Virgin Voyages Shakes Up Cruise Booking with New Fare Options

Virgin Voyages just dropped some big news that could change how you book your next cruise. The adult-only cruise line is launching a brand-new pricing system called VoyageFair Choices on October 7, 2025.

This isn’t just another cruise line tweak. Virgin Voyages built this new system based on real feedback from passengers and travel advisors. They want to make cruise booking as simple as booking a flight or hotel room.

Why Virgin Made This Change

Adult-only cruising is having a major moment right now. Virgin Voyages has become the top choice for travelers who want sophisticated vacations without kids running around. Their ships are selling out, and they’re attracting tons of first-time cruisers.

But here’s the thing – people were asking for more choices and clearer pricing. Virgin listened.

“Travelers expect clarity and choice from airlines and hotels, and Virgin Voyages is the first to bring that same simplicity and pricing model to cruising,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages. “This isn’t about gimmicks or fine print. We’re making it easier to book a voyage with confidence while knowing that once you’re onboard, the experience is unmistakably Virgin: elevated and unforgettable.”

The Three New Fare Types

Virgin’s new system offers three different pricing levels for most cabin types. Each one gives you different perks and flexibility levels.

Base Fare: Budget-Friendly Option

This is the cheapest option, perfect if you’re sure about your travel plans. You get basic WiFi for one device that handles social media and light web browsing. You can make dining reservations 15 days before your cruise starts.

The catch? This fare is non-refundable. You also can’t change your dates, cabin, or passenger names. But if you know exactly when you want to cruise, this could save you serious money.

Essential Fare: The Sweet Spot

This fare feels most like what Virgin offers today. You get better WiFi that includes audio calling, plus you can make dining reservations 45 days early.

The big bonus here is flexibility. You can change your cruise dates using a Future Voyage Credit. You can also change passenger names for up to three additional travelers in your cabin.

Premium Fare: All the Perks

Want the VIP treatment? The Premium fare gives you tons of extras. You get priority WiFi for two devices with streaming and video capabilities. You also get drink credits and access to a special customer service line.

Here’s something cool – Premium fare passengers can make dining reservations 60 days early. That’s a perk that used to be only for suite guests.

Suite Guests Get Even More Time

If you’re booking a RockStar or Mega RockStar suite, you’re in for a treat. These guests can now make dining reservations 120 days before sailing. That’s four months to plan your perfect vacation meals.

All the other suite perks stay the same. You still get access to Richard’s Rooftop, priority boarding, stocked in-room bars, and dedicated customer service.

No More Hidden Fees

Virgin is also making a big change to how they show gratuities. Instead of hiding service charges in the cruise fare, they’re showing them as a separate line item when you book.

This doesn’t change what you pay total. But now you can see exactly where your money goes. You can prepay gratuities for $20 per person per day, or pay $22 per person per day once you’re on the ship.

The best part? Once you pay this fee, you’re done. No more wondering if you should tip servers or housekeeping. Virgin handles all of that for you.

What Stays the Same

Don’t worry – Virgin isn’t changing what makes their cruises special. Every fare still includes over $1,000 worth of perks. You get unlimited dining at 20+ restaurants, group fitness classes, WiFi, and drinks like soda and sparkling water.

The entertainment is still boundary-pushing. The food is still created by world-class chefs. And the ships are still designed like floating boutique hotels.

A Record-Breaking Year

Virgin Voyages is having an amazing 2025. They just launched their fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, and they’re consistently selling out cruises. Travel + Leisure named them the best mega-ship cruise line for three years straight.

“2025 has been a record year. Virgin Voyages is now firmly on the map and the undisputed No. 1 cruise line,” Saverimuttu concluded. “We’ve won Travel + Leisure’s best mega-ship ocean cruise line three years running and have cemented this brand as the go-to option for those seeking an adult-only vacation.”

John Lovell, Board Member and Senior Advisor, added his thoughts: “Having spent many years in the travel industry, I’ve seen how quickly traveler expectations are changing. People want more flexibility, more transparency and more control over how they vacation. Virgin Voyages has already changed what it means to cruise and now, with VoyageFair Choices, we’re changing how people book.”

When You Can Book

The new VoyageFair Choices system goes live on October 7, 2025. It applies to all new bookings made after that date.

If you’re thinking about a Virgin Voyages cruise, this could be great news. More options usually mean better deals for different types of travelers. Whether you want the cheapest fare or all the premium perks, there’s now a fare type designed for you.

You can learn more about the new fare options at virginvoyages.com/voyagefairchoices when the system launches.