THE VIRGIN VOYAGES HUB / THE LANGUAGE ON BOARD
A little Virgin.
In plain English.
What the words mean, why they matter, and what to check before you book. Look up a term or explore by topic.
GOOD PLACES TO START
Bar Tab or Sailor Loot? →Base, Essential or Premium? →RockStar or Mega RockStar? →Planning your first sailing? Read the full first-time guide.
Ship directionsAft
The back section of the ship.
Why it matters for your voyage
An aft cabin can put you closer to venues at that end of the ship. Look at the deck above and below it as well as the walking route to the places you expect to use. “Aft” describes a location, not a noise rating.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →Virgin languageAhoy
A nautical hello that Virgin uses as part of its playful language.
Why it matters for your voyage
You may see it in messages, onboard greetings and voyage information. It is a welcome, not a booking status or benefit. “Ahoy, Sailor” simply adds Virgin’s name for its guests.
Read the planning advice →Virgin languageAhoy, Sailor
Virgin’s way of saying “hello, guest” or welcoming you aboard.
Why it matters for your voyage
Sailor is Virgin’s term for you, whether this is your first cruise or your twentieth. You do not need any sailing experience. It is part of the language you will meet while planning and travelling.
Read the planning advice →Money and benefitsBar Tab
Prepaid credit for eligible premium drinks, with any applicable purchase bonus added.
Why it matters for your voyage
It is not an unlimited drinks package. You can buy drinks for other sailors, and you do not need a separate Bar Tab for each person. Estimate your spending after accounting for existing benefits and any Sailor Loot you plan to use for drinks. Unused credit is not refunded at the end of the voyage.
Read the planning advice →Compare Sailor Loot →Calculate your drinks budget →BookingBase
A restricted fare choice for eligible standard cabins.
Why it matters for your voyage
The lower price comes with conditions that can matter more than the saving. Check the refund, date-change and cabin-assignment rules before paying. If you have firm location requirements or uncertain dates, ask Devone to compare the other available fares.
Read the planning advice →Compare Essential →Money and benefitsBlue Extras and Deep Blue Extras
Names used for benefits within Virgin’s Sailing Club loyalty program.
Why it matters for your voyage
Eligibility and benefits depend on the applicable program rules. Tell Devone what status appears in your account and which sailing you are considering. Do not automatically add an old voyage’s coffee, laundry or drinks benefits to a new trip budget.
Read the planning advice →CabinsCentral Sea Terrace
A Sea Terrace category in the central part of the ship.
Why it matters for your voyage
Compare the exact cabin rather than assuming every Central Sea Terrace has the same bed position or surroundings. A central location can be convenient, but nearby venues and the deck itself still matter. Use the finder to see the individual details.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →Ship directionsDisembarkation
Leaving the ship, usually referring to the end of the voyage.
Why it matters for your voyage
The ship’s scheduled arrival is not the same as the moment you can reach an airport. Allow time for leaving the ship, terminal procedures and transport when planning the journey home. Ask for help if your flight timing is tight.
Read the planning advice →Ship directionsEmbarkation
The process of checking in and boarding the ship.
Why it matters for your voyage
Follow the arrival instructions attached to your reservation. Reaching the departure city, arriving at the terminal and boarding are separate steps. Plan transport around the confirmed instructions rather than another sailor’s experience on a different voyage.
Read the planning advice →BookingEssential
A fare choice with more flexibility than Base for eligible standard cabins.
Why it matters for your voyage
Compare the actual price difference and conditions on your sailing. It may suit you if cabin-change options or booking flexibility matter. Always read what the fare allows, including whether a change involves a credit rather than a refund.
Read the planning advice →Compare Premium →BookingFirst Mate
Virgin Voyages’ name for a travel advisor who helps with its voyages.
Why it matters for your voyage
Devone is your Beyond Travel First Mate. His Gold Level Seacademy certification reflects Virgin product training. You can use his tracked online booking link or work directly with him to compare sailings, cabins and fare choices.
Read the planning advice →Money and benefitsFolio
Your onboard account showing purchases, credits and the amount to settle.
