Virgin Voyages FAQs for Pre-Voyage Policies
Pre-Voyage Policies
What is Virgin Voyages' cancellation policy?
For bookings made on or before October 6, 2025:
Our cancellation policy was created to provide a better experience for our Sailors. Here’s everything you need to know:
For bookings made on or after October 7, 2025:
Your cancellation policy depends on the voyage fare option you selected:
Our cancellation policy was created to provide a better experience for our Sailors. Here’s everything you need to know:
- 120+ days before sailing: You’ll have a 7-day grace period to request a full refund on your deposit and any other payments made. Refunds go back to your original form of payment.
- After the 7-day grace period (but still before 120 days): You’ll receive a refund on all payments, excluding your deposit. Your deposit will be held as Future Voyage Credit.
- 119–45 days before sailing: All funds paid will convert to Future Voyage Credit, good for any voyage within 1 year of your original start date.
- 44 days or less before sailing: All funds are final. You can, however, transfer your booking to someone else up to 48 hours before departure. (Taxes and fees are always refunded regardless of timing.)
For bookings made on or after October 7, 2025:
Your cancellation policy depends on the voyage fare option you selected:
- Lock It In (Standard Cabins & Suites)
- All payments are 100% non-refundable (excluding taxes and fees). No grace period, no date or name changes, and no Future Voyage Credit.
- Base (Standard Cabins)
- All payments are 100% non-refundable (excluding taxes and fees). No grace period, no date or name changes, and no Future Voyage Credit.
- Essential (Standard Cabins)
- 120+ days before sailing: Within 7 days of deposit, receive a full refund. After 7 days, deposits convert to Future Voyage Credit; all other payments are refunded.
- 119–45 days before sailing: All voyage fare payments are non-refundable (excluding taxes and fees), but will be transferred to Future Voyage Credit.
- 44 days or less before sailing: All voyage fare payments are non-refundable (excluding taxes and fees). Only secondary Sailors (not Sailor #1) may be changed.
- Premium (Standard Cabins), RockStar & Mega RockStar Suites (Non-Lock It In)
- 120+ days before sailing: Within 7 days of deposit, receive a full refund. After 7 days, deposits convert to Future Voyage Credit; all other payments are refunded.
- 119–45 days before sailing: All voyage fare payments are non-refundable (excluding taxes and fees), but Sailors may choose to transfer payments made to Future Voyage Credit, change voyage dates, or change any names on the booking.
- 44 days or less before sailing: All voyage fare payments are non-refundable (excluding taxes and fees), but any Sailor may be changed.
I cannot travel on my voyage. Could someone take my place?
For bookings made on or before October 6, 2025:
Yes! Names on reservations can be changed up to 48 hours before your voyage — at no additional cost (excluding air implications). Please reach out to our Sailor Services Crew or your travel agent to have someone sail in your place.
For bookings made on or after October 7, 2025:
Name change flexibility depends on the voyage fare option you selected:
Yes! Names on reservations can be changed up to 48 hours before your voyage — at no additional cost (excluding air implications). Please reach out to our Sailor Services Crew or your travel agent to have someone sail in your place.
For bookings made on or after October 7, 2025:
Name change flexibility depends on the voyage fare option you selected:
- Lock It In (Standard Cabins & Suites): No name changes allowed.
- Base (Standard Cabins): No name changes allowed.
- Essential (Standard Cabins): The Lead Sailor (Sailor #1) cannot be changed, but additional Sailors in the cabin may be changed up to 48 hours before sailing.
- Premium (Standard Cabins): Any Sailor in the cabin may be changed up to 48 hours before sailing.
- RockStar & Mega RockStar Suites (Non-Lock It In): Any Sailor in the suite may be changed up to 48 hours before sailing.
Can I bring alcohol on board?
As an Adult-by-Design experience, we have an array of carefully selected beer, wine and expert cocktail options ship-wide. If you must bring that rare bottle of red you got in the south of France, we get it. Sailors are also welcome to bring two (2) 750mL bottles of wine per cabin in carry-on bags on the day of embarkation (sorry, no liquor or beer please). Please note, any alcohol in your checked luggage will be collected pre-sailing and returned once your voyage is complete. You are also welcome to bring specialty liquors from a port of call on board. Simply hand them to our security team as you board, and we will hold them until your final night.
What is the minimum age to travel?
Every Virgin Voyages sailing is an experience created exclusively for adults, and the minimum age to book and sail is 18 years old.
Can I bring electrical appliances with me i.e. hair dryer, flat iron, iron?
Clothing irons are a no go on board, but if you need to bring flat iron for your hair, that's ok. There is a hair dryer already in your cabin.
Can I bring food on board?
With more than 20+ delicious options available, there's no need to bring food on board. However, if you have a necessary item or dietary supplement you must bring on board, feel free to contact out Sailor Services Crew for special clearance.
Can I bring the entire family?
We've taken great care to design an experience where our Sailors can enjoy an 18+ environment for reflection, transformation and exploration without life’s everyday stressors.
Can I change my voyage date?
For bookings made on or before October 6, 2025:
Yes! You can change your voyage date up until 45 days before sailing, and the new voyage date can be up to 1 year from the original sailing start date. Any bookable experiences (like dining, Shore Things, or arrival time slots) will need to be rebooked on the new voyage.
For bookings made on or after October 7, 2025:
Your ability to change your voyage date depends on the voyage fare option you selected:
Yes! You can change your voyage date up until 45 days before sailing, and the new voyage date can be up to 1 year from the original sailing start date. Any bookable experiences (like dining, Shore Things, or arrival time slots) will need to be rebooked on the new voyage.
For bookings made on or after October 7, 2025:
Your ability to change your voyage date depends on the voyage fare option you selected:
- Lock It In and Base (Standard Cabins): Voyage date changes are not allowed.
