When you start planning a Virgin Voyages cruise, one of the first questions people ask is what’s actually included and how onboard spending works. Virgin Voyages feels different from other cruise lines, so it makes sense to want clarity before you sail.

This comes up naturally when we talk through onboard experiences, dining, drinks, and planning tips on the Talk Virgin To Me podcast. Not because people think Virgin is expensive, but because the structure is different and people want to know how it compares.

Here’s what I always explain:

Virgin includes a lot more than most people expect. Once you understand what’s included and what’s optional, everything feels smoother, easier, and honestly more fun. When you plan with intention, you can absolutely sail Virgin Voyages and walk off the ship with a zero bill!

Let’s Start With Food Because This Is Where Virgin Wins

If you’ve listened to Talk Virgin To Me for more than five minutes, you already know this is one of my favorite things about Virgin Voyages.

Food is one of the biggest differences on Virgin Voyages, and it’s also where people tend to overthink things the most.

Virgin Voyages does not have a traditional main dining room. There are also no specialty dining upcharges. Your fare includes every restaurant onboard.

That includes places like The Wake, Extra Virgin, Pink Agave, Gunbae, Razzle Dazzle, and Test Kitchen. You already paid for all of them.

You can dine at the same restaurant more than once. You never get locked into a set menu. You are not paying per course. You never need to “save” a restaurant for a special night because every night can be a great dining night.

Food only costs extra if you choose very specific add ons, and those are completely optional. Once sailors realize that, dining becomes one of the most relaxed parts of the cruise!

Entertainment Is Included

Virgin handles entertainment differently than most cruise lines, and that’s part of what makes the ships feel so alive.

Shows, live music, comedy, DJs, themed parties, pop up performances, and surprise moments around the ship are all included in your fare. Staying out late never adds a charge to your onboard account!

This is also why people accidentally end up closing down the ship at night. Something is always happening, and you never have to budget for it!

Fitness and Wellness

Fitness is another area where people assume everything comes with a price tag.

Virgin includes many fitness classes in your fare. Yoga, strength training, cycling, and HIIT are all part of the experience. You also get full access to the gym, outdoor workout spaces, and the running track.

The spa and thermal suite cost extra, and we talk about that often when comparing cabin categories or Rockstar perks. Still, if your goal is to stay active and feel good during your sailing, you can absolutely do that without spending anything additional.

This comes up often when we talk about longer itineraries and wellness focused sailings.

Drinks People Forget Are Already Included

This is one of the easiest ways sailors accidentally overspend onboard!

Virgin includes soda, still water, sparkling water, drip coffee, tea, and non pressed juices. You do not need a drink package just to stay hydrated or caffeinated.

If you’re comfortable skipping cocktails and specialty coffees, keeping your onboard balance at zero becomes very realistic. Knowing this ahead of time makes budgeting much easier and helps sailors avoid surprise charges.

We talk about this often because it’s such a simple thing that makes a big difference.

Yes, Free Champagne Is Included Too

This is one of those details people don’t always realize until they’re already onboard.

Virgin Voyages includes complimentary champagne at Sail Away, and you do not need a drink package or any kind of upgrade to enjoy it. You show up, grab a glass, and start your vacation without pulling out your wallet.

It’s a small thing, but it sets the tone for the entire sailing. These included moments are part of what makes Virgin feel different, and when you know about them ahead of time, you actually take advantage of them instead of missing out!

Free Popcorn Is Real!

This one always makes people laugh, but it matters.

Virgin offers free popcorn in select areas onboard, and your fare includes it. It sounds small, but once you know it exists, you absolutely start grabbing it!

The Galley is another place people underestimate. There is a wide variety of included food throughout the day, and many sailors don’t realize how much they can eat without ever paying extra!

So How Do People End Up With a Bill?

Here’s the honest part.

Alcohol, specialty juices, spa services, shore things, and onboard shopping usually create the onboard bill. None of those experiences are bad. They’re just optional.

The difference between sailors who leave with a balance and sailors who don’t usually comes down to intention. When you know what matters to you and what doesn’t, you stay in control of your spending without feeling restricted.

Why This Matters Before You Book

Virgin is one of the most inclusive cruise lines out there, but the experience feels very different when you understand that before you sail.

When you know what’s included, you stop second guessing every choice. You enjoy the ship more. You relax more. And you stop checking your onboard account every night.

If you’re still researching Virgin Voyages, check out our Common Virgin Voyages Booking Mistakes podcast and our deeper dive into Virgin Voyages Fine Print, especially if this is your first sailing!

If You Want More Like This

We talk about these topics all the time on Talk Virgin To Me, especially when sailors are trying to decide if Virgin Voyages is right for them or how to plan smarter!

You might also want to check out:

• Virgin Voyages Fine Print What You Need to Know Before You Book

• Virgin Voyages Lingo You Should Know Before You Sail

• Common Virgin Voyages Booking Mistakes to Avoid

• Living Like a Rockstar on Virgin Voyages What It Is Really Like

Final Thoughts

Virgin includes far more than most people expect. Once you understand where the value already is, planning becomes easier and the cruise feels more enjoyable from start to finish.

Leaving the ship with a zero bill doesn’t mean skipping experiences. It’s about knowing what’s already included and choosing the extras that actually matter to you.

And on Virgin Voyages, there’s a lot already included!