Age Policy
The Minimum Age to Sail
- 18 Years Old: You must be at least 18 years of age on the day of embarkation to board the ship.
- Booking Requirement: You must also be at least 18 years old to book a voyage. Unlike some cruise lines that require someone in the cabin to be 21 or 25, Virgin allows 18-year-olds to book and sail independently.
Drinking & Gambling Ages
While you only need to be 18 to sail, the age for certain activities depends on where the ship is located:
- Alcohol:
- US Waters: You must be 21+ to consume alcohol while the ship is in US ports or within 12 miles of the US coast.
- International Waters: Once the ship is in international waters (and for most European/Australian itineraries), the drinking age typically drops to 18.
- Gambling: The minimum age to play in the Casino @ Sea is 18.
Other Key Considerations
- Verification: You will need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID (usually a passport) during check-in to verify your age.
- The Responsible Adult: If a guest is not legally competent to contract (for reasons other than age), they must be accompanied by a Responsible Adult who is at least 21 years old.
- Vibe Check: Although 18-year-olds are welcome, the core demographic often leans toward the 30s–50s range. However, shorter Caribbean sailings and Spring Break windows tend to attract a younger, high-energy crowd.
Dining Information
Virgin Voyages completely ditches the traditional cruise main dining room and buffet model. Instead, they offer over 20+ boutique eateries, all of which are included in your cruise fare—no cover charges or specialty dining fees.
The Signature Restaurants (Reservations Recommended)
These are sit-down, curated experiences. While there is no extra cost, you should book these via the Virgin Voyages app before you sail.
Casual & 24/7 Bites (No Reservations)
- The Galley: This is Virgin’s answer to the buffet. It’s a modern food hall with separate shops (tacos, sushi, burgers, noodles, 24-hour breakfast) where everything is made to order.
- The Pizza Place: Fresh, thin-crust pizzas made while you watch. Open late for those post-party cravings.
- The Dock House: Mediterranean-inspired mezze and grilled skewers, perfect for grazing while lounging on the aft deck.
- Lick Me Till Ice Cream: Hand-scooped artisanal ice cream (the Red Velvet and Malted Milk flavors are fan favorites).
What’s Included vs. What Costs Extra
- Included: All food, still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, drip coffee, and tea.
- Extra Cost: Alcohol, specialty coffees (lattes/espressos), fresh-pressed juices, and Ship Eats (room service) delivery fees.
Tip: If you order Ship Eats, there is a small delivery fee, but it’s waived if you order at least one paid item (like a $5 specialty coffee or a beer).
Fuel Surcharge Policy
The Right to Charge Clause
According to Virgin Voyages’ terms and conditions, the company reserves the right to reinstate a fuel supplement (surcharge) if the price of fuel exceeds certain market benchmarks.
- The Threshold: Typically, if the price of Brent Crude oil rises above $65.00 – $70.00 per barrel (depending on the specific legal jurisdiction of the contract), they reserve the right to add a daily fee.
- The Cost: If implemented, the surcharge is generally capped at $10.00 to $15.00 per person, per day.
- Existing Bookings: Even if you have already paid for your voyage in full, the fine print usually allows the cruise line to collect this additional fee prior to embarkation if the fuel market spikes significantly.
Payments / Refunds
Deposits & Payments
- Standard Deposit: 20% of voyage fare, due within 24 hours of reservation creation and charged immediately.
- Payment Timeline: The 20% deposit holds the reservation up to 120 days before sailing. Within 120 days of departure, the full remaining balance must be settled (final balance due within 45 days depending on terms).
- VoyageFair Choices Framework (Effective Oct 7, 2025):
- Base Fare: 100% non-refundable from booking; no date/name changes; not eligible for Future Voyage Credit (FVC); gratuities unbundled.
- Essential Fare: Flexible cancellation (deposit converts to FVC; fare refunded outside 120 days). Includes prepaid gratuities and upgraded Classic Wi-Fi.
- Premium Fare / RockStar Suites: Maximum flexibility, premium Starlink Wi-Fi, and prepaid gratuities.
- Taxes & Name Swaps: Government taxes and port fees are 100% refunded. Name changes/swaps can be submitted up to 48 hours prior to departure.
Cancellation & Refunds
- 120+ Days (Within 7d Grace Period): 100% Full Refund (includes deposit).
- 120+ Days (After 7d Grace Period): 100% Voyage Fare Refund (excluding deposit; deposit held as FVC).
- 119 to 45 Days Prior: 0% Fare Refund (taxes/fees 100% refunded); 100% of voyage fare converted to FVC.
- 44 Days or Less Prior: 0% Fare Refund & 0% FVC (taxes/fees 100% refunded; name swap allowed up to 48 hours prior).
Smoking Policy
Virgin Voyages has a strict smoking policy designed to keep the air fresh for all Sailors. While the ships are mostly smoke-free, there are specific spots where you can light up.
