Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Calculator
Determine your potential savings by prepaying for your drinks. Is the Bar Tab worth it for your sailing?
Calculate Your Drink Spending
Enter the total number of nights for your cruise.
Select the amount you plan to prepay. Bonuses are automatically included.
Avg. $13-$17 per drink. Includes signature cocktails and mixed drinks.
Avg. $9-$14 per glass.
Avg. $7-$9 per beer.
Avg. $4-$6. Includes lattes, cappuccinos, etc. (Drip coffee is free).
Enter the number of people whose drinks will be on this tab.
What is a Virgin Voyages Bar Tab?
Unlike traditional cruise lines that offer all-you-can-drink packages, Virgin Voyages uses a more flexible “Bar Tab” system. It’s essentially a pre-paid, non-refundable onboard credit dedicated solely to beverages. You can purchase a Bar Tab before your cruise, and Virgin Voyages often adds a bonus credit on top, giving you more spending power for your money. For instance, if you purchase a $300 Bar Tab, you might receive an extra $50 bonus, giving you a total of $350 to spend on drinks. This system allows you to budget for drinks in advance and rewards you for doing so.
This credit can be used for almost any premium beverage on the ship and at their private destination, The Beach Club at Bimini. This includes cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffees, fresh juices, and more. Essential drinks like still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas, and drip coffee are already included in your voyage fare. Our virgin voyages bar tab calculator helps you determine if this pre-payment model benefits your drinking habits.
The Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Formula and Explanation
The calculation to determine if the Bar Tab is worthwhile involves comparing your total expected spending to the total value of your pre-purchased tab. This calculator uses average drink prices to provide a reliable estimate.
- Calculate Total Daily Drink Cost per Person: This is the sum of the number of each type of drink multiplied by its average price.
- Calculate Total Cruise Drink Cost: The daily cost is then multiplied by the number of nights on your voyage and the number of sailors sharing the tab.
- Determine Total Bar Tab Value: This is the amount you pay plus the bonus credit provided by Virgin Voyages.
- Find the Net Savings or Deficit: The final step is to subtract your total estimated drink cost from your total Bar Tab value. A positive number indicates savings, while a negative number suggests you might spend more than your tab is worth.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range (Example) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cocktail Price | Average cost of a cocktail. | USD ($) | $13 – $17 |
| Wine Price | Average cost of a glass of wine. | USD ($) | $9 – $14 |
| Beer Price | Average cost of a beer. | USD ($) | $7 – $9 |
| Bar Tab Value | The purchased amount plus any bonus credit. | USD ($) | $225 – $1250 |
Practical Examples
Example 1: The Moderate-Drinking Couple
A couple is going on a 7-night Caribbean cruise. They each plan to drink 2 cocktails, 2 beers, and 1 glass of wine per day.
- Inputs: 7 nights, 2 sailors, $300 Bar Tab purchase, 2 daily cocktails, 1 daily wine, 2 daily beers.
- Calculation: Their total estimated spending for the cruise would be approximately $854. The $300 Bar Tab gives them $350 in value.
- Result: They would spend $504 out-of-pocket after their Bar Tab is used. The calculator shows this clearly, indicating the tab covers a portion of their spending but they will need to budget for more.
Example 2: The Casual Drinker
A solo sailor on a 4-night trip enjoys a couple of nice drinks a day. They plan for 2 specialty coffees in the morning and 2 glasses of wine in the evening.
- Inputs: 4 nights, 1 sailor, $200 Bar Tab purchase, 0 cocktails, 2 daily wines, 0 beers, 2 daily coffees.
- Calculation: Their total estimated spending is about $144. The $200 Bar Tab provides $225 in value.
- Result: The Bar Tab more than covers their expected spending, leaving them with an extra $81 in credit to either enjoy more drinks or simply have as a buffer. In this case, prepaying was a great deal.
How to Use This Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Calculator
Using this tool is straightforward. Follow these steps to get your personalized estimate:
- Enter Voyage Duration: Input the number of nights you’ll be on the ship.
- Select Your Bar Tab: Choose the prepaid Bar Tab amount you’re considering from the dropdown menu. The associated bonus will be automatically factored in.
- Estimate Your Daily Drinks: For each category, enter the average number of drinks you expect to consume *per person* each day.
- Set Number of Sailors: Input how many people are sharing this single Bar Tab. The daily drink counts will be multiplied by this number.
- Calculate: Click the “Calculate Savings” button to see your results, including total spend, total tab value, and your net balance. The chart will also update to give you a visual comparison.
Key Factors That Affect Bar Tab Value
- The Bonus Offer: The primary reason to prepay is the bonus credit. The higher the tier you buy, the better the percentage bonus, increasing the value.
- Your Drink Preferences: If you primarily drink high-end cocktails and premium wines, you’ll burn through your tab faster than someone who sticks to beer.
- Voyage Length: On a longer cruise, you have more days to consume drinks, making it more likely that a larger Bar Tab will be a good investment.
- Port Days vs. Sea Days: You might drink less on days you’re exploring in port and more on relaxing sea days. Consider your itinerary when estimating daily consumption.
- Sharing the Tab: The Bar Tab can be shared among sailors in the same cabin, which can be a great way to consolidate spending.
- Included Basic Beverages: Remember that water, sodas, and drip coffee are free. Don’t factor these into your premium drink estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Bar Tab refundable if I don’t use it all?
No, any unused Bar Tab credit (both your purchased amount and the bonus) is not refundable at the end of the voyage. It’s a “use it or lose it” credit.
Can I buy a Bar Tab once I’m on the ship?
The Bar Tab with the bonus offer is only available for pre-purchase up to 24 hours before your sailing. You cannot get the bonus offer once onboard.
Can I use my Bar Tab to pay for drinks for a friend?
Yes, you can use your Bar Tab to buy a round of drinks for other sailors. You are not restricted to buying drinks only for yourself.
Does the Bar Tab cover drinks at The Beach Club at Bimini?
Yes, your Bar Tab credit is valid for drink purchases at The Beach Club at Bimini, just as it is on the ship.
What if my drink spending is higher than my Bar Tab value?
If you run out of Bar Tab credit, any subsequent drink purchases will be charged to your onboard account (folio), which you’ll settle at the end of the cruise.
Is there a daily limit on how much of the Bar Tab I can use?
No, there is no daily limit. You can use your entire Bar Tab on the first day or spread it out over your voyage as you see fit.
Are tips included in the drink prices?
Yes, all tips are included in the menu prices on Virgin Voyages, so the price you see is the price that gets deducted from your Bar Tab. You don’t need to budget extra for gratuities on drinks.
Does a $0 purchase mean I break even?
Not exactly. The main benefit of the Bar Tab is the bonus credit. If you spend exactly what you paid (e.g., spend $300 after paying $300), you’ve missed out on the “free” $50 bonus. The goal is to spend at least the full value of the tab, including the bonus.
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