We’ve all been there, staring at our cruise booking confirmation, pondering the myriad of optional add-ons. Among them, the tantalizing allure of a drink package often sparks the most internal debate. For those of us setting sail on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, the question isn’t just if we should get a drink package, but which kind of drink package, given their unique approach. As seasoned travelers and cruise aficionados, we’ve had our fair share of experiences on various cruise ship lines, and Virgin Voyages definitely stands out. So, let’s dive deep into the Scarlet Lady’s drink situation and help you decide if their “Bar Tab” is the right fit for your next cruise vacation.
Understanding Virgin Voyages’ Unique Drink Philosophy
Before we even start talking about packages, it’s crucial to grasp how Virgin Voyages operates. Unlike many other cruise port-hopping vessels, they’ve tossed out the traditional “all-inclusive” drink package model. Instead, they offer a “Bar Tab” system. This isn’t a pay-per-day, unlimited-drinks-for-a-flat-fee kind of deal. Think of it more like a pre-paid credit for your onboard beverages. This fundamental difference is key to understanding whether it’s worth it for your personal consumption habits.
No Traditional Unlimited Drink Packages Here
We’ve seen the looks of confusion on first-time cruisers’ faces when they realize there isn’t a classic “premium alcohol package” to be added during their cruise booking. It’s a departure from the norm, and it has its pros and cons. On one hand, it can feel less restrictive; you’re not tied to making sure you drink enough to “break even” each day. On the other hand, for those of us who enjoy a steady flow of cocktails from morning mimosas to evening nightcaps, the unlimited model can offer a sense of predictable budgeting. Virgin’s philosophy encourages a more à la carte approach to drinks, aiming to prevent over-consumption and promote mindful enjoyment.
What Exactly is a Bar Tab?
So, what is a Bar Tab? Essentially, it’s a pre-paid credit that you can use at any of the bars, lounges, or dining venues onboard for alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty beverages. When you purchase a Bar Tab, Virgin Voyages often offers bonus credit. For example, you might buy a $300 Bar Tab and receive an extra $50, giving you a total of $350 to spend. This bonus credit is where the value proposition really comes into play. It’s like getting a discount on your drinks from the get-go.
If you’re considering a cruise on the Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady and pondering whether the drink package is worth the investment, you might also be interested in exploring travel logistics for your next destination. For instance, check out this insightful article on the best way to get to Gran Canaria, Canary Islands. It provides valuable tips on transportation options and can enhance your overall travel experience, making it easier to plan your adventures after your cruise.
Who is the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab For?
This is where our expertise truly comes in handy. We’ve seen all types of cruisers, from those who sip a single glass of wine with dinner to those who believe a cruise vacation is synonymous with continuous cocktail indulgence. The Bar Tab won’t be a one-size-fits-all solution, and understanding your own drinking habits is paramount.
The Moderate Drinker
If your idea of a good time involves a couple of cocktails by the pool, a glass or two of wine with dinner, and maybe a nightcap, then the Bar Tab could be a fantastic option. We’ve found that for us, enjoying 3-5 alcoholic drinks per day, plus a few specialty coffees or fresh juices, the Bar Tab with its bonus credit often works out to be more cost-effective than paying for each drink individually. You get the benefit of the bonus credit without feeling pressured to consume more than you usually would.
The Occasional Drinker
For those who rarely drink alcohol, or perhaps only enjoy a drink on special occasions, the Bar Tab might not be necessary. Virgin Voyages includes basic beverages like filtered water, still and sparkling water, drip coffee, tea, and some basic juices in your fare. If these suffice, then simply paying for the occasional specialty drink as you go will likely be the most economical choice. We’ve accompanied friends on cruises who fall into this category, and they’ve always found it easy to manage their drink expenses without a Bar Tab.
The Frequent Drinker / Party-Goer
Now, for those of us who relish the idea of endless libations throughout our cruise vacation, the Bar Tab requires a bit more calculation. Since it’s a fixed credit, you’ll need to estimate your daily drink consumption and multiply it by the number of days you’ll be onboard. If you’re planning on 8-10 alcoholic drinks per day, plus specialty coffees and mocktails, you might find yourself needing to purchase multiple Bar Tabs, or simply topping up your existing one. The bonus credit is still appealing, but you won’t get the “unlimited” feeling that some other lines offer. We’ve done the math, and for truly heavy drinkers, the cost can approach or even exceed what a traditional unlimited package would cost elsewhere, without the benefit of that “bottomless” feeling.
Cost Analysis: Breaking Down the Numbers
Let’s get down to brass tacks and talk about the actual costs. This is where we put on our financial analyst hats and crunch some numbers to help you make an informed decision for your cruise booking.
Typical Drink Prices on Scarlet Lady
Virgin Voyages’ drink prices are generally comparable to what you’d find at a trendy bar or restaurant on land.
- Beers: $6-$9
- Wines by the glass: $9-$18 (with some premium options higher)
- Standard Cocktails: $12-$16
- Specialty Cocktails: $14-$20+
- Specialty Coffees: $4-$7
- Fresh Juices/Smoothies: $6-$10
These are ballpark figures, of course, and prices can vary depending on the specific drink and venue. Remember, a 15% gratuity is automatically added to all drink purchases on Virgin Voyages, which is something to factor into your budget.
Maximizing Your Bar Tab Bonus
The key to making the Bar Tab “worth it” lies in the bonus credit. Virgin Voyages often runs promotions where you can get anywhere from $50 to $100+ in bonus credit when you purchase a Bar Tab of a certain amount (e.g., buy $300, get $50 free). This effectively gives you a discount on every drink you purchase.
