Virgin Voyages takes a refreshing detour from the standard cruise industry playbook by ditching those expensive, “unlimited” drink packages that usually break the bank. Instead, they focus on a much more laid-back approach where your basic hydration—like sodas, still and sparkling water, drip coffee, and tea—is already included in your fare. For the “good stuff,” like craft cocktails or specialty lattes, they use a flexible “bar tab” system that rewards you for planning ahead rather than forcing you to drink your weight in margaritas just to break even.
What’s included in the Virgin Voyages Drinks Package?
Virgin Voyages doesn’t actually do traditional “packages” where you pay a flat daily fee for unlimited booze. Instead, they include all the “essentials” in your base fare—think sodas, sparkling water, drip coffee, and tea—so you’re never paying for basic hydration. For anything premium, you use a “Bar Tab,” which is essentially a prepaid credit that you can spend however you like across the ship or at their private beach club.
- Free Basics: You get unlimited fountain sodas, still/sparkling water, non-pressed juices, and basic tea or coffee without spending a dime of your credit.
- Premium Picks: Use your bar tab for craft cocktails, champagne, beer, wine, specialty espresso drinks, fresh-pressed juices, and even boozy milkshakes.
- Flexibility: Unlike other lines, you can use your credit to buy rounds for friends or even pay for a corkage fee if you bring your own wine.
What’s a Bar Tab, and How Does it Work?
A Bar Tab is Virgin Voyages’ flexible, non-unlimited alternative to a traditional drink package. Instead of paying a daily flat rate, you pre-purchase a specific amount of credit (in “chunks” starting at $200) to spend on premium drinks. The big perk is that for every tab you buy before your cruise, Virgin “tops you off” with a free bonus credit—ranging from $25 to $250—giving you extra spending power for cocktails, specialty coffees, or even a round for new friends.
- Pre-pay to Save: You must purchase your Bar Tab at least 24 hours before sailing to get the bonus; it’s not available once you’re on the ship.
- Shareable & Flexible: Unlike other lines, there’s no “per person” rule. You can use your tab to buy drinks for anyone, and it works at The Beach Club at Bimini, too.
- Use It or Lose It: Any unspent credit (including the bonus) is non-refundable and disappears at the end of the voyage, so don’t be afraid to order that extra espresso martini on the final night.
What are the Bar Tab Pricing Options?
Virgin Voyages doesn’t use a “one-size-fits-all” drink package, so your pricing options depend on how much you plan to indulge. You purchase a Bar Tab in specific “chunks” before you sail, and the bigger the chunk, the more “free money” Virgin adds to your account. It’s a great system if you’re a moderate drinker, but because it’s non-refundable, you’ll want to pick the tier that actually matches your thirst.
- The Tiers: You can buy a tab at $200 (+$25 bonus), $300 (+$50 bonus), $500 (+$100 bonus), $750 (+$175 bonus), or $1,000 (+$250 bonus).
- Promotional Freebies: Check your booking! Depending on the “Wave Season” deal or your cabin (like a Sea Terrace or Rockstar Suite), Virgin often throws in a free $100 to $300 bar tab just for signing up.
- Loyalty Perks: If you’re a “Sea Blazer” or “Sea Rover,” you get an even bigger boost, often receiving a $100–$125 bonus on just a $300 purchase.
What Drinks Are Included With a Bar Tab?
While Virgin Voyages handles the “essentials” like soda and drip coffee for free, your bar tab is designed to cover every other liquid indulgence on the ship. You can use it for everything from basic beers and well drinks to high-end treats like vintage champagne or craft cocktails designed by top mixologists. It even works for nonalcoholic premium picks like fresh-pressed green juices, protein-packed smoothies, and those elaborate specialty lattes at the coffee bar. Essentially, if a drink has a price tag next to it on any menu across the ship or at the Bimini Beach Club, your Bar Tab credit will pay for it.
Can I Use It to Buy Drinks for Other People?
One of the coolest things about the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab is that it’s yours to use however you want, without any “one drink per person” rules. Since it’s just a prepaid credit, you can totally buy a round for your friends, treat your partner to a fancy glass of wine, or even shout a stranger a cocktail at the bar. It’s way more relaxed than other cruises.
