Virgin Voyages: Is Rockstar Level Worth It & Other Tips

I loved both cruises, but for a cruise out of Miami with some sea days and a stop at the Bimini Beach Club, I highly recommend a Rockstar-level cabin if your budget allows. It was great to have a quiet spot during the day up on Richard’s Rooftop (a private sundeck lounge) as well as a daily happy hour that includes Moet and other top-shelf drinks. I also enjoyed the exclusive Rockstar area at the Bimini Beach Club with plenty of beach chairs in the shade in a quieter area—and they bring you your food for lunch!

When I go on another Virgin Voyages cruise itinerary with no sea days and plan to do excursions in every port, then I will save my money and stick with a regular balcony room and splurge on the excursions and some Moet! But when one includes multiple sea days and a stop in Bimini, I will definitely splurge for a Rockstar cabin again!

Red hammock on the balcony

For those who are unfamiliar with the different cabin levels on Virgin Voyages, here is an explanation of the three cabin types: Regular, Rockstar, and Mega Rockstar.

• Regular cabins (Sea Terrace, Sea View, and Insider) provide a stylish, modern cruise experience with smart cabin technology, mood lighting, and rainfall showers. Guests enjoy all standard ship amenities, including dining at all restaurants, entertainment, and fitness classes.

• Rockstar cabins elevate the experience with larger suites, private balconies, and marble bathrooms. Guests receive priority boarding, exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop, and a Rockstar Agent (butler) for personalized assistance. Complimentary in-room bar setups and other premium amenities such as a turntable are also included.

• Mega Rockstar cabins are Virgin Voyages’ top-tier of luxury accommodations. These expansive suites include private transfers, premium Wi-Fi, daily bar restocking, complimentary spa access, and exclusive dining reservations. Guests also have 24/7 access to a personal concierge team.

Bimini Beach Club

Tips for sailing on a Virgin Voyages cruise

• Fly in the day before the cruise and enjoy some time in downtown Miami or at the beach before the cruise. This helps prevent stress with any potential travel delays, and you can purchase any last-minute cruise essentials that you couldn’t take in your carry-on.

• Download the app and start your check in process as soon as possible after booking so you can select your boarding time. Also, connect yourself to other sailors in different cabins if traveling with others. This helps with getting your dinner reservations and excursions booked for your group.

• There are no drink packages on board, instead you use a bar tab to pay for drinks or pay as you go. You can purchase a bar tab ahead of time for some extra bonus money. For example, if you purchase a $300 bar tab and you get an extra $50. Bar tabs are used for specialty coffees, mocktails, and alcoholic beverages. Soda, water, and regular coffee are free. Most alcoholic drinks are between $9-$15.

• Make your restaurant reservations for dinner when possible based on the type of booking you have. If you don’t get your desired reservations before boarding, don’t stress—they only open up about 30 percent of the slots prior to boarding. As soon as you board, get on the ship’s WiFi and make your reservations. In addition, check throughout the voyage. People cancel reservations all the time. You can also try to walk-in to your preferred restaurant and get added to the waitlist. Best times for walk-ins are typically before 6 pm or after 8 pm. There is also the Galley (food court), the Pizza Place, and a few other non-reservation places to eat dinner.

Sip Lounge

• For Rockstars, room service is included. If you are in a regular cabin, there is a $10 charge for delivery. However, if you order $10 worth of drinks, then that fee is waived. I recommend pre-ordering your breakfast before you go to bed!

• Add events to your agenda on the app so you will get reminders about the ones you want to attend. Typically events appear about 60 days before the cruise, with the complete agenda displaying about 48 hours prior to embarkation. However, events can change even while onboard, so be sure to check your app for the daily schedule. Events with a cost are bookable once on board. Free shows are first come/first serve so plan to arrive at the venue about 20–30 minutes prior to the show.

• You can bring two bottles of wine (750ml) per cabin on embarkation in your carry-on luggage. It cannot be in your checked luggage.

• Bring a refillable water bottle. There is no single-use plastic on board. Water outside of the restaurants is provided in a carafe in your room or at refill stations at various locations on the ship.

• If you are sailing solo and want to meet others for activities and/or meals, then attend one of the daily solo meetups.

Thanks for reading my article. Please reach out, so I can help you plan your own Virgin Voyages cruise!

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