bar Tab credits that function similarly to Sailor Loot on qualifying bookings

Sailor Loot vs. Bar Tab

The key distinction: Bar Tab is specifically for drinks. Sailor Loot is for everything else with a cost. The systems run parallel but separately. Drinks charge to Bar Tab first; everything else charges to Sailor Loot first. Keep both funded appropriately for your planned spending.

Sailor Loot Expiration and Per-Cabin Rules

Sailor Loot is credited to your onboard account before sailing and applied automatically to eligible charges. It does not roll over to future sailings — unused Sailor Loot expires at the end of your voyage, so use it or lose it. Sailor Loot is typically denominated per cabin (not per Sailor), though some promotions specify per-Sailor allocations — always read the offer terms.

Using Sailor Loot Strategically

Sailor Loot is most valuable when used for high-ticket items you would pay for anyway. The best uses:

• Bar Tab top-up: If you arrive with a Bar Tab already purchased, Sailor Loot can cover overages or additional drink charges without touching your personal credit card.
• Spa treatments: Individual Redemption Spa treatments at $100-$300 per session are a natural fit for Sailor Loot spending.
• Premium Shore Things: Helicopter tours, private catamaran charters, and dive experiences are ideal Sailor Loot targets.
• Thermal Suite pass: If you did not purchase the Thermal Suite pass before boarding, Sailor Loot can cover it onboard.

What Sailor Loot Cannot Be Used For

Gratuities (prepaid or onboard), future voyage deposits, and third-party purchases cannot be paid with Sailor Loot. Some promotional Loot has additional restrictions — always check the terms of the specific offer.

Insider Tips from Joel and Erin

• Book during promotional periods to maximize free Sailor Loot. Wave Season (January-March) consistently includes the best Sailor Loot bonuses of the year.
• Book Shore Things early. Popular excursions sell out and the charge comes from Sailor Loot. Have your Sailor Loot funded before embarkation so you can book excursions immediately.
• As your First Mates, we can tell you the current promotions. Sailor Loot offers change frequently. Ask us what’s available before you book.

Ready to Sail?

Joel and Erin are certified Virgin Voyages First Mates. Book through CruisePlanner.pro and we’ll make sure you have maximum Sailor Loot to work with before you step onboard.

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