What Do You Actually Get Included in Your Virgin Voyages Fare?
Virgin Voyages includes significantly more in the base fare than traditional cruise lines. Every booking includes all dining at 20+ restaurants, Starlink high-speed WiFi, gratuities, group fitness classes, basic beverages (filtered water, drip coffee, teas, juices, and sodas), and all onboard entertainment. There are no hidden port fees or surprise charges added at checkout.
For Canadian travellers used to seeing advertised cruise prices balloon at checkout, this is a welcome change. When Virgin Voyages lists a fare in CAD on their website, that price includes port fees, taxes, and all the inclusions mentioned above. The only extras you will pay for are alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, spa treatments, shore excursions, and premium dining experiences like the Korean BBQ add-on at Gunbae.
This all-inclusive approach means a 5-night Caribbean voyage starting at approximately $1,400 CAD per person often works out cheaper than a comparable sailing on a traditional line once you factor in drink packages, WiFi packages, and gratuities that those lines charge separately.
Are All Restaurants Really Free on Virgin Voyages?
Yes, all 20+ restaurants and eateries aboard every Virgin Voyages ship are included in your fare with no cover charges and no surcharges. This is one of the most generous dining inclusions in the cruise industry.
Each ship in the fleet (Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady) features the same core restaurant lineup:
- The Wake - A stunning steakhouse and seafood restaurant at the stern of the ship, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. Multi-course dinners rival any high-end Toronto or Vancouver steakhouse.
- Razzle Dazzle - A vegetarian-forward restaurant with creative plant-based dishes alongside some meat options. Features a vibrant, Instagram-worthy interior. Do not miss Razzle Dazzle brunch on a sea day — it is one of the most popular meals on the ship, with inventive dishes, creative brunch cocktails (charged to Bar Tab), and occasional Drag Brunch events that are a genuine highlight of any Virgin Voyages sailing.
- Pink Agave - Upscale Mexican cuisine that goes far beyond tacos. Think mole negro, cochinita pibil, and hand-pressed tortillas.
- Gunbae - Korean BBQ where you grill at your table. This is an interactive, social dining experience that pairs perfectly with soju cocktails (drinks not included).
- Extra Virgin - Italian trattoria with handmade pasta and wood-fired dishes. A crowd favourite for casual yet elevated dining.
- Test Kitchen - An experimental, multi-course dining experience that changes themes. This is often the hardest reservation to secure, so book early in the app.
- The Galley - A food-hall-style space with multiple stations open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Think of it as an elevated buffet alternative.
- Dock and Dock House - Casual poolside dining with burgers, salads, tacos, and lighter fare.
- Loose Cannon / Pizza Place / Noodle Around - Late-night and casual quick-service spots perfect for a midnight snack.
There is no main dining room and no assigned seating times. You eat where you want, when you want. Reservations are made through the Virgin Voyages app and can be booked starting 45 days before sailing. Canadian travellers should set a reminder because popular restaurants like Test Kitchen and The Wake fill up quickly.
Insider tip: Book Razzle Dazzle brunch for at least one sea day. It is one of the best-kept secrets on Virgin Voyages — creative dishes, brunch cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. The Drag Brunch events are especially popular and add a celebratory energy that guests consistently rave about.
How Fast Is the Included WiFi on Virgin Voyages?
Every Virgin Voyages ship now uses Starlink satellite internet, and basic WiFi access is included in your fare at no extra charge. This is a massive differentiator from competitors who charge $15-$25 USD per day for WiFi packages.
The included Essential WiFi is fast enough for web browsing, social media, messaging, and email. It handles Instagram uploads and WhatsApp video calls reasonably well. For Canadians who need to stay connected for work or want to stream content, Virgin Voyages offers a Premium WiFi upgrade for approximately $15 CAD per day that supports HD streaming and video conferencing.
In practical terms, the included WiFi on Virgin Voyages is faster than the paid premium WiFi packages on most Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships. Canadian travellers working remotely or keeping in touch with family back home will find the connection reliable throughout the ship, including in cabins, restaurants, and outdoor deck areas.
One tip for Canadians: make sure your Canadian mobile plan is set to airplane mode with WiFi calling enabled. This way you can use the ship WiFi for calls home without incurring international roaming charges from Rogers, Bell, or Telus.
Do You Have to Pay Gratuities or Hidden Fees on Virgin Voyages?
Gratuities are no longer included in the Virgin Voyages fare. A daily crew appreciation charge now applies — $20 USD per person per day if prepaid before sailing, or $22 USD per person per day if charged on board. Prepaying saves approximately $28 USD on a 7-night cruise for two. One significant advantage remains: unlike Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, Virgin Voyages does not add automatic 18–20% gratuities to individual drink purchases — your daily crew appreciation covers service charges.
