The cruise line that flaunted a $120,000 unlimited cruise pass has begun testing drink packages aboard one of its adult-only ships.
When Virgin Voyages launched, they were adamant about not offering all-inclusive drink packages like their competitors.
Instead, they claimed their drink prices were reasonably priced. Plus, certain beverages, including soda, are included in the base fare, which differs from mainstream lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
However, some cruisers have reported seeing Virgin testing drink packages on select sailings. The test run is limited to voyages in April and May 2025 on board Valiant Lady.
For $95 per person, per day, passengers will get unlimited expertly crafted cocktails, wines by the glass, and premium craft beers valued at up to $20 with no daily drink limits.
It also includes non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffees and freshly pressed juices from the moment you step onboard until disembarkation.
The drink package is valid at every bar and restaurant onboard, ranging from On the Rocks to The Dock Bar, as well as Virgin's exclusive Beach Club at Bimini.
With the current pricing, cruisers willing to try Valiant Lady's drink package will spend around $475 for a 5-night cruise, or $950 per couple.
It's more expensive than other cruise lines, namely Royal Caribbean, which tend to charge around $70 or $75 per person for its unlimited drink package when purchased beforehand through the cruise line's online planning portal.
Still, it's a smart option for cruisers who don't want to worry about tracking their drinks throughout the trip.
Read more: 10 things I loved and hated about my first Virgin Voyages cruise
"For people like me, I could easily drink roughly this, and I like not having to think about drink prices"
Drink packages are divisive among cruisers. Some argue that they're a waste of money and encourage sloppy behavior, while others appreciate the convenience of not constantly keeping track of their onboard spending. As such, Virgin Voyages' move to introduce unlimited drink packages has received mixed responses on a post on the r/VirginVoyages Reddit thread.
CrashTestDuckie said, "My worry is that a move to unlimited, like what they are testing, will change the vibe of fun, responsible adults enjoying themselves to one of belligerently drunk assholes who ruin everyone's nights and days."
"The key is not setting a hard limit. Carnival caps you at 15 drinks per day, while Royal Caribbean and NCL don’t have a set limit. The result? Carnival ends up with more sloppy drunks because people feel like they’re wasting money if they don’t hit that 15-drink max—so they push themselves to reach it, and keep ordering drinks whether they need to or not," countered DustyComstock.
Read more: I spent $2,300 on a 4-night Virgin Voyages cruise
"[I'd] rather spend 95 a day to know I’m gonna have a blast then rationing drinks and even having to think about it on vacation," explained Available-Escape2391.
Slow_Proposal8221 added, "I just got off Scarlet Lady. With drinks being $16 each, plus juices and coffee, it is very easy to rack up $95 in a day in drinks."
"I don't think it's worth it and I drink a lot. Just hope this doesn't ruin it for the rest of us and increase overall drink prices. I loved that drinks were on average $12," commented lilslil.
Virgin Voyages has stood out with its unique "Bar Tab" system
Unlike drink packages that include either unlimited or a set number of beverages for a predetermined cost, cruisers sailing aboard Virgin Voyages can pre-purchase a Bar Tab and get up to $250 more to spend on drinks.
For example, if you buy a $300 Bar Tab before your cruise, you'll receive an extra $50 to spend on drinks. Similarly, with a $1000 Bar Tab, you'll get an extra $250, bringing your total drink credits to $1250 to enjoy throughout your trip.
Bar Tabs can't be used to pay for other onboard experiences like spa treatments or shore excursions, and any unused credit isn't refundable and can't be redeemed for cash. It can, however, be shared among cruisers.
Read more: I stayed in a 177-square-foot room on a Virgin Voyages cruise
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