The No-Go Zones
- Staterooms & Suites: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside your room.
- Terraces (Balconies): Even though you are outside, smoking on your balcony is not allowed.
- Public Indoor Areas: This includes restaurants, bars, hallways, and the gym.
- The Casino: Unlike many other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages does not allow smoking in the casino.
The Designated Smoking Areas
If you need to smoke or vape, you must head to one of these two locations:
- The Smoking Room (Deck 6): An indoor, ventilated lounge located near the Red Room (forward).
- Deck 16 Forward: An outdoor area on the starboard side, near the entrance to Richard’s Rooftop (the VIP sun deck).
Vaping and E-Cigarettes
The policy for vapes and e-cigarettes is identical to traditional cigarettes. You are only allowed to use them in the designated areas mentioned above. Using a vape on your balcony or in your room is still a violation of the policy.
Fines and Enforcement
Virgin takes this very seriously, primarily due to fire safety—the biggest risk on a cruise ship.
- The Fine: If you are caught smoking in a non-designated area (including your balcony), a $500 fee will be added to your onboard account.
- Disembarkation: In extreme cases or for repeat offenses, the cruise line reserves the right to remove you from the ship at the next port of call at your own expense, with no refund for the remainder of your trip.
A Note on Marijuana and CBD
Even if you are sailing from a port where marijuana is legal (like Florida or California), it is strictly prohibited on board. This includes medicinal marijuana and CBD products. Because ships operate under maritime and federal laws, bringing these items on board can result in denied boarding or legal trouble with port authorities.
Travel Protection
Offers a “Voyage Protection” product. Specific pricing and calculation details are generated dynamically during booking or via Sailor Services.
Tipping Policy
For bookings made on or after October 7, 2025, daily crew gratuities have been unbundled and displayed as a separate line item (lower base fares mathematically offset this change). Essential, Premium, and RockStar suite fares include prepaid gratuities. For Base fares, gratuities are unbundled. Guests have two options to settle gratuities:
- Prepaid Gratuities: locked at a discounted rate of $20.00 USD per Sailor, per night.
- Onboard Folio: automatically billed at a standard rate of $22.00 USD per Sailor, per night.
Virgin Voyages operates on a Zero-Tip Policy for Onboard Orders: no automatic 15%-20% service charge is ever added to individual drink orders, specialty dining, or spa treatments. Drip tipping is not expected, and extra tips are purely optional.
Excursions
- Enhance your cruise vacation by pre-booking your excursions (recommended for most savings and to guarantee availability) via the cruise line app or book while onboard. Space is limited and popular excursions sell out fast!
Why Virgin Voyages?
- Adults-only cruising with a fresh, sophisticated vibe
- All-included dining, entertainment, fitness, and Wi-Fi
- Over 20 unique restaurants with no buffet lines
- Vibrant nightlife and themed events tailored to grown-ups
- Flexible dining and no formal dress codes
- Award-winning entertainment and live performances
- Wellness-focused spaces, spas, and group activities
- Stylish modern cabins and designer ship interiors
- Transparent pricing with minimal hidden fees
- Ideal for couples, solo travelers, and groups seeking unique cruise experiences
FAQ
What age do I need to be to sail on Virgin Voyages?
Virgin Voyages is a strictly adults-only cruise line. All Sailors must be 18 years of age or older at the time of sailing.
Are meals included in the cruise fare?
Yes, dining at all onboard restaurants is included in your cruise fare. Virgin Voyages features a variety of specialty dining venues with no buffets, no assigned dining times, and no additional charges.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Basic Wi-Fi is included in the cruise fare, allowing Sailors to browse the web and stay connected. Upgraded Wi-Fi options are available for purchase for faster speeds and streaming.
Are gratuities included?
Gratuities are listed as a separate line item and can be prepaid before sailing or charged onboard. Once gratuities are covered, no additional tipping is expected, though discretionary tipping for exceptional service is optional.
What kind of entertainment is available onboard?
Virgin Voyages offers a wide range of award-winning entertainment, including live shows, immersive theater, themed parties, live music, and late-night nightlife across multiple venues.
Is Virgin Voyages suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, Virgin Voyages is an excellent choice for solo travelers. The adults-only atmosphere, social activities, and dedicated solo cabins create a welcoming and engaging experience for those traveling alone.
Can I bring children on Virgin Voyages?
No, Virgin Voyages does not permit children or minors on overnight sailings, ensuring a relaxed and exclusively adult cruise environment.
Dress Code
Virgin Voyages has an entirely open dress philosophy: “If it feels good – wear it!” Guests are welcome to wear whatever makes them comfortable, including casual resort wear or even pajamas for themed night events. There are no dress codes for any of the 20+ restaurants.
Formal Nights
- There are no formal nights. Virgin features a themed “Scarlet Night” where guests are encouraged to wear red, but it is entirely optional and fun rather than formal.
