Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Guide How to Save on Drinks at Sea
Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Guide – How to Save on Drinks at Sea
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Virgin Voyages does things differently — and that includes drinks. Instead of a traditional cruise drink package, Virgin uses a Bar Tab, a flexible prepaid credit you can use on cocktails, wine, beer, mocktails, and specialty coffee. After several Virgin sailings, I’ve learned exactly how to stretch the Bar Tab, when it’s worth buying, and how to stack it with bonuses like Deep Blue Extras and seasonal promotions.
If you’re trying to figure out whether the Bar Tab is worth it, this guide breaks everything down with real numbers from my own cruises.
Virgin Voyages
❗ Quick Answer: What Is the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab?
The Virgin Voyages Bar Tab is a prepaid onboard credit used for alcoholic drinks, mocktails, and specialty coffee. When you buy a $300 Bar Tab before your cruise, Virgin gives you a $50 bonus, making it worth $350 onboard. Sailors with Deep Blue Extras get an additional $100 bonus.
My glass of cab at the Dock
🍸 What You Can Buy With the Bar Tab
Your Bar Tab works at every bar, restaurant, and at The Beach Club at Bimini. You can use it for:
Cocktails and mixed drinks
Wine by the glass or bottle
Beer and cider
Zero‑proof cocktails
Lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew, and specialty coffee
Drinks at all onboard venues
Bonus: Virgin includes gratuities in all drink prices, so what you see is what you pay.
💰 How to Get Bonus Bar Tab Credit
Virgin regularly offers Bar Tab bonuses when purchased before your sailing.
Standard Offer
Buy a $300 Bar Tab → Get $350 total credit
Deep Blue Extras Bonus
If you have Deep Blue Extras, you’ll automatically receive an additional $100 Bar Tab credit.
My Real Example
On our recent 5‑night cruise aboard Resilient Lady, my husband and I purchased a $300 Bar Tab and received:
$50 standard bonus
$100 Deep Blue Extras bonus
Total: $400 in drink credit
We used it on wine with dinner, cocktails at The Dock House, and daily lattes — and only went $50 over by the end of the cruise.
🍷 Bar Tab vs. Traditional Cruise Drink Packages
On most cruise lines, drink packages run $60–$100 per person per day, and you often feel pressured to “drink your money’s worth.”
Virgin’s Bar Tab is:
Flexible — use it only when you want
Shareable — anyone in your cabin can use it
Affordable — most drinks are $6–$12
Low‑pressure — no daily minimum to break even
For most sailors, the Bar Tab ends up being better value than a traditional drink package.
🍾 Extra Ways to Save Money on Drinks
These tips help stretch your Bar Tab even further:
Bring two bottles of wine per cabin (Virgin allows it)
Order bottles at dinner — cheaper than buying by the glass
Use Sailor Loot first before dipping into your Bar Tab
Check for First Mate promotions - this is my personal first mate link (affiliate)
Visit The Dock for complimentary mezze snacks while you sip
To keep my wine safe as I board the ship I use Wine Sleeves
🧠 Travel‑Hacker Tips for Maximizing Your Bar Tab
Here’s how I personally stretch mine:
I grab a latte every morning (and sometimes an afternoon one).
We order a bottle of wine at dinner — better value than individual glasses.
I always stop at The Dock House for a margarita.
Specialty coffee adds up quickly, so using Bar Tab instead of onboard charges saves a ton.
If you’re a light‑to‑moderate drinker, the Bar Tab is the perfect middle ground.
🚢 Ready to Book Your Virgin Voyages Cruise?
Use my First Mates link to get the latest deals, perks, and promotions. You’ll also get access to my free cruise‑planning resources and updates.
Check out current offers for Virgin Voyages
❓ Virgin Voyages Bar Tab FAQ
Is the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab worth it?
Yes — especially if you enjoy cocktails, wine, or specialty coffee. The $50 bonus alone makes it worthwhile.
Can you share a Bar Tab?
Yes. Anyone in your cabin can use it.
Does Virgin Voyages include gratuities?
Yes. All drink prices include gratuity.
Can you bring alcohol onboard?
Yes — two 750ml bottles of wine per cabin.
Can you use Bar Tab at The Beach Club at Bimini?
Absolutely. It works at every bar on the island.
