06/06/2026
🍸 Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Explained: What It Is (and What It Isn’t!)
One of the biggest questions I get from first-time Virgin Voyages sailors is about buying a Bar Tab before your cruise. You absolutely do not have to, but buying ahead of time might get some free drinks.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
✅ What is Bar Tab?
Bar Tab is prepaid onboard credit that can only be used for:
* Alcoholic beverages
* Specialty coffees
* Cold-pressed juices
If you purchase Bar Tab before sailing, Virgin gives you bonus money:
• Load $200 → Get $25 extra
• Load $300 → Get $50 extra
• Load $500 → Get $100 extra
• Load $750 → Get $175 extra
• Load $1,000 → Get $250 extra
💡 But here’s my advice: Don’t overbuy.
Bar Tab is non-refundable, so if you don’t use it, you lose it. I’d rather see you underestimate your drinking budget than load up $500 and spend the last day ordering random cocktails just to use it all.
🍹 Don’t want Bar Tab? No problem.
You can simply order drinks throughout your voyage and they’ll be charged to your onboard account just like a hotel room charge.
☕ What’s already included?
Virgin includes:
* Soda
* Still and sparkling water
* Hot coffee
* Tea
🚫 What isn’t available?
Virgin does not offer plastic bottled water because they have eliminated single-use plastic bottles onboard. In some sailings, they are now offering water in metal bottles as well as water stations on the ship and in carafes in your room.
📌 My rule of thumb:
* Light drinkers: Skip Bar Tab or purchase a small amount.
* Moderate drinkers: A small or mid-level Bar Tab may make sense.
* Heavy cocktail, wine, and specialty coffee drinkers: The larger bonus tiers can provide good value.
Have questions about whether Bar Tab makes sense for your sailing? Drop them below or send me a message and I’ll help you estimate what you’ll actually use! 🚢🍸✨
