Because Virgin has no traditional main dining room, you can eat in a different spot every night with no specialty dining fees. However, this creates the need for a reservation system, which has caused frustration for some guests. Today we pull back the curtain on Virgin Voyages dining reservations. We share how to book dining on Virgin Voyages.

You may have heard complaints about the difficulties of making reservations. It’s true, it can be difficult at times, but Virgin has been making it better recently.

Fortunately, we have some hacks and work-arounds for you so you can enjoy your fabulous Virgin Voyage.

Shrimp at the Dock

Tip 1: Booking Before You Sail

If you have a regular cabin, you can begin booking reservations at midnight E.S.T. at 45 days before your sailing if you have an Essential fare. If you have a Legacy booking (booked before October 7, 2025) or a Premium fare, you may book at 60 days before sailing. If you booked a base fare you must wait until 15 days before sailing. If you are a Rockstar (suite) guest, the dining window begins 60 days out.

If you are a Far Far Away Travels client, we send you a reminder email the day before.

Virgin only opens about 30% of the reservations before your sailing so when you get on board you can often get many more. Don’t fret if you don’t get what you want immediately.

You can book dining through the app or your online web account. We think the web account is easier and faster. If your reservations are linked with friends in other cabins you will be able to make reservations for others at the same time. If you want bookings linked, ask your travel advisor or call Virgin.

Pro Tip: If you do not get what you want, keep checking back as people cancel and change all the time.

How Many Reservations Can You Make? It depends on the length of your voyage:

-Up to five nights: You may make one reservation per restaurant

-Six to eight nights: You may make two reservations per restaurant

-Nine nights and more: You may make three reservations per restaurant

But that’s how many reservations you can hold. You could eat in the same restaurant every night as a walk up if you wanted. Or eat in two different restaurants the same night as long as one is a walk-up. The variety is what makes Virgin fun.

Tip 2: Virgin Voyages Dining Booking On Board

Remember, about 70% of the reservations will open up on boarding day.

As soon as you get on board, go into airplane mode and get on the ship’s wi-fi. Make as many reservations as you can.

Another option is to visit Razzle Dazzle on deck 5 where there will be staff to assist you.

Pro Tips:

-As soon as you are on board just sit at the first place you see and start booking. You can see your cabin later.

-If you are traveling with others and your reservations are linked, divide up the work.

–During the cruise things will open often so keep checking if you don’t have what you want. 

–If you have a reservation and decide not to use it, be kind and cancel it in the app so someone else can have it.

Baked Alaska at the Wake

Tip 3: Walk Up

Failing all else, try a walk-up. If they can get you in, they will.  Two people dining together have the advantage here as larger tables are more likely to be filled.

We prefer to dine early but I book late reservations when they are all that is available.  Then we go to the restaurant(s) early and see if we can do a walk in. More often than not, they can accommodate us. Of course, when I get in earlier, I go into the app and cancel the later reservation so someone else can have it.

Tip 4: If All Else Fails

Finally, if you fail to get a reservation some night, you still have options. The Galley now serves full dinners (prime rib, beef wellington, butter chicken, turkey, etc.). The entrees for each night will be posted in the printed daily schedule you can pick up at the deck 7 Grounds Club or the Shore Things desk.

Now that you know how to book dining on Virgin Voyages, it’s time to discuss your other food options.

Tip 5: Other Options

Of course there is the Galley with its many great choices. But there’s more.

Pro Tip: At the Galley you can line up at each food spot to order. But you can also just sit at a table, raise the little red flag and someone will come take your order and serve you.

The pizza place makes fresh to order pizza. They will box it so you can eat it there or take it anywhere you like. It’s so much better than the heat lamp pizza one often gets on other cruise lines.

And there is 24/7 room service, called Ship Eats. There is a $10 delivery charge for Ship Eats but if you order at least $10 worth of drinks, specialty coffees, or other extra charge items, the fee is waived.

