This post was inspired by a reddit post by u/jon81uk to the Virgin Voyages subreddit. Featured image credit: Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages has always prided itself on delivering a unique and memorable cruising experience, constantly evolving to meet the expectations of its discerning sailors. Recently, however, discussions have surfaced regarding notable changes in the bar menu prices aboard Virgin Voyages ships. In a post by u/jon81uk, these changes were brought to light, highlighting significant price increases and modifications to the drink offerings.
u/jon81uk’s detailed post provides a comprehensive look at the updated bar menus, revealing price jumps that have sparked conversations among frequent cruisers. From premium cocktails to house spirits, these adjustments may influence how passengers plan their onboard drinking experience. Whether it’s the notable increase in prices for favorites like Neptunes Fortune and Ketel One Spritz or the addition and removal of certain cocktails, these changes are sure to impact many.
Join us as we dive into the specifics of these menu updates, alongside the vibrant feedback from the Virgin Voyages community. This collective insight will provide a clearer picture of what to expect and how to make the most of your drink choices on your next cruise.
What’s New on the Virgin Voyages Bar Menu?
In his Reddit post, u/jon81uk provides a detailed comparison of the new bar menus on Virgin Voyages, highlighting significant price increases and menu changes. These updates are essential for both first-time cruisers and seasoned sailors who enjoy indulging in the various drink offerings on board.
Price Increases:
- Neptunes Fortune: Increased from $15 to $17
- Stillhouse Bourbon: Increased from $8 to $13
- Ketal One Spritz: Increased from $7 to $11
- House/Well Spirits: Approximately $9 (up from previous lower prices)
Key Observations:
- The price hikes are noticeable across various menus, with some drinks seeing a substantial jump.
- Price inconsistencies are present among different bars. For example, the Ketal One Spritz is $9 in the Manor and Dock House but $11 in the Athletic Club and Gym & Tonic.
- Buffalo Trace is priced at $11 in On the Rocks but $9 in Draught Haus.
Removed and Added Cocktails:
- Some favorite cocktails have been removed, and new ones have been added, potentially changing your go-to drink choices.
Why This Matters:
- These price changes might influence how you budget for your cruise, especially if you enjoy trying different cocktails and premium spirits.
- The variability in prices among different venues on the ship could affect where you choose to drink.
Community Buzz: Insights on the New Bar Menus
The Virgin Voyages subreddit community has been buzzing with reactions and insights regarding the recent bar menu changes. Here are some of the most useful and interesting points brought up by fellow cruisers:
Comparative Analysis:
- u/CouscousKazoo provided a link to old bar menus for comparison, revealing how prices have evolved over time. The link to these menus can be found here. They noted that prices increased in early 2023 and have continued to rise, with examples like Heineken starting at $5, going to $6, and now being $7.
- u/jon81uk confirmed these observations, stating that price hikes were consistent across various menus and citing examples such as Neptunes Fortune and Stillhouse Bourbon.
Significant Price Jumps:
- u/DoverDollie highlighted that Virgin Voyages has increased drink prices significantly, with some drinks seeing a $4 jump. They mentioned personal favorites like Uncle Nearest whiskey, which went from $13 to $17 a shot.
- u/jon81uk also pointed out inconsistencies in pricing across different bars. For instance, the Ketal One Spritz costs $9 in some bars but $11 in others. Similarly, Buffalo Trace is priced differently depending on the venue.
Price Trends Across Cruise Lines:
- u/ytsirhc531 noted that rising drink prices are not unique to Virgin Voyages. They observed similar trends on other cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises, indicating a broader industry trend.
Menu Updates and Accuracy:
- u/ThrowawayDiag raised concerns about the accuracy of the updated menus, pointing out that while some bar menus show clear price increases, like the Athletic Club and Aquatic Club, others remain unchanged from a year ago.
- u/gilesgreenest added that not all menus have been updated yet, which might explain some of the inconsistencies. For example, the Pink Agave menu still shows old prices, but an alcohol-free margarita was recently added, indicating updates are still in progress.
Tips from the Community:
- Compare drink prices across different bars to find the best deals.
- Keep an eye on menu updates to stay informed about price changes.
- Consider opting for simpler drinks or house spirits to manage costs effectively.
