Everything you need to know about the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab

Virgin Voyages handles alcohol packages a little differently than most cruise lines. Rather than an all-you-can-drink style beverage package, Virgin Voyages offers a Bar Tab, which can be purchased up to 24 hours prior to your journey. So, what is the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab? 

The Bar Tab is exactly what it sounds like. You purchase a Bar Tab in advance, and you can use it to purchase alcoholic and premium non-alcoholic beverages anywhere onboard and at The Beach Club in Bimini. 

How does the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab work? 

Virgin Voyages makes it easy to spend and manage your Bar Tab. To purchase drinks, simply scan The Band (this is your wristband that serves as your wallet and cabin key) with your favorite bartender. Sailors (that’s you) can view their Bar Tab balance at any time using the Virgin Voyages Sailor app, so you won’t be hit with a nasty invoice surprise at the end of your vacation. 

My favorite part of the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab is the flexibility it offers. I enjoy drinking beer, and plenty of it. My wife, on the other hand, is more of a bourbon and wine girl. The Virgin Voyages Bar tab allows us to spend our drinking money any way we’d like. Do you like a good ol’, all American light beer like you’d find at your local dive bar? I’ve got you covered! Fancy a bottle of Moët & Chandon in a hot tub? Order a Shake for Champagne! Not much of a drinker, but love mocktails, smoothies, and gourmet coffee? Use your bar tab for any of that as well, and check out my other post to learn how to spend your bar tab without drinking alcohol.

How much do drinks cost on Virgin Voyages? 

Virgin Voyages offers drink prices that are fair and comparable to boutique hotels on land.  

• Standard beers (such as Amstel light and Michelob Ultra): $6  
• Premium beers: $7-$11 
• Cocktails $9 – $18 
• Wine on Virgin Voyages can be purchased by the glass or by the bottle. 42% of the wines onboard can be had for less than $10 per glass. Of course, you can get as expensive as you want here, but I was extremely happy with everything I tried on the low end of the price. 

Remember, your tips are included so what you see on the menu is what you pay. Virgin Voyages is incredibly transparent with their pricing both onboard and in advance.

Is a $300 Bar Tab enough for my Virgin Voyages cruise?

My wife and I recently sailed 4 nights on the Caribbean with a $300 Bar Tab (and an extra $50 free from Virgin Voyages.) We certainly consumed our share of alcohol, and we found the $350 Bar Tab was just the right amount for us. Of course your mileage may vary.

How do I track my Bar Tab balance?

You can check your Bar Tab balance any time using the Virgin Voyages Sailor app. Learn how to track Virgin Voyages Bar Tab & Sailor Loot purchases.

What happens if I exceed my Bar Tab?

Any drinks you purchase in excess of your Bar Tab will come out of your Sailor Loot. Anything you spend above and beyond that will be billed to you on the last day of the cruise. Check out my other post to learn the difference between Bar Tab and Sailor Loot.

Should I purchase a Virgin Voyages Bar Tab in advance?

If you plan to drink alcohol or premium beverages, it pays to purchase your Bar Tab in advance. Virgin Voyages offers a Bar Tab bonus when you purchase in advance to give you a little more bang for your buck.

Can I use my Bar Tab to purchase non-alcoholic drinks? 

Yes! Premium drinks such as fresh pressed juices, smoothies, and specialty coffees can be purchased using your Bar Tab. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, a pre-purchased Bar Tab will save you money over buying a-la-carte. My wife and I enjoyed our morning lattes, and I absolutely hammered sugar-free Red Bulls to power my evenings dancing at The Manor. Check out one of my other posts to learn how to spend your Bar Tab if you don’t drink alcohol.

What drinks are free on Virgin Voyages? 

“Essential beverages” are included in your voyage fare at no extra cost. 

• Drip coffee 
• Soft drinks (Coca-Cola products) 
• Sparkling and still water
• Non-pressed juices

How much does the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab cost? 

Bar Tabs can be purchased in increments from $100 – $300, and each Bar Tab comes with a little extra money, complements of Virgin Voyages. Pre-purchased Bar Tabs also come with a bonus, up to $50 extra dollars included when you purchase a $300 Bar Tab (that’s 8 extra beers!) 

Of course, you can skip the Bar Tab and pay for drinks individually. However, I like knowing how much I will pay in advance, and the $50 bonus saved me money on the last night of my voyage. Of course, tips are always included in your journey fare, so you don’t need to worry about spending a single penny of your Bar Tab on tips.  Still have questions about the Bar Tab? Leave them in the comments below.