virgin travel add ons

Reviewed: 'A Splash of Romance' - Virgin Voyages' New Add-On

Recently, the adult only cruise line Virgin Voyages created a new add-on to allow sailors traveling as couples to enjoy themselves even more.  The new “A Splash of Romance” package includes VIP access, spa access, pressed juice, champagne, and more.  Is it worth it?  Does it add romance, or just perks?  We tried it on the very first cruise to offer this option.  

October 13, 2022 Update: The experience we write about below was in early September when the package was first launched.  Since then some modifications have been made.  This isn't a surprise given the value the package represents and the demand seen from sailors.  We've noted in bold, in each section, what we know to have changed since our review.  

What’s Included

Before we talk about our experience, let’s start with a quick rundown of what is included and the objective value of some of the offerings.

As Explained by Virgin Voyages

Expedited boarding with a dedicated line at the terminal

A stylish and exclusive wristband to wear in addition to The Band so our Crew knows to surprise and delight you

Daily cold-pressed juice cabin drops Juice is now available for pickup during a dedicated window, and is no longer delivered to guest staterooms as part of this package.

A 3-Hour Thermal Spa Pass per Sailor

A Shake for Champagne

Access to Let’s Sail Away party on Richard’s Rooftop This party has recently been hosted in other locations, especially just below The Athletic Club on deck 15 aft.

Aphrodisiac bites to keep the romance flowing

Value Breakdown

Pressed juices run $7-8 each ( food and drink menus with prices here ), so we’ll call that $15 (since there are two guests) times five, since we’re testing this on a five night cruise.  $75

A three hour thermal spa pass runs $39, so that’s $78

Shake for Champagne is really just a fun way of delivering a bottle of Moët & Chandon (by shaking your phone, someone shows up with the bottle and glasses).  $100

Of course we can’t assign numbers to other parts of this package.  VIP boarding and the sailaway party at Richard’s Rooftop, for example, may be great for some, but not something you can generally add on to your cruise (though both are included if you’re a Rockstar - a sailor booked in a suite).  What “aphrodisiac bites” are was a mystery for us.  Also immeasurable are any “surprises.”  

If you were to buy the things we can put a price on, that’s $253.  The package cost?  $200.  Keep reading to find out if the other experiences added more value.

Our Experience with A Splash of Romance

A quick note: As this was the very first time this was offered, and it happened to be the busiest sailing in Virgin’s history so far, there were some elements that I suspect, but can’t promise, will be smoother or better moving forward.

Expedited Boarding

I expected that this perk would have us using the “VIP & Rockstar” queue and lounge at Terminal V, but on arrival there wasn’t any signage indicating what to do.  When we approached this area the terminal employee had no knowledge of the package (nor the new “Sailing Club,” which also offers expedited check-in).  Our app screen didn’t indicate anything different with check-in, either.  Several other guests had the same inquiry, and given our polite persistence and confidence, and the fact there were multiple parties with this claim, she let us check in with Rockstars.

So, the start of these benefits was less than ideal, but I’ll give Virgin the benefit of the doubt that there was simply a communications gap with the folks at the terminal, which hopefully, will get worked out for future sailings. There is now a dedicated line, but NOT with Rockstar check-in.  Guests have been assigned the first boarding group, so they can board immediately after Rockstar sailors.

Did this save us time?  On other sailings I’d been on this wouldn’t have saved us much (if any) time.  Because this sailing’s check-in seemed overall more hectic, perhaps in part to the record-setting occupancy (about 1800 sailors), it did end up being a nice perk - something that, once they iron out the communications bugs, seems potentially valuable as the line becomes more popular.  In short, I actually think this could be very valuable in the near future.

Virgin Voyages ’ sailors all get wristbands used for opening cabins, charging privileges, and embarkation/disembarkation.  With this package they also give us cloth wristbands so that crew can easily identify us.  We’ve seen them use similar wristbands for parties and even COVID testing.  