Here is a full comparison of what is included versus what you pay extra for on traditional cruise lines:
| Item | Virgin Voyages | Traditional Cruise Lines |
|---|---|---|
| All-venue dining (20+ restaurants) | Included | Main dining only; specialty $35-$75 USD each |
| WiFi (Starlink basic) | Included | $15-$25 USD/day |
| Gratuities / service charges | $20 USD/day prepaid ($22/day on board) | $18-$25 USD/person/day |
| Group fitness classes | Included | Some included; many $15-$35 USD/class |
| Basic beverages (water, coffee, juice, soda) | Included | Varies; soda often $10-$15 USD/day |
| Entertainment and shows | Included | Mostly included |
| Port fees and taxes | Included in fare | Often added at checkout |
| Room service / ShipEats | Available via app (fees may apply) | $8-$15 USD delivery fee |
| Alcoholic beverages | Extra (or add Bar Tab) | Extra (or buy drink package) |
| Spa and salon | Extra | Extra |
| Shore excursions | Extra | Extra |
When you add up the savings on WiFi, specialty dining, and basic beverages, Canadian travellers typically save $200-$450 CAD per person per week compared to a similarly positioned stateroom on Royal Caribbean or Norwegian. Note that gratuities are now an additional charge on Virgin Voyages ($20 USD/day prepaid), similar to other cruise lines — but you still avoid the automatic 18-20% drink gratuities that competitors add to every beverage purchase.
What Fitness and Wellness Options Are Included?
All group fitness classes at the Athletic Club are included in your fare. This covers a wide range of options including yoga, cycling, HIIT training, boxing, and bungee workouts. The Athletic Club is a proper, well-equipped gym with ocean views, free weights, cardio machines, and a dedicated outdoor training area.
The included fitness programming goes well beyond a basic cruise ship gym. Classes are led by professional instructors, and the variety changes daily. Popular classes include:
- Morning yoga on the bow of the ship at sunrise
- Boxing and heavy bag sessions
- High-intensity circuit training
- Cycling studio classes
- Bungee fitness (a unique offering where you are harnessed into bungee cords)
- Meditation and mindfulness sessions
The Redemption Spa is an additional cost, but it includes a thermal suite area with a mud room, salt room, cold plunge pools, and hydrotherapy pool that can be accessed with a day pass or as part of a spa treatment. Prices for spa treatments start at approximately $100 CAD. For Canadians accustomed to Scandinave Spa or Nordik Spa experiences, the thermal suite will feel familiar and luxurious.
The outdoor areas also include a running track, basketball court, and the famous Squid Ink tattoo parlour where you can get an actual tattoo at sea.
What Entertainment and Nightlife Is Included?
All onboard entertainment is included, and Virgin Voyages has redefined what cruise ship entertainment looks like. There are no Broadway revivals or cheesy variety shows here. Instead, expect original productions that blend circus arts, dance, music, and immersive theatre.
Signature shows include:
- Duel Reality - An acrobatic retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in a modern nightclub. Critically acclaimed and genuinely impressive.
- Never Sleep Alone - An interactive, adults-only comedy and dating show that gets the entire audience involved.
- Scarlet Night - A signature shipwide party where everyone wears red. Includes themed drinks, live performers throughout the ship, and a late-night deck party.
- Ships in the Night - A contemporary dance performance.
Beyond the main shows, every evening features DJ sets at The Manor (the ship's nightclub), live music at venues like The Social Club and Loose Cannon, karaoke, game shows, and themed parties. The Manor regularly hosts internationally known DJs and has a sound system that rivals top clubs in Toronto or Montreal.
For daytime entertainment, there are poolside DJs, trivia, lip-sync battles, and various themed events. Everything is designed for an adult audience (18+ ships only), so the vibe is more boutique music festival than family cruise.
What Do You Have to Pay Extra for on Virgin Voyages?
While Virgin Voyages includes more than most cruise lines, some items are still extra. Here is the complete list of add-on costs Canadian travellers should budget for:
- Alcoholic beverages - Cocktails range from $12-$18 USD, beer from $9-$14 USD, wine from $12-$20 USD per glass. You can purchase a Bar Tab package (their version of a drink package) starting at $200 USD ($225 to spend).
- Specialty coffee - Espresso drinks from the onboard coffee bar cost $4-$7 USD. Basic drip coffee and tea are free.
- Spa treatments - Massages start at approximately $130 CAD, facials from $150 CAD. The thermal suite day pass is around $60 CAD.
- Shore excursions - Prices vary by destination. Beach club access at Bimini Beach Club is included, but other excursions cost extra.
- Tattoos - Getting inked at Squid Ink costs $120 CAD and up, depending on the design.
- Premium WiFi upgrade - Approximately $15 CAD per day for streaming-quality speeds.
- Laundry service - Available at extra cost, though cabin bathrooms include a clothesline.
A realistic extra-spending budget for a Canadian traveller on a 5-night Virgin Voyages cruise is $500-$1,200 CAD per person, depending on how much you drink and whether you visit the spa. Travellers who opt for the Bar Tab package and a spa treatment or two should budget toward the higher end.
One important note: the Beach Club at Bimini is included for all guests on itineraries that stop there. This private beach club experience includes a DJ, pool, beach access, and food. It is one of the best-included perks on any cruise line.
Ready to Book?
Sean Mills is a certified Virgin Voyages First Mate based in Canada. Get expert advice, Canadian dollar billing, and exclusive Agent Loot perks on every booking.