Is Gratuity Included on Virgin Voyages? (2025–2026 Guide)
Virgin Voyages is designed to feel refreshingly simple onboard — but since 7 October 2025, service gratuities have been shown separately under VoyageFair Choices. This guide explains exactly what that means, how much gratuities cost, and what your options are.
Award‑winning UK Gold‑Certified Virgin Voyages First Mate
Message me on WhatsAppAre gratuities included on Virgin Voyages?
It depends on when you booked. For sailings booked on or after 7 October 2025, Virgin Voyages shows service gratuities as a separate line item. This change was introduced as part of VoyageFair Choices to make pricing clearer and easier to understand.
The onboard experience remains the same — no tip jars, no pressure, and no additional tipping required throughout the voyage.
What changed with VoyageFair Choices?
On 7 October 2025, Virgin Voyages introduced VoyageFair Choices, offering different fare options for Sea Terrace cabins and below while keeping the core onboard experience unchanged.
At the same time, service gratuities began appearing separately on new bookings. Importantly, the advertised base voyage fares were reduced by the value of the gratuities — this was not a price increase, simply a clearer way of showing the same total cost.
If you’re comparing booking options, this guide explains it clearly: Why book with a UK First Mate?
How much are Virgin Voyages gratuities?
Service gratuities are charged in USD and apply to all Sailors:
- $20 USD per Sailor, per night when prepaid before sailing
- $22 USD per Sailor, per night when charged onboard
Prepay vs onboard: what’s best?
- Prepay if you want everything settled before you sail and prefer the lower daily rate.
- Onboard if you want flexibility and prefer all charges shown on your onboard folio.
Understanding onboard credit matters too: What is Sailor Loot? · Virgin Voyages Bar Tab · What’s used first?
Can gratuities be removed onboard?
For bookings where gratuities were not prepaid, Sailor Services can discuss adjustments onboard if required. If this is something you’re concerned about, speak to Sailor Services early in your voyage.
Do you need to tip more onboard?
No. Once the service gratuity is applied, there’s no expectation to tip extra for drinks, dining, or spa treatments. Any additional tipping is purely optional.
The simplest way to book (and avoid confusion)
Booking through a UK First Mate ensures you understand:
- Which fare type you’re booking
- How gratuities are displayed and charged
- When Sailor Loot, Bar Tab, or Circle rates offer better value
Virgin Voyages Gratuities – FAQs
Are gratuities included on Virgin Voyages?
For bookings made on or after 7 October 2025, gratuities are shown as a separate line item. This is a display change to improve transparency.
How much are Virgin Voyages gratuities?
Gratuities cost $20 USD per Sailor per night if prepaid, or $22 USD per Sailor per night when charged onboard.
Do RockStar or Mega RockStar Sailors have to pay gratuities?
Yes. RockStar and Mega RockStar Sailors also pay the same service gratuities. When VoyageFair Choices was introduced, Virgin Voyages reduced the advertised base voyage fares by the value of the gratuities. This was not a price increase — simply a clearer way of displaying the same total voyage cost.
Do I need to tip extra onboard?
No. Virgin Voyages does not require additional tipping once the service gratuity is covered.
Am I now paying more on Virgin Voyages?
No. Virgin Voyages has advised that when service gratuities began to display separately under VoyageFair Choices, the advertised base voyage fare was reduced by the same value as the gratuities. This means that when the base fare and gratuities are added together, the total voyage cost is the same as before. This change was about clearer pricing and transparency — not a price increase.
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