This month we will focus on our group Virgin Voyages cruise: Grand Turk & Bimini Beach Club which is a 5 night itinerary, roundtrip from Miami. It was my 3rd sailing with Virgin Voyages and it did not disappoint!
And being a seasoned sailor with Virgin Voyages, I thought I could share my top pro tips to maximize your cruise with Virgin Voyages:
๐น 1. Add a Bar Tab Before You Board โ and Get Bonus Credit
One of the easiest wins in cruise planning: add a bar tab to your booking before you sail, and Virgin Voyages throws in bonus credit on top. The more you load, the better the bonus. The tab can be shared within the cabin.
- $200 bar tab โ +$25 bonus = $225 to spend
- $300 bar tab โ +$50 bonus = $350 to spend
- $500 bar tab โ +$100 bonus = $600 to spend
- $750 bar tab โ +$175 bonus = $925 to spend
- $1,000 bar tab โ +$250 bonus = $1,250 to spend
๐ฝ๏ธ 2. Book Your Dining Early โ Your Window Depends on Your Fare
All dining is booked through the Virgin Voyages app. Your booking window opens based on your fare type โ mark your calendar!
- ๐๏ธ Base fare โ 15 days before sailing
- ๐๏ธ Classic fare โ 45 days before sailing
- ๐๏ธ Premium fare โ 60 days before sailing
๐ก Can’t get your preferred time in the app? You can still adjust reservations once you board โ just make it your first stop when you embark.
๐ฅ Traveling with a group? Ask your travel advisor to link your reservations so you can easily set up group dining and sync your daily activities together.
๐ฅ Don’t skip brunch at Razzle Dazzle and The Wake โ especially on sea days. Book these first!
๐ 3. Plan Your Days โ and Your Outfits
The Virgin Voyages app has a day-by-day activity planner. Browse it before you sail, add your favorites to your itinerary, and arrive ready.
- ๐ช๐ผ Fitness classes are included! Donโt afraid to try something new – so many different types of classes including Zumba, dance classes, HIIT classes, yoga and meditation, and also take advantage of the gym facilities and outdoor track to get your steps in!
- ๐ญ The shows onboard are genuinely excellent โ great variety, don’t miss them!
- ๐ด Scarlet Night is unmissable โ one of the best nights of the sailing
- ๐ค Into karaoke? Sign up for your time slot first thing in the morning โ they go fast as it is first come, first serve the day of
- ๐ Spa treatments can also be booked in the app ahead of time โ grab your slot early
- ๐ For sunset one of the nights onboard, take pictures on The Perch! Photos are stunning up there and likely will be completely empty. Bring a bottle of champagne while youโre at it!
Pack for the theme nights! You’ll want outfits ready for:
- ๐บ 70s / 80s / 90s throwback nights
- ๐ด Pajama Party
- ๐ด Scarlet Night โ wear red, don’t show up without it!
๐งณ 4. Pack Smart โ Things First-Timers Always Forget
Beyond the obvious (swimsuits, sunscreen, sandals), make sure you have:
- ๐ Prescription medications
- ๐ Seasickness remedies
- ๐ด Sleep aids / jetlag help
- ๐ฉน Pain relievers
- ๐งฅ A light jacket or layers โ even in summer, open water evenings get chilly on deck!
- ๐ Theme night outfits
โ๏ธ 5. What a Perfect Sea Day Actually Looks Like
Not sure how to fill a day at sea? Here’s my perfect Sea Day that you can take or leave. ๐คฃ
- ๐๏ธ Morning โ Start with a fitness class or a walk around the track to earn your brunch
- ๐ฅ Brunch โ Head to Razzle Dazzle or The Wake (book this ahead of time โ it’s worth it)
- ๐ฒ Afternoon โ Join Lotteria (think: bingo but more fun), squeeze in a karaoke session, then settle in for drinks and tapas at The Dock
- ๐ด Pre-dinner nap โ Non-negotiable. You’ll thank yourself later. Bed or hammock? Your choice!
- ๐ท Dinner โ One of the onboard restaurants (book your preferred time in the app before you sail!)
- ๐ญ 10pm show โ Varies each night!
- ๐บ Evening โ Head to The Manor or wherever the party is for the night
- ๐ Late night โ End it all with a burger and fries at The Galley OR late night pizza at The Pizza Place. Perfect.
Sea days are where Virgin Voyages really shines โ there’s always something going on, but never any pressure. Build your day, then let it flow!
And thatโs it for now! I love Virgin Voyages so much that I always buy future cruises onboard for my clients (My Next Virgin Voyage) which includes discounts on top of any existing promos for $150 deposit only (total for 2 sailors in a cabin). If you are interested (or know anyone who may be interested), feel free to reach out! Always happy to chat more about my Virgin Voyages experience so let me know if you are curious or have any questions. Enjoy the day!
