Virgin Voyages Drink Package Explained: 10 Smart Ways to Maximize Your Bar Tab
If you’ve been wondering how the Virgin Voyages drink package works, you’re not alone. This cruise line skips the traditional unlimited plan and does things a little differently—with something called a Bar Tab.
Instead of the unlimited drink packages that most cruise lines offer, Virgin does things a little differently—they use something called a Bar Tab. You pre-pay a set amount, and Virgin gives you bonus credit to use on drinks onboard. It’s flexible, pretty generous, and surprisingly easy to make work if you know how to use it.
I've cruised with Virgin Voyages a few times—both as a couple and with a group—and I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way to help make the most of that Bar Tab. So if you’re wondering what’s covered, what’s free, and how to sip smarter onboard, here’s what you need to know.
Not sure if “no drink package” sounds like a letdown? You might be surprised—check out how Virgin turns ‘no' into the ultimate yes.
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💸 Bar Tab Bonuses: The More You Load, the More You Get
Unlike most cruise lines, the Virgin Voyages drink package is based on a flexible pre-paid Bar Tab system. When you buy your Bar Tab on the app before your cruise, Virgin adds bonus credit based on the amount:
| Amount Purchased | Bonus Credit |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $300 | $50 |
| $500 | $100 |
| $750 | $175 |
| $1,000 | $250 |
📲 Not sure how much to load? Try this helpful Bar Tab Calculator from Virgin Voyages Insider. It helps you figure out what makes sense based on your drink habits.
Just keep in mind—Bar Tab credit expires at the end of your cruise, so don’t load more than you’ll actually use.
🥤 What’s Covered by the Bar Tab—and What’s Already Free
Your Bar Tab can be used for:
- Alcoholic drinks (cocktails, wine, beer)
- Mocktails
- Cold-pressed juices (found at Gym & Tonic or The Dock)
- Specialty espresso drinks like lattes and iced coffee
And here’s what’s included for everyone, no Bar Tab needed:
- Soda and sparkling water
- Regular juices
- Still water
- Drip coffee and basic teas
| Drink Type | Price Range | Covered by Bar Tab? | Free on Virgin? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocktails | $8–$13 | ✅ | ❌ |
| Beer (can/draft) | $5–$8 | ✅ | ❌ |
| Wine (glass) | $9–$15+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Mocktails | $6–$9 | ✅ | ❌ |
| Espresso Drinks | $3–$6 | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cold-Pressed Juice | $8–$13 | ✅ | ❌ |
| Soda, Water, Juice | — | ❌ | ✅ |
| Drip Coffee/Tea | — | ❌ | ✅ |
Want to see drink menus? VV Insider has full bar menus here.
📲 Pre-Cruise Drink Deals in the App
Before you even set sail, you can log into the Virgin Voyages app and pre-purchase drink deals like:
- Beer Buckets – Coronas ($45), Heineken or Michelob Ultra ($35)
- Cocktail Buckets – Moscow Mules or Palomas ($65)
- Bottles – Champagne starts at $105
If you’re celebrating or cruising with a group, these are great to order ahead of time.
🍇 You Can Bring Wine!
You’re allowed to bring two 750ml bottles of wine per cabin. No corkage fee if you drink it in your stateroom, but you may be charged if you bring it to a restaurant. It's a great way to start the cruise or save your Bar Tab for other drinks.
🥃 Half Bottles = Big Savings
One of my husband’s favorite tricks is buying a half bottle of liquor—vodka, tequila, rum, gin, or whiskey—for about $65–$85. Then he just grabs a Diet Coke or orange juice (which are included) and makes his own drinks throughout the day.
It’s convenient, budget-friendly, and the bartenders are always great about providing mixers when you need them.
🍺 Get the Growler
At the Draught Haus, you can get a growler for a $15 refundable deposit and fill it with beer. Or—if you ask nicely—they might fill it with sangria. (I’ve done this, and it was the perfect balcony treat while my husband had his growler of beer.)
🍸 Rockstar and Mega Rockstar Drink Perks
If you’re staying in a Rockstar or Mega Rockstar suite, your drink options go up a notch.
Rockstar Quarters:
- Complimentary bottles in your in-room mini bar
- Access to Richard’s Rooftop, which usually has a sunset happy hour with free cocktails
Mega Rockstar Quarters:
- Everything above, plus:
- “Unlimited” bar drinks (usually up to two at a time—check the terms)
- Two bottles of wine daily (under $90 each; 25% off if over)
- Mini bar refilled daily
Want all the latest info on Rockstar perks? Head to Virgin Voyages’ official site for the current details.
I didn’t realize how many drinks were included with Rockstar status until I cruised—if you’re curious about other things I wish I knew before my first Virgin cruise, this post breaks it all down.
🥂 Drink Events & Tastings
There are a ton of drink-forward events on board. Some use Bar Tab, some require Sailor Loot or an added cost—but either way, they’re usually generous with the pours.
A few to look for:
- Mix It Up – Two bartenders compete and you get to judge
- Grog Walk – A fun bar crawl (sells out fast!)
