Virgin Voyages is one of the newest cruise lines to enter the industry, and it’s made quite the entrance with a bold, modern, and unconventional approach to cruising. From dining to entertainment, the brand does things differently, and that includes how drinks are handled onboard!
If you’re researching drink options before your cruise, you’re not alone! Drink packages are one of the most popular pre-cruise add-ons, and Virgin Voyages’ approach can be confusing at first, especially if you’re used to traditional unlimited packages.
That’s because Virgin Voyages does not offer a standard unlimited drink package.
Instead, the cruise line uses a flexible, prepaid system called Bar Tab. Many sailors actually find the Bar Tab to be more transparent, easier to budget for, and better suited to casual or moderate drinkers than traditional cruise drink packages.
Below, you’ll find a clear, easy-to-follow breakdown of how Virgin Voyages’ Bar Tab works, what it covers, how much it costs, and whether it’s worth purchasing for your cruise.
What is Virgin Voyages’ Bar Tab?
Virgin Voyages’ Bar Tab is a prepaid drink credit that you can add to your booking before you sail.
Rather than paying a flat daily fee for unlimited drinks, you load a set amount of money onto your onboard account. Even better, Virgin Voyages will add bonus drink credits on top when you prepay for your Bar Tab!
Once onboard, drinks are simply deducted from your Bar Tab balance.
When you arrive at the terminal, you’ll receive The Band, which is Virgin Voyages’ wearable wristlet that’s linked to your Sailor account. Each time you order a drink during your cruise, you just swipe The Band and the cost comes out of your Bar Tab.
If you run out of credits, additional drinks are charged to your onboard account instead.
What drinks does Virgin Voyages’ Bar Tab cover?
Bar Tab pays for almost any drink you’ll find onboard your Virgin Voyages cruise, including:
- Beer (draft, bottles, and buckets)
- Wine by the glass or bottle
- Cocktails and signature drinks
- Mocktails and zero-proof cocktails
- Specialty coffees and espresso drinks
- Fresh-pressed juices and smoothies
- Energy drinks, floats, and kombucha
You can also use Bar Tab for drinks at all onboard bars and lounges, including restaurants and cafes. Moreover, your Bar Tab also works at The Beach Club at Bimini (on select Caribbean sailings).
What drinks are included on Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages includes several drinks in your cruise fare, meaning you won’t need to use your Bar Tab for the following beverages:
- Still and sparkling water
- Fountain sodas
- Drip coffee and tea
- Juices
- Milk and select non-dairy creamers
Virgin Voyages Bar Tab prices (with bonus credits)
One of the biggest perks of Bar Tab is that it “pays to prepay”.
When you purchase a Bar Tab before sailing, Virgin adds extra drink credits to your account. This is essentially receiving free drinks during your cruise, so it’s a good idea to prepay your Bar Tab before setting sail!
Here’s how the current Bar Tab tiers break down:
| You Pay | Total Drink Credit | Example Drinks Covered |
|---|---|---|
| $200 | $225 | 32 beers • 25 glasses of wine • 17 mojitos • 45 lattes |
| $300 | $350 | 50 beers • 38 glasses of wine • 26 mojitos • 70 lattes |
| $500 | $600 | 85 beers • 66 glasses of wine • 46 mojitos • 40 espresso martinis |
| $750 | $925 | 24 Heineken buckets • 20 mojito pitchers • 37 glasses of Moët Impérial |
| $1,000 | $1,250 | 34 Heineken buckets • 27 mojito pitchers • 10 Moët Impérial bottles |
Why Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer a traditional drink package
Virgin Voyages intentionally avoids unlimited drink packages, and that’s a major part of its brand philosophy.
With the Bar Tab, there are no daily drink caps, no restrictions on ordering multiple drinks at once, and no requirement for every guest in a cabin to buy into the same package. This provides more flexibility to guests, compared to other cruise lines that easily charge $1,000 or more for unlimited drink packages.
In addition, Bar Tab is entirely optional. One Sailor can purchase it while another chooses not to. This is a refreshing change from the mandatory cabin-wide policies seen on many cruise lines.
You’re also free to use your Bar Tab however you like, whether that means covering your own drinks, treating your cabin mate, or buying a round for new friends you meet onboard.
However, the only real catch is that Bar Tab credits aren’t refundable and can’t be converted into onboard credit at the end of the voyage. If you have a balance left near the end of the cruise, many Sailors see it as the perfect excuse for one last round!
Where can you use Bar Tab on a Virgin Voyages cruise?
Bar Tab works everywhere drinks are served on a Virgin Voyages cruise, from morning to night. Popular spots to get drinks include:
- The Grounds Club – Barista-crafted coffees and pastries
- Gym & Tonic – Fresh juices, smoothies, and wellness cocktails
- The Aquatic Club – Poolside classics like mojitos and frozen margaritas
- Sip Lounge – Champagne, bubbles, and afternoon elegance
- The Dock & Dock House – Sunset spritzes and Mediterranean-inspired drinks
- On The Rocks – Live music and classic cocktails
- The Loose Cannon – Nautical-themed dive bar with signature drinks
- Draught Haus – Beer-focused lounge with craft and international options
- Sun Club & Social Club – Frozen drinks, floats, and casual favorites
What happens if your Bar Tab runs out?
If your Bar Tab balance reaches zero, any additional drinks you order will be charged automatically to your onboard account, so there’s no interruption when ordering.
If you end your voyage with unused Bar Tab credit, it’s important to know that the balance is non-refundable and can’t be converted into onboard credit.
Is Virgin Voyages Bar Tab worth it?
For many cruisers, Bar Tab is worthwhile for its flexibility and value. Bar Tab is especially appealing if you enjoy cocktails, wine, specialty coffee, or fresh juices and like the idea of prepaying to avoid surprise charges later.
The bonus drink credits will definitely add value to your investment. Also, the lack of rules or pressure makes the experience feel relaxed rather than transactional.
If you don’t plan to drink much, you can skip Bar Tab entirely and simply pay per drink. Virgin Voyages’ onboard drink prices are considered reasonable, and gratuities are already included, so there’s no hidden math to worry about.
If you only plan to drink occasionally, you can skip Bar Tab entirely and pay per drink. Many Sailors find that Virgin’s onboard pricing is fair, with tips already included.
