10/16/2026
CRUISE LIKE A PRO – VIRGIN VOYAGES
LOCK IT IN, BASE, ESSENTIAL OR PREMIUM – WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Last week, we talked about what's included when sailing with Virgin Voyages. This week, let's look at something just as important .. understanding the different cruise fares!
Virgin Voyages offers four fare options, and while everyone enjoys the same great dining, entertainment and adults-only atmosphere, there are some important differences in what you get for your money.
Let's break them down!
LOCK IT IN RATE – Lowest price
Great for cruisers who know exactly when they want to travel and aren't concerned about cabin location.
Wi-Fi: Basic Wi-Fi for 1 device per passenger, suitable for messaging, social media and light browsing.
Dining Reservations: Open 15 days before sailing.
Cabin Selection: Guarantee cabin category. Virgin Voyages assigns your cabin closer to departure. No cabin changes permitted.
Flexibility: Non-refundable, with very restrictive change conditions.
Sailor Loot: Generally excluded from many promotional offers.
BASE FARE – KEEP IT SIMPLE
A straightforward cruise fare for those who want to enjoy Virgin Voyages without paying for additional benefits.
Wi-Fi: Basic Wi-Fi for 1 device per passenger.
Dining Reservations: Open 15 days before sailing.
Cabin Selection: Cabin assigned automatically within your booked category. No cabin changes permitted.
Flexibility: Non-refundable, with restrictive change conditions.
Sailor Loot: May qualify for promotional onboard credit, depending on the offer.
ESSENTIAL FARE – MORE FLEXIBILITY, MORE VALUE
For cruisers who appreciate added flexibility, better Wi-Fi and earlier access to dining reservations.
Wi-Fi: Classic Wi-Fi for 1 device per passenger, including browsing, social media, messaging and audio calling.
Dining Reservations: Open 45 days before sailing.
Cabin Selection: Cabin changes permitted, subject to availability.
Flexibility: More favourable change and Future Voyage Credit options, subject to booking conditions and deadlines.
Sailor Loot / Bar Tab: May qualify for promotional onboard credits and beverage offers on eligible sailings.
PREMIUM FARE – MORE PERKS, MORE FLEXIBILITY
For cruisers who want to make the most of their Virgin Voyages experience!
Wi-Fi: Premium Wi-Fi for 2 devices per passenger, including streaming and video calls.
Dining Reservations: Open 60 days before sailing.
Cabin Selection: Cabin changes permitted, subject to availability.
Flexibility: Enhanced booking flexibility, subject to applicable conditions.
Bar Tab: Includes a beverage credit, with the amount depending on the sailing.
Priority Support: Dedicated pre-voyage support.
Sailor Loot: May qualify for additional promotional onboard credit, depending on the offer.
WHAT ABOUT SAILOR LOOT AND BAR TAB?
Here's something worth understanding!
Sailor Loot is onboard credit that can be used toward eligible purchases such as beverages, spa treatments, shopping and other onboard experiences.
Bar Tab is specifically for beverages, including cocktails, w**e, b**r, specialty coffees and other eligible drinks.
Virgin Voyages regularly offers promotions featuring Sailor Loot or Bar Tab, but the amounts and eligibility depend on the sailing, fare and promotion.
LUC'S CRUISE TIP
My go-to recommendation is to start with the Essential Fare. It offers a great balance of value and perks, including a 45-day dining reservation window, better Wi-Fi than the Base fare, and the opportunity to take advantage of promotional Sailor Loot or Bar Tab offers.
For me, it's the sweet spot between price, flexibility and added benefits.
Of course, it's always worth comparing the Premium Fare to see if the extra perks justify the difference in price!
Remember, the cheapest advertised fare isn't always the best value!
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