What’s Used First on Virgin Voyages,
Sailor Loot or Bar Tab?

If you’ve added a Bar Tab, received Sailor Loot, or both, it’s natural to wonder how Virgin Voyages actually applies onboard credit. This guide explains exactly what’s used first, when your card is charged, how additional authorisations work, and how to maximise every onboard perk.

What’s Used First on Virgin Voyages – Sailor Loot or Bar Tab?

The Short Answer

Virgin Voyages applies onboard spending in a specific order:

  1. Your Bar Tab is used first
  2. Your Sailor Loot is used next
  3. Your payment card is charged after both are used

Why Bar Tab Is Always Used First

A Bar Tab is a prepaid drinks-only credit. Because it has a limited use, Virgin Voyages automatically applies it before touching your Sailor Loot.

This ensures beverages are always charged against your Bar Tab first, preserving Sailor Loot for more flexible onboard spending.

Read the full Virgin Voyages Bar Tab guide →

What Happens Once Your Bar Tab Runs Out?

After your Bar Tab balance reaches zero, Virgin Voyages begins to deduct from Sailor Loot.

  • Drinks
  • Specialty dining
  • Spa treatments
  • Shore Things excursions
  • Retail shopping

What is Sailor Loot on Virgin Voyages?

When Does Virgin Voyages Start Charging Your Card?

Once both your Bar Tab and Sailor Loot are fully used, Virgin Voyages begins charging your registered card as you spend.

  • Charges post progressively, not just at the end
  • Additional authorisation holds may appear
  • Your onboard spend updates live in the app

How to Maximise Onboard Credit

  • Use Bar Tab exclusively for drinks
  • Reserve Sailor Loot for higher-value experiences
  • Monitor spending daily in the app

Can You Get Extra Sailor Loot?

Yes - through Circle allocations, group rates, and exclusive offers, it’s often possible to receive additional Sailor Loot beyond standard promotions.

Why Book with Daniel?

Daniel Griese is an award‑winning Gold Virgin Voyages First Mate who regularly secures additional Sailor Loot through Circle sailings and preferential pricing.

Why book with a UK Virgin Voyages First Mate?

Final Takeaway

Bar Tab is used first.
Sailor Loot is used next.
Your card is charged last.

Bar Tab vs Sailor Loot – What’s the Difference?

Feature Bar Tab Sailor Loot
What it is Prepaid drinks credit Flexible onboard credit
Used first onboard? Yes – always used first No – used after Bar Tab
What it can be spent on Alcoholic & non‑alcoholic drinks Drinks, dining, spa, Shore Things, retail & experiences
Can it be topped up? Yes, before the cruise No (but can be received via offers)
Refundable? No No
Best used for Cocktails, wine, coffees, juices Higher‑value onboard experiences

Our Virgin Voyages Guides

Virgin Voyages referral promotion graphic showing a ship deck overlooking the ocean with text offering a $50 Sailor Loot referral bonus shared as $25 each for the referrer and the referred sailor, branded by Daniel’s Travel Inspiration.

Why Book With a First Mate?

Booking with a certified First Mate gives you personalised support, exclusive offers, expert guidance, and a smoother Virgin Voyages experience from start to finish.

Ready to plan your Virgin Voyages escape?

Message Me on WhatsApp
Or add me manually: +447368670328

Request a Cruise Quote

Or email me directly:
daniel.griese@ite.travel

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Virgin Voyages – Bar Tab & Sailor Loot
Frequently Asked Questions

What is used first on Virgin Voyages – Bar Tab or Sailor Loot?

Bar Tab is always used first. Once your Bar Tab balance has been fully used, Sailor Loot is then applied. Your payment card is only charged after both credits have been exhausted.

Why does Virgin Voyages use Bar Tab before Sailor Loot?

Bar Tab is restricted to drinks only, while Sailor Loot can be used across dining, spa treatments, Shore Things, retail shopping and onboard experiences. Using Bar Tab first preserves Sailor Loot for more flexible spending.

Can Sailor Loot be used for drinks onboard?

Yes - Sailor Loot can be used for drinks, but only after your Bar Tab balance has reached zero. Eligible drinks are always charged to Bar Tab first.

When does Virgin Voyages start charging my card onboard?

Once both Bar Tab and Sailor Loot have been fully used, Virgin Voyages charges your registered payment card as you spend onboard rather than waiting until the end of the sailing.

Will I see multiple charges or authorisation holds?

Yes - Virgin Voyages processes onboard spending in real time and may apply additional authorisation holds as your balance increases. This is normal onboard behaviour.

How can I get the best value from Bar Tab and Sailor Loot?

The best approach is to use Bar Tab exclusively for drinks and reserve Sailor Loot for higher‑value experiences such as Shore Things, spa treatments or speciality dining.

Can I receive extra Sailor Loot when booking?

Yes - some Circle sailings, group allocations and bookings made with an award‑winning Gold Virgin Voyages First Mate include additional Sailor Loot.

Does booking with a First Mate change how onboard credits are used?

No - the spending order is the same for all sailors. Booking with the right First Mate increases how much Sailor Loot you receive, not how it is applied onboard.