A First Timer's Guide to Virgin Voyages - What to Expect on Your Maiden Voyage | Sydney Nieveen - Sojourney Travel

Cruising on Virgin Voyages is unlike any cruise you’ve ever been on. Whether you’re first-time cruisers or this is your first time with Virgin Voyages, you’re in for a great experience. Aside from the obvious adults only aspect, Virgin Voyages is doing things differently than most other major cruise lines, so this guide can help you with what to expect when planning your cruise or if you’re just wondering if Virgin Voyages is right for you! 

• The Virgin Voyages app – Before you sail: You’ll want to make sure you have the app downloaded in advance of your cruise so that you can make dinner reservations as popular restaurants  will fill up! The app will also give you all the information needed prior to setting sail- like filling out your pre-cruise forms. This will ensure you don’t miss out on anything that you’ve been looking forward to. You’ll also be able to book shore excursions and order room service on the ship. 

• Entertainment - Shows onboard the ship are first come, first serve. This means that once the event schedule is released on the app, you’ll want to begin planning what shows you’d like to attend. Once onboard, plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early to ensure that you get the best seating. 

• Dining – All dinners are fully included! Some of the menus have a few upcharges but for the most part, food is free. Another thing to remember, there are no main dining halls or set dining times with Virgin like there are on other cruise lines. This means you can show up to dinner whenever you want. This is great for spontaneity, but it’s still recommended that you make reservations so that you don’t have to wait for a table to open up at popular dining times. Your travel advisor can help remind you when dining reservations will open prior to your cruise and assist with navigating the app. If you don’t get reservations to your preferred restaurants, don’t fear! Once you board the ship there will be more openings available to book. I recommend boarding as soon as you can! 

• Bar Tab – Virgin Voyages does not have a drink package, rather they have a “bar tab” that you can load up and pay for prior to sailing. (This is recommended to take advantage of extra bar tabs and any promos that they might have for loading your bar tab early!) If you run out of bar tab on the cruise it’s okay, you can still pay for drinks as you go. Certain drinks like soda, water, juice, and non-specialty coffee are always included for free.  

• Bracelet – The bracelet/wristband you receive when checking in for the cruise will be your Swiss Army Knife during the trip. It will act as your room key, your credit card, and you can scan it when you purchase anything using your bar tab or onboard credit. It’s super easy to keep track of as it just goes on your wrist and then you never need to worry about remembering things when leaving the room! It is also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about taking it off when you get in the pool. 

• Themed parties – Each cruise will have nightly themed parties, namely they will all have a Scarlet Night in which everyone is encouraged to wear the color red. It’s not required to dress up for the parties, but it’s fun to take part! You’ll want to be aware of which parties your sailing will have so that you can plan your outfits and pack accordingly.  

• Rockstar Suites – If you’re looking for that extra elevated experience, then these are the rooms you need to book! You’ll get early boarding and priority access to making reservations. Each suite type is a little bit different so booking with your travel advisor will make sure you’re getting the right one for your needs. They could include things like an in-room bar or complimentary parking at the Port Miami terminal. You will have access to “Richard’s Rooftop” which is a private area just for you on the top deck for tanning and laying around. This can be super nice if you’re on a crowded sailing as you’ll have more space here. 

Embarking on a sailing adventure with Virgin Voyages promises an unforgettable journey filled with excitement (but also relaxation if that’s what you’re looking for!) Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a first-time cruiser, the unique blend of fun experiences, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional service ensures that every moment aboard is truly special. So, reach out to me or your preferred Sojourney Travel Advisor and let’s get you booked on one of these special cruises.