Did it make a difference?  Not on this cruise.  A couple of crew and entertainment staff, including in the Happenings Cast (the collective group that Virgin uses instead of a Cruise Director) mentioned it, but it didn’t result in any “oh wow” experiences.  In fact one or two inquiries were really just asking us how the new package was treating us.

Cold Pressed Juices

On embarkation day we got a message in the app from Sailor Services, asking about any allergies to keep in mind.  I hadn’t received this message in the past, and it did seem to be a human asking, so I suspect this was about the juices and “aphrodisiac bites.” 

On the first morning we didn't think we got juices - but I later realized we slept in very late and had the DND light on, so I suspect they just didn’t want to bother us.  We opened the door to leave and found a Ship Eats bag with our juices. Juices are now available for pickup at a specific venue during a window of time each day, and aren't delivered to sailor rooms as part of this package.

It’s definitely worth reading the card that explains what juice you’re getting, because while they’ve all been delicious, some have a lot of ginger, which is a surprise in the morning, when you’re not expecting it.  Am I a “big juice person”?  No, and I don’t think I’ve ever paid for cold-pressed juice before, but this was a nice treat.  

In fact, Virgin takes the win on this, as in the future I suspect I’ll be spending some of my bar tab on these juices.

Thermal Pass

That might sound strange to spa lovers, but  this was actually my first time in the thermal spa onboard this or any ship. I was excited to see why people go to thermal spas.  With this package, you get everything you get as if you paid for a three hour pass: a sauna, steam room, a small pool, a hot tub, two ice pools, a mud room, a salt room, and an area (with beautiful views) that has heated hard surfaces you can lie down or sit on. I spent time in all of these except for the salt room, and I only dipped a finger into the ice pools - they're seriously cold .  The folks at the spa couldn't have been nicer, and I can absolutely see the appeal.  In fact, while I don't know if this particular experience resonates with me, I can see coming back just to enjoy the area with the pool and warm surfaces, as it is such a pretty and tranquil space.

You should probably reserve a slot ahead of time for the spa, especially if you want to go on a sea day.  I was a little surprised no one reached out to me to book my time, since I'd essentially prepaid it.  Also, don't take photos in steam rooms or mud rooms.

Shake for Champagne

This was a slam dunk for us, as we’re not ones to turn down champagne.  If it’s not your favorite, however, they seem to load this onto your account as an extra $100 in bar tab (prepaid credit for drinks), so it seems, at least for now, like you could easily use this for whatever drinks you want, whenever you want them.  We wanted champagne.  In that way, it lowers the net price for most sailors to $100 right out the gate.

Let’s Sail Away party on Richard’s Rooftop

On the top deck, all the way forward, is an outdoor suite area called Richard’s Rooftop.  We got to enjoy this when sailing in a suite back in July.  While it’s a lovely, and very tranquil place to relax, we didn’t spend a ton of time there, and in fact, we didn’t even go to the sail-away party.

On this trip we had to try it, especially since we only had access during the party.  Virgin serves complimentary sparkling wine for all during sail-away, which is a nice treat.  At the Rooftop party, however, they pour Moët & Chandon - not a bad upgrade there, and their's a more relaxing vibe overall.  This was actually pretty nice.

We did notice some fine print that they may move this to The Perch (deck 17 aft) at their discretion, depending on how many people are booked.   The party is no longer advertised as being at Richard's Rooftop, and seems to be held on deck 15 aft, just below The Athletic Club.

Aphrodisiac Bites

On the third and fourth nights of the sailing we had some sweet treats brought to our room.  This included macarons, jellies, chocolates, and more.  They were all quite good, and a welcome treat.  I did think it was a bit strange that this was just for two nights of a five night sailing, and obviously the “aphrodisiac” label is really being thrown around here.  In the end, however, anything that includes chocolate is a win for me.

Purchasing A Splash of Romance

At launch, the line announced that this package would cost $200, and would only be offered to 50 cabins per sailing*.  Your travel agent can easily add this to your existing booking, or you can call Virgin Voyages (though we hear lately their wait times have been rough - another reason to use a good travel agent ). *This has been uppted to 75 cabins per sailing, which is current as of Jan 2023.  

