Back to Blog

How can I change my Virgin Voyages cruise booking?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 29 September 2025
  • 8 min read

How can I change my Virgin Voyages cruise booking?

Booking a Virgin Voyages cruise is exciting — with its adults-only ships, modern entertainment, and all-inclusive dining, the brand has redefined luxury cruising. But what happens if your plans change after booking? Whether it’s shifting your sailing date, upgrading to a suite, changing passenger details, or adding extras, Virgin Voyages has built its booking system to be more flexible and traveler-friendly than many traditional cruise lines.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to change your Virgin Voyages cruise booking, covering policies, procedures, fees (if any), and insider tips to ensure smooth modifications.

Why Might You Need to Change a Virgin Voyages Cruise Booking?

Life happens, and travel plans don’t always go as scheduled. Common reasons sailors (Virgin’s term for passengers) change bookings include:

  • Work or personal schedule conflicts.

  • Desire to upgrade cabin type (e.g., moving to a RockStar Suite).

  • Switching travel companions or transferring booking to someone else.

  • Extending or shortening the cruise length.

  • Taking advantage of new promotions or price drops.

  • Rescheduling due to unexpected emergencies.

No matter the reason, Virgin Voyages offers multiple options for modifying your booking without the stress of traditional cruise penalties.

Virgin Voyages’ Approach to Booking Changes

Virgin Voyages markets itself as “fair and flexible.” Their policies reflect a modern approach:

  • No surprise change fees in most cases.

  • Future Voyage Credits (FVCs) offered if you cancel and rebook within policy windows.

  • Free name changes allowed up to 48 hours before departure.

  • Easy management through the Virgin Voyages app and website.

Compared to older cruise lines that impose steep penalties, Virgin Voyages offers a straightforward system designed for traveler convenience.

 How to Change a Virgin Voyages Cruise Booking

Step 1: Decide What Kind of Change You Need

Virgin Voyages allows several types of booking changes:

  1. Change Cruise Date or Itinerary – Move to a different sailing.

  2. Change Cabin or Upgrade – Switch from Insider to Sea Terrace, or upgrade to RockStar Suites.

  3. Change Guest Information – Update personal details like passport info.

  4. Name Changes (Passenger Swap) – Transfer your booking to another traveler.

  5. Add or Modify Extras – Shore excursions, bar tab, spa treatments, dining reservations.

Each type has slightly different rules, so knowing your specific request helps determine the process.

Step 2: Log Into Your Virgin Voyages Account

This portal lets you view details, make changes, and add extras.

Step 3: Select the Modification Option

Once inside your booking:

  • Choose “Change Sailing” to switch dates or itineraries.

  • Choose “Upgrade Cabin” to move to a different room type.

  • Choose “Update Details” to edit guest information.

  • Choose “Transfer Booking” for a name change.

  • Choose “Add Extras” for bar tabs, excursions, or spa services.

Virgin Voyages’ digital tools are designed to be intuitive, similar to managing a hotel booking.

Step 4: Review Availability and Pricing

When making changes:

  • If you move to a more expensive sailing, you’ll pay the difference.

  • If the new sailing is cheaper, you may receive a refund or credit (depending on policy).

  • Cabin upgrades are subject to availability.

  • Extras can be added any time up to sailing, but popular shore excursions sell out quickly.

Step 5: Confirm Changes

  • Double-check dates, names, and cabin type.

  • Accept updated terms and conditions.

  • Pay any difference in fare if upgrading.

  • Receive confirmation via email.

At this stage, your modified booking replaces the original.

Policies for Specific Booking Changes

1. Changing Cruise Dates or Itineraries

Virgin Voyages allows you to switch to another sailing, but the rules depend on timing:

  • 120+ Days Before Sailing: Cancel original trip and receive a Future Voyage Credit (FVC). Use the credit for your new sailing.

  • 119 to 45 Days Before Sailing: Also eligible for FVC (equal to amount paid).

  • 44 Days or Less: Fare is non-refundable, but you can still transfer your booking to another person.

Pro Tip: If you anticipate needing flexibility, book with Virgin’s Voyage Protection Plan (travel insurance) for extra coverage.

2. Changing or Upgrading Cabins

  • Cabin changes are allowed up to final payment or subject to availability after.

  • If upgrading, you’ll pay the price difference.

  • Downgrades may not always provide refunds, so check terms.

