back Back to all guides

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 by . 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

Tips on 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 board the ship promptly. Follow these tips to make the most of your getaway right from the beginning:

  • Check in ASAP (Early Boarding Time) – Check in is open as soon as you book, keen sailors can get one of the earlier times 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
Check in on the Virgin Voyages app © Photo by VV Insider

  • Splash of Romance – Available for only 75 cabins per sailing
    • This option is only available for 75 cabins (with 2 people sharing) per sailing.
    • Currently, the cost for Splash of Romance is $200 per cabin.
    • By choosing this option, you’ll have the opportunity to start your vacation ahead of others.
  • Deep Blue Extras – Virgin Voyage’s Sailing Club Benefit
    • If you’re a Sea-Rover or Sea-Blazer, you’ll enjoy the benefits of Deep Blue Extras through the end of 2024.
    • Deep Blue Extras provides a dedicated VIP line for sailors who qualify.
    • This exclusive perk allows you to bypass the regular boarding process and access the ship sooner.
  • Rockstar – Suite level guests
    • Guests staying in Rockstar Suites, the highest level of accommodation, are granted early boarding privileges.
    • Look out for dedicated staff members who will assist Rockstar and Sailing Club guests during the boarding process.
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 1:30 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 board starting from 1:30 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 guidelines, you can maximize your vacation time and start enjoying all that Virgin Voyages has to offer as soon as possible. Whether you choose Splash of Romance, are a part of the Sailing Club with Deep Blue Extras privileges, or are a Rockstar Suite guest, early boarding ensures you can begin your unforgettable journey without delay.

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.

back Back to all guides

30 Comments

  1. Concierge says:
    4 May 2024 at 03:33

    It sounds like Virgin is all about catering to the top tier sailors who get priority for everything since they pay more. Is that the feeling you get as a first time cruiser or as a lower tier sailor? It sounds almost overly tier and loyalty oriented??

    Reply
  2. James says:
    21 April 2024 at 11:07

    I’m confused a little. I have booked a 13:30pm arrival time since booking my cruise on the app.

    Would/could Splash of Romance help get on even sooner or is this as good as it gets anyway?

    Reply
    1. Rob Sammons says:
      21 April 2024 at 13:52

      You’d arrive the same time but they prioritize this line before other sailors

      Reply
  3. Conni says:
    18 April 2024 at 00:58

    When can you complete check in process? It will allow me to select a boarding time, but cannot complete other sections. It is a certain timeframe from boarding?

    Reply
    1. Rob Sammons says:
      18 April 2024 at 12:47

      It can open a bit later depending on voyage and requirements for the voyage. Check a few months out but as long as you have boarding time that’s the most important part

      Reply
  4. Susan says:
    10 April 2024 at 00:59

    I just booked Resiliant Lady for next May and the app is only offering a 3pm boarding time at the earliest. Is that possible this far out or will they add more times?

    Reply
    1. Rob Sammons says:
      10 April 2024 at 13:40

      Hi Susan, boarding times open up as soon as bookings go on sale so people can select them way ahead of time, that particular sailing likely went on sail in September 2023.

      Reply
  5. Eileen Wolejsza says:
    3 April 2024 at 16:58

    I just got off Scarlet Lady in Miami last week and stumbled upon early check-in on my embarkation day. It was mentioned in my Facebook cruise group for that sailing. Never heard of it before so don’t know if it was some secret thing, but they said it ended at 1 pm (I arrived just in time) and it’s a way to check-in and get your sea band early. Then you just come back at your port arrival time. Worked great since I had a late arrival time at 4:30 pm and was able to kill some time at Bayside Marketplace. Do you have any info on this early check-in process? I wasn’t deep blue extras, rockstar, or splash of romance. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Rob Sammons says:
      3 April 2024 at 19:44

      Hi Eileen in a lot of the ports but not all they’ll allow early bag drop from around 9am so you can get checked in and drop bags, then board at your time.

      Reply
  6. M. Platt says:
    10 March 2024 at 15:11

    I am on the Scarlet Lady and have a boardinf time of 4:00pm, however we will arrive earlier about 2:30pm, is there a waiting area? Can we board earlier?

    Reply
    1. VV Insider says:
      10 March 2024 at 16:23

      You should only arrive at your designated time as there is not a big waiting area and this clogs up the terminal. They won’t typically let you board early but since it’s a later slot about half an hour before should be ok.