Let’s do a quick example. If you buy a $300 Bar Tab and get $50 bonus, you have $350 to spend. If you spent $350 on drinks without the Bar Tab, you would have paid full price. With the Bar Tab, you paid $300 for $350 worth of drinks, which is roughly a 14% discount. This is a pretty decent saving, especially if you plan to enjoy a good number of beverages throughout your cruise vacation.
Consider a 7-night cruise. If you aim for 4 alcoholic drinks per day at an average of $14 each (including gratuity), that’s $56 per day. Over 7 days, that’s $392.
- If you purchased a $300 Bar Tab with a $50 bonus (total $350 credit), you would still be a bit short.
- However, if Virgin offers a “buy $400, get $100 free” deal, you’d pay $400 for $500 worth of credit. This would comfortably cover your $392, plus leave you with extra for specialty coffees or an extra cocktail or two.
This calculation highlights the importance of checking current promotions when making your cruise booking.
What About Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Shore Excursions?
It’s not all about the booze, is it? We’ve found that Virgin Voyages excels in its non-alcoholic offerings, and it’s worth considering how those factor into your overall drink strategy. And what about when you’re off the cruise ship enjoying a shore excursion?
Specialty Non-Alcoholic Beverages
As we mentioned, basic beverages are complimentary. However, Virgin Voyages has an impressive array of specialty non-alcoholic drinks. Think freshly squeezed juices, artisanal mocktails, and gourmet coffee creations. These are not included in the basic fare and will count against your Bar Tab or be charged individually. For us, starting our day with a delicious specialty coffee or a vibrant smoothie is a must, and the Bar Tab makes these feel more accessible without having to pull out our wallet every time. If you’re a big fan of these, factor them into your Bar Tab calculations.
Drinks During Shore Excursions
This is a crucial point to remember: your Bar Tab is only valid onboard the cruise ship. When you’re out exploring a cruise port on a shore excursion, any drinks you purchase will be an additional expense. This is standard across all cruise lines, even those with “all-inclusive” packages. So, if you plan on enjoying a local beer in Nassau or a refreshing cocktail in Bimini, make sure to budget for those separately. We always advise setting aside some cash or having a credit card ready for expenses incurred during shore days.
If you’re considering a cruise with Virgin Voyages and want to make the most of your experience, you might find my review on whether the Scarlet Lady Drink Package is worth it particularly insightful. Additionally, if you’re planning to explore unique destinations during your cruise, you may want to check out this article on hidden gems in Incheon, South Korea, which highlights some exceptional shore excursions that can enhance your travel adventure.
Tips and Tricks for Managing Your Bar Tab
Having navigated the waters of Virgin Voyages multiple times, we’ve picked up a few insider tips to help you make the most of your Bar Tab and avoid any surprises.
Monitor Your Spending
Virgin Voyages makes it easy to track your spending. You can view your current Bar Tab balance and transaction history on the Virgin Voyages app or on the in-cabin TV. We highly recommend checking this regularly, especially if you’re close to the end of your cruise or approaching your Bar Tab limit. This prevents that awkward moment at the end of the cruise where you’ve overspent your credit.
Purchase Bar Tabs in Advance
Often, the best Bar Tab promotions are available before you sail, during your cruise booking process or in the weeks leading up to your departure. Keep an eye on your email from Virgin Voyages for any special offers. Purchasing early allows you to lock in those bonus credits and ensures you start your cruise vacation with your drink budget sorted.
Consider Sharing (with Caveats)
Unlike traditional unlimited drink packages that are often non-transferable, the Bar Tab functions more like a debit card. This means if you’re traveling with friends or family in the same cabin, you can technically use one Bar Tab for multiple people. However, if one person is a much heavier drinker, this might quickly deplete the shared balance, leading to potential disputes. We usually advise each person to have their own Bar Tab or to at least have a very clear agreement on how it will be shared and managed. Remember, Virgin Voyages is for adults only, so you won’t have to worry about kids using up the Bar Tab!
Don’t Forget About Loyalty Perks
For frequent Virgin Voyages sailors (known as “Sailor Looties”), there are often additional perks and benefits that can include extra Bar Tab credit or discounted rates. If you’re a repeat cruiser, always check your loyalty status and see what benefits you might be eligible for. These can add significant value to your cruise vacation experience.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Bar Tab Worth It?
After countless voyages and extensive research, our honest opinion is that the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab is worth it for most cruisers, especially if you can snag a good bonus credit deal during your cruise booking.
For us, the moderate to frequent drinkers who enjoy quality cocktails, wines, and specialty non-alcoholic beverages, the Bar Tab offers excellent value. It provides a comfortable buffer for your drink expenses, the bonus credit acts as a nice discount, and it removes the constant decision-making of “should I get another drink?” without forcing you to over-consume.
If you rarely drink alcohol, or if your primary focus is on the complimentary beverages, then you might be better off paying as you go. However, for anyone planning to enjoy more than just a couple of drinks a day, the Bar Tab is a smart financial move. It aligns perfectly with Virgin Voyages’ modern, flexible approach to cruising and contributes positively to the overall relaxed and sophisticated vibe onboard the Scarlet Lady. So, when you’re preparing for your next cruise vacation with Virgin, don’t hesitate to consider adding a Bar Tab to your cruise booking – we think you’ll be glad you did!