  • Popular Sea Terrace Cabins and RockStar Suites sell out fast — upgrading late may be difficult.

3. Passenger Information Changes

Minor corrections (passport number, address, emergency contacts) can be updated anytime in your online account. No fees apply.

4. Name Changes (Passenger Swaps)

This is one of Virgin Voyages’ most flexible policies:

  • You can transfer your booking to another traveler up to 48 hours before departure.

  • No penalty or extra cost.

  • Perfect if your plans fall through and a friend/family member wants to go in your place.

5. Adding or Modifying Extras

Extras can usually be modified up to departure:

  • Bar Tab: Add prepaid drink credit anytime before sailing.

  • Shore Things: Excursions can be added until sold out. Canceling them may have cut-off deadlines.

  • Spa Treatments: Reservations can be adjusted via the app.

  • Dining: Flexible — book in advance via app or change onboard.

Virgin Voyages vs Traditional Cruise Lines on Booking Changes

Virgin Voyages:

  • Free name changes.

  • Generous Future Voyage Credit policy.

  • Transparent pricing.

Traditional Lines (e.g., Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian):

  • Hefty change and cancellation penalties.

  • Limited name change flexibility.

  • Complex refund charts with escalating penalties closer to departure.

Virgin clearly stands out as the more passenger-friendly option.

Fees for Changing a Virgin Voyages Booking

  • Date/Itinerary Changes: No change fee, but subject to FVC rules.

  • Cabin Upgrades: Pay only the price difference.

  • Name Changes: Free.

  • Extras: Pay for add-ons or receive credits/refunds depending on timing.

In most cases, Virgin Voyages does not charge hidden change fees — making it a refreshing alternative to older cruise lines.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

Scenario 1: You Book a Cruise but Find Cheaper Fare Later

  • Contact Virgin Voyages or your travel advisor.

  • Sometimes you can rebook at the new rate, especially if within the FVC window.

Scenario 2: You Can’t Travel on Original Date

  • Cancel and receive Future Voyage Credit (if 45+ days before sailing).

  • Apply credit to a future sailing.

Scenario 3: A Friend Wants to Join Instead of You

  • Use Virgin’s free name change policy up to 48 hours before departure.

Scenario 4: You Want to Upgrade to a RockStar Suite

  • Log into your account, check availability, and pay the price difference.

Tips for Changing Your Virgin Voyages Cruise Smoothly

  1. Plan Early – Best options available 90+ days before sailing.

  2. Use the App – The Virgin Voyages app simplifies changes and extras.

  3. Contact a First Mate (Travel Advisor) – They can handle complex changes and promotions.

  4. Monitor Promotions – Sometimes rebooking under a promo saves money.

  5. Know the Deadlines – 120 days and 45 days before sailing are critical cut-offs.

FAQs About Changing Virgin Voyages Cruise Bookings

Q1: Can I switch my Virgin Voyages cruise to a different date?

Yes. Cancel your original sailing and apply your Future Voyage Credit to another sailing (up to 45 days before departure).

Q2: Does Virgin Voyages charge change fees?

No. The only costs are price differences if you upgrade or move to a more expensive sailing.

Q3: Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

Yes, Virgin allows free name changes up to 48 hours before departure.

Q4: Can I downgrade my cabin and get a refund?

Downgrades may not always provide refunds. It depends on terms at the time of change.

Q5: Can I add a bar tab or shore excursion after booking?

Yes, you can add extras anytime before departure (subject to availability).

 simple, flexible, and stress-free.

Changing your Virgin Voyages cruise booking is designed to be . Unlike many traditional cruise lines with strict penalties, Virgin Voyages provides options that fit modern travelers’ needs:

  • Date/Itinerary Changes: Cancel and rebook with Future Voyage Credit up to 45 days before sailing.

  • Cabin Upgrades: Easily switch and pay only the difference.

  • Name Changes: Transfer your booking to another traveler for free up to 48 hours before sailing.

  • Extras: Add, remove, or adjust bar tabs, excursions, and spa services anytime.

Virgin Voyages’ fair and flexible philosophy makes it easier for sailors to adapt their cruise without fear of losing money or facing heavy penalties. Whether you need to reschedule, upgrade, or transfer, Virgin Voyages ensures your vacation plans remain smooth and enjoyable.

logo

Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.

© 2025 cruisebite.com All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service