When I was booking my first cruise with Virgin Voyages, one of the things I thought about was whether I should get an all-inclusive drinks package or just pay as I went.
I remember standing on the deck of Scarlet Lady, looking around and realizing there weren’t any drink packages like I’d seen on other cruise lines.
That’s when I discovered Virgin Voyages does things a little differently — and honestly, it really fits their unique, laid-back style.
So, what’s the deal with Virgin Voyages? Well, they do things differently — and honestly, I think it suits their style perfectly. Let’s dive in.
No Traditional Drinks Package
Unlike most cruise lines (think Royal Caribbean or P&O), Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer an all-inclusive drinks package.
So if you’re used to locking in unlimited cocktails or wines upfront, this might feel like a curveball.
👉 Instead, Virgin offers a Bar Tab system, which is actually pretty flexible and can work out well if you plan your drinks spend smartly.
What Is the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab?
Here’s how it works:
- You choose an amount to preload into your Bar Tab.
- Use that credit at any bar or restaurant across the ship or at the Bimini Beach Club.
- You can even share it — unlike drinks packages on other lines, you’re not restricted to using it just for yourself.
💬 Personal insight: On my Scarlet Lady cruise, I loved having a Bar Tab because it felt more relaxed — no pressure to “get my money’s worth” like with a package.
Bar Tab Bonus Credit
Virgin sweetens the deal with free bonus credit if you top up your Bar Tab before your cruise:
| Bar Tab Added | Bonus Credit | Total to Spend |
|---|---|---|
| $200 | +$25 | $225 |
| $300 | +$50 | $350 |
| $500 | +$100 | $600 |
| $750 | +$175 | $925 |
| $1,000 | +$250 | $1,250 |
👉 Tip: Preload what you realistically think you’ll spend so you can grab that free bonus without overcommitting.
Are Drinks Expensive on Virgin Voyages?
Surprisingly, not at all! Virgin keeps prices pretty fair for a premium cruise line. And don’t forget — gratuities are built into the menu prices, so what you see is what you pay.
Here’s a snapshot:
| Drink | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Cocktails | $12–$17 |
| Red Bull | $5 |
| Specialty coffee | $3–$5 |
| Wine (glass) | $7–$22 |
| Champagne (glass) | $9–$65 |
| Beer (draft or bottle) | $6–$11 |
| Shots | $7–$15 |
| Basic cocktail (gin, rum, whisky) | ~$10 |
💬 On my Virgin Voyages cruise, I often treated myself to their $12 craft cocktails — there’s just something about enjoying a fresh, hand-mixed drink on deck that made the whole vibe feel extra special..!
What’s Free on Virgin Voyages?
Virgin does a great job of including a generous range of drinks with your fare, so you’re not stuck paying extra for the basics.
✅ Included drinks:
- Filtered still & sparkling water
- Fruit juices (non-pressed)
- Sodas & fizzy drinks
- Teas & drip coffee
👉 Pro tip: Bring a reusable bottle to refill at water stations — Virgin’s committed to no single-use plastics on board.
Virgin Voyages Drink Menu Highlights
If you’re curious about what you can expect at the bars and lounges, here’s a clearer look at typical drink prices on board:
| Drink | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Cocktails | $12–$17 |
| Red Bull | $5 |
| Draught beer (54 oz pitcher) | $20–$29 |
| Can of beer | $6–$11 |
| Specialty coffee | $3–$5 |
| Bottle of wine | $28–$1,445 |
| Spirits (half bottle) | $45–$55 |
| Bottle of Champagne | $48–$445 |
| Draught beer (12 oz) | $6–$8 |
| Shots | $7–$15 |
| Spirits (single) | $6–$25 |
| Glass of Champagne | $9–$65 |
| Specialty tea | $5 |
| Hot chocolate | $4 |
| Glass of wine | $7–$22 |
💬 What I really noticed on my Virgin Voyages cruise was how balanced the drink prices were — whether I was in the mood for a simple $6 beer or felt like celebrating with a glass of $9 Champagne, it never felt over the top.
Virgin Voyages Drinks Package Calculator
Wondering if a drinks package is really worth it on your next cruise? My easy-to-use calculator does the tough calculation for you!
Simply enter the drinks you usually have on a typical day, and it’ll show you in seconds which package gives you the best value.
✅ Get instant access for free below!
Drinking Age on Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages has relaxed and inclusive alcohol policies:
- 🚢 18+ can drink at sea once 12 nautical miles from U.S. coast (international waters)
- 🌍 18+ can drink in Europe & other regions
- ❌ No need for military status or guardian waiver
💡 This makes Virgin great for younger adult cruisers.
👉 I noticed it created a fun, more youthful vibe around the bars — something that definitely sets Virgin apart.
Shake for Champagne
Here’s where Virgin adds its signature playful twist — the Shake for Champagne feature.
Picture this: You’re lounging by the pool. You grab your phone, open the Virgin Voyages app, give it a shake… and voilà!
A secret button appears, letting you order a chilled bottle of Möet Champagne delivered right to your spot.
👉 It’s fun, it’s glam, and let’s be honest — it feels very “Virgin.” On my Scarlet Lady sailing, I tried it just for the novelty, and it was totally worth it for that treat-yourself moment.
Bringing Your Own Drinks
Virgin keeps things simple but has a few rules:
✅ What’s allowed?
- Up to two 750ml bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin (21+ only)
- Must be in your carry-on, not checked luggage
❌ What’s not allowed?
- Beer, spirits, or other liquor
💡 No need to bring soft drinks or water — those are included. Plus, Virgin bans single-use plastics, so if you do bring anything, opt for cans or cartons instead.
Final Thoughts on Virgin Voyages Drinks
Virgin Voyages keeps things flexible, fun, and fair:
- No over-priced drink packages
- No hidden gratuities
- Generous basic free drinks
- Reasonable bar prices
- The Bar Tab offers great value for drinkers
🍾 Whether it’s champagne at the pool or a craft cocktail at The Dock, Virgin makes sipping at sea easy!