The Dock on deck 7 has delightful appetizers at no charge. People love the shrimp, polenta, beef skewers and more. There is a daily Opa hour with Mediterranean specialties.

Most people never find it, but on deck 15, near Richard’s Rooftop, is the Sun Club. They have poke and bao. It is open most afternoons.

Desserts at the Galley

Tip 6: Virgin Voyages Dining In Rooms

There is no rule against having food in your room that you did not order from room service. In fact, you will have a dorm style mini-fridge.

There are to-go boxes at the entrances to Galley to take to your room. There is also one at the entrance to the Dock. There are bento style boxes of sushi, fruit, veggies, desserts, salads and charcuterie.

The Social Club has candy, popcorn, pretzels and hot dogs you can take or eat there.

The Grounds Club Coffee shop on deck 7 has many pastries you can take to your room. We have a special love for the almond croissants. You can also get desserts from the Galley.

No one says a word if you get food in the Galley and take it to your room.

Ice Cream Included on Virgin Voyages

Tip 7: Ice Cream Included

Many cruise lines charge you extra for gelato style ice cream, but not Virgin.There is a steady rotation of flavors each day with key lime pie and brown butter being two special favorites. Enjoy the friendly service and the name “Lick Me Till Ice Cream.”

And if that’s not enough, there are handmade popsicles in the Galley.

Special Pro Tips:

• Make your reservations first for the Wake, Pink Agave and Extra Virgin if you are on the Valiant Lady or Resilient Lady.
• If you are on Scarlet Lady, target Lucky Lotus too.
• If you are on the Brilliant, target Rojo.
• Try to dine early on Scarlet Night as the main festivities start around nine p.m.
• If the entertainment schedule is released, check it out to plan your dining around it. Most shows begin at 7:30/8:00 and are repeated at 10 p.m.
• Dinner shows in the Manor are usually only booked onboard. There is an extra charge, mainly to cover the included drinks.

Learn More about Virgin Voyages:

Virgin Scarlet Lady Lucky Lotus Review

Virgin Brilliant Lady Rojo Review

Virgin Voyages Splash of Romance – Is it worth it?

Virgin Voyages Fitness

Virgin Voyages Alaska

Virgin Voyages Entertainment

Want to book a Virgin Voyage cruise with us as your travel advisor?

The post Everything You Need to Know About the Virgin Voyages Dining Reservation System appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

A white Christmas is not your speed? Looking to escape the winter blues? Or are you just looking to take advantage of the kids being off of school for a while? Change the Christmas trees for palms and consider one of the many popular destinations for a Christmas vacation.

Cruising for a Tropical Christmas

While last-minute cruise deals are much harder to find than in the past, they still exist. You do need to be flexible as to dates and cabins. 

Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach is beautiful.

Richard Branson’s new cruise line is winning every award in sight and they do things differently. Virgin Voyages has done away with the main dining room and buffet; every night is specialty dining with 20+ eateries.  And there is no extra charge for any of them! Virgin fares include crew gratuities, wi-fi, group fitness classes, gelato-style ice cream, and much more.  No one under 18 allowed but adults are encouraged to embrace their inner child. Virgin sails the Caribbean out of Miami. Contact us about December sailings, and we will put together some special offers not available by booking directly through the website.

Celebrity Cruises, the upscale cruise line known for its food and excellent service, still has space.  When you sail in December you enjoy traditional holiday meals created by a Michelin-starred chef and decorating with no prep or cleanup. You experience festive holiday shows and carolers. Everyone gets to enjoy downtime during the holidays to spend with those who matter most. Corks pop on New Year’s Eve.

We love Princess Cruises because it not only offers a high-quality cruise experience, but also lets us help you pile up the perks. The December 16 sailing of the new Sky Princess looks especially fun for a tropical Christmas. If booking Princess be sure to consider the high-value Princess Plus add-on.

