Sailor Loot vs Bar Tab on Virgin Voyages: What’s the Difference?
Current as of September 12, 2026 · By Cameron DeJong · CamJon Travel
Virgin Voyages does not sell a classic “unlimited drink package.” Instead, Sailors use two credit types — Bar Tab and Sailor Loot — plus whatever is already built into the fare. Getting the labels right saves money and avoids end-of-cruise sticker shock.
For the deeper sip/spa strategy guide, see CamJon Travel’s companion: Sip, Spa, Splurge — Bar Tab & Sailor Loot. For what’s included in the fare overall, start with Is Virgin Voyages really all-inclusive?
What is Bar Tab?
Bar Tab is prepaid or promotional credit earmarked for eligible drinks: cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, pressed juices, and premium non-alcoholic drinks that sit outside the free essential-drinks set (still/sparkling water, soda, drip coffee/tea, basic juices).
- How Sailors get it: Pre-purchase (often with a bonus — offers vary), VoyageFair Premium fare inclusion, group bookings (Group Bar Tab), or promotions.
- What it does not cover: Spa, Shore Things, retail, cabin gifts, most paid activities.
- Unused balance: Typically expires at the end of the voyage — plan to finish Bar Tab first.
What is Sailor Loot?
Sailor Loot is flexible onboard credit — closer to cash on your Band. It commonly covers:
- Drinks (after Bar Tab is gone)
- Shore Things / excursions
- Spa & wellness
- Shops & Squid Ink
- Treat Yourself menu extras
- Many paid onboard experiences
- Wi‑Fi upgrades when you want a higher tier than your fare includes
Loot often arrives via booking promotions, First Mate / agency perks, or goodwill gestures. It is not the same thing as Group Bar Tab.
Bar Tab vs Sailor Loot at a glance
| Credit | Best for | Won’t cover | Typical source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar Tab | Drinks only — cocktails, specialty coffee, premium NA | Spa, Shore Things, shops, most extras | Pre-purchase, Premium fare, Group Bar Tab, promos |
| Sailor Loot | Flexible spend across ship & many shore extras | Cruise fare itself; some taxes/fees; rules vary by promo | Booking promos, advisor perks, select offers |
What’s the best spend order?
- Use Bar Tab first anytime you’re buying an eligible drink.
- Use Sailor Loot for spa, Shore Things, shopping, Treat Yourself, and drinks after Bar Tab is empty.
- Watch the app — balances update as you tap your Band.
- Don’t assume leftover Bar Tab rolls over — most offers expire with the voyage.
How VoyageFair changes the picture
Since VoyageFair Choices (bookings on/after October 7, 2025 framing), fare type matters:
- Premium — includes a Bar Tab (per-Sailor / per-night structure on the fare; confirm your sailing).
- Essential / Base / Lock It In — no automatic Premium-style Bar Tab; add Bar Tab if you want a drinks cushion.
- Wi‑Fi is fare-tier (Basic / Classic / Premium / Work from Sea) — Loot can help fund an upgrade, but don’t assume Classic is free on every fare.
Group Bar Tab (official 2026 ladder)
If your cabins are in the Virgin Voyages Groups Program, every eligible cabin gets Group Bar Tab by voyage length:
| Voyage length | Group Bar Tab per cabin |
|---|---|
| 5 nights or less (includes 3-night sailings) | $50 |
| 6–9 nights | $100 |
| 10+ nights | $200 |
That ladder is Bar Tab, not Sailor Loot. Details: Virgin Voyages Groups Program 2026 guide.
Gratuities (so Bar Tab math stays honest)
Daily service gratuities are separate under VoyageFair — about $20 per Sailor per night if prepaid, or about $22 if settled onboard. Once covered, no additional tipping is expected on drinks, dining, or spa. That’s different from “tips included in the fare.”
FAQ
What is the difference between Sailor Loot and Bar Tab?
Bar Tab = drinks only. Sailor Loot = flexible onboard credit for drinks plus spa, Shore Things, retail, and more. Spend Bar Tab first.
Does Premium fare include Bar Tab?
Yes under VoyageFair Premium — confirm the amount on your booking. Other fare types usually need pre-purchase or a promo.
What is the Group Bar Tab amount?
$50 (≤5 nights) / $100 (6–9) / $200 (10+), per eligible cabin.
Can Bar Tab pay for spa or Shore Things?
No — use Sailor Loot or your Band.
Is unused Bar Tab refundable?
Typically no; it usually expires at voyage end. Check your offer terms.
Do I tip on drinks bought with Bar Tab?
Once daily service gratuities (~$20/$22) are covered, no extra tip is expected. Menu price is the final price.
Ready to spend smarter onboard?
CamJon Travel helps Sailors choose fare type, Bar Tab size, and promos so Loot and Bar Tab actually match how you sail — without invented dollar promises.
Plan My Voyage Take the Perfect Cruise Quiz Email cameron@camjontravel.com
Group Bar Tab ladder aligned to Virgin Voyages Groups Program press (June 3, 2026). VoyageFair Premium Bar Tab / gratuities framing aligned to VoyageFair Choices materials. Confirm live offer terms and fare inclusions on your sailing before you buy.
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. As a Top 100 First Mate in North America for 2025, Cameron brings knowledgeable, firsthand guidance to every Sailor. Having been a specialist since the cruise line's inaugural voyage in 2021, he possesses an unparalleled 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.