Do Virgin Voyages Cruises Include Tips? New Fare Policy Explained

• Virgin Voyages unveils new fare model offering more flexibility, transparency and choice for travellers.

• Three new pricing tiers (Base, Essential and Premium) make it easier to find the right cruise for every budget.

• Always Included Luxury stays at the heart of the experience, with WiFi, dining and gratuities still taken care of.

Virgin Voyages Sets Sail With a Bold New Booking Model

Virgin Voyages, the adults-only cruise line known for doing things differently, has just announced a brand-new way to book your next holiday at sea.

Launching on 7th October 2025, VoyageFair Choices is Virgin’s answer to traveller demand for clearer pricing, more flexibility, and a simpler booking experience.

The move comes after what’s been a record-breaking year for the brand. With four ships now sailing, including Brilliant Lady, Resilient Lady, Scarlet Lady, and Valiant Lady, Virgin Voyages has cemented its reputation as one of the most exciting cruise lines around.

And now, they’re changing the way you book- not just how you sail.

“Virgin Voyages has already changed what it means to cruise, and now, with VoyageFair Choices, we’re changing how people book. It’s a model built for the modern traveller and another example of Virgin pushing the industry forward.”

- John Lovell, Board Member and Senior Advisor, Virgin Voyages

VoyageFair Choices Explained: Flexible Fares for Every Traveller

According to Virgin Voyages’ CEO, Nirmal Saverimuttu, the aim is simple: to make booking a cruise as easy as booking a flight or hotel.

“This isn’t about gimmicks or fine print. We’re making it easier to book with confidence while knowing that once you’re onboard, the experience is unmistakably Virgin: elevated and unforgettable.”

- Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages

The new system introduces three new pricing tiers (for Sea Terrace cabins and below), designed to give travellers greater flexibility depending on their style and budget:

Base Fare: The Best Value Option

Virgin Voyages’ new ‘Base Fare’ option is perfect for those who know their plans and want straightforward savings.

This fare is non-refundable and includes Basic WiFi for one device, ideal for social media and light browsing. Dining reservations open 15 days before sailing, making it a great option if you’re happy to go with the flow.

Essential Fare: Familiar & Flexible

Closest to what Virgin fans already know, the Essential Fare includes Classic WiFi for one device (including browsing, messaging and audio calling), plus a 45-day dining reservation window.

You can also make certain changes to your cruise booking, including future voyage credits or name swaps to give you more wiggle room.

Premium Fare: Maximum Perks & Freedom

Want all the bells and whistles? The Premium Fare delivers just that. It includes:

• Premium WiFi (for two devices, with streaming and video access)

• A 60-day dining reservation window (previously reserved for suites!)

• An included Bar Tab (drinks credit)

• Priority pre-voyage booking support

This fare option is the ideal choice for travellers who love a touch of luxury and convenience.

RockStar Sailors Get an Upgrade Too

For those booked in RockStar or Mega RockStar Quarters, there’s good news too: dining reservations are now open for 120 days before sailing.

Of course, the signature perks, from Richard’s Rooftop access and in-room bars to dedicated RockStar Agents, remain as lavish as ever.

Transparent Gratuities: What You Pay & How it Works

In a move towards full transparency, Virgin Voyages will now display service gratuities as a separate line item during booking.

While the total fare remains unchanged, Sailors can choose to pre-pay gratuities at $20 per person per night, or $22 if paid onboard.

Once gratuities are covered, that’s it- no extra tipping required, no hidden costs, and no awkward moments at the bar.

Always Included Luxury: What’s Still Covered on Every Virgin Voyages Cruise

Despite these updates, Virgin Voyages’ signature “Always Included Luxury” remains untouched. 

Every fare still includes:

• All onboard dining (from Michelin-starred chefs)

• Group fitness classes

• WiFi

• Soft drinks and water

• World-class entertainment

So while you’ll now have more ways to book, the onboard experience will still deliver over $1,000 worth of value per Sailor.

Virgin Voyages: Leading the Way in Adults-Only Cruises

Having scooped Travel + Leisure’s “Best Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line” three years in a row, Virgin Voyages is showing no signs of slowing down.

With VoyageFair Choices, they’re not just innovating at sea; they’re revolutionising how cruises are booked altogether.

Bookings under the new VoyageFair Choices system open on 7th October 2025.

Virgin Voyages VoyageFair Choices – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is VoyageFair Choices?

VoyageFair Choices is Virgin Voyages’ new fare model offering three different pricing tiers with varying levels of flexibility, WiFi, and perks.

2. When does VoyageFair Choices launch?

The new system goes live for all bookings on 7th October 2025.

3. What are Virgin Voyages’ three fare types?

Base, Essential and Premium- each offering different benefits to suit your travel style and budget.

4. What’s included in every Virgin Voyages fare?

All fares still include Virgin’s Always Included Luxury: dining, fitness classes, WiFi, drinks (soft), entertainment and gratuities.

5. Can I change or cancel my Virgin Voyages booking under the Base Fare?

Base fares are non-refundable and do not allow name, date or cabin changes.

6. What’s different about the Virgin Voyages Essential Fare?

It includes Classic WiFi, a longer dining reservation window and the flexibility to change voyage dates or names for some guests.

7. What extra perks come with the Virgin Voyages Premium Fare?

Premium includes faster WiFi, a Bar Tab drinks credit, earlier dining bookings and access to a priority support line.

8. How do Virgin Voyages' gratuities work now?

Gratuities are now shown separately during booking for full transparency. They can be prepaid at $20 per person per night or paid onboard at $22 per person per night.

9. Are Virgin Voyages’ RockStar and Mega RockStar cabins affected by VoyageFair Choices?

Yes. They now get earlier (120-day) dining reservations, with all existing luxury inclusions still in place.

10. Will VoyageFair Choices make Virgin Voyages cruises more expensive?

No, the total price remains the same. The change simply provides clearer pricing and more choice when booking.

11. Is it optional to pay gratuities on Virgin Voyages?

Yes. While gratuities are displayed clearly during booking, Sailors have the choice to pre-pay at a discounted rate ($20 per person per night) or pay onboard ($22 per person per night).

Technically, it’s not mandatory to pay in advance, but once onboard, gratuities are expected as part of the all-inclusive experience. There are no hidden charges or additional tipping required anywhere on the ship.

Author: Emily Barker

Role: Cruise Content Editor