- Essential & Premium (Standard Cabins) and RockStar & Mega RockStar Suites (Non-Lock It In): Voyage date changes are allowed up to 45 days before sailing, and the new date must be within 1 year of the original sailing start date.
Can I bring water or soft drinks on board?
Small quantities of water, protein based drinks, non-alcoholic beer, or soft drinks in boxes and cans are permitted in hand luggage only. Drinks in bottles (glass or plastic) are not permitted. A small quantity is considered a maximum of twelve (12) sealed, unopened cans/cartons of twelve 12 ounces each or less per person. - If there is a special need for having a specific drink, please contact Sailor Services.
Can I bring weapons?
That would be a strong no. There are no weapons or ammunition of any kind allowed on board.
Can I travel as a single Sailor?
We understand some Sailors prefer to travel with a party of one! Our cabins for solo Sailors are the perfect way to sail if you're looking for more personal travel. Also, for just a bit more, you can book a double cabin just for yourself. (Who says you have to share everything?)
Can I use my Virgin points to book a Virgin Voyages sailing?
From time to time, our friends at Virgin Red offer options to book a select voyage using your points with Virgin. Please visit virginred.com to view current offers.
Can Virgin Voyages refuse my booking or deny me boarding?
Though unlikely, Virgin Voyages reserves the right to refuse booking or deny boarding to anyone that does not comply with the rules and regulations stated in the ticket contract.
What is the smoking policy?
Smoking will only be permitted in The Smoking Room located on Deck 6 Forward, and in the designated smoking area on Deck 16 Forward on the Starboard side near the entrance of Richard’s Rooftop. Smoking is not allowed in any other areas including the cabin terraces.
Smoking of any kind outside of designated areas (even with a "vape" device) will result in a $500 fee, is a material breach of your ticket contract, and may result in you being disembarked at the next port with no refund. Any repatriating fees will be charged to your onboard account.
Smoking of any kind outside of designated areas (even with a "vape" device) will result in a $500 fee, is a material breach of your ticket contract, and may result in you being disembarked at the next port with no refund. Any repatriating fees will be charged to your onboard account.
Does Virgin Voyages have a Sailor conduct policy?
For our full Sailor Conduct Policy please see here.
I am 18, can I bring alcohol on board?
Sorry, laws are laws. While 18+ Sailors can enjoy alcoholic beverages at sea, it's illegal for 18- to 20-year-olds to possess alcohol in Florida. Sorry, Sailors!
Are there any restrictions on persons with prior criminal convictions from sailing?
Virgin Voyages is committed to providing a safe environment for our Sailors and Crew and reserves the right to deny boarding to any persons convicted of certain felonies, including but not limited to: aggravated physical and/or sexual assault, armed robbery and related offenses, and any other violent crimes.
Virgin Voyages also reserves the right to access public records containing information about any felonious convictions as part of its Sailor screening process, and to cancel a booking and/or deny embarkation at any time to any individual who has been convicted of these crimes. In the event of such cancellation or denial, the affected individual’s sole recourse shall be a refund of the amount paid to Virgin Voyages for that individual’s own booking, without entitlement to any further damages, loss, expenses, credit, or compensation whatsoever.
Virgin Voyages also reserves the right to access public records containing information about any felonious convictions as part of its Sailor screening process, and to cancel a booking and/or deny embarkation at any time to any individual who has been convicted of these crimes. In the event of such cancellation or denial, the affected individual’s sole recourse shall be a refund of the amount paid to Virgin Voyages for that individual’s own booking, without entitlement to any further damages, loss, expenses, credit, or compensation whatsoever.
What items are prohibited from being brought on board?
On Virgin Voyages creating a safe and secure environment for our Sailors is our top priority. This is a super-long-but-super-important list of items that are a no-go on every Virgin Voyages vessel. If a sailor is found in possession of such items onboard or during embarkation, The vessel may deny these items from coming onboard, dispose of items or confiscate items until the end of the voyage.
Thank you for helping to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
See the list of all prohibited items.
Thank you for helping to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
See the list of all prohibited items.
Does Virgin Voyages offer travel insurance?
Yes, every Sailor has the opportunity to choose Voyage Protection when booking. If you decide you want to add Voyage Protection after booking, please contact Sailor Services or your travel agent to arrange it prior to making the final payment. Please visit the Aon plan page for more information about Voyage Protection benefits.
I’m booked on back-to-back sailings. Is there a special process to handle my bookings?
We recognize and appreciate that you’re spending some additional time with us, and we are going to make every effort to accommodate your cabin assignments on new bookings.
What are the customs allowances?
Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for more information on customs allowances.
Can I bring musical instruments on board?
Yes, what would a Virgin Voyages experience be without a few guitars? Just be sure all instruments fit through terminal screening equipment. Also, if the music is disturbing other Sailors, which we don't think it will (we know how good you are), we might have to ask you to lower the volume a bit to respect everyone's needs.
Can I bring a drone on board?
No. While we understand that you may legally be able to fly a drone at certain ports along your voyage, we do not allow drones aboard our Lady Ships. They will be confiscated pre-voyage and returned upon arrival at our home port. Please visit here for the full list of prohibited items.
Am I allowed to bring a portable fan on board?
You may bring a portable fan (battery-powered or plug-in) on board.
Like any plug-in appliance, it may need to be inspected by our onboard electricians prior to usage. Please let the Terminal team know during check-in that you have a plug-in fan in your carry-on and they will inspect if necessary.
Like any plug-in appliance, it may need to be inspected by our onboard electricians prior to usage. Please let the Terminal team know during check-in that you have a plug-in fan in your carry-on and they will inspect if necessary.