Understanding Virgin Voyages' Unique Bar Tab System
Unlike many traditional cruise lines, Virgin Voyages has opted for a refreshingly different approach to onboard beverages. You won't find traditional "drink packages" that cover unlimited drinks for a flat daily fee. Instead, Virgin Voyages embraces a more รก la carte model, allowing you to pay for drinks as you go, or by utilizing pre-purchased bar tabs and onboard credits.
This system is designed to give sailors (that's what Virgin calls its guests) more flexibility and potentially more value, as you only pay for what you actually consume. However, it also means a little more planning is required to avoid sticker shock at the end of your voyage. This is where our Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Calculator comes in handy!
Sailor Loot and Bar Tab Bonuses
Virgin Voyages frequently offers "Sailor Loot" (onboard credit) as part of booking promotions or as a perk for loyal sailors. This credit can be used for almost anything onboard, including drinks, specialty dining, spa treatments, and shore excursions.
Additionally, Virgin Voyages often runs promotions where you can purchase a "Bar Tab" in advance and receive a bonus. For example, you might purchase $300 worth of Bar Tab and receive an extra $50 for free. This is an excellent way to stretch your drink budget further.
Why You Need a Bar Tab Calculator
Without a fixed drink package, it can be challenging to budget for your onboard beverage consumption. Many sailors underestimate their daily spend, leading to unexpected charges on their final bill. Our calculator helps you:
- Estimate Total Costs: Get a clear picture of what your desired bar tab will cost for your entire cruise.
- Plan Your Budget: Determine how much you need to set aside for drinks before you even board.
- Maximize Credits: See how your existing Sailor Loot or pre-purchased Bar Tab credits impact your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Avoid Surprises: Eliminate the stress of not knowing what your final bill will look like.
How to Use the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Calculator
Using the calculator is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Input Your Cruise Details
- Number of Nights: Enter the duration of your Virgin Voyages cruise. A 5-night cruise would be "5".
- Number of Sailors: Input the total number of people in your cabin who will be consuming alcoholic beverages.
Step 2: Estimate Your Daily Drink Spend per Person
This is the most variable input. Think about your typical daily drink habits on vacation. Consider:
- How many alcoholic drinks do you typically have in a day?
- Do you prefer cocktails, beer, wine, or a mix?
- Are you likely to splurge on premium options or stick to standard offerings?
- Typical drink prices:
- Cocktails: $13-$17
- Beer: $7-$10
- Wine by the glass: $10-$15
- Specialty Coffee: $4-$6 (not included in basic beverages)
A good starting point for moderate drinkers might be $50-$75 per person per day, while heavier drinkers or those who enjoy premium selections might estimate $100+.
Step 3: Account for Existing Bar Tab Credit / Sailor Loot
Enter any existing Bar Tab credits you've purchased (e.g., $300 for $350 promotion) or any Sailor Loot you have as onboard credit. This will directly reduce the amount you need to pay out of pocket.
Step 4: Calculate and Plan!
Click the "Calculate Bar Tab" button, and the calculator will instantly show you:
- Total Desired Bar Tab: The total estimated cost of your drinks based on your inputs.
- Amount to Pay (after credit): The remaining amount you'll need to cover with a credit card or by purchasing more Bar Tab.
Maximizing Your Bar Tab Value on Virgin Voyages
To make the most of your beverage budget, consider these tips:
- Look for Bar Tab Bonus Promotions: Always check for these before your cruise. Buying $300 and getting $50 free is a 16.6% bonus!
- Utilize Included Beverages: Basic filtered water, still & sparkling water, drip coffee, tea, and a selection of non-pressed juices are always included.
- Happy Hour Deals: Keep an eye out for special happy hour pricing or events onboard.
- Bring Allowed Beverages: Virgin Voyages allows guests to bring two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per cabin (no corkage fee) or up to twelve 12oz cans/cartons of non-alcoholic beverages.
- Strategic Use of Sailor Loot: If you have Sailor Loot, decide whether to use it for drinks, shore excursions, or spa treatments based on what provides the most value to you.
Conclusion
While Virgin Voyages' unique bar tab system offers flexibility, a little planning goes a long way. By using this calculator, you can embark on your voyage with a clear understanding of your potential drink expenses, allowing you to relax and enjoy every sip without financial surprises. Cheers to a fantastic voyage!