      Reply
      1. Marykay Martin says:
        4 May 2024 at 18:00

        Is this in Miami?

        Reply
        1. Rob Sammons says:
          6 May 2024 at 13:19

          They will always have a Rockstar area but they have a proper Rockstar area to relax in Miami

          Reply
  7. Virginia L. Corcoran says:
    7 March 2024 at 02:32

    We are in a Rockstar cabin and have a 1:30 check in time. If we get there at 12:30, is there somewhere inside we can wait?

    Reply
    1. VV Insider says:
      7 March 2024 at 13:47

      Hi Virginia, yes there’ll be a Rockstar waiting area, are you sailing from Miami ?

      Reply
  8. HG says:
    28 February 2024 at 18:12

    Where is the mysterious VIP check-in/security line in Miami for Sea Rovers and Sea Blazers? Is it the one outside or inside upstairs? Not sure why this is so convoluted but we were not allowed any VIP line access late last year when we sailed with VV so had to wait for our 3:30PM check-in time.
    And what if you’re doing back to back cruises? Do we have to disembark? If so, what time can we re-board? Sailor Services via phone was unable to answer questions or help with this.

    Reply
    1. VV Insider says:
      28 February 2024 at 19:06

      Look for the “priority” lane at check in this is the one you need for Deep Blue Extra rewards. There’s information on back to back cruises here, if Miami you briefly get off then back on for immigration.

      Reply
  9. Leanne says:
    24 February 2024 at 22:07

    I am travelling with my husband in a rockstar suite so our check in time is 1.30pm. Our 2 sons are travelling with us in a terrace cabin but their check in time is later. Will we be able to all board together at 1.30 or will they need to hang around and wait for their check in time?

    Reply
    1. VV Insider says:
      24 February 2024 at 23:33

      Hi Leanne are you all linked together in the app ? This is probably fine but will be at the ports discretion

      Reply
  10. Neil says:
    5 February 2024 at 14:16

    Am I allowed to arrive somewhat later than my arrival time? The app says 1:45 now, but am I allowed to arrive and embark like half an hour later?

    Reply
    1. VV Insider says:
      5 February 2024 at 16:02

      Yeah you can arrive any time up to around 4pm, just had to be after your arrival time

      Reply
  11. Christine B says:
    5 February 2024 at 03:11

    If my boarding time is 1:30pm, what time should I arrive at Miami port?

    Reply
    1. VV Insider says:
      5 February 2024 at 11:30

      Hi Christine, Virgin Voyages doesn’t do boarding times only arrival time, so you arrival time is 1:30, you’ll board about 20-30 mins after that depending on how busy the terminal is

      Reply
  12. Ross F says:
    3 February 2024 at 03:13

    One thing to know: if you get the Splash of Romance package, you will have a cheapo, non-removable music festival-esque wristband cinched onto your wrist that you will have to wear 24/7 for the entire cruise. Unlike the wearable used for everything else (called “The Band”, I believe)–which is super thin, flexible and *removable*–the Splash of Romance band is none of these. Why VV cannot just add that designation to your “main” onboard account and accessible from that main wearable device is beyond me, but I wanted everyone to know. We spoke to several couples on our last VV cruise and not one of them thought the Splash of Romance package was worth the price…and were all annoyed at having to wear that second wristband.

    Reply
    1. VV Insider says:
      3 February 2024 at 09:15

      Hi Ross, you can remove the wristband it’s not required once on board as the system for booking the spa and the party has your name down. It’s main purpose is to identify people boarding early.

      Reply
      1. paul says:
        21 April 2024 at 10:13

        That’s the same for sea blazers? As onboard free barista etc occurs on the account, nobody takes notice off the blue band and yes it is a pain to wear. It cannot be adjusted once on it cannot be trimmed as it will fray. It be so so much easier to wear a blue rather than red band than a separate ribbon.

        Reply
        1. Rob Sammons says:
          21 April 2024 at 13:54

          Hey Paul yeah once on board it serves no purpose

          Reply
  13. Andrea Silverstein says:
    20 January 2024 at 20:19

    How do we know if we qualify for early boarding? We are scheduled for 4:00p.m. boarding. Thanks!

    Reply
    1. VV Insider says:
      21 January 2024 at 14:45

      If you have splash of romance, deep blue extras or rockstar you can board earlier, if you don’t then you need to board at your chosen time

      Reply
    2. Gene says:
      9 March 2024 at 19:26

      read the article above for how to get early boarding.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

back Back to guides and FAQs