Preparing for your Virgin Voyages Sailing

Bob Voyage Travel
Apr 22
4 min read

Getting your ship together!

Okay, so you've just booked your sailing on Virgin Voyages. You're excited, you can't wait to set sail, you're counting the days. What do you do now? Let us be your guide as you "get your ship together" to prepare for your voyage.

Checking In (As soon as you book)

There are a few short to-dos once you're booked that are really important — and checking in should be your first stop! You scan your passport, complete your Sailor profile, add a credit card for onboard purchases, and sign the legal stuff. Once those steps are completed, you'll be able to select a boarding time. Earlier boarding will allow you access to certain amenities and events that you can only book once you're on the ship, so it's important to take care of this ASAP.

BVT Tips

Select one person in your cabin to "cover" the onboard purchases. That person puts credit card info in the app. This helps keep the folio record cleaner, and ensures any onboard credit you have applies to everyone in the cabin.
Check for earlier boarding times as the sailing date approaches. Simply re-visit the check in step in the Virgin Voyages app, and choose "Step Aboard" (step 6) to view available times. If the ones that appear are not earlier than what you have, simply exit the app without selecting anything and try again later.

Shore Things (6 months prior)

Six months prior to your embarkation day (the date you sail away), you will be able to select and reserve your Shore Things, which is Virgin speak for excursions. If you're within the six-month countdown, you can view your available excursions on the VV app or website.

Alternatively, you can look into third-party excursions, including my friends at Viator. I don't always recommend this for short port stops, but it can be a good way to find off-the-beaten path activities.

Getting to the Port City (3-6 months prior)

Part of planning your cruise includes making sure you know how you will get from your home to the city where your itinerary begins. It's always best to stay the night near the cruise terminal. For example, unless you live in Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, we recommend that you travel in the night before embarkation.

BVT Tips

Get to the cruise terminal city the night before!!! You've saved for this voyage, we've helped you plan it, you're excited to set sail... Don't risk "missing the boat" by trusting airlines to get you there the day of!
Remember - we do more than just cruises! We can help you with your flights, hotel, rental cars, tours, and more.

Dining Reservations (45 days prior)

Dining Reservations open 45 days prior to your sailing. Unlike a typical cruise line that has a main dining room and you choose an early, late, or "anytime" dining preference, Virgin's specialty dining venues offer seating by reservation. Use the VV app to book your dining reservations.

While walk-ins are accommodated, it is still recommended to secure reservations for at least some of your dining experiences onboard, so be sure to log into the VV app on your 45-day mark.

BVT Tips

Get a reservation at Gunbae early in the cruise. It's a great way to meet other sailors.
Reserve an early dinner on Scarlet Night. That way, you'll be ready for the festivities.

Packing List (2-3 weeks prior)

Start thinking about what you will pack. Check here for the events lineup to be sure you pack the outfits that match the theme parties and event nights!

BVT Tips

Take a reusable mug or thermos that you can refill with water (provided in your cabin) and around the ship. Hey, and who's to say you can't refill with soda or tea (at no extra charge on Virgin)!?
A USB-powered fan can be great for moving the air in your cabin, or giving you a little refreshment if the weather is warm. Take a portable battery pack, and you'll bring the breeze with you!

Arrival (30 minutes prior)

Arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled arrival time. If you have a later time (after 3pm), please note that boarding usually moves faster than expected, and you could plan on arriving 45-60 minutes before your assigned time. Don't show up too early, though — you cannot enter the building until they are ready for your group, and seating outside is limited. Have your travel documents ready, and have the Virgin Voyages app open on your phone.

BVT Tips

Luggage Tags are not required, and will be provided by the terminal staff. That said, sailings from Miami, Barcelona, and Athens may have pre-printable luggage tags if you'd like to plan ahead — they will be emailed to you 3 days before you sail.
At Terminal V in Miami, have a bit of cash on-hand for the luggage porters. The friendly folks on the ground at the terminal do an amazing job and knock themselves out.