Unlock Virgin Voyages Early: Is Splash of Romance Worth It for Priority Boarding?

Virgin Voyages has shaken up the cruise industry with its exclusively adult voyages, innovative dining concepts, and uniquely stylish ships. If you’re planning an escape on one of their ‘Lady Ships’ and looking to elevate the experience – perhaps for a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply because you deserve it – you might have encountered the alluring “Splash of Romance” package. But beyond the promise of bubbly and spa time, does this add-on deliver real value? And what’s this about a “hidden gem” benefit?

As Gold Tier Virgin Voyages specialists, we at CamJon Travel pride ourselves on providing honest, expert advice to help you get the absolute most out of your sailing. We’ve delved into the details and analyzed sailor feedback to give you the inside scoop on the Splash of Romance package, particularly focusing on its often-underestimated strategic advantage: priority boarding.

Unlock the Romance: What’s Inside the Splash of Romance Package?

First things first, the Splash of Romance (often abbreviated SOR by Virgin insiders) is an optional add-on package designed to enhance your voyage. It must be purchased before you sail; it’s not available once onboard.

Currently, the package is priced at $250 per cabin. It’s crucial to note this is per cabin, covering both sailors, not per person – a significant distinction compared to many per-person add-ons found on other cruise lines. This pricing structure inherently offers better value for couples. Keep in mind this price is subject to change by Virgin Voyages.

What truly adds to its allure (and necessitates quick action if you’re interested) is its exclusivity. The Splash of Romance package is strictly limited to approximately 90 cabins per sailing. This scarcity means it often sells out rapidly, especially on popular itineraries. This limited availability not only creates a sense of urgency but also enhances the perceived value of the included perks, particularly the priority boarding, as only a small number of sailors gain this specific advantage through the package. The high demand relative to the limited supply underscores the strategic importance of securing this package early if its benefits align with your priorities.

You can typically add the Splash of Romance package via the Virgin Voyages app or website under the “Add-Ons” section after confirming your main cruise booking. If you encounter any issues or it shows as sold out, contacting CamJon Travel is always a good step – we can assist with the process or check for any last-minute availability, although cancellations are rare. It’s also wise to double-check your booking confirmation, as some sailors have reported glitches causing the package to disappear from their accounts.

Beyond the Bubbly: Deconstructing the Perks & Value

While the name evokes romance, the package delivers a blend of tangible treats and highly practical benefits. Let’s break down each perk to understand its real-world value.

The VIP Headstart: Priority Boarding Unveiled (The Hidden Gem)

This, in our expert opinion at CamJon Travel, is the standout, often underestimated, “hidden gem” of the Splash of Romance package. Forget just skipping a line; this is about gaining a crucial time advantage that many sailors cite as their primary reason for purchasing the package.

• How it Works: SOR grants access to a dedicated priority check-in line at the terminal. Regardless of the arrival time you selected in the app (which becomes irrelevant for this perk), SOR holders should aim to arrive at the terminal around 1:00-1:15 PM for the priority boarding window.
• The Timing Advantage: Virgin Voyages employs a tiered boarding system. RockStar and Mega RockStar suite guests board first, typically starting around 1:30 PM. Immediately following them, Deep Blue Extras (Virgin’s top-tier loyalty members) and Splash of Romance package holders are invited to board, usually around 1:45 PM. General boarding commences later, often around 2:15 PM.
• The Real Value Explained: That 30-45 minute head start before the majority of sailors board is strategically invaluable. It allows you to:
  • Secure High-Demand Bookings: Be among the first to access the onboard Wi-Fi and Virgin Voyages app to book or adjust reservations. This is critical for snagging spots in popular, limited-capacity fitness classes (like the notoriously quick-to-fill Bungee class), securing preferred time slots at the Redemption Spa, or grabbing any remaining prime dining times before the app gets flooded. As ship occupancy increases and some entertainment shifts away from pre-booking, this early access becomes even more vital.
  • Start Your Vacation Sooner: Head straight to your cabin (they’re ready upon boarding), drop off carry-on bags, enjoy a leisurely, uncrowded lunch at The Galley or The Dock, grab your first cocktail, and explore the ship’s stunning spaces before the main rush begins. It effectively extends your first day onboard, maximizing relaxation and enjoyment from the very start.

