Virgin Cruises Are Not All-Inclusive, But They Cover More Than Most Lines

Virgin Cruises does not operate as an all-inclusive cruise line. Your ticket covers your cabin, most meals in the main dining room, and access to the ship's pools and gyms. You pay extra for specialty restaurants, alcoholic drinks, spa services, casino use, and shore excursions. The onboard experience costs more than your initial fare because Virgin charges separately for nearly everything beyond the basics.

This pricing model is standard across the cruise industry. Lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney follow the same structure: the advertised price gets you a cabin and basic food, but dining upgrades, beverages, and activities run additional charges. Virgin's approach is not unusual, but it is worth understanding before you book so you can budget realistically.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Virgin Cruises fare includes your cabin, breakfast and lunch in the main dining room, and access to pools and fitness facilities, but not specialty dining or drinks.
  • Alcoholic beverages, coffee, and soft drinks cost extra unless you purchase a beverage package in advance, which typically ranges from $15 to $25 per person per day.
  • Specialty restaurants on Virgin ships charge $15 to $35 per person per meal on top of your cruise fare.
  • Shore excursions, spa treatments, and casino play are all separate charges that can add hundreds of dollars to your total trip cost.
  • Booking a beverage package before your cruise is usually cheaper than paying per drink onboard.

What Your Virgin Cruises Fare Actually Covers

Your cruise ticket includes your cabin, all taxes and port fees, and access to the main dining room for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You also get the buffet, the poolside grill, and the casual cafés. Fitness classes, the gym, and most entertainment shows are included. Kids' clubs and teen programs run at no additional cost if your children are registered guests.

The main dining room serves a different menu each night, and you can eat there as many times as you want during your cruise. If you prefer to dine early or late, you can request a specific seating time when you board. The buffet and casual venues operate on an open schedule, so you can eat whenever hunger strikes without reservations.

Beverages and Drink Packages

Water, coffee, tea, and juice are free in the main dining room and at breakfast. Everywhere else on the ship, you pay for drinks. A bottle of beer costs around $7 to $9. A cocktail runs $12 to $16. Soft drinks and specialty coffees are $4 to $6 each. These prices add up quickly if you drink more than one or two beverages per day.

Virgin offers beverage packages that you can purchase before your cruise or on the first day onboard. A daily package typically costs $15 to $25 per person and covers beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, and coffee for 24 hours. If you plan to drink regularly, a package is cheaper than paying per drink. If you rarely drink alcohol, skipping the package and paying as you go makes sense.

Specialty Dining and Restaurant Charges

Virgin's ships have multiple specialty restaurants beyond the main dining room. These include steakhouses, Italian restaurants, and seafood venues. Each specialty restaurant charges $15 to $35 per person per meal. You must make a reservation, and the charge appears on your onboard account at the end of your cruise.

If you plan to eat at specialty restaurants on a seven-day cruise, budget $100 to $200 per person for dining upgrades alone. Some guests book one or two specialty dinners as a treat; others skip them entirely and eat in the main dining room every night. The choice depends on your budget and how much variety you want.

Shore Excursions and Activities Off the Ship

Excursions at each port—snorkeling, zip-lining, city tours, beach clubs—are sold separately and range from $50 to $300 per person depending on the activity and port. Virgin does not bundle these into your fare. You can book excursions through Virgin's website before your cruise or purchase them onboard, though onboard prices are sometimes higher.

You are not required to book an excursion at every port. Many guests explore ports on their own, rent a car, or straightforward relax on the beach without paying for a guided tour. If you do want organized activities, factor $100 to $400 per person for a week-long cruise depending on how many ports you visit and which activities interest you.

Spa, Casino, and Other Onboard Charges

The spa offers massages, facials, and body treatments at typical resort prices: $100 to $300 per service. A 50-minute massage costs around $200. If you want spa services, budget accordingly or skip them entirely. Many guests never visit the spa and do not miss it.

The casino charges no entry fee, but gambling losses are your own cost. Babysitting services, photo packages, and specialty fitness classes (like Pilates or yoga with a trainer) also carry separate charges. These are optional and most guests do not use them, but they exist if you want them.

How to Budget for a Virgin Cruise

Start with the advertised fare for your cabin. Add taxes and port fees, which Virgin includes in the price. Then add a beverage package if you drink ($15 to $25 per person per day). Budget for specialty dining if you want it ($15 to $35 per meal). Add shore excursions ($50 to $300 per activity). Include gratuities, which Virgin recommends at $15 to $16 per person per day.

A seven-day Virgin Cruises voyage might advertise at $1,200 per person, but your actual cost could be $1,800 to $2,200 per person once you add beverages, one or two specialty dinners, a couple of excursions, and gratuities. Knowing this upfront helps you decide whether the cruise fits your budget or whether you should look at other vacation options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy a beverage package?

No. You can pay per drink as you order. However, if you plan to have more than one or two drinks per day, a package is usually cheaper. Water and coffee are free in the dining room, so you can reduce costs by drinking those instead of paid beverages.

Are kids' meals free on Virgin Cruises?

Yes. Children eat free in the main dining room and at the buffet. Specialty restaurants charge the same per-person rate for kids as for adults, so a family dining at a specialty restaurant pays full price for each child.

Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

Virgin's policy allows one bottle of wine or champagne per cabin, brought in your luggage. You cannot bring beer or spirits. Any alcohol you bring must stay in your cabin; you cannot drink it in public areas of the ship.

What happens if I do not want to eat in specialty restaurants?

You can eat in the main dining room every night at no extra cost. The menu changes daily, and portions are generous. Many guests never visit a specialty restaurant and are completely satisfied with the included dining options.

Are gratuities included in the cruise fare?

No. Virgin recommends gratuities of $15 to $16 per person per day for your cabin attendant and dining staff. This is added to your onboard account automatically unless you adjust it before you leave the ship.