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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.”
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.
Virgin Voyages
Drink Packages
Onboard Spending
Editorial
Richard Simms
Richard is a staff writer and weekly news contributor at Cruise Radio, covering features and editorials on the cruise industry.
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