Understanding the Differences Between Sailor Loot and Bar Tab on Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages offers a unique cruising experience with a fresh approach to onboard spending. Two terms you’ll often hear are Sailor Loot and Bar Tab. Both relate to how you manage your onboard expenses, but they serve different purposes and apply to different types of purchases. Understanding these differences can help you make the most of your cruise budget and enjoy your time at sea without surprises.

Virgin Voyages bar area showing cocktails and bar tab display

What Is Sailor Loot?

Sailor Loot is a prepaid onboard credit that you can use during your cruise. Think of it as spending money that you load onto your account before or during your trip. It works like a gift card or digital wallet specifically for Virgin Voyages.

How to Get Sailor Loot

• You can purchase Sailor Loot before your cruise through Virgin Voyages’ website or customer service.

• Sometimes, Sailor Loot is offered as part of a promotion or included in certain packages.

• You can also add Sailor Loot once onboard, but pre-purchasing often gives you better value.

  
  

What Can You Use Sailor Loot For?

Sailor Loot is very flexible and can be used toward a wide range of onboard purchases, including:

• Dining experiences: Specialty restaurants, snacks, and drinks.

• Retail shopping: Clothing, souvenirs, and Virgin Voyages merchandise.

• Spa and wellness treatments: Massages, facials, and fitness classes.

• Excursions and activities: Shore excursions booked through the ship.

• Onboard entertainment: Tickets for shows or special events.

• Bar purchases: Cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.

  
  

This broad usability makes Sailor Loot a convenient way to manage your spending without carrying cash or worrying about credit card charges.

What Is Bar Tab?

The Bar Tab is a specific prepaid credit dedicated solely to drinks at the ship’s bars and lounges. It is designed to simplify your beverage purchases and often comes with perks.

How to Set Up a Bar Tab

• You can set up a Bar Tab before your cruise or once onboard.

• Bar Tabs come in different amounts, allowing you to choose how much you want to prepay.

• Some Virgin Voyages packages include Bar Tabs as part of the deal.

  
  

What Can You Use Bar Tab For?

The Bar Tab covers:

• Alcoholic beverages: Cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits.

• Non-alcoholic drinks: Specialty coffees, mocktails, and soft drinks served at bars.

• Tips on drinks: Gratuities for bartenders are often included in the Bar Tab price.

  
  

What Bar Tab Does Not Cover

• Food items, even if ordered at a bar.

• Retail purchases.

• Spa services or excursions.

  
  

The Bar Tab is focused on making your drink purchases easy and cashless, often with some savings compared to paying per drink.

Key Differences Between Sailor Loot and Bar Tab

| Feature | Sailor Loot | Bar Tab |

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

| Usage | Wide range of onboard purchases | Drinks only at bars and lounges |

| Purchase method | Prepaid credit, flexible amount | Prepaid credit, fixed amounts |

| Coverage | Food, retail, spa, excursions, drinks | Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks only |

| Included gratuities | No | Usually included |

| Flexibility | High | Limited to bar purchases |

How to Decide Which One to Use

If you want the freedom to spend on many different experiences, Sailor Loot is the better choice. It lets you explore dining, shopping, and activities without worrying about payment methods.

If you know you’ll enjoy several drinks during your cruise and want to simplify payments while potentially saving money, a Bar Tab is a smart option. It keeps your drink purchases separate and often includes tips, so you don’t have to think about extra charges.

Many sailors choose to use both: Sailor Loot for general spending and a Bar Tab for drinks. This combination helps keep your budget organized and your experience smooth.

Tips for Managing Your Onboard Spending

• Pre-purchase credits: Buying Sailor Loot or Bar Tabs before your cruise can save money and reduce hassle.

• Track your spending: Use the Virgin Voyages app or your cabin TV to monitor your balance.

• Ask about promotions: Virgin Voyages sometimes offers bonus Sailor Loot or discounted Bar Tabs.

• Plan your budget: Estimate how much you want to spend on dining, drinks, and extras to choose the right amounts.

• Keep receipts: Check your final bill carefully before disembarking.

  
  

Final Thoughts on Sailor Loot and Bar Tab

Understanding the difference between Sailor Loot and Bar Tab helps you control your spending and enjoy your Virgin Voyages cruise without surprises. Sailor Loot offers broad flexibility for all kinds of purchases, while Bar Tab focuses on drinks with added convenience.

By planning ahead and choosing the right option for your habits, you can relax and make the most of your time at sea. Whether you prefer sipping cocktails at the bar or exploring every dining and shopping option, Virgin Voyages makes it easy to manage your onboard expenses your way.