Let’s address the question directly: yes, the Bo Ssam at Gunbae is worth $75. For the right group of people, in the right context, it is one of the most memorable dining experiences on any Virgin Voyages ship. But let’s make sure you understand exactly what you’re getting — and who it’s for — before you decide.
What Is Bo Ssam?
Bo Ssam is a traditional Korean celebratory dish: a whole slow-roasted pork shoulder, brought to your table and served with a spread of accompaniments — kimchi, fermented sauces, pickled vegetables, lettuce wraps, and rice. In Korea, it’s the kind of meal you make for a gathering. It’s designed to be shared, to be abundant, to mark an occasion.
At Gunbae, that tradition translates perfectly to the Korean BBQ dinner format. The Bo Ssam arrives as a centerpiece, presented tableside, and the shared experience of eating it together is as much the point as the food itself.
The Value Calculation
At $75, the Bo Ssam is the most expensive Treat Yourself item in the Virgin Voyages fleet. The question is whether it’s worth it, and the answer depends on your group.
For two people celebrating something special — an anniversary, a birthday, a honeymoon — $75 for a tableside showpiece at one of the most fun dinners of your cruise is genuinely reasonable. For a group of four or more, the per-person cost drops significantly and the communal experience becomes even richer.
For a solo traveler or a couple who just wants a good Korean BBQ dinner, the standard included menu is excellent and the Bo Ssam may be more food than you need. Know your group before you commit.
The Experience
The Bo Ssam is presented tableside at Gunbae, which means it arrives in the context of the restaurant’s party atmosphere — drinking games, communal energy, enthusiastic staff. The presentation is part of the show. Watching a whole pork shoulder arrive at your table at a Korean BBQ restaurant is a moment.
The pork itself is slow-roasted to the point of falling apart. Wrapped in lettuce with rice, kimchi, and sauces, each bite is rich and complex. The accompaniments are as important as the protein — the fermented elements cut through the richness in a way that makes the whole dish greater than its parts.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- Tell your server when you book if it’s for a celebration. The Gunbae team will make sure the Bo Ssam arrival is a moment. They’re good at this.
- It feeds more than you think. A whole pork shoulder is substantial. For a group of four, you will not leave hungry. For two, you’ll have leftovers you wish you could take back to your cabin.
- Pair it with the drinking games. Bo Ssam + Gunbae drinking games + great company = the best dinner of your sailing. Lean into the full experience.
Ready to Experience Gunbae?
As certified Virgin Voyages First Mates, Joel and Erin can help you book your sailing and make sure Gunbae is on your dining plan from day one.
Book your Virgin Voyages cruise and experience Gunbae on your next Virgin Voyages cruise at CruisePlanner.pro
