So you’ve booked a cruise and you are trying to decide if the Virgin Voyages drink package is worth it. Unlike some other cruises, Virgin Voyages lets you choose a dollar amount for your drink package called a Bar Tab. Is it worth it?
If you like to drink – yes! This one is a no-brainer. Just make sure you purchase a Bar Tab in advance to take advantage of the extra money Virgin Voyages gives you as a thank you for early purchases.
If you like to drink but not that much – yes! Just get a smaller number amount to spend on drinks. Enjoy a cocktail or nice glass of wine with dinner or enjoy the many low and non alcoholic drinks. Virgin Voyages offers lovely fancy drinks booze free that cost less than a traditional cocktail.
If you don’t drink alcohol – maybe. Sodas, water, drip coffee, and tea bags are available as part of your cruise fare but if you want to try the afternoon tea, specialty coffee (like lattes), or a variety of smoothies and protein drinks, these are extra. There are also many non and low alcoholic beers and cocktails on board. So if you like a fancy drink, a bar tab might still be worth it.
Sodas, water, and drip coffee are all you need – no. If you don’t need much beyond the basics, skip the Bar Tab or just pay as you go.
So how do you decide how much to get?
The best way to decide how much money to buy is divide the average price of what you think you will drink the most by the number of cruise days to make a mental budget. Personally, I drink a little more on Scarlet Night (the ship wide, evening party) and sea days. I also factor in that I tend to slow down a little at the end. Bar Tabs can also be used at Bimini Beach Club which is a stop on many itineraries out of Miami. Remember, drink packages are use it or lose it so it’s better to underestimate than over estimate. You can also purchase drinks as you go on board and get billed post cruise.
Bar Tabs are sold in increments and you are rewarded with some additional spending money if you prepurchase your tab. Sailors can share their Bar Tab with their cabinmate.
- $200 Bar Tab: extra $25 for a total of $225
- $300 Bar Tab: extra $50 for a total of $350
- $500 Bar Tab: extra $100 for a total of $600
- $750 Bar Tab: extra $175 for a total of $925
- $1000 Bar Tab: extra $250 for a total of $1250
Most drinks average around the following. Specialty cocktails vary more than other drinks. One of my favorite places to hang out is in the sultry On The Rocks bar but cocktails are little higher here.
- Beer: $8
- Basic Cocktails: $11
- Specialty Cocktails: $13 – $17
- Wine by the Glass: 40% are $11 or less
- Specialty Coffees/Teas: $5
- Fresh Juices/Smoothies: $9
Okay, what does that look like in practice?
When I sailed on a 7-night port heavy itinerary, my husband and I shared a $500 Bar Tab with no issue. We drank a little more on our 1 sea day and on Scarlet Night. We also got lattes in the morning about half the time.
Our friends who went on a 5-night cruise with lots of sea days comments that a $750 would have worked since they like to enjoy the Sip and Savor menus and 1 or 2 specialty coffees each day. Sip and Savor menus are offered at many of the restaurants where you can get multiple cocktails for a discounted price. At the time of our sailing, it was 3 pre-selected cocktails for $35. However, if you indulge in these frequently, it can add up.
If you aren’t a big drinker but still want to enjoy specialty coffees and smoothies, a $200 or $300 Bar Tab will likely serve your needs.
