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.
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 or if you are part of the luggage tag trial you can print-at-home. Make sure to know your cabin number ahead of time. 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 get Luggage Tags?
Print-At-Home
Virgin Voyages is trialling print-at-home luggage tags. Look out for an email 72 hours in advance with printing instructions, this is optional and not required as tags will also be available at the port. Sailors who’ve printed and attached their luggage tags should look for the “Pre-Tagged Luggage” sign upon arrival to drop off their bags. Not all ports support this option and this method is subject to change.
View Example Print-At-Home Tag
Tag at Port
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. Experienced porters will handle your tagged luggage and transport it onto the ship.
Tag Tips
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
Can I Arrive Early ?
If you arrive before your port arrival time then you are able to hand your luggage to the porter and head out into whichever city you are boarding from. In most ports including Miami, Athens, Barcelona, Portsmouth and San Juan the terminal is open from around 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.
Need Help With Luggage?
If you’re exploring the city after disembarking and want to travel light, we recommend using Bounce, a third-party luggage storage service that will retain your luggage before you head to the airport! VV Insider will receive a commission when booking via this link.
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
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.
