Virgin Voyages gratuities: do you owe them?
This is the question I get most since Virgin changed its tipping rules. Answer three questions and I'll tell you what applies to your booking.
The short answer
- Booked on or after October 7, 2025? Gratuities are $22 per sailor, per night onboard, or $20 if you prepay.
- Booked on or before October 6, 2025? Gratuities were part of your fare.
- Once gratuities are covered, you never tip on drinks, dining or the spa.
Check your booking
Do I owe gratuities? Three-question checker
What changed, in plain English
Until October 2025, Virgin built the crew gratuity into every fare. For bookings made on or after October 7, 2025, Virgin shows it as its own line: a daily service gratuity of $22 per sailor, per night, added to your onboard account, or $20 per night if you prepay before the voyage starts.
The gratuity covers the whole crew, from the morning latte to laundry. Virgin does not add an extra tip to drinks, spa services or dining, and you are not expected to tip on top of it.
| 7 nights, 2 sailors | 10 nights, 2 sailors | |
|---|---|---|
| Prepaid ($20) | $280 | $400 |
| Onboard ($22) | $308 | $440 |
| Less when prepaid | $28 | $40 |
Gratuities by voyage length, two sailors
| Voyage | Prepaid ($20) | On board ($22) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights | $120 | $132 | $12 |
| 4 nights | $160 | $176 | $16 |
| 5 nights | $200 | $220 | $20 |
| 7 nights | $280 | $308 | $28 |
| 8 nights | $320 | $352 | $32 |
| 10 nights | $400 | $440 | $40 |
| 14 nights | $560 | $616 | $56 |
Rates from Virgin’s payments FAQ, for bookings made on or after October 7, 2025. A solo sailor pays half.
If you booked before October 7, 2025
Your booking is a "legacy" fare, and gratuities were already included. You should not see a service gratuity line on your invoice.
Can I remove or lower the gratuity?
The onboard gratuity goes on your folio. Sailors who did not prepay can review it with Sailor Services before disembarking. Prepaid gratuities are generally locked in. It is one of the most debated topics on the Virgin Voyages subreddit, and my honest take: the crew works hard, and the gratuity is how most of them get paid fairly. If something went wrong on your trip, tell me and Sailor Services. That is how it gets fixed.
Should I tip extra?
You do not have to. If someone goes above and beyond, extra tips must be in cash and cannot be added to your bill, according to sailors on Cruise Critic. Port porters at the terminal are not Virgin crew, so $1 to $2 a bag is a kind gesture.
How I handle gratuities for clients
What I do for my clients
- I tell you up front whether your booking is a legacy fare with gratuities included.
- I include prepaid gratuities in your quote, so the total you see is the total you pay.
- Before changing the date on a legacy booking, I check whether the change would add gratuities.
- If service was not right, I help you raise it with Sailor Services while you are still on board.
Quick answers
Are tips included on Virgin Voyages?
For bookings made on or before October 6, 2025, yes. For bookings made on or after October 7, 2025, a service gratuity of $22 per sailor, per night is added onboard, or $20 per night if prepaid.
How much are Virgin Voyages gratuities per day?
$20 per sailor, per night if you prepay before the voyage, or $22 per sailor, per night if charged to your onboard account.
Do I need to tip bartenders or servers on Virgin Voyages?
No. Once your service gratuity is covered, Virgin does not add tips to drinks, dining or spa services, and you are not expected to tip more.
Will changing my sail date affect my included gratuities?
It can. Changing a legacy booking (made before October 7, 2025) may move it to current rates. Ask your First Mate to check before you change it.
Should you prepay Virgin Voyages gratuities?
Yes. Prepaying is $20 per sailor, per night instead of $22, which is $28 less for two sailors on a 7-night trip.
Sources I checked
Policies change. I checked these on October 20, 2026, and you should confirm anything time-sensitive with me before you rely on it.
Not sure what your booking includes?
Send me your booking number. I'll check whether gratuities are included, whether a change would affect them, and whether prepaying makes sense for you. I take the stress. You take the photos.
Derek Gebelhardt, At Ease Travel Co. · derek@ateasetravel.co · 202-802-0990. Sailor Loot through Virtuoso is $50 per cabin on 4–5 night voyages, $100 on 6–8 nights and $200 on 9+ nights, for eligible bookings made at least 121 days before sailing; promotions and eligibility can change, so I confirm yours in writing before you pay.