This early access transforms priority boarding from a simple convenience into a significant strategic advantage for crafting your ideal onboard schedule, making it arguably the most valuable component of the package for many sailors.

Spa Serenity: Your Thermal Suite Escape

Indulge in relaxation with two included 3-hour passes to the Redemption Spa’s Thermal Suite. This tranquil space features a sauna, steam room, mud room, salt room, hot and cold plunge pools, a hydrotherapy pool, and heated marble hammam benches for ultimate unwinding. Don’t miss the unique mud room experience! A key tip: these passes are per cabin, so one person can use both, or they can be shared. Given that a single 3-hour pass typically costs $59-$79 depending on whether it’s a port or sea day, this perk alone represents a value of $118-$158. Crucial Advice: Use your priority boarding advantage to head straight to the spa (Deck 5) upon embarking to book your preferred time slots, as popular times, especially on sea days, get booked very quickly.

Pop the Cork: Shake for Champagne

Experience one of Virgin Voyages’ signature playful touches! The package includes one complimentary “Shake for Champagne” delivery. Simply give your phone a shake while the Virgin Voyages app is open, press the button, and a chilled 750ml bottle of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut will be delivered to your location anywhere on the ship – your cabin, a sun lounger, a cozy bar corner. It’s a fun, celebratory perk valued at $105 based on typical onboard pricing. Remember to check your folio after using this perk to ensure the charge was correctly credited, as occasional glitches have been reported.

Toast the Sunset: Exclusive Sail Away Hour

Mingle with fellow romantics (or savvy perk-seekers) at an exclusive cocktail hour just for Splash of Romance guests. This event is usually held once per voyage, often on the second evening (check your cabin for the specific invitation), in a scenic location like The Perch or near The Athletic Club. Enjoy complimentary sparkling wine and sangria while soaking in the views and perhaps some live music. Depending on how much you enjoy the free-flowing drinks, this hour can easily represent a value of $50 or more.

Sweet Surprises: Sultry Bites & Daily Juice

The package also includes a couple of smaller indulgences. “Sultry Bites” are small plates featuring treats like chocolates or macarons, delivered to your cabin two or three times during your voyage, depending on its length. Reviews on these are mixed, but they offer a little surprise treat. Additionally, each sailor gets one daily cold-pressed juice, available for pickup during a specific morning window (usually 7:30-9:30 AM or similar) at the Gym & Tonic bar on Deck 15. While tasty and valued around $9-$10 each, some find the pickup window a bit restrictive or forget to utilize the perk daily.

The $250 Question: Is Splash of Romance Worth It For You?

Now for the crucial calculation: does the $250 price tag justify the perks? Let’s look at the approximate tangible value:

Perk	Estimated Value (per cabin)
Priority Boarding	Strategic Advantage (Priceless)
Thermal Spa Passes (2 x 3hr)	~$158 (using $79/pass avg.)
Shake for Champagne (Moët)	$105
Exclusive Sail Away Hour	~$50+ (estimate based on drinks)
Sultry Bites	~$30-$60 (estimate)
Daily Cold-Pressed Juice	~$18-$20 per day for two (value depends on usage & voyage length)
Total Tangible Value (Approx.)	~$343 – $373 + Daily Juice Value (Excluding Priority Boarding)

Purely based on the quantifiable items (Spa, Champagne, Cocktail Hour, Bites), the package value already exceeds the $250 cost, even before factoring in the daily juices and the significant, albeit intangible, value of priority boarding. The calculation clearly shows a positive return on investment for those who will utilize the main components.

