Virgin Voyages has introduced a new fare model called VoyageFair Choices, launching on 7 October 2025. Until now, Virgin priced its cruises with a simple, one-fare-fits-all approach. That fare included gratuities, WiFi, dining in more than 20 eateries, group fitness, water, and entertainment.
From late 2025, this changes. Virgin now offers three distinct fare levels for Sea Terrace and cabins below. The company says this provides more transparency and flexibility, aligning with how hotels and airlines present their prices. I’m not entirely convinced! Let’s walk it through.
The Three Fare Levels
| Feature | Base | Essential | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | Basic, one device, social media and light browsing | Classic, one device, browsing and audio calls | Premium, two devices, streaming and video |
| Dining reservations | Open 15 days before sailing | Open 45 days before sailing | Open 60 days before sailing |
| Changes | No changes to names, cabins or dates | Future Voyage Credit allowed, name changes permitted for extra guests | Most flexible, with pre-voyage support line |
| Gratuities | Not included. $20 per Sailor per night if prepaid, or $22 if paid onboard | Not included, same charges apply | Not included, same charges apply |
| Extras | None | Closest to old Virgin model | Includes a Bar Tab credit, priority support |
What Has Changed
Gratuities: Previously bundled into fares, now shown as a separate line item. Cost is $20 per night if prepaid, $22 onboard. Virgin says this is more transparent, although it feels like a shift to a more traditional airline/cruise line model.
WiFi: Once a single inclusion, and you could pay to upgrade. Now divided into Basic, Classic and Premium.
Dining reservations: Premium fares unlock earlier booking windows, something previously reserved for suites.
Flexibility: Base fares are entirely non-refundable and non-changeable. Essential offers some date change options. Premium adds priority support.
Patrick’s Take
Virgin calls VoyageFair Choices “a new way to book with more transparency and flexibility”. To me, it feels less like innovation and more like dividing cruisers into classes. Before, you had one fare that included everything. Now you choose between Base, Essential and Premium.
Base: stripped back, with no flexibility and visible gratuities, like a budget airline approach.
Essential: essentially the old Virgin model, just relabelled.
Premium: better WiFi, longer dining reservation windows, and a drinks credit. I can’t see how the so-called “priority support line” is much of a benefit. It implies any other support line is sub-par.
What troubles me most is the handling of gratuities. This feels like Virgin bowing to American expectations of tipping. For Europeans, it looks like a backward step. The claim that it offers “transparency” is unconvincing, since the overall fare appears to remain the same.
The reaction on social media has been critical. Many loyal fans think Virgin is eroding what made it stand out: pay once and forget about it. Some also suspect that while Base fares may look cheaper, Essential may rise in price compared to what we pay now.
This may be a smart business move for Virgin, but it does chip away at the brand’s original appeal, at what made it feel premium.
What is VoyageFair Choices?
It is Virgin’s new fare structure for Sea Terrace and below cabins, with three levels: Base, Essential, and Premium.
Are gratuities included on Virgin Voyages?
Pre-2025 they were included. But not any more. Gratuities are now separate at $20 per Sailor per night if prepaid, or $22 if paid onboard.
Which tier is closest to the old Virgin model?
Essential. It includes Classic WiFi, a 45-day dining window, and some flexibility for date changes.
Is Premium worth it?
It depends. Premium includes faster WiFi, an extra dining window, and a drinks credit, but most people may find Essential adequate.
Final Thoughts
Virgin Voyages has always marketed itself as different. With VoyageFair Choices, it now looks more like the rest of the industry (from mid-premium down). Whether this model really benefits travellers will depend on how fares are priced in practice. Base could be attractive if it is genuinely cheaper. For most people, Essential will still feel like the default fare.
For me, this feels less like an added choice and more like a reshuffle. I will be watching closely to see how prices shake out.
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