Are Gratuities Still Included on Virgin Voyages? The Truth About the New 2025 Tipping Policy
Let’s clear the air immediately. You’ve probably seen the headlines or heard the chatter: “Virgin Voyages is changing its gratuity policy!” For a brand that built its reputation on “No Tipping,” that sounds like a seismic shift. So, is Virgin Voyages going to start charging for tips? The answer is a clear and simple **NO**.
What they *are* doing, starting on **October 7th**, is changing *how* gratuities are displayed in your booking. This isn’t a sneaky new fee; it’s a move toward more transparency. Don’t let the change make you sad or confused. As your dedicated Voyage Architects, we’re here to break down exactly what’s happening, why it’s a positive step, and how it doesn’t change the incredible value of a Virgin Voyage.
The ‘Why’ Behind The Change: A Spotlight on the Crew
One of the things Sailors love most about Virgin Voyages is the upfront, all-inclusive feel. For years, that has meant gratuities were bundled into the voyage fare, completely invisible to you. But this led to a common problem: even though it’s stated in many places, many Sailors were simply unaware that gratuities were already included! This created confusion and a desire from many to better understand how the amazing Crew are taken care of.
In response to this feedback, Virgin is “unbundling” the gratuities to give a much-needed spotlight and more transparency to this part of your fare. It’s a way to explicitly show their commitment to rewarding the Crew for their brilliant service.
Here’s How It Works After October 7th:
Instead of being hidden, the amount that covers your tips for the Crew will now appear as a separate line item in your booking. This doesn’t change the total price—it just shows you the math. You now have two options for handling these Crew Appreciation tips:
- Pre-Pay Your Gratuities: You can pay your gratuities in advance for a discounted rate of $20 per Sailor, per day.
- Pay Onboard: If you prefer, you can wait and have the gratuities automatically charged to your onboard account at a rate of $22 per Sailor, per day.
This rate is the same for all cabin categories, from Insider cabins to the most lavish Mega RockStar Quarters.
Let’s Do The Math: Proof That Nothing Has Changed
Don’t overthink it. This is just a different way of showing you the numbers. The total cost of your voyage remains the same. Let’s look at a real-world example:
Today (Before October 7th): You book a 5-night sailing for two people. The total price you see is, for example, **$4,000**. This price includes your cabin, food, essential drinks, WiFi, and all the tips for the Crew.
After October 7th (Pre-Paid): You book that same 5-night sailing. The voyage fare will now show as **$3,800**. You’ll also see a separate line item for “Crew Appreciation” for two Sailors at $20/day for 5 nights (2 Sailors x $20 x 5 nights = $200). Your total price is **$4,000**. It’s the exact same cost, just broken down differently.
If you chose to wait and pay onboard, your voyage fare would be $3,800, and you’d be charged $220 for gratuities on the ship, for a total of $4,020. The choice is simple: pre-pay and save about 10%.
As your Voyage Architect, we see this as a huge win for clarity. When you book with us, we will always ensure the pre-paid gratuity option is selected for you. This guarantees you get the 10% discount without having to think about it. It’s part of our commitment to ensuring you always get the maximum value and have a seamless, surprise-free experience.
Why This is a GOOD Thing for Sailors
This isn’t a step back; it’s a step forward. By itemizing the gratuities, Virgin Voyages is doubling down on its promise of fair and transparent pricing. You now have a crystal-clear understanding of how much of your fare goes directly to rewarding the incredible Crew who make your voyage so special.
It also aligns with the other major, positive changes happening on October 7th, like the new VoyageFair Choices, which are all designed to give you more control and clarity over your booking. This isn’t a cruise line adding hidden fees; it’s a cruise line showing you exactly what you’re paying for.
The Verdict: Still All-Included, Just More Transparent
So, are gratuities still included on Virgin Voyages? Yes, absolutely. The philosophy hasn’t changed. The incredible service, the 20+ eateries, the WiFi, and the essential drinks are all still part of your voyage. The only difference is that now, you can see the portion dedicated to the Crew, and you’re rewarded with a discount for paying it upfront.
Don’t let the headlines fool you. This is a positive evolution, and it makes the Virgin Voyages experience clearer and better than ever.
Ready to experience the most transparent—and brilliant—way to sail?
Let’s plan your next adventure and ensure every detail, down to the last tip, is perfectly handled.
About the Author
Cameron DeJong
Cameron DeJong is the Managing Partner of CamJon Travel and a recognized leader in the cruise industry, officially named a Top 100 First Mate in North America for Virgin Voyages in 2025. His expertise is built on a foundation of professional rigor; he is a Certified Travel Associate (CTA) through The Travel Institute and a member in good standing of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). This dedication to professional standards is transparent and verifiable—his CLIA affiliation can be confirmed using Personal ID #00303911 on the official CLIA verification portal.
These credentials anchor his specialized focus on Virgin Voyages. Beyond his Top 100 ranking, Cameron holds Gold Tier First Mate status, a recognition reserved for the brand's most knowledgeable partners. Having been a specialist since the cruise line's inaugural voyage in 2021, he possesses an unparalleled, firsthand understanding of every ship, Sailor Loot strategy, and itinerary nuance. Through expert planning and in-depth articles, Cameron leverages this comprehensive knowledge to ensure every traveler's voyage is seamless, informed, and absolutely brilliant.