Virgin Voyages: Bar Tab?

As briefly discussed in my previous blog post, Virgin Voyages cruises does not offer an unlimited drink package like other cruise lines offer. In the past when taking cruises I always got the unlimited drink package (even though these packages are somewhat limited).

On other cruise lines I’ve gotten the drink package that includes alcohol which they charge around $70.00 per day of the voyage for. With these drink packages they charge the fees for everyone in the cabin that is over 21 years of age. So, if there are two people in the cabin that’s approximately $140 per day of the cruise. On the average 5 day cruise that would be $700 for 2 people over 21 in the cabin. Other cruise lines do not allow one person to get the package and the other person not to if they are over 21 years of age. These drink packages also do not allow you to get or “buy” drinks for other people.

However, on Virgin Voyages they do not offer drink packages. They however, offer a prepaid bar tab which is great for those that want to know their drinks are paid for in advance, With purchasing the prepaid bar tab with Virgin Voyages before your cruise they offer additional bonuses for the amount you choose on your bar tab for example if you buy a $200 bar tab they give you an additional $25 on your bar tab,

Now for the hard part how much of a bar tab should you get. Well that’s up to you and how much you drink. I went on a 5 night cruise and had a $325 bar tab. I averaged about 6 drinks a day and was struggling to utilize my whole bar tab. The thing with the prepaid bar tab is that if you don’t use it you lose it. In looking at the drink menus the drink prices averaged as follows: beers and ciders $7-$9, Mixed drinks (ie. pina coladas, amaretto sours, etc.) $11-$15, Wines and mimosas $11-$15 (per glass), speciality coffees (cappuccinos, mocha Lattes, speciality tea) $6 and etc. Don’t quote me on these prices this is based on my memory of what I remember from being on the ship and looking at my final invoice. So average the number of drinks that you may have each day with the price of the drink and the number of days of the cruise and you will get what amount bar tab you should get,

Also, with their bar tabs you are able to purchase drinks for other people and it’s just charged to your bar tab. So if your feeling friendly why not buy a drink for a new friend.

Best practice get a lower amount than you think you’ll spend. Worse case scenario you go through your bar tab and then they charge your account for each drink you order after that.

Ready to book your Virgin Voyage? Click here for the self- booking link and click here to schedule a cruise planning session.