Here’s something Virgin Voyages gets right that most cruise lines still fumble: the non-alcoholic drinking experience. On most ships, not drinking means choosing between soda, water, and something called a “virgin cocktail” that tastes like fruit punch. On Virgin Voyages, not drinking means having access to a genuinely creative mocktail program, a dedicated wellness juice bar, premium coffee at multiple venues, and an increasing number of low-ABV options that are designed to be interesting on their own merits.
Sober-curious Sailors, designated drivers (for shore excursions), non-drinkers, and anyone who just wants a break from alcohol without a break from interesting beverages: Virgin Voyages has you.
What’s Included for Free
Several non-alcoholic beverages are included in your cruise fare at no charge:
- Still and sparkling water at all venues
- Standard coffee and tea (hot and iced) at The Galley and Grounds Club
- Non-pressed juices, sodas, and soft drinks at select locations
- Iced tea and lemonade at most bars
Basic non-alcoholic beverages won’t touch your Bar Tab. It’s a meaningful difference from lines that charge for every soft drink.
The Mocktail Program
Virgin Voyages’s mocktail program has evolved significantly and is now a genuine part of the bar menu at most venues rather than an afterthought. The Grog Walk offers a mocktail alternative at every stop. Gym & Tonic’s Reset Cocktails include proof-free versions. The bar teams fleet-wide are trained to build proper zero-proof cocktails rather than pouring juice into a glass and calling it a mocktail.
The Test Kitchen’s drink pairing includes a Proof-Free option ($30) — five curated non-alcoholic selections designed to pair with the tasting menu courses. This is one of the most thoughtful non-alcoholic pairings available on any cruise ship anywhere.
Juice Sea and Gym & Tonic
For Sailors who prioritize wellness beverages, two venues are worth knowing specifically. Juice Sea — a small, dedicated bar on Deck 7 near The Dock House — serves cold-pressed juices and health shots. Gym & Tonic on Deck 15 expands this with smoothies, protein shakes, and the full non-alcoholic side of the wellness bar menu. Neither requires Bar Tab credit — some items are included, others use Bar Tab, check current menus for specifics.
Low-ABV Options
Virgin Voyages has been expanding its low-ABV cocktail offerings across the fleet. The Sip Lounge and several other bars now carry options with 5% or less alcohol content — enough for the flavor and ritual of a cocktail without the full alcohol load. These are particularly good choices for sea day afternoons, long port days, or anyone who wants to pace themselves across a 7-night sailing.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- Tell the bartender you’re not drinking — don’t just ask for juice. Virgin Voyages bartenders are trained to create proper zero-proof cocktails. A genuine request gets you a genuinely crafted drink.
- The Proof-Free pairing at Test Kitchen is worth it. At $30, it’s one of the best non-alcoholic dining experiences at sea. Don’t skip Test Kitchen just because you’re not drinking.
- Grog Walk is still worth doing. Non-alcoholic alternatives are available at every stop. The $50 price tag buys you the social experience and the ship exploration, not just the drinks.
Ready to Sail?
Joel and Erin are certified Virgin Voyages First Mates who can help you plan a Virgin Voyages voyage that works perfectly for every Sailor in your group — drinkers and non-drinkers alike.
Book your Virgin Voyages cruise at CruisePlanner.pro — and enjoy every drink on your terms
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