Interestingly, the response was apparently overwhelming, because just a couple of days in, Virgin had to stop selling this package while they retooled how it could be purchased.  They’ll reportedly start selling it again during the week I’m publishing this, and in the meantime,  sailors can pre-register by filling out a form on Virgin’s website .  We’ll be interested to see if they make any adjustments, given the popularity.

Our Take on the “A Splash of Romance Package”

While Virgin was going for something whimsical here, I think they ended up with something very practical.  If you are planning to purchase at least $100 in drinks, two thermal spa passes, and some pressed juice, then this is a no-brainer, because you’re at least breaking even right there, and get to enjoy the rest of the benefits.  

Did it really add a romantic ambiance?  No, and aside from the labeling it would not have been awkward if I had purchased this package while sailing with a platonic friend - but that’s okay.  Virgin already has a great cruise product for all sorts of traveling parties, including couples - so while I’m not sure this package makes it more romantic, I think they do a good job of that already, so you just have to decide if the benefits are of interest to you, for the way you travel.  My suggestion would be to think of this more as a “relaxation package” - a way to speed up check-in, enjoy the spa, and enjoy a few extras on your cruise.  If you want to add even more value, join us for one of our group cruises on Virgin Voyages where we treat folks to additional Sailor Loot, special events, excursions, and more.

View the discussion thread.

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VL Add-ons - What do they cover

By mawsmaw , September 7, 2023 in Virgin Voyages

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Sailing this Sunday on Valiant Lady. Just checked app and see we’ve got 3 different add-ons. We knew about 2, but have another $100 onboard credit. Can someone give a summary of what each can be used for.   

$300 Sailor Loot

$100 onboard credit

$600 Bar Tab 

Bar tab is fairly straightforward , but is there any difference in the other two.   

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Sailor loot and onboard credit are the same thing and can be used for anything you can charge to your cabin.

bar tab can only be used for drinks, alcoholic, non-alcoholic or hot. This includes the drink pairings at test kitchen.

Bar tab is drinks, of course.

Sailor Loot is on board credit-- ican be used on drinks, spa, gift shops, shore excursions, premium wi-fi,  if you want one of the few extra cost items on a menu like a tomahawk steak.  If you can't spend it all, buy someone a lovely gift in one of the shops.

Bar tab is any beverage that has a cost--alcoholic or not.  it includes premium tea, smoothies, non-alcoholic "mocktails," the bottomless brunches, and the beverage pairings at Test kitchen.  It does not include activities that include alcohol like grog walk or shot for shot as those are billed as activities....therefore they use loot.

Thanks for replies.  So, if we use up our bar tab, would any drinks we buy in bars go on our cabin account. Then at the end of the cruise we can pay this extra off, using our loot and obc.  Wondering if it’s worth getting extra bar tab before we go, as it works out about $40 each per day, which would only cover 4 to 8 beers/cocktails or glasses of wine each day. 

If you drink any specialty coffees, teas or like fresh-pressed juice, those will also go on your bar tab.

I consider us moderate drinkers and my sister-in-law and I had no problem spending $100 a day. But your mileage may vary.  If you end up with too much left at the end of cruise, there are MANY posts here and on the VV Reddit, how to get it spent 🙂

So, the way the order of payment for drinks should go:

2) Any remaining sailor loot

3) Cabin account charged to your credit card at end of cruise

You can check it from the app so if there is a problem, you can go to Sailor Services and get it fixed. You should do this before you leave the ship.  Easier that way.

Given the extra $50 for buying the bar tab before the cruise, personally I would do it.

4 hours ago, mawsmaw said: Thanks for replies.  So, if we use up our bar tab, would any drinks we buy in bars go on our cabin account. Then at the end of the cruise we can pay this extra off, using our loot and obc.  Wondering if it’s worth getting extra bar tab before we go, as it works out about $40 each per day, which would only cover 4 to 8 beers/cocktails or glasses of wine each day. 

If you use up the bar tab, any additional drinks you buy will be taken out of the sailor loot.  

