Virgin Voyages’ New Fare Structure: Smart Move or a Step Back?

Virgin Voyages has built its reputation by doing things differently — adults-only cruising, no buffets, no main dining rooms, gratuities included, Wi-Fi included, fitness classes included. From the moment they launched, the entire idea was to be the anti-traditional cruise line.

But recently, Virgin announced a pretty big shift. Their new pricing model, called VoyageFair Choices, changes the way fares are structured — and honestly, I have mixed feelings about it.

Let’s take a look at what’s changing, what it means for you as a future sailor, and whether this new approach is really a win for cruisers.

What’s Changing

As of October 2025, Virgin Voyages introduced three new fare levels for all sailings:

1. Base Fare

This is the most stripped-down option.

• Non-refundable and no changes allowed.

• Dining reservations open only 15 days before sailing.

• Includes only basic Wi-Fi for one device.

• Gratuities are no longer built in (you’ll prepay $20 per person per night or pay onboard).

Essentially, this is Virgin’s new entry-level fare — a lower price point with fewer perks.

2. Essential Fare

This is closest to the fare most sailors have been used to.

• Dining reservations open 45 days before sailing.

• Wi-Fi for one device.

• You can make date changes via a future voyage credit and name changes in some cases.

• Gratuities handled separately.

This one feels like the “classic Virgin experience” without the highest flexibility.

3. Premium Fare

This is the top tier for most cabins (Sea Terrace and below).

• Dining reservations open 60 days before sailing.

• Premium Wi-Fi for up to two devices (streaming and video).

• Bar Tab included, which is a nice touch.

• Priority pre-voyage support.

So yes, Virgin has now introduced something that looks very similar to what other cruise lines offer: good, better, best.

About Those Gratuities…

One of the biggest changes is that tips are no longer automatically included. Virgin is calling this “increasing transparency,” but it’s a shift away from what made them stand out.

Under the new model, gratuities will show up as a line item on your invoice:

• $20 per person per night if prepaid, or

• $22 per person per night if paid onboard.

While the total cost may not drastically change, the feel of the pricing does — and that’s important when clients choose Virgin for its “all-in” simplicity.

So… Is This a Good Move?

In my opinion? I’m not fully convinced.

I understand Virgin wants to appeal to more travelers — especially those who might have looked at their all-inclusive price tag and thought, “That’s a little too high.” Creating a lower-priced entry tier could bring in new guests.

But here’s the catch: Virgin built their brand on being different. Simplified, inclusive, and refreshingly free of upsells. This new structure makes them look more like the rest of the cruise industry — and that worries me a bit.

When you start peeling away inclusions and layering fare types, you risk confusing travelers and losing that “we’re not like everyone else” identity.

Gumbae - Korean BBQ -onboard experience!

What This Means for You

If you’ve been thinking about sailing with Virgin Voyages (or maybe you’ve already fallen in love with their bold, relaxed, adults-only style), here’s how to navigate the change:

1. Decide what matters most to you.
Do you care about flexibility, early dining reservations, and perks like premium Wi-Fi and a Bar Tab? If so, you’ll likely want the Premium Fare.

2. Don’t be lured by the lowest number.
The Base Fare might look tempting, but it comes with heavy restrictions — no changes, limited Wi-Fi, and later dining reservation access. Make sure the savings are worth it for your style of travel.

3. Remember that the experience onboard hasn’t changed.
The ships are still stunning, the food is still incredible, and the adult-only vibe is still unmatched. This is a pricing change, not a product change — but it’s one that needs careful thought before booking.

4. Let me help you sort through it.
That’s where I come in! As a travel advisor who books Virgin Voyages regularly, I can help you understand which fare type fits you best — and make sure you don’t get caught by fine print or lose flexibility you didn’t realize you’d need.

My Honest Take

I love Virgin Voyages. Their service, creativity, and focus on adult travelers have been a breath of fresh sea air in the cruise world. But I do worry that by aligning their pricing closer to the mainstream, they risk losing a bit of the magic that set them apart.

Only time will tell if this new strategy brings in more sailors or creates confusion for those who loved the original “all-inclusive” feel.

Either way — if you’re thinking about a Virgin cruise, let’s talk. I’ll walk you through the new VoyageFair Choices options and help you find the best value without sacrificing the experience that makes Virgin special.

📩 Contact me today to start planning your Virgin Voyages getaway — and we’ll make sure you’re sailing on the right fare for you.

Melissa@wandersbymelissa.com | wandersbymelissa.com | 601-540-7336