Are you considering embarking on your first cruise adventure with Virgin Voyages in 2025? As a Top 100 First Mate in North America—one of fewer than 100 travel advisors to earn this elite recognition from Virgin Voyages—I’m thrilled to guide you through this exciting journey. At CamJon Travel, we’ve built our reputation on Virgin Voyages expertise, and this guide will give you everything you need to know for your maiden voyage, including how to navigate the new VoyageFair Choices fare system that launched in October 2025.
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Embrace the Adults-Only Experience
One of the most distinctive features of Virgin Voyages is its adults-only policy. As a first-time cruiser, you’ll appreciate the sophisticated atmosphere that comes with an 18+ crowd. Imagine sipping cocktails by the pool without the splash of children’s cannonballs or enjoying a peaceful dinner at an upscale restaurant without any interruptions. This adult-oriented environment allows for a more relaxed and refined experience, perfect for those looking to unwind and indulge in grown-up fun.
Understanding Always Included Luxury
Virgin Voyages offers what they call “Always Included Luxury,” delivering over $1,000 in value with every sailing. However, with the introduction of VoyageFair Choices in October 2025, it’s important to understand exactly what’s included and how the new fare structure works.
What’s Always Included (All Fare Classes)
| Included ✓ | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| All 20+ restaurant dining venues | Premium beverages & bar tab (unless Premium fare) |
| Essential drinks (water, drip coffee, tea, sodas, non-pressed juices) | Shore Things excursions |
| WiFi (tier varies by fare class) | Spa treatments & Thermal Suite |
| Group fitness classes | Beach Club cabanas & premium drinks |
| Entertainment & shows | Personal training sessions |
Important: Gratuities Are Now Separate
For bookings made on or after October 7, 2025, service gratuities are displayed as a separate line item rather than bundled into the fare. You can prepay at $20 per person, per night or settle onboard at $22 per person, per night. The total cost remains comparable—this change simply provides more transparency. No additional tipping is expected once onboard.
VoyageFair Choices: Our Expert Recommendations
Virgin Voyages now offers three fare classes for Sea Terrace cabins and below. As a Top 100 First Mate who has guided hundreds of sailors through this decision, here’s what I recommend:
| Fare Class | Our Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Base / Lock It In | ⛔ NOT RECOMMENDED | Non-refundable, no changes allowed, Basic WiFi only, 15-day dining window. These restrictions significantly diminish the Virgin Voyages experience. |
| Essential | ✓ RECOMMENDED FOR MOST SAILORS | The true Virgin Voyages experience. Classic WiFi, 45-day dining reservations, flexibility to change dates or use Future Voyage Credit. This is the sweet spot. |
| Premium | ✓✓ BEST EXPERIENCE (Standard Cabins) | Premium WiFi (2 devices, streaming), 60-day dining, included Bar Tab credit, priority support, full name-change flexibility. Worth every penny for the elevated experience. |
| RockStar / Mega RockStar | ✓✓✓ THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE | 120-day dining reservations, Richard’s Rooftop access, dedicated RockStar Agents, priority everything. If budget allows, this is unforgettable. |
⚠️ A Word About Base & Lock It In Rates: While these fares may look attractive on price, they come with significant restrictions that can turn your dream vacation into a stressful experience. No date changes. No name changes. No cabin changes. Basic WiFi that barely handles social media. Only 15 days to book dining—meaning the best restaurants may be fully booked. Life happens. Plans change. We’ve seen too many sailors regret choosing these restrictive fares. Save yourself the headache and book Essential or higher.
Full Fare Comparison
| Feature | Base ⛔ | Essential ✓ | Premium ✓✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | Basic (1 device, light browsing only) | Classic (1 device, social + audio calls) | Premium (2 devices, streaming) |
| Dining Reservations | 15 days before sailing | 45 days before sailing | 60 days before sailing |
| Date/Cabin Changes | ❌ Not permitted | ✓ Future Voyage Credit | ✓ Full flexibility |
| Name Changes | ❌ Not permitted | ✓ Sailors 2-4 only | ✓ All sailors |
| Bar Tab Credit | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✓ Included |
| Priority Support | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✓ Yes |
Savor Unique Dining Experiences
Forget everything you’ve heard about cruise ship buffets and set dining times. Virgin Voyages has reimagined onboard dining with over 20 eateries offering made-to-order meals—all included in your fare regardless of which class you book. As a first-time cruiser, you’ll be delighted by the flexibility to eat what you want, when you want.
