On October 7, 2025, Virgin Voyages launched VoyageFair Choices — a three-tier fare system that links price to flexibility and perks, similar to how airlines structure their fare classes. If you book a Virgin Voyages sailing today, you will choose between Base, Essential, and Premium (or the older Lock It In rate). This guide explains each tier, compares them side by side, and helps you choose the right one for your trip.
The VoyageFair Choices System
VoyageFair Choices applies to all Sea Terrace cabins and below (Insider, Sea View, Sea Terrace). RockStar Quarters and Mega RockStar Quarters are outside this system and retain full flexibility plus their own elevated perks.
*Base fare: You can select your cabin category and specific cabin number at booking, but Virgin Voyages reserves the right to reassign your specific cabin up to 7 days before sailing. Check out How to Book a Virgin Voyages Cruise: Step-by-Step.
Lock It In Rate
The Lock It In rate is the oldest Virgin Voyages pricing structure and is still available. It provides the lowest guaranteed fare — Virgin Voyages assigns your cabin category, and you have no control over the specific cabin. No changes, no refunds, no flexibility. Dining opens 15 days out. For Sailors who know exactly what they want and are completely certain of their dates, Lock It In can deliver meaningful savings. For most Sailors, the lack of dining reservation access (15 days out vs 45 or 60) is a dealbreaker.
Base Fare
Base is the entry tier of VoyageFair Choices. It is approximately 5-10% cheaper than Essential. You can select your cabin at booking, but Virgin Voyages may reassign it up to 7 days before sailing. No changes, no refunds, no flexibility after booking. Dining opens 15 days out — the same limited window as Lock It In. Base makes sense for price-driven Sailors who are completely committed to the sailing and have low expectations for specific dining reservations.
Essential Fare
Essential is the default Virgin Voyages experience — the fare that most Sailors should book. It is priced roughly the same as pre-October 2025 Virgin Voyages fares. Your cabin is confirmed and guaranteed at booking, Fellow Sailor names can be changed up to 48 hours before sailing, date changes are allowed up to 45 days before, and Future Voyage Credit is available if you cancel. Dining reservations open 45 days out. Classic WiFi included. This is the fare most Sailors should default to.
Premium Fare
Premium costs $45 per person per night more than Essential. In return: Premium WiFi (5x faster, streaming-capable), dining reservations opening 60 days out (vs 45 for Essential), $15 Bar Tab per Sailor per night included, all name changes allowed including the Lead Sailor, and a dedicated priority support line. On a 7-night sailing, the $15/night Bar Tab for two Sailors adds up to $210 — offsetting a meaningful portion of the $630 fare premium for two people. For Sailors who drink regularly and want streaming-speed WiFi, Premium can pencil out.
Which Fare Is Right for You?
Choose Lock It In if: You are purely price-driven, dining reservations do not matter to you, and you are 100% certain of your dates.
Choose Base if: You want a specific cabin category at the lowest price, are committed to your dates, and can live with the 15-day dining window.
Choose Essential if: You want the full Virgin Voyages experience, confirmed cabin, reasonable dining access (45 days), and some booking flexibility. This is the right choice for most Sailors.
Choose Premium if: You want the earliest dining access, streaming WiFi, and a built-in Bar Tab credit — and the math on the Bar Tab roughly covers the premium cost.
Book RockStar or Mega RockStar if: Budget is not the primary constraint, and you want maximum perks, flexibility, the 120-day dining window, Richard’s Rooftop, and the full suite experience.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- The Base-to-Essential upgrade is the highest value choice in the system. The jump from 15-day to 45-day dining window alone is worth the price difference on any sailing where Gunbae, Test Kitchen, or The Wake is on your must-do list.
- Run the Premium math before dismissing it. On a 7-night sailing for two: $630 fare premium, $210 Bar Tab included. Net premium = $420. If you would spend $420 or more on drinks anyway, Premium is neutral or better on cost.
- Lead Sailor assignment matters. On Essential fare, the Lead Sailor cannot be changed. Pick the person with the most stable schedule as Lead Sailor at booking.
Ready to Choose?
Joel and Erin are certified First Mates. Let them run the numbers on the right fare tier for your specific sailing length, cabin type, and travel habits.
Book your Virgin Voyages cruise at CruisePlanner.pro — and book the fare that makes sense for you
