Virgin Voyages - B’s Tips for Sailing Day

 

Ready to make ship happen
 
 

 

READY TO SAIL…here are a few of our tips that will help kick start your cruise the Virgin Way.

 
  • Virgin Always Included Luxury: All food, Wi-Fi, tips, essential drinks, unlimited group workouts, shows, and entertainment are included. Since WiFi is as essential as water, count that in, too. Tips FAQs:

 

  • Health Check: 24 hours prior to sailing, all Sailors are required to fill out a health declaration (aka the health check form) in the Virgin Voyages App. Health Check FAQs

 

  • Parking/Rideshare:  
    • If you're driving in, please park at the Terminal V (Virgin) garage.  of Miami Parking Details/Fees
    • Rideshare will drop you off at the front door, and on disembarkation day, will pick you up in front of the terminal.
      • Be prepared for a slight wait, or pre-schedule your pick-up via your preferred rideshare app. If you choose to hail a "shuttle van" from the hustlers, be prepared to squeeze into a shared ride, definitely not a way to end your vacation.
    • For Mega Rockstars in Miami, you'll have a car service scheduled for pick-up and drop-off.

 

  • Boarding Time: Virgin leaves the port around 6 pm, so your boarding time will be later in the afternoon. General boarding starts at 2pm, and there will be hourly time slot lines outside. Sometimes you're lucky and they will let you in slightly early; on the other hand, if you arrive after your slotted time, you typically can walk right in. Your time will be determined on your Virgin App. Remember to bring cash if you’re checking a bag. Boarding Time FAQs:
    • Rockstar & Mega Rockstar: Look for the "Rockstar" signs and board at your assigned slot.
    • Deep Blue (Loyalty Club): Your boarding time will be after 2pm. Be ready to show the folks at the front door your "Deep Blue Extras" on the Virgin App (Tap Me > Add-ons). Loyalty Club Link

 

  • Carry-on Champagne & Wine: Two (2) 750mL bottles of wine per cabin are allowed in carry-on bags on the day of embarkation (sorry, no liquor or beer, please). We like to ask housekeeping for two champagne/wine glasses once we arrive. Carry-on Wine/Champagne FAQs:

 

  • Bar Tab: It pays to pre-pay! 24 hours prior to sailing, or at the check-in terminal desk, before boarding.
    • Boost your experience with a pre-purchased Bar Tab and score a bonus for extra rounds. Available via your app.
    • Any unused bar tab will be forfeited, so just in case you have some left over, buy a bottle of wine the last night, or a round for your new friends.  Bar Tab FAQs:
    • Rockstar and Mega-Rockstar Bar Tab Details

 

  • Water & Soda: Bring your reusable water bottle; essential drinks, which consist of filtered still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, sachet teas, and drip coffee, are all covered - On Virgin. You'll have two carafes of water in your cabin, feel free to ask housekeeping for extras to place in your mini-fridge. Water & Soda FAQs:

 

  • Restaurants/Extras & Reservations: Dining Details Link
    • If you would like to make reservations prior to your voyage and none are available, no need to worry! We don't open all reservations prior to the voyage, so more reservation slots open up once you come aboard the ship. That being said, if you like to go with the flow, we take walk-ins and day-of reservations at all of our eateries. With so many options, you'll never have to stress about having an incredible dining experience waiting for you. We love to have happy hour bits and bevvies at The Dock, then enjoy a later dinner, but keep in mind the show times. Dinner Reservations FAQs
    • Last day brunch at The Wake! Since disembarkation is late with Virgin, we highly recommend making a morning breakfast reservation at The Wake on your last day. As early as possible, see the host at The Wake for your reservation.
    • The Galley: This is Virgin's classy way of the non-buffet. All food is made to order. There are some spots where you may walk up to order, but the best experience is to grab a seat, review the QR menu, and raise the red flag to order.
    • Games/Karaoke:
      • Once on board, head to The Groupies to reserve a private Karaoke room.
      • Public Karaoke runs daily; check the agenda for details.
      • Trivia: These book fast, check the app to reserve.

 

  • Wi-Fi: Yes, unlimited WiFi browsing is included for all Sailors. So, there's no charge for social media, email, web browsing, or messaging.
    • An upgraded Premium entertainment package will also be available for just a bit extra to support streaming - subject to availability. We typically purchase premium for streaming a video conference or to go live on social media.

 

  • Communications:
    • Virgin Voyages app & daily paper agenda. Keep an eye on the app for all communications or, if old school (like us), keep the paper agenda in your pocket.
    • Virgin does it differently. You'll hear the captain's announcement over the entire ship, including your cabin, only on embarkation and disembarkation day, unless there's an emergency. So, no pesky announcements waking you up in the morning.
    • Sailor Services: aka customer service, contact them via the app or visit them on the lower deck.

 

  • Entertainment: Virgin does it differently. Keep in mind that some shows do require a reservation via the app, although they will open walk-ins right before the show starts. Entertainment Details
    • Scarlet Night: No secrets given away here! Just be sure to bring your most fabulous red outfits. Scarlet Night FAQs
    • PJ Party: Fun, remember this is an adult-only cruise! PJ Party FAQs
    • Themed Nights:

 

  • Fitness & Redemption Spa:
    • Not to worry, if you didn’t pre-book, once on board head to the spa to book. We love to book the unlimited daily spa pass for the entire sailing, or there are day passes available. These sell out fast, so make this a priority once on board. Tip, the cold plunge helps my hangover.
    • Group Fitness: Once on board, make your reservation; these go quick. Fitness & Spa Details

 

  • My Next Virgin Voyage (MYNVV) Desk: Located at the top of the round-a-bout. We know you’re gonna love Virgin Voyages, so only while on board you’ll have the opportunity to place a deposit and receive on board credit on your next sailing. Keep in mind that you are able to place a deposit and pick your exact sailing later; you’ll just need to sail within two (2) years. There are a few details, check them out on the following link. My Next Virgin Voyage Details
    • Tips: 
      • If the MYNVV desk is busy, you are able to process via your Virgin Voyages App.
      • You are allowed to purchase multiple MYNVV, which are available to transfer to friends and family.
      • Referrals: Feel free to share our information with any new friends; we would be happy to make ship happen for all.

 

Cheers, please let us know if you have any questions!

Bobby & Brandon

 

Bobby +1 786-643-5559 mb/txt |bobby.paris@cruiseplanners.com

Brandon +1 617-319-1978 mb/txt | Brandon.berretta@cruiseplanners.com