From Korean BBQ at Gunbae to Italian cuisine at Extra Virgin, the options are diverse and delicious. Don’t miss The Wake, their signature steakhouse with stunning views of the ship’s wake, or explore the eclectic offerings at The Galley food hall.
Pro tip: Your dining reservation window depends on your fare class. If booking popular restaurants like The Wake matters to you, this is another reason to choose Essential (45 days) or Premium (60 days) over Base (only 15 days—when the best time slots are often gone).
Want the Best Virgin Voyages Experience?
As a Top 100 First Mate, I know exactly how to maximize your voyage. Let me help you choose the right fare class and cabin for your travel style.
Immerse Yourself in Onboard Entertainment
Virgin Voyages takes entertainment to the next level with festival-style acts, immersive theater, and pop-up experiences. As a first-time cruiser, you’ll want to check out their groundbreaking shows, some of which have even made their way to land-based venues. Keep an eye out for Scarlet Night, a ship-wide party where everyone dresses in red and participates in a multi-tiered spectacle. With live music, DJs, and unexpected pop-up acts, there’s never a dull moment on board.
Explore The Beach Club at Bimini
No Virgin Voyages Caribbean experience is complete without a visit to The Beach Club at Bimini. This private 4.5-acre paradise in the Bahamas is exclusively for Virgin Voyages sailors. You’ll find a stunning lagoon-style pool, pristine white sand beach, and beachside dining—with access included in your fare.
What’s included at Bimini: Beach and pool access, lounge chairs, lunch at Beach Eats, complimentary yoga and activities, DJ entertainment, and transportation from the ship.
What’s additional: Premium cocktails (your Bar Tab works here—another reason Premium fare is worth it!), private cabanas, and Shore Things excursions like jet ski tours or shark snorkeling.
Choose Your Perfect Cabin
Virgin Voyages offers a range of cabin options to suit every preference and budget. From the cozy Insider cabins to the luxurious RockStar Quarters, each room is designed with a modern aesthetic and clever features.
| Cabin Type | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Insider | Budget-conscious cruisers who spend minimal time in cabin | Mood lighting, no window |
| Sea View | Those wanting natural light without balcony premium | Porthole window |
| Sea Terrace | Most first-timers (our recommendation) | Private balcony + hammock |
| RockStar Quarters | Special occasions, luxury seekers, the ultimate experience | 120-day dining, Richard’s Rooftop, dedicated agents |
As a first-time cruiser, I typically recommend a Sea Terrace cabin with Essential or Premium fare. The private balcony with hand-woven hammock transforms your experience—there’s nothing like coffee at sunrise or a nightcap under the stars from your own terrace.
Stay Ship-Shape with Onboard Fitness
For those who like to stay active even on vacation, Virgin Voyages has you covered. The state-of-the-art B-Complex fitness center offers sweeping ocean views and a variety of classes, from sunrise yoga to HIIT workouts, cycling, and even bungee fitness. Don’t miss the VHS Workout—an 80s-inspired aerobics class that’s uniquely Virgin. All group fitness classes are included in your fare, so there’s no excuse not to stay in shape while at sea.
Enjoy a Smooth Embarkation
Virgin Voyages has streamlined the boarding process to make it as smooth as possible for first-time cruisers. If you’re sailing from Miami, you’ll experience the stunning Terminal V, an energy-efficient and beautifully designed port. Here’s what to expect:
- Luggage drop-off: Begins at 9 AM—drop your bags early and explore Miami
- Boarding begins: 2:15 PM (select your Terminal Arrival Time via the app)
- Pro tip: Arrive at your scheduled time—arriving early doesn’t mean boarding early
- RockStar Sailors: Separate entrance at Palm Way with lounge access from 12:30 PM
Make the Most of Shore Excursions
While the onboard experience is incredible, don’t forget to explore the destinations you’ll visit. Virgin Voyages offers a variety of Shore Things, curated excursions that provide authentic experiences in each port. Many Virgin Voyages itineraries also feature long stays or overnight stops in popular ports, giving you ample time to explore without feeling rushed.