Why it matters for your voyage
Check the account during the voyage rather than waiting until departure morning. A Bar Tab balance and general onboard credit serve different purposes. Review a charge with Sailor Services if something does not look right.
Read the planning advice →Ship directionsForward
The front section of the ship, toward the bow.
Why it matters for your voyage
Use this term to understand a cabin’s position on the deck plan. Location preferences vary. If you are sensitive to motion or early port activity, compare the individual cabin guidance and talk through your priorities before booking.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →Money and benefitsFuture Voyage Credit
A credit toward a future eligible voyage, subject to its own terms.
Why it matters for your voyage
It is different from cash and from an MNVV offer. Check the holder’s name, amount, expiry and what the credit can pay for. Send the actual credit details to Devone before booking so its use can be confirmed.
Read the planning advice →Virgin languageGrog Walk
Virgin’s hosted bar-crawl experience, designed to get sailors mingling.
Why it matters for your voyage
It can be a way to meet people and explore some of the bars. Check your sailing’s listing for the schedule, price, what is included and how to reserve. Treat it as an activity in your budget rather than assuming a Bar Tab purchase covers admission.
Read the planning advice →CabinsHammock
The terrace feature many sailors associate with Virgin.
Why it matters for your voyage
Do not assume every cabin with outdoor space has one. Use the hammock field for the specific cabin in the finder. If it is a deciding factor, have the feature and available cabin confirmed before payment.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →Virgin languageHappenings Cast
The hosts and personalities who bring many of Virgin’s social activities to life.
Why it matters for your voyage
Virgin spreads this role across a cast instead of relying on one traditional cruise director. You may meet them through games, creative activities and hosted events. Look at the schedule for the activities and cast on your own sailing.
Read the planning advice →CabinsInsider
Virgin’s interior cabin collection.
Why it matters for your voyage
The standard Insider, Solo Insider and Social Insider have different layouts. Compare guest capacity and how the sleeping space will work for your group. An interior room may suit you if you expect to spend much of the voyage elsewhere on the ship.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →Virgin languageLick Me Till Ice Cream
Virgin’s playfully named ice-cream stop.
Why it matters for your voyage
You will see the name in dining information and on the ship. Check its opening hours when you want a scoop between plans. The name is a venue, not a package you need to add to your booking.
Read the planning advice →CabinsLimited View Sea Terrace
A Sea Terrace category with a view limitation.
Why it matters for your voyage
The amount and position of the obstruction matter. A representative room photo does not show the precise view from every balcony. Compare the individual cabin details and ask about the view if outdoor scenery is a priority.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →BookingLock-It-In
A guaranteed-category fare where Virgin assigns the specific cabin closer to sailing.
Why it matters for your voyage
You trade control over the exact room for the offer available. Cabin changes are not allowed under this fare. If a particular location, connecting arrangement or room feature is essential, discuss it before choosing Lock-It-In.
Read the planning advice →CabinsMega RockStar Quarters
Virgin’s higher suite tier, including Massive, Fab, Posh and Gorgeous suites.
Why it matters for your voyage
These suites carry broader benefits than RockStar, including drinks benefits subject to limits and daily thermal-suite access. Compare the actual named suite and included services. Review those benefits before adding a prepaid Bar Tab or budgeting for extras.
Read the planning advice →Compare RockStar →Explore cabins and deck maps →Ship directionsMidship
The middle section of the ship.
Why it matters for your voyage
Read it together with the deck number and side of the ship. It does not promise a silent cabin or eliminate motion. Open the deck map to see both the room location and the facilities around it.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →Money and benefitsMy Next Virgin Voyage
An onboard future-voyage offer commonly called an MNVV placeholder or voucher.
Why it matters for your voyage
A placeholder is not a confirmed cabin on a future sailing. Its purchase date and terms determine the benefits, eligible categories and deadlines. Give Devone the actual voucher before you book, particularly when comparing it with another offer.
Read the planning advice →Life onboardPajama Party
A Virgin social event where sleepwear is part of the fun.
Why it matters for your voyage
Pack something you would be comfortable wearing around other guests if you want to join. Check your sailing’s schedule for the event details. Taking part is a choice, so plan your evenings around what you enjoy.
