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Booking Events & First Come First Serve Events

Events can sell out on busy sailings, as a sailor, you can book events on board. Read this guide for information on how to book.

A group of three laughing people holding each other with sparking red clothing
Some events are exclusive to a small number of sailors and need booking early © Photo by Virgin Voyages®

How to Book Events

Virgin Voyages ships offer a wide range of onboard events. Most entertainment options are included in your cruise fare, while some premium experiences are available for an additional charge, often including alcohol.

Depending on the type of event you wish to visit you may need to book a slot in the app.

First Come First Serve & Walk Up Availability

Virgin Voyages headline events in the Red Room and most cabaret events in The Manor are walk up only. The event will be listed “first come, first serve” on your event-lineup if applicable. Keep in mind that headline shows are shown multiple times a cruise so that the majority of sailors have an opportunity to see them.

Most Red Room showtimes are scheduled for 8:00PM and 10:00PM, this can vary based on where the ship is located, check your line-up for more details.

Queuing for Shows

  • Sailors: It is recommended to arrive 20-30 minutes ahead of the scheduled time to join the queue, doors will open around 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled time.
  • Rockstars: A priority line is available for Rockstars at most headline and cabaret events. It is recommended to arrive around 30 minutes ahead of time to join the priority queue. Doors will open first for Rockstars, there is no reserved seating for Rockstars. For more details, check with your Rockstar agent.
  • Walk Up: Once the queue is empty, if the venue still has available space, you can walk in to watch the show.​

Bookable Cabaret Events

There are still a few cabaret events that require booking due to limited capacity. This includes:

Bookable Events via the App

Any event that is bookable can be booked using the Virgin Voyages app once you are on board. In the app select ‘Event Line-Up‘, choose the event you would like to book and select the connected sailors you will be attending it with. If you want to book in person look out for the “Reservation Help Desk” in your event line-up typically on your first day.

It is worth noting that some events have limited availability and may book up quickly such as Wellness and Food & Drink classes.

Cost to Book

There is no cost to book an event unless marked otherwise and no penalty if you do not show up. If the event carries a fee this amount will come out of your onboard balance and is not refundable.

Using Sailor Loot/Bar Tab

If you have Sailor Loot, this will be used for the booking. Bar Tab can not be used for these events.

Lolz Supper Club Comedy Show
Lolz Supper Club Comedy Show© Photo by Virgin Voyages

Booking Before Other Sailors

Some events have the potential to sell out if you’re on a popular sailing. Here are some tips to avoid the rush and make sure you get the events you want:

  • Book Using Your Rockstar Host: If you’re lucky enough to be sailing as a Rockstar you can ask your Rockstar Agent to book popular events for you once onboard.
  • Book Popular Events First: Some events are more popular than others or have a very limited number of spaces available, some examples are Grog Walk, Another Rose and Workout Classes – make sure you book these events first.
  • Try With Fewer Sailors: If space is limited and the app is not allowing you to book your whole party try selecting fewer guests and trying again.
  • Use Switchover Day Wisely (Back-To-Back Sailings): While others are waiting in line to board, it’s an ideal time to open the app and secure all your event bookings ahead of the crowd. Typically, the app will reopen for your new sailing around 12 PM, before other passengers arrive.

About the author

Co-Founder and Director. David has a background in web design and development and writes travel content, vacation guides and tips about Virgin Voyages.

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7 Comments

  1. Kevin West says:

    Can you only book in app on the ship, or while waiting in line to check in during embarkation?

  2. Lynn says:

    We have a group of 10, so first person getting on board can book Grog Walk for all of us and it goes to our individual accounts?

    1. VV Insider says:

      Hi Lynn, this would actually be charged to the original account to begin with, you can ask sailor services to move between.

  3. Steven Tang says:

    Can you book for a group if some of the group have not boarded? For example, group of 6 linked in app, 2 people have an early boarding and the rest have late boarding times.

    1. VV Insider says:

      Hi Steven, yes this is fine as it’ll link to their on board account

  4. Sherri says:

    Will they open early bookings to the Rock Star ppl first?

    1. As a Rockstar you will go to an exclusive area when you first board to help book your events, they also typically can always get you in anyway 🙂

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