A Hawaiian Tropical Christmas

If you’re looking to stay in the U.S. for Christmas, look no further than Hawaii for a tropical Christmas vacation.

Hawaii Wants Visitors

After the devasting Maui wildfires, tourism to Hawaii has understandably declined.  As a result, flights and accomodations are much more inexpensive than usual.

Now the islands are asking for the support of the traveling community and are making excellent travel offers for the holiday season. Also, you can our Best Hawaiian Travel Tips. We also share how to choose the best Hawaiian island to visit.

Christmas in Mexico

Because of its strong Christian traditions, Mexico is a fantastic place to get into the Christmas spirit without dealing with the Christmas weather.

A Tropical Christmas in Brazil

As another strongly Catholic nation, Brazil knows how to do Christmas. While not as famous as their Lent celebration, Carnival, there is a lot to do in Brazil for Christmas. And the weather is warm enough to hit the beaches.

Attending a “Missa do Galo” (Midnight Mass) at one of Rio’s historic churches, such as Candelária Church or the Metropolitan Cathedral can be ver memorable.

Merry Christmas for the Santa Chamelon

Subdued Tropical Christmas Choices

If you are looking for a relaxing tropical vacation with fewer Christmas-themed festivities, consider traveling to some of the non-Christian parts of the world. Malaysia and Vietnam offer beautiful views and beaches without decking the halls.

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel secrets and tips every week. You can see them all here.

The post You Can Still Have a Tropical Christmas in 2024 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Cruising for a Tropical Christmas

While last-minute cruise deals are much harder to find than in the past, they still exist. You do need to be flexible as to dates and cabins. 

Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach is beautiful.

It’s the new Richard Branson cruise line that is winning every award in sight. Virgin Voyages has done away with the main dining room and buffet; every night is specialty dining with 20+ eateries.  And there is no extra charge for any of them! Virgin fares include crew gratuities, wi-fi, group fitness classes, gelato-style ice cream, and much more.  No children allowed but adults are encouraged to embrace their inner child. Virgin sails the Caribbean out of Miami. Book a balcony cabin through us on December sailings, and you will receive $300 toward your beverages, and $100 on board credit from us.

Celebrity Cruises, the upscale cruise line known for its food and excellent service, still has space.  When you sail in December you enjoy traditional holiday meals created by a Michelin-starred chef and decorating with no prep or cleanup. You experience festive holiday shows and carolers. Everyone gets to enjoy downtime during the holidays to spend with those who matter most. Santa brings gifts to all the kids and the halls will be decked to perfection. Corks pop on New Year’s Eve.

We love Princess Cruises because it not only offers a high-quality cruise experience, but also lets us help you pile up the perks. The December 16 sailing of the new Sky Princess looks especially fun for a tropical Christmas. 

A Hawaiian Tropical Christmas

If you’re looking to stay in the U.S. for Christmas, look no further than Hawaii for a tropical Christmas vacation.

Hawaii Wants Visitors

After the devasting Maui wildfires, tourism to Hawaii has understandably declined.  As a result, flights and accomodations are much more inexpensive than usual.

Now the islands are asking for the support of the traveling community and are making excellent travel offers for the holiday season. Also, you can our Best Hawaiian Travel Tips. We also share how to choose the best Hawaiian island to visit.

Christmas in Mexico

Because of its strong Christian traditions, Mexico is a fantastic place to get into the Christmas spirit without dealing with the Christmas weather. We can find you an all-inclusive resort at a Four Diamond Cancun resort for under $4,000 per couple, including air.

A Tropical Christmas in Brazil

As another strongly Catholic nation, Brazil knows how to do Christmas. While not as famous as their Lent celebration, Carnival, there is a lot to do in Brazil for Christmas. And the weather is warm enough to hit the beaches.

Attending a “Missa do Galo” (Midnight Mass) at one of Rio’s historic churches, such as Candelária Church or the Metropolitan Cathedral can be ver memorable.

