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Boarding the Ship Early

We all want to get our vacation started as quickly as possible and waiting in the departure lounge in anticipation isn’t the best way to kick off the celebrations. Here’s a guide on how to get on the ship as early as possible.

This guide was last updated on 27 January 2025 by David Todd. If you spot any errors or missing information, please let us know.

Cruise passengers making their way to a luggage drop-off point labelled 'Virgin Voyages' in red — When you arrive at the port, the first thing to do is hand your luggage over to the porters © Photo by VV Insider

How to Board the Ship as Early as Possible

When it comes to starting your Virgin Voyages vacation as early as possible, there are a few ways to ensure you get on the ship promptly. Follow these tips to make the most of your getaway right from the beginning.

Keep in mind that the time listed in the app is your arrival time, not your boarding time—you’ll board approximately 30 minutes after your arrival.

Check in ASAP (Early Arrival Time)

Check in is open as soon as you book for the majority of sailings, keen sailors can get one of the earlier arrival times typically starting at 1:45 PM for free directly in the app.

How to: Go to the Virgin Voyages app > Scroll down to the Check-in section of the app and scroll to the final section “Step Aboard” > Pick a Slot.

Check in on the Virgin Voyages app © Photo by VV Insider

Priority Boarding Sailors

Either via Sailing Club status or by purchasing Splash of Romance you can use the Priority line at check-in. Arrive from 1:45 PM and look for the priority sign.

Splash of Romance – Available for only 90 cabins per sailing
- This add-on is only available for 90 cabins (with 2 people sharing) per sailing.
- By purchasing this add-on, you’ll have the opportunity to join the priority line.
Deep Blue Extras – Virgin Voyage’s Sailing Club Benefit
- If you quality as part of the Sailing Club you’ll enjoy priority boarding.
- Deep Blue Extras provides a dedicated priority line for sailors who qualify as well as their cabin mate.

Priority Boarding Sign at Terminal V, Virgin Voyages Miami© Photo by Matt Thaler

Rockstar Boarding

Mega Rockstar & Rockstar – Suite level guests
- Arrive from around 1 PM and enjoy the lounge available at select terminals.
- Sailors staying in RockStar Suites are granted early boarding privileges.
- Dedicated staff members will assist RockStars during the boarding process.
- RockStars board before any other priority lines and are the first to step onto the ship.

A row of cruise check-in desks labeled 'Rockstar Quarters and VIP' — Checking in early using the VIP lanes for Rockstars and VIPs© Photo by VV Insider

Important Early Boarding Information

Early Boarding Time: Early boarding typically begins around 1:45 PM at most locations.
Exceptions to App Times: If you qualify you can ignore the scheduled boarding time in the Virgin Voyages app, you can still arrive starting from 1:45 PM even if the app has a later time. Simply follow the instructions provided by the staff at the port.
Splash of Romance and Deep Blue Extras Guests: After Rockstar guests have boarded, Splash of Romance and Deep Blue Extras guests will be invited to step onto the ship immediately.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your vacation time and dive into everything Virgin Voyages has to offer right away. Whether you opt for Splash of Romance, enjoy Deep Blue Extras through the Sailing Club, or are a RockStar Suite guest, early boarding ensures your journey starts smoothly and without delay.