If you’re sailing with Virgin Voyages, you’ve probably heard about Sailor Loot and Bar Tab, but what’s the difference?
Many sailors wonder how each one works, which gets used first, and whether they should purchase Bar Tab before their trip.
This guide will break down everything you need to know so you can maximize your onboard credit and avoid any surprises.
Prefer to watch? Check out my full breakdown in this YouTube video!
What Is Sailor Loot?
Sailor Loot is onboard credit that can be used for almost anything on the ship. Think of it as free money you can spend while cruising.
What Can You Use Sailor Loot For?
You can use Sailor Loot to purchase:
- Spa treatments
- Shore excursions
- Shopping (High Street, The Beach Shop, etc.)
- Specialty dining upgrades
- Premium drinks (yes, Sailor Loot can be used for alcohol)
Is there more? Yes there is more. Read more about the 8 ways to use Sailor Loot on Virgin Voyages here.
How Do You Get Sailor Loot?
Booking with a top Virgin Voyages travel agent (we are a Top 10 Virgin Voyages First Mate) will get you Sailor Loot. It happens at the time of booking.
Yes, you can BUY Sailor Loot, but it’s not necessary (and there is no discount).
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What Is Bar Tab?
Bar Tab is prepaid credit for premium drinks on Virgin Voyages. Unlike Sailor Loot, Bar Tab is only used for beverages—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic premium drinks.
What Can You Buy With Bar Tab?
- Fresh juices and smoothies
- Cocktails, beer, wine, and liquor
- Premium teas and coffees (flat whites, espresso, etc.)
How Do You Get Bar Tab?
- You can purchase Bar Tab before sailing, sometimes with bonus credit (e.g., buy $300, get $50 free).
- Some Virgin Voyages promotions include a free Bar Tab when booking a Sea Terrace or higher cabin.
Don’t forget to pack THIS!
Virgin Voyages has reimagined sailing and what you need to pack on for this trip is DIFFERENT than a normal cruise line. There are many items I wish I knew to bring (that I didn’t have with me on my first sailing).
Get a free printable pack list and save yourself the headache!
OR if you’re just looking for some inspo! See the curated list of Amazon items I’ve put together (and use!) for Virgin Voyages.
How Do They Work? (Which One Gets Used First?)
If you have both Sailor Loot and Bar Tab, Virgin Voyages applies your spending in this order:
- Any remaining charges go to your credit card on file.
- Bar Tab is used first for any premium drinks.
- Sailor Loot is used next if your Bar Tab runs out.
Example Scenario
- You buy a cocktail at Sip → Bar Tab is charged first.
- You buy sunglasses at High Street → Sailor Loot is charged.
- You buy another drink after using all your Bar Tab → Sailor Loot is charged.
Bar Tab cannot be used for shopping, spa treatments, or excursions—it is strictly for drinks.
Example Scenario
- You buy a cocktail at Sip → Bar Tab is charged first.
- You buy sunglasses at High Street → Sailor Loot is charged.
- You buy another drink after using all your Bar Tab → Sailor Loot is charged.
Bar Tab cannot be used for shopping, spa treatments, or excursions—it is strictly for drinks.
How to Check Your Balance & When It Appears in the App
If Bar Tab doesn’t show up right away, don’t worry—it typically takes a few hours after embarkation to appear.
- Sailor Loot appears in the Virgin Voyages app immediately after booking.
- Bar Tab only appears once you board the ship, which confuses a lot of sailors.
I’m going to be honest: I’m a super savvy traveler and I didn’t believe travel agents could get a better deal than me..
Until I was proven wrong by a *TOP 100* Virgin Voyages travel agent who beat every price I compared.
Learn more by clicking here!
Not sure if we can get you the best deal? Learn more about us in Virgin Voyages Facebook group by clicking here!
How Much Bar Tab Should You Buy?
Unlike most cruise lines, Virgin Voyages does not have a drink package, so you’ll want to estimate your spending before deciding how much Bar Tab to buy.
Stay tuned for a drinks calculator.
How to Decide
- Check drink prices – Get a sense of what you might order by looking at menus before your cruise.
- Consider your itinerary – If your cruise has lots of port days, you might not drink as much onboard. If you have multiple sea days, you might want a larger Bar Tab.
- Estimate your daily drink habits – If you typically have two or three drinks a day, do some quick math to see if Bar Tab makes sense for you.
- Take advantage of bonus offers – If Virgin Voyages is running a promo that gives you extra credit for purchasing Bar Tab in advance, it may be worth it.
Bottom Line
- Sailor Loot = Onboard credit for almost anything on the ship (including drinks).
- Bar Tab = Prepaid credit for premium drinks only.
- Bar Tab is used first for drinks, then Sailor Loot kicks in.
- Sailor Loot appears in the app immediately, Bar Tab shows up after boarding.
- Plan your Bar Tab purchase based on your drinking habits and itinerary.
- Book with us to guarantee Sailor Loot and extra perks.
Have questions about Bar Tab or Sailor Loot? Drop them in the comments or reach out—we’re here to help you get the best experience possible on Virgin Voyages.