- Brews & Crews – Beer tasting meets trivia
- Bottomless Brunch – Mimosas and Bloody Marys for two hours
- Bubbles & Bites – Champagne and fried chicken (seriously!)
- Shot for Shot – Make 3 cocktails and learn to photograph them
- Spill the Beans – Coffee tasting session
- What’s the Tea – Tea tasting with flair
- Tasting Events – Whiskey, tequila, and vodka tastings worth the splurge
- Wine Not Take Me Home – Use leftover Bar Tab to buy a bottle of wine to take off the ship
💡 Quick List: Top 10 Ways to Save on Drinks with Virgin Voyages
The Virgin Voyages drink package may not be unlimited, but with the right tips, it can still be a great value. If you're not sure how to make the most of your Bar Tab—or you're just looking for smart ways to save—here’s a quick roundup of the easiest ways to stretch your drink budget on board:
1. Bring two bottles of wine
Each cabin can bring two 750ml bottles—no Bar Tab needed.
2. Buy the half bottles of liquor
Great for couples or groups. My husband loves mixing his own drinks with a bottle of rum and some free soda.
3. Grab a growler
$15 refundable deposit at Draught Haus, and you’ve got beer—or even sangria, if you ask nicely—on tap in your cabin.
4. Do the cocktail and food pairings
Experiences like Sip & Savor give you 3 drinks plus bites for a fraction of what you'd spend ordering separately.
5. Sign up for drink activities
From tequila tastings to bar crawls and bubbles & bites, many events are a great value and include generous pours.
6. Don’t miss the Sail Away party
There’s usually free champagne—and sometimes other cocktail events pop up too.
7. Make friends onboard
By the last night, lots of sailors are trying to spend down their Bar Tab. You never know when a new friend will offer to buy a round!
8. Order buckets of beer
You’ll save around $6 compared to buying cans one at a time.
9. Try the Groupies at Loose Cannon
Two sets of five big shots (Ring the Bell and Shocktopus) for around $40–$45. Great for splitting or celebrations.
10. Use your Bar Tab on non-alcoholic treats
Cold-pressed juice, mocktails, and espresso drinks all count—and they’re perfect for mornings or pacing yourself between cocktails.
🙋♀️ FAQs About Virgin Voyages’ Drink System
Q: Does Virgin have a traditional drink package?
A: Nope—just the Bar Tab system, where you prepay and get bonus credit.
Q: Can I use my Bar Tab for mocktails or coffee?
A: Yes! You can use it for mocktails, espresso drinks, and cold-pressed juices.
Q: Are soda and water included for free?
A: Yes! Soda, water, juice, and regular coffee/tea are all included.
Q: What’s the average price for a drink?
A: Cocktails are usually $8–$13. Mocktails and coffee are a little less.
Q: What’s the legal drinking age?
A: 18+ while in international waters. Always bring ID just in case.
Q: What if I don’t use all my Bar Tab?
A: It expires—but you can use it for the Wine Not Take Me Home event to grab a bottle before debarkation.
Q: How does Bar Tab compare to Sailor Loot?
A: Bar Tab can only be used for drinks. Sailor Loot is general onboard credit. For more on how people use both, check out this Cruise Critic discussion.
👀 A Quick Heads Up About Changes Coming
Virgin Voyages is testing an unlimited drink package on select sailings. Right now it’s just a trial, and it’s not available on every cruise—but it’s something they’re experimenting with.
So if you’re sailing soon, know that things could shift in the future. I’ll keep you updated here if anything changes!
🍷 My Favorite Virgin Drinks
A few drinks I always go back to:
- Sangria – It’s so fresh and light, and great by the glass or carafe
- Golden Horizon – A fun cocktail that always hits the spot
- Cold-pressed juices – Especially after a shore excursion or before breakfast
If you’re looking for more drink ideas, don’t miss my full list of Top Must-Try Drinks on Virgin Voyages.
🍹 Bonus: Post-Cruise Drink Adventure
If you’re starting or ending your cruise in San Juan, I highly recommend checking out a rum-focused food and drink tour. We did the Rum Runners Craft Cocktail Tour before our cruise and absolutely loved it.
👉 Read my full review here:
Best Food & Rum Tours in San Juan
🎟️ Or book it directly through my Viator partner link:
Rum Runners Craft Cocktail Tour on Viator
📍 Wrapping It All Up
Virgin’s Bar Tab system is actually pretty easy to navigate once you understand what it covers—and if you’re smart with it, you can absolutely make the most of your drinks without ever missing the traditional drink package.
💬 Got your own drink tips or Bar Tab stories? Drop them in the comments!
📌 Want more Virgin Voyages tips and tricks?
- Top Must-Try Drinks on Virgin Voyages
- Things I Wish I Knew Before My Virgin Cruise
- Ways Virgin Voyages Turns “No” Into the Ultimate Yes
🛳️ And don’t forget to join the Shore to Cruise Facebook group to swap stories and get tips from other Virgin Voyages fans!
🌴 Let’s Connect & Cruise Smarter
Come say hi or get inspired:
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