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Types of On Board Credit (Sailor Loot & Bar Tab)

When it comes to onboard credit, Virgin Voyages deals in two types: Sailor Loot and Bar Tab. You’ll need to understand each credit type this guide will help you navigate them and make the most of your credit.

This guide was last updated on 16 November 2024 by David Todd. If you spot any errors or missing information, please let us know.

A shop with a number of Virgin Voyages branded items including hats and t-shirts — Sailor Loot can be spent on everything on board including merchandise © Photo by Virgin Voyages®

When it comes to on board credit, Virgin Voyages deals in two types: Sailor Loot and Bar Tab. Here’s a breakdown of each credit type and additional information to help you navigate and make the most of your credit:

On Board Credit Types:

Sailor Loot

Think of Sailor Loot as your ‘credit balance’ – you will likely start a voyage with some Sailor Loot as it’s a very popular perk when booking your cruise through a travel agent or direct with Virgin.
Sailor Loot can be used for any on board expenses, including services like spa treatments, drinks, treat yourself items, gambling in the casino (see guide for info), store purchases, spa treatments, doctors appointments and even tattoos!
This credit provides flexibility, allowing you to use it for anything available on board except My Next Virgin Voyage.
When you have spent all of your Sailor Loot you will start running up a negative balance which will be settled before you disembark.
Virgin will take your negative balance from you automatically on the day you disembark if you have registered a credit card in the app or with Sailor Services.
If you’d prefer to settle up in cash you can do this at Sailor Services at any point before you disembark.

Bar Tab:

The Bar Tab is specifically designated for purchasing drinks during your cruise.
It covers a wide range of beverage options, such as cold-pressed juices, cocktails, coffee, alcoholic beverages, any pairings such as Sip & Savor, Bottomless Brunch and Afternoon Tea.
You don’t need to tell the bar to use your Bar Tab – if possible the Bar Tab will be used up before you start dipping into your Sailor Loot.
Frustratingly, it cannot be used for alcohol-related events like Grog Walk, Shot for Shot, Mix it Up etc.

Two colourful cocktail drinks against a brightly lit bar background — Speciality cocktails available on Virgin Voyages®© Photo by kofookoo.de

Purchasing a Bar Tab

You can buy a Bar Tab of ahead of your voyage using the Virgin Voyages. As a reward for adding a Bar Tab Virgin will give you an added incentive depending on which Bar Tab you purchase.:

Tip: If you plan on spending more than one Bar Tab will allow, you can buy more than one! For each Bar Tab you buy you will receive the incentive along with it.

Use our exclusive Bar Tab Calculator to see how many Bar Tabs make sense for you and your voyage based on your level. A great way to break the ice at the PJ Party is to ask “so, how many Bar Tab’s did you buy?!”.

Linking a Bar Tab or Sailor Loot

When it comes to sharing purchases on board with Virgin Voyages, linking accounts together is an option. The Bar Tab and promotional Sailor Loot are automatically assigned to the first sailor on the booking or whoever is selected for purchased Bar Tabs. There are two ways to link your with anyone in the same cabin:

Pre-Sail: Before setting sail, you can link Bar Tabs in the Check-in section. Under Payment Method, select “footing the bill” for the sailor you want to share with. It’s important to note that this action will share all sailor loot and any purchases made by that sailor.
On Board: Alternatively, you can link Bar Tabs together while on board by speaking to Sailor Services. This can be especially useful if plans change or if you wish to adjust sharing preferences during the voyage.

Important Information

The Bar Tab can only be purchased in advance via the Virgin Voyages app.
Multiple purchases of the Bar Tab are allowed, providing you with additional bonuses and credits.
You can pre-purchase Sailor Loot in $25 chunks even using Future Voyage Credit, there is no bonus for doing so.
Promotional offers, including Sailor Loot and Bar Tab, are frequently available from Virgin Voyages or your travel agent.
To view these offers, navigate to your account section and look for the “Add-Ons” section specific to your sailing.
Please note that the app may not always accurately list all available promotions and offers. It’s recommended to check the account section on the website for the most up-to-date information.

By understanding the different types of onboard credit available, such as Sailor Loot and Bar Tab, you can take advantage of these benefits during your Virgin Voyages cruise. Whether you opt for Sailor Loot to indulge in various onboard services or utilize the Bar Tab for drinks, these credits make it easier to budget your spend.