How to Purchase a Bar Tab?
To lock in your Virgin Voyages Bar Tab, you need to act before you board. The most straightforward way is through the Virgin Voyages app or by logging into your account on their website. You can also have your travel agent do it or call their Sailor Services line. Just keep in mind that you need to purchase it at least 24 hours prior to sailing to receive the bonus credit.
- Digital Steps: App → Me tab → My Wallet → Add Bar Tab → Pick your credit tier.
- The Deadline: Don’t wait until the last minute; if you miss that 24-hour cutoff, you lose out on the “free money” bonus that makes the tab worth it.
- Check for Promos: Before you buy, double-check your “Sailor Loot” balance in the app; you might already have a promotional bar tab waiting from your initial booking!
What is the Average Drink Prices on Virgin Voyages?
One of the best things about drinking on Virgin Voyages is that the prices are actually pretty comparable to what you’d pay at a decent bar on land, and they already include the tip. Most beers will run you between $7 and $10, while a glass of wine typically lands in the $9 to $12 range. If you’re into cocktails, you can expect to pay around $13 for a standard drink, though some of the more elaborate “signature” creations at bars like The Manor can creep up toward $17. Even for the non-drinkers, things like specialty lattes or fresh-pressed green juices usually hover around $5 to $9, so your Bar Tab actually stretches a decent way.
Is the Virgin Voyages Drink System Worth It?
Whether the Bar Tab is “worth it” really depends on your drinking style, but for most people, the answer is a solid yes. Because Virgin includes all basic sodas and drip coffee, you only use the tab for the “fun stuff,” and the prepaid bonus acts like a 10% to 25% discount you won’t get if you pay as you go. It’s especially great for moderate drinkers who want a few nice cocktails or specialty lattes without the pressure of an “unlimited” package where you have to drink ten rounds just to break even.
Conclusion
In the end, Virgin Voyages turns out to be great for the casual or social drinker rather than the “all you can drink” marathoner. By making the basics free and giving you a flexible Bar Tab with bonus credit, they’ve created a more laid-back environment where you don’t feel like you have to overindulge just to get your money’s worth. It does require a little bit of advance planning to get the best bonus, but the ability to buy rounds for friends and get good-quality cocktails without the cruise ship price gouging makes it a win for most.
FAQ
Q.1 How much is a drink package on Virgin Voyages?
Ans: It’s around $60 to $100. Every single day, whether you’re on the ship or exploring the port. You are still paying that fee virgin doesn’t do daily. Rates it’s a bar tab that you simply prepay.
Q.2 How does a Virgin voyage liquor package work?
Ans: Your Bar Tab covers any premium drink — whether it’s for you, your cabin mate, or someone you just befriended on board.
Q.3 What free drinks do you get on Virgin Voyages?
Ans: Filtered still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, satchet teas and drip coffee, are all covered.
Q.4 Can I bring my own alcohol on a Virgin Voyages cruise?
Ans: Sailors are also welcome to bring two (2) 750mL bottles of wine per cabin in carry-on bags on the day of embarkation.
Q.5 Does Virgin offer unlimited drinks?
Ans: Unlimited cocktails, wine by the glass, and craft beers (up to $20 each) Specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, and fresh-pressed juices.
Q.6 Can I share my bar tab on Virgin Voyages?
Ans: Bar Tab is designed to cover any premium drinks – whether they’re for you, a mate or a stranger you befriend on board.
Q.7 Does Virgin Voyages have a buffet?
Ans: No buffet is served on this cruise. The staff is friendly and professional. Nothing is too small or large for them to deliver.
Q.8 Can I bring a bottle of wine on Virgin Voyages?
Ans: Passengers can bring two (2) 750mL bottles of wine per cabin in carry-on bags. Small quantities of water, dietary supplement drinks, non-alcoholic beer, or soft drinks in boxes and cans are permitted in hand luggage only.
Also Read: Viking Cruises Drink Package 2026: Prices & Details
