⚓ Boarding & arrival

KEY FACT

Whatever boarding time you choose, boarding doesn't actually start until at least 2pm. Use the wait to connect to the ship's Wi-Fi in the lounge — this unlocks show bookings, and slots fill up fast.

GETTING YOUR BEARINGS

Your luggage will be at your cabin and you can access it straight away — but before settling in, do a lap of the ship. The mid-ship lifts reach almost every deck; the front and back lifts sometimes require going up a deck and walking across. There's a ship map in your cabin.

DAILY ACTIVITIES

Grab a printed daily activities list from Sailor Services on deck 5 or the Grounds Coffee Club on deck 7 if you don't want to keep checking the app.

FIRST SAIL AWAY — DON'T MISS THIS

There's a free hour of champagne on the pool deck at first sail away. Abbie the Hostess (or whoever it is at the time) introduces the Happenings Cast — get to know these people. They're the ones who can get you into secret events.

CHECKOUT

You don't need to be out of your cabin until 10:30am on departure day — a lovely touch compared to most cruises.

🛏Your cabin

ROOM SERVICE

Room service is brilliant — all food is free, with a $7 service charge unless you order something chargeable (ordering an espresso or cappuccino makes it free). Order soft drinks like Diet Coke or 7Up — they're free and you can keep them in your minibar. You can pre-order breakfast until 2am. Pro tip: if you're out and about, order your burger on the way back so it arrives when you do.

CABIN CLEANLINESS

Remember to activate the "clean cabin" setting using the electronic indicator by the door, or request a clean via the in-room tablet or app. You can also order ice, water, and extras this way at any time you like

WATER & SUSTAINABILITY

Your cabin has two large glass decanters — one still, one sparkling. No plastic on board, so bring a reusable bottle if you drink a lot of water. You can also refill at the Galley.

WI-FI

WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and video calls all work well on the included basic Wi-Fi. It handles emails fine too. For streaming you'll want the premium package — though there's an excellent free selection of TV and films in your cabin.

📱The app

1. Complete check-in on the app before you sail — upload your passport and you'll be assigned a boarding time. Both passengers can check in together
2. Pre-book restaurants in the app and adjust them as needed. Jot down your bookings on paper — the app doesn't link restaurant and show times brilliantly, so having it written down helps you plan your evenings.
3. The app can be a bit glitchy before boarding but works really well once you're on the ship. If you have issues, Sailor Services on deck 5 can sort you out.
4. There are no PA announcements on board — everything comes through the app, including when the gangway opens at ports. You can also message Sailor Services directly from the app from anywhere on the ship.
5. Towards the end of the cruise, you'll get a notification to book your departure time via the app. Keep an eye out for this.

🍽Food & restaurants

GENERAL ADVICE

Try to eat at every restaurant — they're all fabulous. Don't panic if you can't get the booking you want initially; more slots become available closer to sailing and once on board. Walk-ins often work too, especially on quieter nights.

MUST DO - Gumbae

Communal dining — you're seated with other guests. Amazing food and great fun. A brilliant way to meet people.

MUST DO - The Wake

Outstanding steaks and seafood. Also does a fabulous brunch — well worth booking

MUST DO - The Test Kitchen

Two menus that rotate from day 3 or 4. Allow over 2 hours — it's an experience. You might still feel peckish after, so factor in a late-night pizza stop.

HIDDEN GEM - Razzle Dazzle

Officially vegetarian — but ask for the secret menu which has meat on it. Brilliant for breakfast and brunch. Portions are huge.

TAPAS BAR - The Dock House

Deck 7 aft, inside and out. The prawns are delicious. On Greek cruises, try the OPA hour (4:30–6:30pm) — Greek meze board included.

BUFFET STYLE - The Galley

Far better than a typical cruise buffet. Sit down with a menu and they take your order at your table. Diner and Dash are open 24/7.

🍹Drinks

Soft drinks, tonic, soda, mixers - Free (Always included)

Spirits (approx 40ml pour) - ~$9 (Mixer not charged separately)

Beer - $7–$10

Cocktails - $10–$15

PRO TIP

Each bar has its own cocktail list — ask to see it at every bar you visit. You'll find drinks you won't find anywhere else on the ship.

✨Fun, wellness & activities

SECRET EVENTS

Head to the Rocks Bar around 9pm and linger — you may get invited to take part in activities or a secret magic show. Go to Scarlet Night. Get to know the Happenings Cast at sail away and you'll find yourself with invitations to things not on the app.

SPA

The spa offers a 3-hour session for $39 per person — steam room, sauna, mud room, salt room, and hot and cold pools. It gets booked up extremely quickly, so make this your first booking when you board.

FITNESS CLASSES

All fitness classes are free. Bungee yoga is great fun and no one takes it too seriously. Pilates, yoga and cycling sessions are a bit more serious — worth knowing in advance.

KARAOKE

Private karaoke booths (called The Groupie) are on deck 7 or 8, just behind the Sip Bar. Wander by during the day to sign up for an evening slot. It's free, brilliant fun and has a huge song list.

THE SOCIAL CLUB

Deck 7, just past mid-ship. Free retro arcade machines, air hockey, board games, plus a diner serving pretzels, hotdogs, popcorn, chicken wings, milkshakes and gummy bears — all free. The Loose Cannon bar hosts a pub quiz every night. A great place to kick off the evening.

POOL & SUN DECK

If the main pool is crowded, head to the very back of the top deck — lovely sunbeds, a couple of hot tubs and a bar, usually far quieter.

NIGHTLIFE

The Manor (the nightclub) doesn't fill up until late. Various bars have live singers throughout the evening — a jazz singer at The Rocks is particularly good. If there's an 80s party or the first-night PJ party, go — they're both excellent fun and people really do get into the spirit of it.

BOOK ANOTHER CRUISE ONBOARD

If you're already thinking about your next Virgin voyage (you will be), visit the team on deck 7 — there are some excellent deals available for guests who book while on board.

Ready to set sail?

Get in touch and i'll help you find the perfect Virgin Voyages itinerary — and make sure you're set up to make the most of every moment on board.