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Splash of Romance

The Splash of Romance package is an exclusive offering available to 90 cabins per sailing on Virgin Voyages cruises. Priced at $250 per cabin, this package provides a range of benefits and experiences. Read more about Splash of Romance ...

A Splash for Your Bash

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Brexit: New report suggests UK £311bn worse off by 2035 due to leaving EU

The report came up with a scenario for growth if the UK had stayed inside the EU, and compared it to forecasts the Office for Budget Responsibility made in March last year.

Political reporter

Thursday 11 January 2024 16:47, UK

Brexit has cost the UK £140bn so far, according to new analysis, and could see the nation £311bn worse off by the middle of the next decade, according to a new report.

Economists and analysts at Cambridge Econometrics - commissioned by London's mayor, Sadiq Khan - have modelled how the UK's economy would have acted were it still in the European Union.

This was compared to data published by the Office for Budget of Responsibility in March 2023, and forecasts based on those data. Those official forecasts have since been downgraded as of November last year.

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The headline findings from the report include lower growth, lower employment, strong negative impacts on investment, imports falling more than exports, and a growing gap between London and the rest of the UK.

The report analysed the gross value added - GVA - which is a measure of how much value is added by an area through the production of goods and the actions of services.

Cambridge Econometrics says it found UK GVA was £2,207bn in 2023 under current circumstances, and will be £2,771bn by 2035.

More on Brexit

£4.7bn spent on EU border checks but some costs 'unnecessary' and timetable unclear, says new National Audit Office report

Brexit border checks to 'add billions' to consumer bills

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But without Brexit , the organisation states the UK would have had a GVA of £2,347bn in 2023, and it would have reached £3,082bn by 2035.

This equates to GVA being 6% lower in 2023 than it would have been without Brexit, and 10.1% lower in 2035.

They found that, by 2035, the UK is anticipated to have three million fewer jobs, 32% lower investment, 5% lower exports and 16% lower imports, than it would have had if the UK had not left the EU.

Cambridge Econometrics also found Brexit is expected to cause the productivity gap between London and the rest of the UK to widen further.

The scenario which included the UK in the EU used an E3ME model, which is used transnationally for forecasting. It includes data from UN, OECD, World Bank, IMF, the ONS and Eurostat.

The report says it tried to "isolate and subtract" the "Brexit effect" from factors like trade and investment in the main scenario - which it says is "effectively modelling a scenario in which other factors (eg, the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine) took place but Brexit did not".

Read more: Post-Brexit border controls to cost businesses £330m a year Starmer: We don't want to diverge from EU

Shyamoli Patel, principal economist at Cambridge Econometrics, said: "Our study reveals that London's economy would have grown faster if Brexit hadn't taken place. Looking ahead, we project that Brexit will continue to have an impact on the UK and London economies in the medium term."

Mr Khan is set to use the report to make the case for a closer relationship with Europe on Thursday evening at Mansion House.

The London mayor will say that it is "now obvious that Brexit isn't working" - blaming the "hard-line Brexit we've ended up with".

Mr Khan will add: "The cost of Brexit crisis can only be solved if we take a mature approach and if we are open to improving our trading arrangements with our European neighbours.

"I agree with the shadow foreign secretary [David Lammy], who has said we urgently need to build a closer relationship with the EU."

With a general election looming, Brexit will be an issue used to attack Labour and its leader Sir Keir Starmer, who backed a second referendum.

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LEVEL UPGRADE

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Sweeping terrace views.

Step up your stay and step out onto your own private sea terrace before taking a seabreeze-kissed swing in your handmade woven terrace hammock. Just some of the reasons to make The Sea Terrace Cabin yours.

The suite life

Move on from the cabin life and wake up like a RockStar in these suites built for music royalty. Don’t sleep on this chance (or without the European King bed and marble clad bathroom you get with these beauties).

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Still got questions?

Once i make a level upgrade offer, how long will i wait for a response.

Most responses are accepted approximately 48 hours prior to your sailing. If you don’t hear back give our Sailor Services a ring at +1 954 488 2955.

If my offer is accepted, how does the payment work?

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