One of the most common questions about Virgin Voyages is whether it’s actually all-inclusive — or whether there are hidden costs lurking beneath the headline fare. The honest answer: Virgin Voyages is more inclusive than almost any other mainstream cruise line, but it’s not entirely fee-free. Here’s the complete breakdown of what’s covered and what costs extra.
Always Included — Every Fare, Every Sailor
- All dining at 20+ restaurants: Every onboard restaurant — The Wake, Extra Virgin, Pink Agave, Gunbae, Razzle Dazzle, Test Kitchen, Lucky Lotus, and all others — is included in your fare. No cover charges, no specialty dining fees. The Galley (casual dining) and The Pizza Place are free and open throughout the day.
- Group fitness classes: Yoga, cycling/spin, HIIT, barre, and all group classes in the B-Complex gym are included. No per-class charge.
- Entertainment: All shows in The Red Room, Duel Reality, UNTITLED DANCESHOWPARTYTHING, Persephone, Murder in the Manor, and all Happenings Cast events are included. No tickets, no reservations, no extra cost.
- WiFi: Basic WiFi (1 device per Sailor) is included with Base and Lock It In fares. Classic WiFi is included with Essential. Premium WiFi (5x faster, streaming capable) is included with Premium fare. All fare levels include some form of connectivity.
- Non-alcoholic beverages: Still and sparkling water, soft drinks, juices, and drip coffee are included at all venues.
- Room service: Basic room service is included (Sailor Snacks via the app). Expanded Treat Yourself menu items may carry a small charge.
- Shore Things booking access: No fee to browse and book Shore Things excursions (though the excursions themselves are priced individually).
Included with Specific Fares or Cabin Types
- Classic WiFi: Essential fare and above.
- Premium WiFi (streaming-capable): Premium fare and above, plus all RockStar and Mega RockStar suites.
- Bar Tab credit ($15/Sailor/night): Premium fare only — on a 7-night sailing, that is $105 per person, $210 per cabin. RockStar and Mega RockStar suites receive their own Bar Tab allocations.
- Dining reservation priority (60-day window): Premium fare, RockStar, and Mega RockStar suites.
- Richard’s Rooftop access: RockStar and Mega RockStar suites only.
- In-cabin bar setup: RockStar suites include curated in-room spirits. Mega RockStar suites include a bottomless in-room bar.
What’s NOT Included
- Alcoholic beverages: Beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails at all bars are not included in the base fare. This is the primary onboard spend. The Bar Tab package is the standard way to prepay for drinks.
- Gratuities: Shown as a separate line item (~$20/person/night) since October 7, 2025. Can be prepaid at a small discount or paid onboard.
- Shore Things excursions: Priced individually. Some shore experiences are very affordable; others (private catamaran charters, helicopter excursions) are premium.
- Spa treatments: Individual treatments at Redemption Spa are priced separately, though the Thermal Suite pass can be purchased as a package.
- Squid Ink tattoo studio: Tattoo and piercing services priced individually.
- Retail: Merchandise and boutique purchases.
How Virgin Voyages Compares
On most major cruise lines, the base fare covers cabin and basic food only — alcoholic drinks, specialty dining, WiFi, fitness classes, and gratuities are all charged separately. Virgin Voyages’s base fare includes all dining, all entertainment, all fitness classes, and some WiFi. For couples who eat and drink moderately, the all-in cost of a Virgin Voyages voyage often compares favorably to a “cheaper” cruise that adds up drink packages, dining packages, and WiFi packages on top of its headline fare.
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- Build a Bar Tab before you board. Alcoholic beverages are the primary onboard expense on Virgin Voyages. Purchasing a Bar Tab in advance locks in a set credit amount before sailing — often available at promotional rates during Wave Season.
- The dining inclusion is genuinely exceptional. Michelin-inspired restaurants, zero cover charge, unlimited visits — this is not standard cruise fare. The restaurant quality alone justifies the Virgin Voyages premium over budget cruise lines.
- Gratuities at ~$20/person/night are non-negotiable. Plan for this in your total voyage budget. Prepay at checkout for the slight discount.
Ready to Book?
As certified First Mates, Joel and Erin can walk you through the complete cost picture for any Virgin Voyages sailing and help you budget accurately before you book.
Book your Virgin Voyages cruise at CruisePlanner.pro — and sail with no surprise charges
