Thinking of Stepping Outside Royal Caribbean? What You Need to Know Before Trying Virgin Voyages

If you've spent any time earning points in Royal Caribbean's Casino Royale, you're probably used to a very specific way of cruising. But if you're curious about trying something new, Virgin Voyages has likely caught your eye. They do almost everything differently than Royal. According to a great guide by EatSleepCruise, there aren't any main dining rooms, there aren't any kids, and they don't even have set dining times. It's a completely different vibe.

To get the best value, you'll want to book early because prices climb as cabins sell out. Virgin also recently changed how they price things with their "VoyageFair Choices" system. The Base fare is the cheapest, but it's completely non-refundable and doesn't let you make changes. For most cruisers, the Essential fare is the sweet spot because it's refundable as a future cruise credit. Since all of Virgin's ships are nearly identical, you don't have to stress about picking the right ship—just choose the itinerary you like best.

What This Means for Casino Royale Players

If you're a loyal Royal Caribbean casino player, transitioning to Virgin's style of cruising comes with some unique perks and adjustments. Here's what you need to keep in mind before you book:

• Leverage Your Tier Status: Virgin is famous for running generous casino status match programs. If you're a Prime, Signature, or Pinnacle member in Casino Royale, don't book a retail fare. Check to see if you can match your status for a comped cabin or a heavy discount before making a move.
• A Smoke-Free Gaming Experience: If you're tired of the smoky air in Royal's casinos, you'll love Virgin. Their onboard casinos are entirely smoke-free. While they're smaller than the massive gaming floors on Oasis-class ships, they still offer plenty of slots and table games.
• No Sneaky Specialty Dining Costs: On Royal, we're used to paying extra if we want high-end dining. On Virgin, every single restaurant is included in your cruise fare. You won't have to dip into your casino winnings or onboard credit just to get a top-tier steak or hand-rolled sushi.
• Drink Packages vs. Bar Tabs: If you've earned Prime status on Royal, you're used to free drinks in the casino. Virgin doesn't do traditional drink packages. Instead, they use a "Bar Tab" system. When booking a casino offer, always double-check if a complimentary Bar Tab or casino drink wristband is included in your deal.

The Takeaway

While we love the energy of Royal Caribbean's casinos, Virgin Voyages offers a refreshing, adult-only alternative that's incredibly rewarding if you know how to play your cards right. Just make sure you're using your Royal status to score the best possible rate before you sail!