How Virgin Voyages and Bad Behavior Changed My Mind About Drink Packages

Richard Simms · Aug 27, 2026 · 4 min read

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Virgin Voyages smokestack — photo by Richard Simms / Cruise Radio

When it comes to controversial subjects, drink packages are right up there with chair hogs and gratuity rates — but Virgin Voyages’ ‘Bar Tab’ system changed how I think about the whole debate.

Why I Love a Drink Package

Many people spend a lot of time trying to figure out if purchasing a drink package is worth it. Me? I look at the price and pay it, no questions asked.

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Virgin Voyages Bar Tab: A Game Changer?

Last year, I finally jumped on a Virgin Voyages ship — the Brilliant Lady, sailing out of New York City. Instead of a traditional drinks package, this line offers ‘bar tabs,’ which basically equates to pre-purchasing drinks.

“Price your package correctly — or skip the bar tab entirely — and there’s no pressure.”

Compare Virgin Voyages Sailings

Bar Tab vs. Drink Package

So given that I still had to do math and wound up overspending, in what way did Virgin Voyages change my mind about drink packages? In part, it was the flexibility.

Richard Simms

Richard is a staff writer and weekly news contributor at Cruise Radio, covering features and editorials on the cruise industry.

How Virgin Voyages and Bad Behavior Changed My Mind About Drink Packages

Why I Love a Drink Package

Virgin Voyages Bar Tab: A Game Changer?

Compare Virgin Voyages Sailings

Bar Tab vs. Drink Package

Richard Simms

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