Virgin Voyages Announces New Fare Types (No Longer Inclusive as Standard)

Virgin Voyages has announced changes to the pricing and booking process for its cruises.

I personally am not a fan of this change as I’ve always seen Virgin Voyages inclusivity as being the thing that sets them apart from other cruise lines. In my opinion, it’s odd to make this change now, but I’m hoping to be proved wrong!

Beginning October 7, 2025, the line will introduce a new fare model called VoyageFair Choices, which adds three different pricing tiers for most cabin categories, along with service charges which were previously included.

The three new fare types for Sea Terrace and below cabins are:

• Base fare – The lowest-priced option. Non-refundable, with no name, date, or cabin changes allowed. Includes “Basic WiFi” for one device per passenger (suitable for social media and light browsing). Dining reservations open 15 days before sailing.
  
• Essential fare – Closest to the current Virgin Voyages model. Includes “Classic WiFi” for one device (with audio calling and browsing). Dining reservations open 45 days before sailing. Offers more flexibility, such as name changes for additional passengers and the ability to switch to a future voyage credit
  
• Premium fare – The highest tier for non-suite cabins. Includes “Premium WiFi” for two devices (streaming and video), a Bar Tab (drinks credit), priority support for pre-cruise bookings, and dining reservations 60 days before sailing.

For RockStar and Mega RockStar Quarters, the main change will be earlier dining reservations, opening 120 days before departure. Other suite inclusions, such as Richard’s Rooftop access, priority boarding, in-room bars, and daily Bar Tabs for Mega RockStars, remain the same.

Another adjustment is the way service gratuities are displayed. These will now appear as a separate line item at booking. Guests can pre-pay at $20 per person, per night, or settle onboard at $22 per person, per night. Virgin say that the total cost remains unchanged, but the gratuity will no longer be bundled invisibly into the fare.

This raises questions about if guests will now be able to remove gratuities on Virgin Voyages cruises.

Virgin Voyages states that its “Always Included” offering continues unchanged. Fares still cover all dining venues, group fitness classes, WiFi, non-alcoholic drinks such as soda and sparkling water, and onboard entertainment.

The new fare system applies to bookings made on or after October 7, 2025.