Who benefits most from this package?

• First-Time Virgin Voyages Sailors: SOR offers a great curated taste of VV perks, and the priority boarding is invaluable for navigating a new ship and booking system efficiently.
• Spa Enthusiasts: If you planned on purchasing thermal suite access anyway, the package essentially pays for itself with this perk alone, making the other benefits feel like bonuses.
• Celebrators (Anniversaries, Honeymoons): Adds a touch of special occasion sparkle with champagne, spa time, and treats, enhancing the celebratory mood.
• Value Seekers Who Will Use the Perks: If you’ll genuinely use the spa, drink the champagne, enjoy the juices, and appreciate early boarding, it’s a strong value proposition.
• Those Who NEED Early Boarding: Anyone prioritizing specific fitness classes or spa times, or simply wanting to maximize their first day onboard, will find the strategic advantage of priority boarding justifies the cost.

Who might reconsider purchasing Splash of Romance?

• RockStar/Mega RockStar Sailors: There’s significant overlap in perks, especially priority boarding. Mega Rockstars also have enhanced drink benefits and potentially spa access, making SOR largely redundant.
• Deep Blue Extras Sailors: You already receive priority boarding and an exclusive cocktail event through the Sailing Club loyalty program. This diminishes SOR’s unique value, though the spa passes and champagne might still hold appeal if worth $250 to you.
• Budget-Focused Sailors Not Using Perks: If the spa doesn’t appeal, you don’t care for Moët, and early boarding isn’t a priority, that $250 might be better allocated elsewhere, perhaps towards a Bar Tab.
• Solo Travelers: While they *can* purchase it for the cabin, the value diminishes as perks like champagne and two spa passes are designed for couples. Priority boarding might still be appealing, but likely not worth $250 alone.

The package’s worth hinges significantly on individual preferences and existing loyalty status. For sailors without top-tier status, the combination of strategic priority boarding and valuable tangible perks presents a compelling offer, especially given its limited nature.

Act Fast! Securing Your Splash of Romance

Remember, with only around 90 packages available per voyage, Splash of Romance sells out quickly. It absolutely must be added before your cruise via the Virgin Voyages app or website under “Add-Ons”. It cannot be purchased onboard. If it shows as unavailable, don’t despair immediately – check back occasionally or contact CamJon Travel. While rare, cancellations can happen, and sometimes glitches occur (some sailors have reported the package disappearing from their account, so it’s wise to double-check your booking confirmation).

Sail Smarter with CamJon Travel

Navigating the unique offerings of Virgin Voyages, like the Splash of Romance package, is where having an expert advisor truly shines. As Gold Tier First Mates with Virgin Voyages, CamJon Travel possesses deep, firsthand knowledge of the ships, perks, and how to maximize value. We don’t just book cruises; we craft experiences tailored to you.

Whether you need help deciding if Splash of Romance fits your travel style, assistance adding it to your booking, or comprehensive planning for your entire Virgin Voyages adventure including flights and hotels, we’re here to help. Explore our travel planning services, learn more about our commitment, or browse our blog for more Virgin Voyages insights, including guides on Rockstar Suites and understanding the Bar Tab.

Unsure if Splash of Romance is right for your specific sailing and style? Let our Virgin Voyages experts at CamJon Travel help you decide.

Is the Splash Worth the Splurge? Final Thoughts

The Virgin Voyages Splash of Romance package offers tangible value that generally exceeds its $250 price tag, especially when considering the cost of spa passes and champagne. However, its true brilliance often lies in the strategic advantage of priority boarding – the “hidden gem” that allows you to secure coveted reservations and start your vacation ahead of the crowd.

For first-time sailors or those looking to maximize their onboard schedule and enjoy some pampering, CamJon Travel highly recommends considering this limited-availability package. For RockStars and Deep Blue Extras members, the value proposition is less clear due to overlapping benefits.

Ready to add that extra sparkle and strategic advantage to your voyage?