Understand the Booking Policies
As a first-time cruiser, here are the key booking policies to know:
- 24-Hour Hold: If you’re booking more than 45 days before the voyage, you can hold your cabin for 24 hours with no financial commitment
- Deposits: 20% deposit required more than 120 days out; full payment due within 120 days
- Grace Period: 7-day grace period for full refund on deposits (Essential/Premium fares, 120+ days out)
- Cancellation: Essential and Premium offer Future Voyage Credits; Base fares are non-refundable (another reason we don’t recommend them)
- Voyage Protection: Consider purchasing for peace of mind
Consider Special Sailings
Virgin Voyages offers a variety of themed voyages throughout the year. As a first-time cruiser, you might want to align your trip with one of these special sailings for an enhanced experience—from Eat & Drink Month to Well-Being Season in January to Halloween Voyages.
Plan and Pack Wisely
While Virgin Voyages doesn’t enforce a formal dress code, here are some packing essentials:
- Red outfit: Essential for Scarlet Night
- Comfortable resort casual: The everyday vibe
- Workout gear: For those included fitness classes
- Sunscreen and swimwear: For the pool deck and Beach Club
- Shore excursion essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, reef-safe sunscreen
Take Advantage of Financing Options
If you’re concerned about the cost of your first cruise, Virgin Voyages offers financing options through Uplift. This can make your dream vacation more accessible by allowing you to spread the cost over time with fixed monthly payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included with Virgin Voyages’ Always Included Luxury?
Virgin Voyages includes over $1,000 in value with every sailing: all 20+ restaurant dining venues, WiFi (tier depends on fare class), essential drinks (water, coffee, tea, sodas, non-pressed juices), group fitness classes, and entertainment. Service gratuities are now displayed separately ($20/night prepaid or $22/night onboard) for bookings made after October 7, 2025.
What is the age requirement for Virgin Voyages?
Virgin Voyages is exclusively adults-only. All guests must be at least 18 years of age at the time of sailing.
Which VoyageFair Choice should I book?
We strongly recommend Essential fare for most sailors—it delivers the true Virgin Voyages experience with flexibility and 45-day dining reservations. For the ultimate experience, choose Premium or RockStar Quarters. We do not recommend Base or Lock It In rates due to their significant restrictions.
What should I pack for Scarlet Night?
Pack at least one red outfit for Scarlet Night—this ship-wide party is a signature Virgin Voyages experience where everyone dresses in red.
What does “Top 100 First Mate” mean?
Top 100 First Mate is an elite recognition from Virgin Voyages, awarded to fewer than 100 travel advisors across all of North America. It represents the highest level of expertise, booking volume, and client satisfaction. When you work with a Top 100 First Mate like CamJon Travel, you’re getting guidance from one of the most experienced Virgin Voyages specialists in the country.
Your First Virgin Voyages Cruise Starts Here
As a Top 100 First Mate in North America, I’ve helped hundreds of first-time cruisers create unforgettable Virgin Voyages experiences. The new VoyageFair Choices system can be confusing—but I make it simple. When you book with CamJon Travel, you get:
- ✨ Top 100 expertise—among the most recognized Virgin Voyages specialists in North America
- ✨ Fare class guidance to ensure you get the experience you deserve (not a restricted Base fare)
- ✨ Personalized cruise playbook with everything you need to know
- ✨ Insider cabin selection based on your preferences
- ✨ Dedicated support before, during, and after your voyage
- ✨ No booking fees—my services are complimentary
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Limited availability for 2025 sailings • Don’t miss your perfect cabin
As you prepare for your first cruise with Virgin Voyages in 2025, remember that this isn’t your typical cruise experience. With its adults-only policy, Always Included Luxury, and innovative approach to dining and entertainment, Virgin Voyages offers a fresh take on sea travel that’s perfect for first-time cruisers looking for something different. Just make sure you book Essential or higher—you deserve the full Virgin Voyages experience, not a restricted fare that limits your options.
For more detailed information on Virgin Voyages as well as expert travel tips and destination guides, be sure to explore our extensive resources at CamJon Travel. As a Top 100 First Mate, I’m here to ensure your first cruising experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Bon voyage!
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.