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Luggage Tags, Handling and Allowances

This guide details luggage tagging by cabin number, porter assistance, regional tipping norms, and restrictions on bringing two wine bottles aboard.

A stack of luggage on a luggage trolley being labelled by a person wearing a striped t-shirt
Luggage drop-off at your origin port © Photo by VV Insider

Luggage Overview

Before embarking on your Virgin Voyages cruise, familiarize yourself with the luggage and wine policies. Here’s a quick summary:

    • Luggage Tagging: Your luggage will be tagged at the port using your cabin number. Make sure to know your cabin number ahead of time. Tags will not be provided in advance. Hold onto this tag for easy disembarkation at the end of your cruise by leaving your bag outside your cabin.
    • Luggage Handling: Porters will take your larger luggage and bring it onto the ship. This will be delivered to your cabin within a few hours. Small carry-on bags can be brought on board by hand and can include liquids unlike airports.
    • Tipping Policy: In the US, it is customary to tip porters per bag. However, in Europe, this is not the case.
    • Alcohol/Soft Drinks Policy: You are allowed to bring two bottles of wine on board but there are restrictions.

Details and Tips

Do I need Luggage Tags?

When you arrive at the port, your luggage will be tagged for easy identification and delivery to your cabin. It’s important to know your cabin number ahead of time, as this will be used for the tagging process. Keep in mind that tags will not be provided in advance, so make sure to have your cabin number information readily available.

Experienced porters will handle your tagged luggage and transport it onto the ship. This service ensures that your belongings are safely delivered to your cabin, allowing you to start your cruise without the burden of carrying heavy bags. Be sure to keep these tags on as you will need them for easy disembarkation by leaving your bags outside your door the night before

Weight Limits & Liquids

Please keep in mind that whilst there is no weight limit your bags do need to be carried by a person and stored within your cabin. Small carry-on bags can be brought on board by hand, enabling you to have immediate access to your essential items. Liquids are allowed in small carry-on bags unlike airports

Cruise passengers making their way to a luggage drop-off point labelled 'Virgin Voyages' in red
Staff from the ship will be at the port to help with luggage© Photo by VV Insider

Can I Arrive Early ?

If you arrive before your port arrival time then you are able to store your luggage and head out into whichever city you are boarding from. In Miami the terminal is open from 9am for checking luggage, other port times may vary so check with Virgin Voyages before arrival.

Guide: Boarding The Ship Early

What do I do with my luggage at the end of my voyage?

At the end of your voyage, you have two options for luggage: Virgin Voyages can collect it from outside your cabin, or you can self-carry it. For more information, refer to our guide on disembarkation.

Guide: Disembarkation

Tipping Policy

In the United States, it is customary to tip porters for their assistance with handling your luggage. The general practice is to tip per bag. However, it’s important to note that tipping practices may vary in Europe. Unlike US sailings, where tipping porters is customary, tipping may not be expected or required in Europe. It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local customs and norms of the specific region you’ll be sailing from. Note that the porters do not work for Virgin Voyages so are not included in the “tips included” portion of your voyage.

Can I Bring Alcohol/Soft Drinks on My Cruise?

The good news is – if you’re a wine enthusiast, Virgin Voyages allows you to bring wine as well as soft drinks to enjoy on board in your carry-on luggage. There are some caveats to bringing drinks on aboard.

Guide: Bringing Alcohol & Soft Drinks

In Summary

Virgin Voyages makes luggage a simple process by not requiring print outs of luggage tags. Understanding the logistics can help you can ensure a smooth embarkation process and make the most of your cruise experience. Remember to prepare your cabin number in advance for luggage tagging. Consider tipping practices based on your sailing location. And pack your favorite wine bottles in your carry-on bags to savor during your voyage.

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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9 Comments

  1. Michelle Smaney says:

    For clarification; are we allowed to bring on board ourselves airline size rolling carry-on luggage?

    Thanks

    1. Rob Sammons says:

      Yes carry on size luggage is fine. Think anything that can go in a standard x ray machine

  2. Maree says:

    Just to add Australia to the mix…
    It is not customary to tip bag handlers in Australia.
    We have a minimum hourly wage for any employment, currently at $23.23/hour. That’s just the starting point.

  3. Michelle Konik says:

    Are bathrobes included in the cabin or do we have to bring our own

    1. VV Insider says:

      Bathrobes are only in Rockstar suites.

  4. Mahon Derinda says:

    Hello we are travelling from Melbourne to Burnie on the 2nd of March, how early can we drop our luggage off?

    1. VV Insider says:

      Hi Mahon from around 9-9:30am

  5. John Cummins says:

    When we flew into Barcelona in September, there was a luggage drop off point after baggage reclaim and they tagged the bags and transported them direct to our cabin on Valient Lady

    1. Fiona says:

      Thank you!
      This is super helpful as we’re doing the Irresistible Med in September this year. Do you know if this is a VV service or something arranged by Barcelona Airport services? If the latter, is there a fee for the service?

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