Read the planning advice →Ship directionsPort side
The left side when facing the front of the ship. Virgin cabin numbers use A for this side.
Why it matters for your voyage
Port side does not mean your cabin will always face the port or land. Docking arrangements vary. Use the label to locate the room, then choose based on the features and surroundings that matter to you.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →Life onboardRedemption Spa
Virgin’s onboard spa.
Why it matters for your voyage
Check whether you are booking a treatment, thermal-suite access or another service. They are not interchangeable. If your fare or suite includes a benefit, confirm its scope before paying separately for an experience.
Read the planning advice →Life onboardRichard’s Rooftop
A sundeck reserved for RockStar and Mega RockStar sailors.
Why it matters for your voyage
Consider how much you would use a separate outdoor space when comparing a suite with a standard cabin. Access is one part of the suite experience. It does not turn every other onboard purchase into an included benefit.
Read the planning advice →CabinsRockStar Quarters
Virgin’s suite collection below Mega RockStar.
Why it matters for your voyage
RockStar includes added access and services, along with a curated in-room bar. It is not the same drinks arrangement as Mega RockStar. Compare Seriously, Brilliant, Sweet Aft and Cheeky Corner layouts and terrace options by the actual category offered on your sailing.
Read the planning advice →Compare Mega RockStar →Explore cabins and deck maps →Money and benefitsSailing Club
Virgin Voyages’ loyalty program.
Why it matters for your voyage
Share the status shown in your account when planning another sailing. Benefits and eligibility can vary with the program rules. Confirm what applies before relying on a perk in your budget or purchasing something that may already be included.
Read the planning advice →Life onboardSailor
Virgin’s word for a guest travelling on the ship.
Why it matters for your voyage
When an offer says “per sailor,” it applies by person. “Per cabin” applies once to the room. That distinction matters when comparing prices, gratuities and onboard credits for two or more people sharing.
Read the planning advice →Money and benefitsSailor Loot
Credit for eligible onboard purchases, rather than a reduction in your cabin price.
Why it matters for your voyage
You may choose to use some for drinks or save it for other eligible spending. Promotional Sailor Loot cannot buy a prepaid Bar Tab. Check the terms of the credit on your booking and count only the amount you actually plan to use for each part of your budget.
Read the planning advice →Compare Bar Tab →Calculate your drinks budget →Life onboardSailor Services
Virgin’s guest-support team.
Why it matters for your voyage
On board, this is a place to ask about your account or an issue that needs attention during the voyage. Your First Mate helps with planning and booking. The ship’s crew handles the immediate onboard situation.
Read the planning advice →Life onboardScarlet Night
Virgin’s signature shipwide celebration, associated with wearing red.
Why it matters for your voyage
Bring an outfit you feel good in if you want to take part. Check the onboard schedule for the evening’s events. You can enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace and make other plans if a large party is not your preference.
Read the planning advice →Ship directionsSea day
A day spent sailing rather than visiting a port.
Why it matters for your voyage
Look at how many sea days a voyage has and where they fall in the itinerary. They can provide time for the ship’s restaurants, activities and quiet spaces. A string of port days creates a different rhythm from several days at sea.
Read the planning advice →CabinsSea Terrace
Virgin’s cabin collection with private outdoor space.
Why it matters for your voyage
Standard, Central, Limited View and XL options are worth comparing individually. Bed position, hammock details and surroundings can differ. Use the cabin finder to move from a broad category preference to a shortlist for your actual sailing.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →CabinsSea View
A cabin collection with a window and no private terrace.
Why it matters for your voyage
A Solo Sea View is a distinct layout from the standard Sea View. If natural light matters but you do not expect to spend much time on a balcony, compare this collection with both Insider and Sea Terrace prices.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →Money and benefitsService gratuities
The service-gratuity charge shown separately for newer bookings.
Why it matters for your voyage
Check whether it is already included in the total you are reviewing and whether you plan to prepay. Do not compare one quote including gratuities with another that leaves them out. Ask for the complete amount before making the decision.