Merry Christmas for the Santa Chamelon

Subdued Tropical Christmas Choices

If you are looking for a relaxing tropical vacation with fewer Christmas-themed festivities, consider traveling to some of the non-Christian parts of the world. Malaysia and Vietnam offer beautiful views and beaches without decking the halls.

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel secrets and tips every week. You can see them all here.

The post You Can Still Have a Tropical Christmas in 2023 appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Great Drinks and Snacks at the Dock House

Virgin Voyages Food

With over 20 eateries designed by Michelin-starred chefs, you can find everything from steakhouses and Korean BBQ to elaborate brunches and an international food market – all included in your Virgin Voyages cruise fare. Plus, you won’t find any big dining halls or stuffy dress codes here – you can dress up or down as you like! And that’s not all – you can also enjoy sustainably sourced food and there is a bar in every restaurant.

What you will not find is a buffet, which means fresher food, less food waste, and better sustainability. The Galley is more like a food court, but they serve you. Choices range from salads, breads and desserts, Mexican, breakfast all day, hamburgers and fries, specialty coffees, ramen, to-go boxes, sushi in Bento boxes, and more.

Special dietary concerns such as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are readily available throughout the ship. Food allergies? Let your travel advisor know so they can accommodate you.

Reservations

With the sailor app you can cancel, change, or make new dining reservations onboard at any time. The app will have food venue opening and closing times. There is also a tablet in your cabin you can use for this.

Some smaller and popular venues fill up quickly, so reserve something ahead if you can. You can change your reservations after boarding through the app, at the restaurant, or by calling the restaurant.

You can make dining reservations 45 days before your voyage and popular venues fill quickly. Rockstars (suite guests) can make their reservations even sooner.

Tip: If you book with us, we send you a reminder the day before you can make reservations, so you don’t miss it.

The Wake is one of our favorites

We Recommend

• Be sure to try the multi-course Test Kitchen tasting menu – it’s a must! Book it in advance as soon as you can. Unless you are dining with a party of 8, you will probably have others at your table.
• Breakfast venues include Razzle Dazzle, the Wake, and the Galley which also has all-day breakfasts. Once onboard you can make brunch reservations on the app.
• If you are dining at the Galley, walk by the stands before you sit down. They often have specials not listed in the app.
• Room service is available and gets high marks from guests. There is a $7 delivery charge but if you order items that have an extra charge like a specialty coffee or a beer or glass of wine, they waive the charge. Waits for room service breakfast can be long, so it is a good idea to order the night before.

Yummy chocotacos

More Virgin Voyage Food Tips

• If an eatery you want to try seems booked, keep checking as people cancel and change all the time. A venue that has no openings may have one an hour later.
• You can make one dinner reservation per day and can only book each restaurant once if your voyage is under 6 days and 3 reservations per restaurant on longer itinerary. And this does not mean you can’t go again to a favorite by walking up. Also, if doesn’t mean you can’t have three dinners
• Even if you cannot reserve a table, don’t fret. Virgin Voyages tries to accommodate walk-ups, so give it a try. It seems especially easier to get in this way if you arrive at opening time, usually 6 p.m.
• You can always eat at the Galley or the pizza place or have nibbles at the Dock House or the Social Club. And don’t forget the poke bowls and bao at the Sun Club.

Drinking on Virgin Voyages

On a Virgin Voyage cruise, it’s always happy hour. Virgin offers a range of beverages to enjoy during your upcoming cruise, included in your fare. A Virgin Voyage cruise is adults only, after all. There are plenty of great non-alcoholic choices too

Included in your fare you’ll find:

• filtered still and sparkling water
• non-pressed juices and sodas
• teas and drip coffee

Your cabin will have water carafes that are refilled. You can ask for still or sparkling water in them.

Tip:  Bring a reusable water bottle for everyone in your party. As part of Virgin’s sustainability efforts, they do not have bottled water. There are water coolers throughout the ship and your cabin attendants will refill the carafes in your room often. If you need more water, use the app to request more.

