Wondering what’s not included on a cruise? You’re not alone.
Cruise fares can look tempting at first glance. But once drink packages, specialty dining, WiFi, room service fees, and daily charges enter the chat, that “great deal” can quickly grow.
Many cruise lines operate on a base-fare model. The cabin gets you on board. The extras build from there.
Virgin Voyages was designed differently. With our award-winning, adults-only ships and Always Included Luxury approach, more of what matters is built into your fare from the start.
Let’s break it down.
Drink packages and bar bills
On many cruise lines, your fare includes water, basic coffee, and tea. Soda packages and alcohol bundles? Extra. Often charged per day, whether you use them or not.
It’s easy to add hundreds before sailing away.
With Virgin Voyages, still and sparkling water, sodas, non-pressed juices, teas, and drip coffee are included. Alcohol is pay-as-you-go with transparent pricing. No mandatory drink packages. No daily minimums.
You order what you want. You pay for what you order.
Explore what’s included and start getting excited for the sit-down dining experience that's become our hallmark.
Specialty dining fees
On traditional cruises, the main dining room is included. The steakhouse, sushi bar, or Italian spot? Often not.
Virgin Voyages includes all restaurants onboard.
That means:
- Steak and seafood at The Wake
- Handmade pasta at Extra Virgin
- Korean BBQ at Gunbae
- Elevated Mexican at Pink Agave
- Experimental menus at Test Kitchen
No buffets. No assigned dining times. No cover charges. Just 20+ eateries designed to feel like your favorite city restaurants at sea.
WiFi charges
WiFi is another common cruise add-on, often sold in daily tiers.
Virgin Voyages includes basic WiFi for every Sailor. Want faster streaming speeds? Upgrade if you choose.
Connected when you want to be. Disconnected when you don’t.
Fitness fees
Fitness can be another upcharge elsewhere, especially for classes like spin or yoga.
With us, group fitness classes are included. HIIT, yoga, cycling, strength training — it’s part of your voyage. The Redemption Spa offers premium treatments at an additional cost, but your core wellness experience is built in.
The beach club difference
Here’s where Virgin really stands apart.
At The Beach Club at Bimini — an exclusive beachside haven for Virgin Voyages Sailors only — entry is included. No day pass fee. And when you’re there, the food is included, too.
Relaxed beach vibes. DJ-led pool energy. Lounge chairs waiting for you. No extra entrance charge layered onto your port day.
It’s another example of building more into the experience up front — instead of charging you at every turn.
Where cruise budgets often grow
Here’s where cruise budgets often shift. Many lines add:
- Daily service charges
- Dining surcharges
- Beverage package fees
- Fitness class upcharges
- Fees to their beach clubs
By the end of the voyage, those extras can add up fast.
We take a more transparent approach. Dining across 20+ eateries. Group fitness classes. Entertainment. WiFi. Soda and water package. All included from the start.
Add in award-winning ships, adults-only Sailings, design-forward spaces, and immersive entertainment, and the value becomes clearer.
Fewer surprises. More intention.
So are there hidden costs on a cruise?
It depends on who you sail with.
If you prefer a model where the essentials are built in — and optional splurges stay optional — Virgin Voyages was created with you in mind.
Adults-only. Award-winning. Designed differently.
No plot twists. Just smooth sailing.
See the value before you sail
Before you book, compare what’s actually included.
Then choose the voyage that lets you relax without calculating every cocktail, class, or dinner reservation.
Your vacation should feel elevated, not itemized.
