Virgin Voyages Shore Things Guide: Booking, Timing & Cancellation

Shore Things are Virgin Voyages' version of port excursions, but they are deliberately designed to feel less like generic bus tours and more like curated local experiences. The name itself signals the difference: these are not "shore excursions," they are "Shore Things," experiences crafted to match the brand's personality.

You can browse and book Shore Things through three channels:

• The Virgin Voyages app: The most convenient method. Browse by port, filter by category (adventure, culture, food, beach, wellness), and book directly. The app shows real-time availability and pricing in USD.
• Your My Account page: The web-based booking portal at virginvoyages.com. Same functionality as the app but on a larger screen, which some Canadians prefer for comparing options.
• Through your travel advisor: If you booked through a travel advisor like Sean at Revolution Travel, they can help you select and book Shore Things based on their firsthand experience with specific ports and excursions.

Shore Things range from beach breaks and snorkeling trips to culinary walking tours, catamaran sails, ATV adventures, and cultural immersions. Pricing varies widely, from approximately $50 USD (about $68 CAD) for a simple beach break to $300+ USD (about $410+ CAD) for premium experiences like private catamaran charters or exclusive cultural tours.

Unlike stock port tours offered by other cruise lines, many Shore Things are exclusive to Virgin Voyages and reflect the brand's aesthetic: think sunset sailing with a DJ, taco and tequila walking tours, or a guided street art tour with a local artist. They feel less corporate and more like something a well-connected local friend would arrange for you.

For Canadian sailors, Shore Things are priced in USD, so factor in the exchange rate when budgeting. A $150 USD Shore Thing costs approximately $205 CAD. If your fare tier includes Shore Thing credit (Premium and above), that credit offsets the cost and can cover a modest excursion entirely.

Shore Things open for booking 120 days before your sailing date for all sailors, regardless of fare tier. RockStar suite guests get early access at 135 days before sailing.

Unlike dining reservations, there is no tiered access for Base, Essential, or Premium fare guests when it comes to Shore Things. Everyone gets the same 120-day window. This levels the playing field, but it also means the most popular experiences sell out quickly once the window opens.

Experiences that tend to sell out fastest:

• Catamaran and sailing experiences: Limited capacity vessels mean these fill quickly. If you want a sunset catamaran sail in Cozumel or a snorkel-and-sail combo in the Bahamas, book on day one of your window.
• Exclusive beach clubs and premium beach breaks: Some ports offer access to premium beach clubs with limited daily capacity. These are popular with couples and groups celebrating special occasions.
• Cultural and culinary walking tours: Small-group tours with local guides have strict capacity limits. A food tour in San Juan or a street art tour in Havana might only accommodate 12-16 guests.
• Adventure activities: ATV tours, zip-lining, and similar adventure experiences have equipment and safety limits that cap group sizes.

For Canadian travellers, set a calendar reminder for exactly 120 days before your sailing date. Log into the app or your My Account page first thing that morning and book your top-priority Shore Things immediately. Think of it like buying concert tickets: the best options go fast, but there is always good availability for less in-demand experiences even if you wait a few weeks.

If you are unsure which Shore Things to prioritize, ask your travel advisor. Sean at Revolution Travel has firsthand experience with many ports and can tell you which experiences are worth the premium price and which ones you can replicate independently for less money.

The standard Shore Things cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of the experience. This is the safe benchmark to follow.

Here is how cancellation works in practice:

• 48+ hours before departure time: Full refund to your original payment method. No questions asked.
• Within 48 hours of departure time: No refund. You forfeit the full cost of the Shore Thing.
• No-show: No refund. If you sleep through your alarm or decide last-minute not to go, you lose the money.

For Canadian travellers, the refund is processed in USD to your credit card and will appear on your statement within 5-10 business days. The exchange rate at the time of refund may differ from the rate when you purchased, meaning you could receive slightly more or less CAD than you originally paid. This is a normal consequence of currency fluctuation and is not something Virgin Voyages controls.

A practical tip: if you are on the fence about a Shore Thing, book it early to secure your spot and decide later. As long as you cancel 48+ hours before the departure time, you get a full refund. This is especially useful for weather-dependent activities like snorkeling or sailing. Book the experience when your 120-day window opens, then monitor the weather forecast as your sailing approaches. If conditions look poor, cancel with plenty of time to spare.

Some Shore Things operated by third-party providers may have stricter cancellation windows. Always check the specific cancellation policy displayed on the booking page before confirming your purchase. Premium or high-cost experiences (private yacht charters, helicopter tours) occasionally have 72-hour or 7-day cancellation windows. Read the fine print carefully, especially for Shore Things priced above $200 USD.

If your ship's port schedule changes due to weather or operational reasons and your Shore Thing is affected, Virgin Voyages will automatically cancel the excursion and process a full refund regardless of the cancellation window. You do not need to take any action in this case.

