Booking a Virgin Voyages cruise offers travelers luxury, adults-only experiences, including fine dining, nightlife, wellness, and entertainment. However, life is unpredictable. Plans can change, and you may need to adjust your cruise date.

This raises the question:

“How much does it cost to change a cruise date with Virgin Voyages?”

Virgin Voyages is known for flexible, traveler-friendly policies. Rather than imposing heavy fees, the cruise line often allows Future Voyage Credits (FVCs) or minimal costs to reschedule your booking.

This article provides a complete, detailed guide to changing your cruise date, covering:

• Eligibility

• Costs and fees

• Timelines and deadlines

• How to use Future Voyage Credits

• Comparisons with other cruise lines

• Practical tips and FAQs

Understanding Virgin Voyages’ Cruise Date Change Policy

Virgin Voyages’ date change policy is designed to protect travelers’ investments while maintaining operational flexibility.

Key Points:

• 120+ days before departure: Rebooking with no fees; FVC or fare adjustments apply

• 119–45 days before departure: Rebooking allowed; fare differences may apply if the new sailing is higher-priced

• 44 days or less: Limited options; name change or FVC transfer may be possible

• Virgin-initiated cancellation: Full cash refund or enhanced FVC available

•  Unlike traditional cruise lines, Virgin avoids strict change fees, making it easier for travelers to adjust plans.

Future Voyage Credits (FVCs)

FVCs are Virgin Voyages’ primary mechanism for changing cruise dates.

How FVC Works:

• Issued for the full value of your booking

• May include enhanced value (up to 125%) in case of Virgin-initiated cancellation

• Valid for one to two years for future bookings

• Can cover fare differences, cabin upgrades, and new sailings

Using FVCs ensures you don’t lose your investment and may reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs when rescheduling.

Factors Affecting Cruise Date Change Costs

The cost to change a Virgin Voyages cruise depends on several factors:

1. Timing of Change

TimingCost/Notes

120+ days$0; FVC or fare adjustment applies

119–45 daysFare difference may apply; no additional fee

≤44 daysLimited; name change or FVC transfer; cash refunds not available

Early changes are usually free, except for fare differences if the new cruise is more expensive.

2. Fare Type

• Standard Fare: Eligible for FVC; minimal to no cost to change dates

• Non-Refundable Fare: Late changes may result in loss of original fare; FVC application possible

• Refundable Fare: Cash refunds may be allowed, though Virgin encourages FVC use

3. Cabin Selection

• Upgrades: Pay fare difference; no additional fee

• Downgrades: Value credited via FVC; no extra fee

• Cabin availability may affect cost if changing to a more popular sailing

4. Virgin-Initiated Changes

• If Virgin cancels your cruise or modifies the itinerary, you may choose:

  • Full cash refund

  • Enhanced FVC for future rebooking

• No additional fees apply in this scenario

 How to Change Your Cruise Date

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check your cruise date, fare type, and booking window to determine if you can change your date and whether any costs may apply.

Step 2: Contact Virgin Voyages or Travel Advisor

• Direct bookings: Call Sailor Services, use online chat, or email

• Agency bookings: Work with your travel advisor to request the date change

Step 3: Provide Required Information

Have ready:

• Booking confirmation number

• Traveler names

• Current cruise date

• Desired new cruise date

Step 4: Confirm Costs

Virgin will provide:

• Fare difference (if applicable)

• FVC amount

• Availability of new cabin or sailing

Step 5: Complete the Change

• Apply FVC or pay fare difference

• Receive updated booking confirmation

• Monitor your account for credit application

Scenarios Illustrating Cruise Date Change Costs

Scenario 1: Early Change (6 Months Before Sailing)

• FVC applied, no additional cost

• Processing time: 7–10 business days

Scenario 2: Mid-Range Change (2 Months Before Sailing)

• FVC applied; fare difference may apply if new sailing is higher priced

• Cost: Minimal, depends on fare adjustment

Scenario 3: Late Change (30 Days Before Sailing)

• Name change or FVC transfer may be required

• Cost: May result in effective loss of original fare if non-refundable

Scenario 4: Virgin Cancels Cruise

• Choice of full cash refund or enhanced FVC

• Cost: $0

Comparing Virgin Voyages with Other Cruise Lines

Cruise LineCost to Change Cruise DateNotes

Virgin Voyages$0–fare difference; FVC may applyFlexible, adult-focused, minimal fees

Carnival$50–$200+ depending on timingFees increase closer to sailing

Royal Caribbean$50–$250 depending on timingStrict timelines; cash refunds delayed

Norwegian$50–$300+ depending on timingLast-minute changes heavily penalized

Virgin Voyages stands out for low-cost date changes and flexible FVC options.

Tips to Minimize Cruise Date Change Costs

1. Rebook Early: Change dates more than 44 days before sailing

2. Use FVC Promptly: Apply credits to new sailings to secure preferred dates

3. Monitor Fare Differences: Check if the new date or cabin costs more

4. Book Directly: Direct bookings are processed faster than through travel agents

5. Consider Travel Insurance: Coverage may apply to emergency date changes

6. Be Flexible: Choose alternate sailings to avoid paying fare differences

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How much does it cost to change my Virgin Voyages cruise date?

Generally minimal; $0 if using FVC and rebooking early. Fare differences may apply for higher-priced sailings.

Q2: Can I change dates close to departure?

Limited flexibility after 44 days; options include name change or FVC transfer.

Q3: Are there fees for changing cabins when changing dates?

Upgrades require paying the fare difference; downgrades are credited via FVC.

Q4: Can I get a cash refund if I change my cruise date?

Cash refunds are generally not offered for guest-initiated date changes unless the original fare is refundable.

Q5: What happens if Virgin cancels my cruise?

You may choose a full cash refund or enhanced FVC for rebooking.

how much does it cost to change a cruise date with Virgin Voyages?

• Early rebooking (120+ days): Usually $0; FVC or fare adjustment applies

• 119–45 days: Minimal cost; fare difference may apply if new sailing is higher priced

• ≤44 days: Limited flexibility; may require FVC transfer or name change

• Virgin-initiated cancellation: Full cash refund or enhanced FVC; no fee

Virgin Voyages provides flexible, low-cost options for changing cruise dates. By using FVCs, acting early, and monitoring fare differences, sailors can reschedule with minimal financial impact.

Virgin Voyages’ traveler-friendly policies ensure that adults can confidently adjust their plans, secure new sailings, and enjoy a luxurious, stress-free cruising experience without high penalties or hidden costs.