These community insights provide a well-rounded understanding of the recent bar menu changes on Virgin Voyages, helping both first-time and returning cruisers make informed decisions about their onboard drinking experience.
Virgin Voyages Bar Tab: Making the Most of Your Drink Experience
Virgin Voyages stands out with its innovative approach to beverages. Unlike traditional cruise lines that offer set drink packages, Virgin Voyages introduces the Bar Tab concept, ensuring a more tailored and fair onboard experience.
What is a Bar Tab?
- Bar Tab: A designated credit specifically for purchasing drinks during your cruise. It covers a wide range of beverage options, including cold-pressed juices, cocktails, coffee, alcoholic beverages, bottomless brunch, and Afternoon Tea.
- Sailor Loot: Another type of onboard credit that can be used for various expenses such as spa treatments, store purchases, gambling, and even tattoos. Sailor Loot offers flexibility but cannot be used for certain alcohol-related events like Grog Walk, Shot for Shot, and Mix it Up.
On Board Credit Types
- Sailor Loot:
- Used for any onboard expenses, including spa treatments, store purchases, casino gambling, doctor appointments, and more.
- Offers flexibility but excludes My Next Virgin Voyage expenses.
- Negative balances, if any, will be settled before disembarkation either automatically via registered credit card or in cash at Sailor Services.
- Bar Tab:
- Specifically for drinks.
- Automatically used before dipping into Sailor Loot.
- Cannot be used for alcohol-related events like Grog Walk or Mix it Up.
Purchasing a Bar Tab
Virgin Voyages offers incentives to pre-purchase Bar Tabs, making drinks more affordable:
- $200 Bar Tab: Bonus $25 (12.5% extra)
- $300 Bar Tab: Bonus $50* (16.7% extra)
- $500 Bar Tab: Bonus $100 (20% extra)
- $750 Bar Tab: Bonus $175 (23.3% extra)
- $1000 Bar Tab: Bonus $250 (25% extra)
*Special bonuses apply for Sea Rovers and Sea Blazers. For instance, a $300 Bar Tab purchase includes a $100 bonus for Sea Rovers and a $125 bonus for Sea Blazers.
Important Points:
- Bar Tabs must be purchased before 11:59pm EST the day before the voyage.
- They are non-refundable and unavailable once the cruise begins.
- Purchase through the Virgin Voyages app or the Virgin Voyages website.
Sharing Bar Tabs
Linking Bar Tabs to share drink purchases on board is simple:
- Pre-Sail: Link Bar Tabs in the Check-in section under Payment Method by selecting “footing the bill” for the sailor you want to share with. This shares all sailor loot and purchases made by that sailor.
- On Board: Link Bar Tabs by speaking to Sailor Services if plans change or if you want to adjust sharing preferences during the voyage.
How Many Bar Tabs Do You Need?
To simplify this, VV Insider offers a Bar Tab Calculator to help you determine the ideal Bar Tab amount based on your voyage length and daily drink spend.
Average Drink Prices for 2024:
- $9.00 per glass of wine
- $8.00 per beer
- $14.00 per cocktail
- $6.00 per shot of spirits/liquor
- $9.00 per juice or smoothie
- $5.00 per specialty soft drink (non-filter coffee, energy drinks, and mocktails)
By understanding and utilizing the Bar Tab system, you can enhance your onboard drinking experience and make the most of your cruise with Virgin Voyages.
Raise a Glass to New Beginnings with Virgin Voyages
Navigating the changes in Virgin Voyages’ bar menus and understanding the Bar Tab system is crucial for making the most of your cruising experience. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a returning sailor, being informed about the price increases, menu modifications, and the unique Bar Tab options ensures that you can enjoy your favorite drinks without unexpected surprises.
From the detailed insights provided by the Virgin Voyages community to the comprehensive breakdown of how the Bar Tab works, this guide equips you with everything you need to know. So, why wait? Embark on a journey with Smart Sail Voyages and let us help you plan the perfect cruise tailored to your preferences.
Book your next cruise with Smart Sail Voyages today and experience the innovative and refreshing approach of Virgin Voyages firsthand. Cheers to new adventures and unforgettable memories on the high seas!