Yes, you can explore most ports independently without booking a Shore Thing. This is called going "on your own" or "independent exploration," and it is a perfectly valid and often budget-friendly approach to port days.

At most Caribbean ports (Cozumel, Costa Maya, Puerto Plata, San Juan, and others), you simply walk off the ship at the port terminal and are free to explore by taxi, on foot, or via local transportation. There is no requirement to book a Shore Thing to go ashore.

However, there are occasional exceptions where local regulations require you to have a booked Shore Thing to disembark. This typically applies to certain ports where tender operations or local government policies mandate organized tours. These situations are rare on Caribbean itineraries but can occur on Mediterranean sailings at smaller ports. Virgin Voyages will clearly communicate any such restrictions through the app and email before your sailing.

Tips for Canadian sailors exploring ports independently:

• Download offline maps: Before leaving Canada, download the Google Maps offline map for each port city. Canadian data roaming charges from Rogers, Bell, and Telus in the Caribbean can be $12-$15 CAD per day. Offline maps eliminate the need for data while navigating ashore.
• Carry USD cash: Most Caribbean ports accept USD. Exchange CAD to USD at your Canadian bank before the cruise for the best rates. Port exchange booths and ATMs typically offer poor conversion rates for Canadian dollars.
• Know your all-aboard time: The ship will not wait for you if you are late. All-aboard time is strictly enforced and is typically 30-60 minutes before scheduled departure. Set an alarm on your phone and plan to be back at the ship at least 45 minutes before all-aboard time.
• Use the ship's WiFi for research: Since WiFi is included on Virgin Voyages, research local restaurants, beaches, and attractions from your cabin the evening before a port day. TripAdvisor and Google Reviews are your friends for finding authentic local spots that are better and cheaper than tourist-trap establishments near the port terminal.
• Consider a local taxi tour: In many Caribbean ports, you can negotiate a half-day taxi tour with a local driver for $30-$60 USD per person, significantly less than a comparable Shore Thing. Ask the port terminal staff for recommended licensed taxi services.

For Canadian travellers debating between a Shore Thing and independent exploration, consider this rule of thumb: book a Shore Thing for active or adventure experiences (snorkeling, zip-lining, catamaran sailing) where equipment, guides, and logistics are part of the value. Explore independently for beach days, walking tours of port towns, and shopping.

The Beach Club at Bimini is Virgin Voyages' private beach club in the Bahamas, and the basics are complimentary for all guests on itineraries that stop there. There is no Shore Thing booking required. You simply take the complimentary tender boat from the ship to the Beach Club.

Here is what is included at no extra charge:

• Complimentary tender transport: Continuous shuttle boats run between the ship (anchored offshore) and the Beach Club throughout the day. The ride is approximately 10 minutes each way.
• Beach and pool access: Full access to the stunning resort-style pool and the white-sand Bimini beach. Loungers are available on a first-come, first-served basis around both the pool and beach areas.
• Afternoon food: Complimentary bites are served in the afternoon, typically grilled items, salads, and casual fare similar to poolside dining on the ship. Breakfast and lunch may not be served at the Beach Club, so eat on the ship before tendering over.
• DJ and live entertainment: A professional DJ plays throughout the day, transitioning from relaxed morning beats to a full beach party atmosphere by mid-afternoon. This is a highlight of the Beach Club experience.
• Pool volleyball: Organised pool volleyball games run throughout the day. Great fun and a good way to meet other sailors.
• Yoga sessions: Complimentary yoga sessions are sometimes offered on the beach in the morning. Check the daily schedule in the app for availability.
• Towels: Beach towels are available at the Beach Club. No need to carry them from the ship.

What costs extra:

• Cabanas: Private cabanas with dedicated server, premium location, and guaranteed shade. Prices start at approximately $350-$500 CAD for a group. Book well in advance through the app as cabanas sell out early.
• Alcoholic beverages: All drinks at the Beach Club bars are charged to your onboard account (or deducted from your Bar Tab credit). Expect the same pricing as the ship's bars.
• Some premium water sports and experiences: Jet ski rentals, paddleboard rentals, and other water sport equipment may carry an additional fee.

The shuttle line tip that experienced sailors know: the tender boats start running mid-morning and the first wave of guests all want to get to the Beach Club immediately. This creates a 20-40 minute line at the tender station. If you wait until late morning (around 11:00 AM) to tender over, the line is typically much shorter, and you still get a full afternoon at the Beach Club. Alternatively, be among the very first in line when tendering begins to secure the best lounger positions near the pool or beach.

For Canadian sailors, the Beach Club at Bimini is often the highlight of the entire cruise. After months of Canadian winter, stepping onto white sand and turquoise water is transformative. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every 90 minutes. Canadian skin that has been covered since October burns quickly in the Bahamian sun, and a painful sunburn can diminish your enjoyment of the remaining days of your voyage. Bring reef-safe sunscreen from home, as options at the Beach Club are limited and overpriced.