Read the planning advice →Virgin languageShake for Champagne
Virgin’s champagne-ordering experience, associated with shaking your phone in the app.
Why it matters for your voyage
The shake is the invitation to order, not a free bottle. Check the displayed price or the terms of an included benefit before confirming. Follow the current onboard app instructions because the available app and ordering steps can change.
Read the planning advice →Virgin languageShip Eats
Virgin’s name for food delivered to your cabin.
Why it matters for your voyage
It is useful when you want a quieter meal or breakfast in your room. Review the current menu, delivery options and any fees before placing an order. Included restaurant dining does not automatically mean every cabin delivery is free.
Read the planning advice →Life onboardShore Things
Virgin’s name for shore excursions.
Why it matters for your voyage
Read the meeting point, duration, activity level and cancellation conditions before choosing. Compare the excursion with your time in port. If you hope to use onboard credit, confirm payment eligibility and timing rather than assuming it will cover an advance purchase.
Read the planning advice →CabinsSolo Insider
An Insider layout designed for a single sailor.
Why it matters for your voyage
Compare the actual total with single occupancy in other available cabins. A room designed for one can be a practical choice, but space, light and outdoor access may influence what feels right for a longer trip.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →Ship directionsStarboard side
The right side when facing the front of the ship. Virgin cabin numbers use Z for this side.
Why it matters for your voyage
The letter helps you locate a cabin on the map. It does not guarantee a particular port view throughout the itinerary. Compare the cabin’s location and features rather than choosing the side on that assumption alone.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →Life onboardThe Band
The wearable device used for room access and purchases aboard the ship.
Why it matters for your voyage
Purchases are connected to your onboard account. Keep an eye on the account in the app, especially when using different credits. If your Band is lost or a charge needs review, contact Sailor Services.
Read the planning advice →Life onboardThe Dock and Dock House
Virgin’s relaxed spaces for lounging, drinks and Mediterranean-inspired small plates.
Why it matters for your voyage
The venue name does not mean you are leaving the ship or meeting at the port. Look it up on your deck plan and check service hours. It can be a useful casual option between more structured plans.
Read the planning advice →Life onboardThe Galley
Virgin’s food-hall-style casual dining area.
Why it matters for your voyage
It gives you another option when you do not want a restaurant reservation to shape the day. Check opening hours onboard. Keep casual meals in mind when deciding how many evenings you want to plan in advance.
Read the planning advice →Life onboardThe Social Club
An onboard spot associated with casual comfort food and games.
Why it matters for your voyage
It gives you another way to spend time together without planning a full restaurant meal. Check the venues and activities offered on your ship. You do not need a separate club membership just because “club” is in the name.
Read the planning advice →BookingVoyageFair Choices
Virgin’s name for its Base, Essential and Premium fare choices for eligible standard cabins.
Why it matters for your voyage
Choose the accommodation and fare conditions together. The same type of cabin can be offered with different restrictions and benefits. Compare the full terms and total on your departure before deciding which option is better value for you.
Read the planning advice →CabinsXL Sea Terrace
A Sea Terrace option with a larger bathroom.
Why it matters for your voyage
Decide whether that bathroom space is worth the price difference on your sailing. Check the cabin’s actual location and bed-position guidance as well. The category name alone does not tell you how the surrounding decks will feel.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →No matching terms.
Try a simpler word such as drinks, cabin or credit, or clear the topic filter.
Explore the first-time guideYOUR GOLD LEVEL FIRST MATE
From a good idea
to a booked voyage.
Choose your sailing online, or bring your questions to Devone and plan it together.
Official information behind this guide
Beyond Travel’s planning guidance draws on Virgin’s published information. Your reservation and its applicable terms determine your fare, benefits and deadlines. Beyond Travel’s own Sailor Loot offer is described separately in the Hub.
Cabins
Social Insider
An Insider layout intended for sharing, with a different sleeping arrangement from a standard room.+Why it matters for your voyage
Review the official photo and guest capacity together. Before booking with friends, talk about sleep schedules, luggage and how much privacy each person needs. One shared room and two separate cabins can produce very different holidays.
Read the planning advice →Explore cabins and deck maps →