Many people like to get onboard as early as possible so they can start enjoying the ship. Also, it is the best time to secure any dining or other reservations you could not make before the cruise. We share what you should know about Virgin Voyages boarding times and our process for getting a better time.
Virgin Voyages Miami Terminal V
Boarding Times
Virgin boarding time are generally 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. but this can vary with the sailing and port. In Miami, 5:00 p.m. is the absolute final boarding time so don’t be late! The first slot, at 1:30, goes to suite guests (rock stars), those with high status in the loyalty program, and those who have purchased the Splash of Romance package.
When you arrive, you will be placed in a line according to your assigned time. If the lines ahead of your clear, you will be allowed to board even if it is before your time. This means people with a 3 p.m. time, for example, can sometimes board at 2:30 or earlier. If you arrive early, though, don’t be disappointed if you have to wait until your assigned time.
Before You Arrive
It is important to do the seven step pre-cruise check-in process as soon as you can after you book. When you do, you will be assigned a boarding time. You can do this either through the app (you’ll need the app on board) or through your Virgin Voyage web account. You’ll upload your information like emergency contacts, passport information, and picture. If you cannot accomplish it all, you can complete steps at the terminal check-in. On the app it is called “Before You Sail.”
After you complete this, you will receive a boarding time.
Inside Miami Terminal V
Getting a Better Virgin Voyages Boarding Time
This usually works-eventually. If you have done the pre-cruise check-in and are unhappy with your boarding time, try this. You may need to do it multiple times over a period of time.
Open the app. Restart the check-in process and go to the last item, number 7. Enter a new arrival flight or whatever (it really does not matter what you put in), and you will see available boarding times.
If there is a better time, grab it. If there is no better time, back out of the app process.
If you backed out it will look like you have only completed 6 of 7 items, but that won’t matter. Check every few days. I recently went from 4:45 to 2:00 pm three days before sailing.
Keep checking the app as earlier times will often pop up. If you see an earlier time, grab it. It’s amazing how often earlier ones open.
If you don’t get an earlier time, you can take your chances by arriving earlier, but you might have to wait. Here’s how the system in Miami works:
Around 1:30 they will board Rockstars, Splash of Romance, and Deep Blue Extras. Then around 2 to 2:30 they will start boarding everyone else. There will be a well-marked line for each boarding time like 2:30, 3:00. Etc.
They will board the lines in order, BUT if a line empties, they will move to the next boarding group, even if it is early.
This means someone with a 3:30 boarding time might (or might not) be able to board at 2:30.
Scarlet Night
One More Tip
Virgin Voyages boarding times are not the whole story. At most Virgin ports, notably Miami and San Juan, you can drop your bags off as early as 9 a.m. so you can go explore luggage-free. In fact, they often will do your check-in and issue your bracelet.
San Juan is especially great for this. We recently dropped off our bags, got our bracelets and walked the few blocks into Old San Juan. After several delightful hours of shopping, sight-seeing, and stopping for margaritas, we arrived back at our boarding time. It was delightful to show our bracelets, run our carry-ons through security, and be welcomed onto the ship.
More About Virgin Voyages
It’s no secret we love Virgin Voyages. Here are some of our best posts.
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