Virgin Voyages to Retire “Original Sailor App”
Virgin Voyages will retire its Original Sailor App soon, urging sailors to download the new, more stable version with updates.
Virgin Voyages has confirmed that the long-criticized “Original Sailor App” will be retired in the coming days. A message within the old app notifies users that it will no longer be supported and that they must download the new Virgin Voyages app to continue accessing onboard features.
The New App Takes Over
The new Virgin Voyages app, first introduced with its Android launch in August 2025, received a major update yesterday. The update focused on stability improvements, performance upgrades, and refinements to the overall experience. While the app had a rocky start, most users now report that it is far more reliable than the older platform thanks to its rebuild with native technologies.
The initial rollout did not include Shake for Champagne, but it did deliver a redesigned home screen, updated onboarding, and a rebuild on native technologies for both iOS and Android. Virgin Voyages has confirmed that all future development will focus exclusively on this new version. Anyone still using the “Original Sailor App” will need to upgrade within the next few days in order to access voyage features.
Ship Eats Room Service Still Missing
One feature still absent from the new app is Ship Eats room service ordering. The app currently displays the message: “We’re still putting the finishing touches on this feature. Until then, your cabin tablet has everything you need.”
Instead, sailors are directed to use the in-room tablets, which were introduced earlier this year, to place Ship Eats orders. This makes the tablets more useful but leaves a gap for those who preferred using their phone. It remains unclear when Ship Eats will be integrated into the app, though many hope it arrives in the coming weeks.
Related reading: Ship Eats room service now available on in-room tablets
Download the Updated App
If you are still on the old app, you must upgrade within the next few days to ensure you can continue managing your voyage. The new Virgin Voyages app is available on both iOS and Android:
The legacy app continues to be in the store as of this post but will soon be removed entirely.
Background
The new Virgin Voyages app was first launched for iOS earlier in 2025, with the Android 2.0 release arriving in August. That rollout included the redesigned home screen, improved onboarding, and native technology support. At the same time, the older platform was renamed the “Original Sailor App” to signal its eventual retirement.
While the transition has taken time, Virgin Voyages is now moving fully to its rebuilt platform, aiming to provide a more consistent and stable digital hub for future voyages.
