Booking Shore Things on Virgin Voyages is straightforward — but knowing the details of how the system works, when inventory opens, and how to apply Sailor Loot can mean the difference between getting the excursions you want and discovering they’re sold out the week before you sail. This guide walks through the complete process.
Step 1: Open the VV App and Connect Your Booking
Shore Things are booked through the Virgin Voyages Sailor App (iOS or Android) or through the My Account section of VirginVoyages.com. Download the app and connect your booking using your booking reference number before attempting to book any Shore Things. The app and website share the same system — use whichever feels more comfortable.
Step 2: Navigate to Shore Things
In the app: tap Discover → Shore Things. The full catalog of available excursions for your specific itinerary will display, organized by port. You can filter by port, activity type, duration, price, and physical intensity level. Browsing the full catalog before deciding what to book is worth the time — VV curates Shore Things specifically for each port and some of the best options are not the most obvious ones.
Step 3: Review Each Excursion Detail Page
Every Shore Thing listing includes: a full description, duration, meeting point, physical requirements, what’s included and excluded, cancellation policy, price per person, and reviews from previous Sailors. Read the cancellation policy carefully for any excursion over $100 per person — some have non-refundable windows that start 5-7 days before the port day.
Step 4: Book and Confirm
Select your excursion, choose your party size, and confirm. Payment is charged to the credit card on file for your onboard account, or you can apply Sailor Loot credit at checkout. You receive a confirmation in the app and a confirmation email. Your Shore Things bookings appear in your Agenda tab alongside your dining reservations.
Step 5: Onboard Day-Of Logistics
Your Shore Things confirmation in the app will specify a meeting point (typically near the gangway on the port side of the ship) and a meeting time. Arrive at the meeting point 10-15 minutes early. Shore Things groups are organized by the VV Shore Things team and transported to the excursion. The ship-wait guarantee means if the excursion runs late through no fault of the group, the ship will wait. If you individually miss the meeting time and go independently, the guarantee does not apply.
What Happens If You Miss Your Shore Thing
If you cannot attend a booked Shore Thing, cancel in the app as early as possible. Cancellations within the eligible window receive a full refund. Cancellations outside the eligible window or no-shows generally receive no refund. If the excursion is cancelled by VV due to weather or safety concerns, you receive a full refund automatically.
Booking Shore Things Onboard
Not all Shore Things must be booked before sailing. VV holds back a portion of each excursion’s capacity for onboard booking — accessible through the app once you’re connected to ship WiFi on embarkation day. However, the most popular excursions at high-demand ports (Stingray City, whale watching, glacier helicopter tours) often have no remaining onboard availability. The pre-voyage booking window is always preferable for anything you specifically want.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- Set a calendar reminder the day you book your voyage to also book Shore Things. Not a week before sailing. The day you book. This single habit change will ensure you get every excursion you want.
- Check the physical requirements section carefully. Some Shore Things require moderate hiking, swimming ability, or have weight limits (zip lines). Read these before booking, not after.
- The VV app sometimes loads slowly when thousands of Sailors book simultaneously on popular sailings. Use the website (VirginVoyages.com My Account) as a backup if the app is sluggish.
Ready to Plan Your Shore Days?
Joel and Erin are certified First Mates. Let them help you identify the right Shore Things for your specific itinerary and how to book them before they sell out.
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