Before you cruise with Virgin Voyages

How do I check in for my Virgin Voyages cruise?
Check-in is completed online, either through the Virgin Voyages Sailor App or via the official website under your "Account" or "Manage My Trip" section. The Sailor App is essential for your cruise, so we recommend downloading it (available on iOS and Android) as soon as your booking is confirmed.

When can I check in?
Online check-in opens 45 days before your sail date. If you're staying in RockStar Quarters, you'll benefit from an extended window, opening 60 days before you sail.

Why should I check in as soon as the window opens?
Virgin Voyages assigns terminal arrival time slots, and these are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you complete check-in, including your document scan and selfie upload, the earlier your choice of arrival slot. We recommend checking in on the very first day your window opens to secure the best possible time.

What do I need to complete check-in?
You'll need your passport and a clear, well-lit photo of yourself, taken within the app. Completing these as soon as your check-in window opens will help you avoid any delays.

What should I do before my check-in window opens?
Download the Sailor App and link it to your booking reference at least a week before your 45-day (or 60-day) mark. This way, you're all set to check in the moment your window becomes available.

What is my boarding pass?
Your boarding pass, along with your digital room key and muster drill confirmation, is generated within the Sailor App once check-in is fully complete. As Virgin Voyages operates a fully digital process, all steps must be finished before you arrive at the terminal.

I'm staying in RockStar Quarters — is there anything extra I should know?
Yes — your 60-day check-in window is a valuable perk. Take advantage of it early to secure priority terminal access and arrange your private transfer.

Passports are required for all cruises. Please check that your passport has at least 6 months validity from the return date of your trip. If you or any member of your party is not a British citizen or holds a non-British passport, you must check passport and visa requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the country(ies) to or through which you are intending to travel. Please always refer to the Foreign Travel Advice by Gov.uk here.

While it is not a a condition of booking that all guests hold fully comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers cruise holidays, it is strongly recommended that Guests hold adequate cover due to the potential for unexpected events before, during, and after a cruise. Furthermore, given Virgin's strict non-refundable payment terms, it is advisable to hold adequate coverage. Cover must be valid for the entire duration of your chosen itinerary, provides full health coverage for all pre-existing conditions and the costs of medical repatriations, plus specific cover for covid-19 related issues. It should also include Personal Luggage insurance since there is limited liability for loss or damage. Please refer to our trusted partner Just Travel Cover who offer comprehensive cover options from multiple insurers, have no upper age limit, and cover for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions.

What power sockets are available in my cabin?
Virgin Voyages cabins are fitted with a mix of sockets to suit international travellers. As a UK guest, you'll find standard UK 3-pin sockets in your cabin, so there's no need to pack an adapter for your everyday plugs. European and US-style sockets are also available at the vanity, desk, and workspace areas.

Are there USB charging ports?
Yes — USB-A and USB-C ports are built into the bedside reading lights and desk consoles, so you can charge your phone, tablet, or smartwatch without needing a wall adapter. The bedside ports are especially handy, meaning your phone can charge right next to you overnight.

Can I bring an extension cord or power strip?
No. For safety reasons, extension cords, power strips, and surge protectors are not permitted onboard. If packed in your luggage, these items will be confiscated at the terminal security checkpoint, so we'd recommend leaving them at home.

Does Virgin Voyages have a formal dress code?
No — Virgin Voyages has done away with traditional cruise dress codes entirely. There are no formal nights and no jacket-and-tie requirements, so you're free to dress as you like throughout your voyage.

What should I wear during the day?
Daytime is all about comfort. Resort wear, swimwear, activewear, shorts, and t-shirts are all perfectly suited to the pool decks, fitness areas, and casual eateries.

What should I wear in the evening?
Evenings have more of a smart-casual, nightlife feel, think a stylish night out in London or Miami. It's a chance to dress up and express your personal style, whether that's sleek and casual or a little more glamorous.

What is Scarlet Night?
Scarlet Night is Virgin's signature onboard party, and the only "rule" is to wear something red if you'd like to join in. It's entirely optional, but most sailors get involved, from a red accessory to a full red outfit.

