One of the biggest differences between Virgin Voyages and most other cruise lines is that Virgin does not do a traditional unlimited drink package. Instead, they use something called Bar Tab, which is basically prepaid money you can use specifically for drinks onboard!

And here’s the part people sometimes miss: if you buy your Bar Tab before you sail, Virgin gives you bonus drink credit on top of what you paid! So if you already know you’re going to have cocktails, wine, specialty coffee, mocktails, fresh juices, or maybe a little Shake for Champagne moment, this is absolutely something worth looking at before you board!

So What Exactly Is Virgin Voyages Bar Tab?

Think of Bar Tab as money sitting on your onboard account just for drinks. You order what you want, scan your Band, and the cost comes out of your Bar Tab balance.

It can be used for alcoholic and non-alcoholic premium drinks, including cocktails, beer, wine, mocktails, specialty coffees, smoothies, and fresh-pressed juices. You can also use your Bar Tab to buy drinks for other people you’re sailing with!

And remember, Virgin already includes things like fountain soda, still and sparkling water, drip coffee, and tea in your cruise fare. Bar Tab is for everything beyond those included basics!

The Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Bonuses!

This is where buying it before you sail gets really good!

 

So yes, if you buy a $500 Bar Tab, you actually have $600 to spend onboard! If you already know you’re going to use it anyway, that bonus is exactly why I’d rather have it handled ahead of time! The amounts are subject to change, so be sure to check Virgin’s official website for the latest extras!

Can I Add Bar Tab Once I’m Onboard?

No! And this is the part I really want people to pay attention to!

Bar Tab needs to be purchased before your voyage, and Virgin currently allows it to be added up until 24 hours before sailing. Once you’re onboard, you cannot suddenly decide you want to buy a prepaid Bar Tab and still get the bonus.

If you use all of your Bar Tab during the cruise, you can absolutely keep ordering drinks! At that point, anything else just gets charged to your onboard account.

So if you’re thinking, “I’ll just decide once I get on the ship,” this is one of those times where waiting can literally mean leaving bonus drink money behind!

Can We Add It For You?

Absolutely!

If you booked your Virgin Voyages sailing with us, we can add Bar Tab to your reservation before you sail! And if you have absolutely no idea how much Bar Tab you should buy, we made that easier too.

Use our Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Calculator to get a better idea of what amount might make sense based on your trip and your drinking habits!

You can also just message us! Tell us how long you’re sailing, what you normally drink, and whether you’re more “one cocktail at dinner” or “we are absolutely trying the drink menu,” and we can help point you in the right direction!

What If I Change My Mind?

You do have some flexibility!

Virgin currently allows prepaid Bar Tab to be cancelled for a refund up to 24 hours before your voyage departs. If your sailing date changes, your Bar Tab can also be moved to the new voyage.

Once your voyage starts, though, unused Bar Tab is not refundable. You also cannot cash it out or use it toward things like Shore Things or spa services.

So while the bigger Bar Tabs come with bigger bonuses, I would not recommend buying $1,000 just because that $250 bonus looks pretty if there is absolutely no chance you’re going to use $1,250 in drinks! Bigger is only better if you’re actually going to use it!

Is Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Better Than a Traditional Drink Package?

That really depends on how you like to cruise!

Some people love a traditional unlimited drink package because they pay once and never think about another drink charge. Other people prefer Bar Tab because there’s no pressure to “get your money’s worth” by hitting a certain number of drinks every single day.

Neither is automatically better! It really comes down to how you drink, how long you’re sailing, and whether you like having that flexibility.

The main thing I don’t want is for you to get onboard, decide you wanted Bar Tab after all, and realize you missed out on the bonus because you waited too long!

If you want help planning your own Virgin Voyages sailing, reach out to Fabulous Adventures Travel. Samantha Robichaud and Kelly Roma are the only two Top 10 Virgin Voyages First Mates to earn that distinction four years in a row, so you’re working with people who know this brand inside and out.

And make sure you’re following Talk Virgin to Me for more Virgin Voyages tips, reviews and deals.