Your Virgin Voyages Embarkation Day Guide

Your first day onboard sets the tone for your entire voyage. This expanded guide shows you exactly what to expect, what to do first, and how to make embarkation day smooth, exciting and stress‑free.

Before You Leave Home

  • Download the Virgin Voyages app for check‑in, dining, entertainment and health requirements.
  • Complete your online check‑in and your health form before departure.
  • Ensure your passport has at least six months’ validity.
  • Check whether you require a visa or ESTA.
  • Pre‑book any extras such as Bar Tab, WiFi or spa services.
  • Pack a carry‑on with essentials like documents, medication, swimwear and valuables.

Arriving at the Terminal

  • Boarding usually begins mid‑afternoon, depending on the departure port.
  • Your Terminal Arrival Time in the app determines when you can enter the terminal.
  • Boarding order: RockStar guests first, then Splash of Romance, Priority Boarding then general boarding.
  • Have your passport and any visa/ESTA documentation available. These need to be shown even though you’ve updated them on the app.
  • If flying in on the same day, aim to arrive by midday. We always recommend flying in the day before.

Luggage Drop-Off & Carry-On Essentials

  • Most ports accept checked luggage from the morning.
  • Keep essentials in your carry‑on, including documents and medication.
  • You may bring two 750ml bottles of wine per cabin in your hand luggage.
  • Security checks will take place before boarding.
  • Your cabin will be ready on arrival, but your luggage may arrive later. (Can be early evening)

What Happens in the Terminal

  • Luggage drop‑off at the entrance.
  • Security screening.
  • Boarding pass and travel document checks.
  • Photo verification if required.
  • Proceed to the boarding lane for your group.

What To Do First

  • Connect to WiFi and open the Virgin Voyages app.
  • Watch the safety video and attend your Muster Drill.
  • Review or adjust your dinner reservations.
  • Book entertainment and activities as soon as possible.
  • Meet the Happenings Cast for guidance on what’s happening onboard.

Make Your Cabin Your Home at Sea

  • Your cabin is ready as soon as you arrive.
  • Unpack fully and store your suitcase under the bed.
  • Ask your cabin host for bed adjustments, water preferences, hangers or extra amenities.

Let's Have Lunch

  • The Dock offers relaxed, Mediterranean‑style dishes.
  • The Galley provides quick, varied dining options.
  • The Pizza Place is ideal for a casual first‑day lunch.

Explore and Get Your Bearings

  • Explore the decks and discover your favourite venues.
  • Check the app for the full entertainment schedule.
  • Visit fitness spaces, social areas and the spa.
  • Locate your Muster Station ready for the drill.

Solo Sailor Tips

  • Attend the first‑night solo meet‑up.
  • Choose Gunbae (or the arranged solo diner) for a social dinner experience.
  • Join the Grog Walk for group bar‑hopping.

Sail Away Party

  • Sail Away begins in the late afternoon on the upper decks.
  • Arrive early for the best viewing spots.
  • Enjoy complimentary bubbles as the ship sets sail.

Evening Plans

  • Review or adjust your dinner reservations.
  • Plan a later dinner after Sail Away.
  • Check out evening entertainment like the Grog Walk or PJ Party.

Common First‑Timer Mistakes

  • Arriving at the terminal outside your assigned time.
  • Not booking dining and entertainment early.
  • Staying in your cabin instead of exploring.
  • Arriving late for Sail Away and missing the atmosphere.

Suggested First-Day Timeline

  • 2:15 PM – Board and set up the app
  • 2:30 PM – Book dining, shows and activities
  • 3:00 PM – Explore the ship or relax at The Dock
  • 4:00 PM – Muster Drill
  • 5:30 PM – Sail Away Party
  • 7:00 PM – Dinner
  • 9:00 PM – Grog Walk
  • 11:00 PM – PJ Party

Our Virgin Voyages Guides

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