Do I need to pack formalwear?
Not at all. With no formal nights, you can leave tuxedos, dinner jackets, and ball gowns at home, which is especially helpful when it comes to luggage space and airline baggage allowances. Virgin's dress code is all about self-expression, so however you like to dress, you'll fit right in.

How much luggage can I bring?
You're welcome to bring up to two pieces of checked luggage per person. These should be tagged with your official Virgin Voyages luggage tags, which you can print via the Sailor App before boarding, and handed to the porters at the terminal when you arrive.

What can I bring as carry-on?
You can bring one carry-on bag (such as a small backpack, tote, or roller bag) plus a personal item. Your carry-on will need to pass through a security scanner at the terminal, similar to airport security, so bear this in mind when packing.

Can I bring my own wine onboard?
Yes — you're permitted up to two bottles of wine or Champagne (750ml) per cabin, carried in your hand luggage. If you'd like to enjoy it in one of the specialty restaurants, this is allowed too, though a small corkage fee (around $15) may apply depending on the venue. Please note that hard liquor, beer, and any open containers are not permitted.

Are there any items I can't bring?
For safety reasons, a number of items are restricted onboard:

• Appliances such as irons, steamers, heating blankets, and coffee makers are not allowed, due to fire risk.
• Power strips, extension cords, and surge-protected adapters will be confiscated at security.
• Drones, weapons, and illegal substances (including CBD or marijuana products, even where legal at home) are strictly prohibited.

What should I pack in my carry-on for embarkation day?
We'd recommend packing your medications, swimwear, chargers, and travel documents in your carry-on bag. Your checked luggage will be delivered to your cabin later in the afternoon, so having these essentials to hand means you can head straight to the Pool Deck or The Dock for a drink while you wait.

Are gratuities included in my fare?
No, gratuities are shown as a separate charge, in line with Virgin Voyages' current VoyageFair Choices fare structure.

How much are gratuities, and how do I pay them?
You can either prepay before you sail at $20 USD per Sailor, per night, or have them added automatically to your onboard account at $22 USD per Sailor, per night. Prepaying secures the lower rate; paying onboard gives you more flexibility, with everything shown on your final folio.

Do I need to tip on top of this?
No. There's no expectation to leave additional tips at bars, restaurants, or with your cabin host. If you'd like to tip further, this is entirely optional, and would need to be given in cash (US dollars are preferred), as tips can't be added to your account or wearable band.

Are there any other automatic charges I should know about?
Yes, a 20% gratuity is automatically added to any individual purchases involving a bartender, server, or spa therapist, such as drinks or spa treatments. This is separate from the daily service charge above.

Can Virgin Voyages accommodate my dietary needs?
Yes. Virgin Voyages caters well to a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and kosher diets, as well as severe food allergies such as nuts, dairy, or shellfish. As all 20+ eateries prepare food fresh to order rather than from bulk-batch steam tables, the culinary teams are able to customise dishes and guide you through allergen-safe options at venues including The Wake, Razzle Dazzle (which has a strong plant-forward menu), and Extra Virgin.

How do I let Virgin Voyages know about my dietary requirements?
You can add your dietary needs directly in the Sailor App, either as soon as you book or during your check-in window, under the dietary restrictions section of your profile. Doing this as early as possible allows the ship's provisioning and culinary teams to stock the right ingredients well ahead of your voyage.

What if I have a severe allergy or a strict medical dietary requirement?
For more complex needs, such as strict coeliac protocols or severe anaphylactic allergies, we'd recommend contacting Virgin's Sailor Services team directly, ideally at least 45 days before you sail, so they can put the right precautions in place.

Do I need to say anything once I'm onboard?
Yes. Even with your dietary profile on file, it's a good habit to let your server or host know at the start of each meal, including at casual venues like The Galley. This ensures your order is flagged and handled safely every time.

Is it safe for guests with coeliac disease or similar conditions?
Virgin's scratch-made kitchens help reduce the risk of cross-contamination compared to more traditional cruise lines. That said, notifying the team early via the Sailor App is still the key first step to a smooth, worry-free dining experience onboard.