Virgin Voyages – A Step Backwards?
Brilliant Lady leaving Portsmouth in August 2024 photograph: Andrew McAlpine
Well, this is a shame.
One of the things we loved most about Virgin Voyages – apart from those glorious hammocks (seriously, we’re obsessed!) – was how refreshingly straightforward the pricing was. No confusing extras, no need to upgrade just to get the good stuff, and fabulous restaurants that everyone could enjoy. Now, though, it feels like they’ve reinvented themselves as… well… P&O with added tiers, levels, and booking windows.
Cathy and Emma onboard Brilliant Lady in Portsmouth 2024
The New Fare System
From 7 October, Virgin Voyages will launch VoyageFair Choices fares, bringing in a three-tier structure for guests in Sea Terrace cabins and below. Here’s how it shakes out:
Base Fare (non-refundable)
New Basic Wi-Fi for one device per person
Dining reservations open 15 days before sailing
Essential Fare (closest to what exists now)
Classic Wi-Fi
Dining reservations 45 days before sailing
Some flexibility to adjust dates/names
Premium Fare
Dining reservations 60 days before sailing (previously only for suites)
Premium Wi-Fi for two devices with streaming/video
Drinks credit (Bar Tab) included
Priority support line for bookings
Tips Now Separated Out
In another change, tips will no longer be bundled in. Instead, you can pre-pay them at $20pp per night (discounted) or settle onboard for $22pp per night. Virgin say this will bring greater clarity but we’re not convinced.
Dining at Test Kitchen, one of Virgin’s fabulous restaurants – but will you get the reservation you want?
UK Homeport Dropped
And there’s more disappointment for UK cruisers. Virgin Voyages has confirmed that Portsmouth will no longer be a homeport from 2027 – the first time since launch that no Virgin ship will sail from the UK.
The line says the change is about tempting British travellers to fly to Athens, Barcelona, or the US instead, offering “more exotic destinations.” CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu told cruise journalist Dave Monk (ShipMonk) that many UK guests prefer the Med anyway.
That may be true – but it also means extra costs for flights and likely overnight stays for those of us who’ve loved the convenience of sailing straight out of Portsmouth.
Since its 2021 debut, Virgin has always had a ship based here: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and more recently Brilliant Lady all called Portsmouth home. Losing that option feels like a real backwards step for UK cruisers.
Virgin Voyages’ iconic red hammock – still our favourite spot onboard
Cruise Addicted Verdict: Thumbs Down
At Cruise Addicted, we can’t help but feel this is a misstep.
The layered fares and shifting perks make things unnecessarily complicated.
Splitting dining reservation windows just makes it harder for non-Rock Stars to snag their favourite restaurants.
And losing UK sailings entirely? That’s a big blow.
Virgin Voyages has always stood out for being bold, different, and a little bit rebellious. But this new direction feels like it’s chipping away at what made them special in the first place.
We’ll still love that hammock, though. 🌊🛳️
If we’ve encouraged you to cruise with Virgin search for your own adventure here
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