Comparing Virgin Voyages Bar Tabs to Cruise Line Beverage Packages: What You Need to Know

When planning a cruise vacation, understanding how beverage costs work can make a big difference in your budget and overall experience. Virgin Voyages offers a unique approach with its bar tabs and drink packages, which stands apart from traditional cruise line beverage packages. This post breaks down the benefits of Virgin Voyages’ offerings, compares them to other cruise lines, and helps you estimate how much you might spend on adult beverages each night based on your drinking habits.

Virgin Voyages bar with cocktails and modern design

How Virgin Voyages Includes Standard Beverages in Your Fare

Virgin Voyages takes a fresh approach by including standard non-alcoholic beverages in the cruise fare. This means water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks are covered without extra charges. For many travelers, this is a welcome change from other cruise lines that often charge for sodas or bottled water.

However, adult beverages such as cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits are not included in the base fare. Instead, Virgin Voyages offers flexible options to cover these costs through bar tabs and drink packages.

Understanding Virgin Voyages Bar Tabs and Drink Packages

Virgin Voyages provides two main ways to manage your alcohol spending:

• Bar Tabs: You pre-purchase a set amount of credit to spend on drinks throughout your cruise. This works like a prepaid card for beverages.

• Drink Packages: These allow unlimited drinks within a certain category (e.g., cocktails, wine, beer) for a fixed daily price.

  
  

Benefits of Virgin Voyages Bar Tabs

• Flexibility: You only pay for what you use. If you drink less, you don’t lose money on unused credits.

• No daily minimums: Unlike some packages that require daily purchases, bar tabs let you spread your spending unevenly across the cruise.

• Easy to track: Your tab balance updates in real time, so you always know how much you have left.

• Gratuities included: Tips are built into the bar tab price, so you don’t have to worry about extra charges.

  
  

Benefits of Virgin Voyages Drink Packages

• Predictable costs: Pay a fixed price per day and enjoy unlimited drinks in your chosen category.

• Convenience: No need to worry about individual drink prices or running out of credits.

• Gratuities included: Like bar tabs, tips are included in the package price.

  
  

How Virgin Voyages Compares to Other Cruise Lines’ Beverage Packages

Most traditional cruise lines offer beverage packages that cover unlimited drinks for a daily fee. These packages often include:

• Cocktails, beer, wine by the glass

• Non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffees and bottled water

• Sometimes premium spirits or top-shelf liquors at an extra cost

  
  

Key Differences

| Feature | Virgin Voyages Bar Tabs/Packages | Other Cruise Lines Beverage Packages |

|-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|

| Standard non-alcoholic drinks| Included in base fare | Often extra or included in premium packages |

| Bar tab option | Yes, prepaid credit with no daily minimum | Rarely offered |

| Gratuities | Included in bar tab and packages | Usually included but sometimes extra |

| Flexibility | High with bar tabs, moderate with packages | Low, packages require daily purchase |

| Price predictability | Bar tabs less predictable, packages predictable| Packages predictable, pay-as-you-go less so |

Virgin Voyages’ bar tabs offer more flexibility than most other cruise lines, which typically require you to commit to a daily package fee. This can be a big advantage if your drinking habits vary day to day.

How Much Do Adult Beverages Cost on Virgin Voyages?

Prices for adult beverages on Virgin Voyages vary depending on the drink type and venue. Here are some typical price ranges:

• Cocktails: $12 to $16

• Beer: $7 to $10

• Wine by the glass: $10 to $15

• Spirits: $12 to $18

  
  

Since gratuities are included in bar tabs and drink packages, these prices represent your total cost per drink.

Estimating Your Alcohol Budget Per Night

Your nightly alcohol spending depends on how much you drink. Here are some examples to help you plan:

• Light Drinker (1-2 drinks per night)

Expect to spend around $15 to $30 per night.

• Moderate Drinker (3-4 drinks per night)

Budget $40 to $60 per night.

• Heavy Drinker (5+ drinks per night)

Prepare for $70 or more per night.

If you prefer cocktails, which tend to be pricier, your budget should lean toward the higher end of these ranges. Beer and wine drinkers might spend a bit less.

Choosing Between Bar Tabs and Drink Packages

• If you drink lightly or your consumption varies, a bar tab can save money by avoiding paying for unused drinks.

• If you drink consistently and enjoy multiple drinks daily, a drink package offers convenience and predictable costs.

  
  

Tips for Booking Your Virgin Voyages Cruise

Booking with a knowledgeable travel agent can help you navigate these options and find the best value for your preferences. Contact your Virgin Voyages Gold-Tier Travel Agent today at 303-616-5429 to discuss your cruise plans and beverage options.

Virgin Voyages cocktail served poolside on cruise ship

Final Thoughts on Virgin Voyages Beverage Options

Virgin Voyages stands out by including standard non-alcoholic drinks in the fare and offering flexible bar tabs alongside drink packages. This approach suits a wide range of travelers, from light drinkers to cocktail enthusiasts. Understanding the costs and benefits of each option helps you plan your budget and enjoy your cruise without surprises.