Virgin Voyages rules, all in one place
Virgin is relaxed about most things, but a few rules are strict, and some of them carry fees. Here is what I tell every client before they pack.
The short answer
- Smoking and vaping: only in The Smoking Room (Deck 6 forward) and the Deck 16 forward area by Richard's Rooftop. Never in cabins or on balconies. The fee is $500.
- Wine: up to two 750 mL bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin, in your carry-on.
- Dress code: no formal nights. Dress considerately, and have fun with themed nights.
Smoking and vaping
Virgin allows smoking only in two places:
- The Smoking Room, Deck 6 forward, between The Casino and The Red Room
- The designated outdoor area on Deck 16 forward, starboard side, near the entrance to Richard's Rooftop
Vapes and e-cigarettes follow the same rules. There is no smoking in the casino itself, in cabins or on cabin balconies.
Drinks you can bring on board
| Item | Allowed? | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wine, sparkling wine or Champagne | Yes, 2 per cabin | Two 750 mL bottles per cabin, not per person, in your carry-on. Corkage is $25 in the restaurants, and Bar Tab can cover it. |
| Soft drinks, water, non-alcoholic beer | Yes, in cans or cartons | Up to 12 sealed cans or cartons of 12 oz or less per person, in your carry-on. No glass or plastic bottles. |
| Spirits and beer | No | Anything found is held and returned at the end of the voyage. |
| Liquor bought in port | Held | It is stored and returned to you on the last night. |
From Virgin’s drinks FAQ and prohibited items list, updated April 10, 2026.
Packing: what gets confiscated
| Not allowed | What to bring instead |
|---|---|
| Power strips and surge protectors (unless an onboard electrician approves them) | A small USB charging cube. Cabins have both 110V and 220V outlets. |
| Clothes irons and steamers | Wrinkle-release spray, or use the laundry service. |
| Candles and incense | Nothing. Open flames are banned. |
| Drones | Leave it home. Drones are held and returned at your home port. |
| CBD and THC products, including medical marijuana | Nothing. The ships are Bahamas-flagged and these are illegal under Bahamian law. |
| Starlink, travel routers and satellite phones | Buy Virgin’s Wi-Fi. Your fare may already include one device. |
| Seashells, coral and fresh flowers | Photos. Local rules (in the Bahamas, for example) also ban taking shells. |
Hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons are fine.
Drinking age
21 in U.S. ports and waters and on all Alaska itineraries, 18 in international waters unless the itinerary restricts it, and local law in other countries. Details are in my age and pregnancy guide.
Dress code
There are no formal nights. Virgin encourages personal style and self-expression, and asks sailors to dress considerately in shared spaces. Themed events and private groups can be bolder in their own venues. The big one is Scarlet Night, where everyone wears red.
The rules people do not expect
- Loungers: anything left on a lounger unattended for more than 40 minutes is removed and taken to lost property at Sailor Services (Deck 5 Mid).
- Topless sunbathing is allowed on The Perch, the Deck 17 sun deck.
- Drones are taken at the terminal and returned when you get back to your home port.
- Sailor Loot can be used in the casino, but not cashed out.
- Celebration of Life (scattering ashes) needs a request form at least 14 days before sailing.
- Muster drill is mandatory for everyone.
What I send clients before they pack
What I do for my clients
- A one-page list of what is banned, what is limited and what is fine.
- A reminder that the wine allowance is per cabin, so couples do not pack four bottles.
- Where the two smoking areas are, if anyone in the group smokes or vapes.
- The dress-up nights on your sailing, like Scarlet Night, so you pack something red.
Quick answers
Can you smoke on Virgin Voyages?
Only in The Smoking Room on Deck 6 forward and the designated area on Deck 16 forward, starboard side, near Richard's Rooftop. Smoking or vaping anywhere else, including cabins and balconies, brings a $500 fee.
Can you vape on a Virgin Voyages balcony?
No. Vaping follows the same rules as smoking and is not allowed in cabins or on balconies.
Can I bring wine on Virgin Voyages?
Yes. Each cabin can carry on up to two 750 mL bottles of wine, sparkling wine or Champagne. Corkage in the restaurants is $25.
Is there a dress code on Virgin Voyages?
There are no formal nights. Dress considerately in shared spaces. Themed nights like Scarlet Night are optional and fun.
Can I save a pool lounger on Virgin Voyages?
Not for long. Items left unattended on a lounger for more than 40 minutes are removed to lost property.
Can I bring soda on Virgin Voyages?
Yes. Up to 12 sealed cans or cartons of 12 oz or less per person, in your carry-on. Bottles are not allowed.
Can I bring a power strip on Virgin Voyages?
Not unless an onboard electrician approves it. Bring a small USB charging cube instead.
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.
Want me to plan this one with you?
I'm a Top 100 Virgin Voyages First Mate (2024 and 2025). Virgin sets the fare, so the same cabin, fare type and promotion is the same fare with me as on virginvoyages.com, and I charge no planning fee. What you get is a person: I hand-pick your cabin where your fare allows, book dining and Shore Things the day your windows open, watch for upgrades and fare changes, and answer your texts before and during the trip. I also arrange hotels before and after the cruise, private excursions and group plans, and I deal with Virgin for you when a booking or benefit needs sorting out. 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.