Prices to Expect

Drinks are generally affordable, with 42% of wines by the glass under $10, $7 for fresh-pressed juices, $5-6 for beers, and $9 cocktails. The Grounds Club serves Intelligentsia specialty coffees and chai. You can expect most specialty coffees to run between $4-$6.

Bringing Alcohol on Board

If you wish to bring a special bottle of wine or liquor, you may bring two (2) 750mL bottles of wine per cabin in carry-on bags (no liquor or beer). Any alcohol in checked luggage will be collected pre-sailing and returned to you upon the completion of your voyage. Additionally, you may bring specialty liquors from a port of call on board, simply hand them to the security team as you board and they will hold them until your final night.

Bar Tab

The Bar Tab is very different from other cruise line packages. No dollar limits, no limits on how many drinks you may buy at a time. It is simply money you have pre-purchased toward drinks. You can use it to buy drinks for others as well as yourself. Do remember it is use it or lose it, so if you have money left at the end of the cruise, be sure to buy everyone a round.

Remember if you wish to take advantage of the $350 bar tab for $300 offer, you can only do so up to 24 hours before the cruise. You cannot buy a Bar tab on board the ship. If you use up your bar tab funds, your credit card will be charged for the rest of the charges.

Learn More About Virgin Voyages

Because we are a Gold Tier Virgin Voyages agents who have sailed on Virgin, we pride ourselves on giving people who book with us the best values, great information, and tips. For example, people who book with us will receive at least nine emails from us describing every aspect of what to expect. We are available around the clock to answer questions and solve problems. This all comes at no additional cost to you. If you would like to book with us, you can either book directly using this link or contact us.

Read more here:

Why We Love Virgin Voyages

Ways to Save on Virgin Voyages

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel secrets and tips every week. You can see them all here.

The post Food and Drinks on Virgin Voyages appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

The Ship

We were fortunate to have priority boarding, and it was a breeze. Once boarding began, we were on board in less than fifteen minutes. The staff were helpful, cheerful and funny.

The ship design is terrific. My cabinmate and I kept exploring and talking about how lovely it was. There are very few times that you feel like you are on a ship with 3,000 people. Partly, it is because there is no huge dining hall where you eat with 500 others. I’ll discuss more about dining in a future post.

Because the ship is designed with small intimate spaces everywhere, inside and outside, you feel like it is made for quiet conversations with a friend or two. The only large venues are the two entertainment spots. 

Fun Things

In the Virgin Voyages Social Club you can play Foosball, there’s an 80’s style video arcade, and a big pile of board games you can use, and more—all at no charge. I loved seeing if I was still any good at Space Invader. As I learned, those skills atrophy.

Trivia games, which can get extremely competitive on some cruises, were goofy and fun. We had super fun in a competition to put together a 300-piece jigsaw puzzle. We came in second.

Duel Realty, an acrobatic themed show, was excellent. In fact, they are headed to a theater tour.

There is karaoke without the public embarrassment. Virgin has three private rooms. There is a paper outside of the rooms with time slots. You just put your name down then show up for your time.

The casino is mercifully non-smoking. I didn’t use it, but it seemed full and happy. Maybe I will try my luck next voyage.

Need a new tattoo? You can get one as well as more traditional spa services.

Fitness and Fun

Your fare includes group fitness classes which other cruise lines charge for. Classes consist of a mix of stretching and relaxation, yoga, cardio, spin, body weight exercises, and interval training. You can find a punching bag, a small basketball court that was used for a vicious game of dodgeball and more. There is also a well-equipped gym. The running deck is on top with great views.

There are usually two giant parties. First is a Pajama Party where you will see many interesting outfits. The cookies are very popular.

The big event is Scarlet Night when events happen all over the ship–it’s wild. You may end up in the pool at the end of the night. While you are encouraged to dress in PJs or in red, no one cares if you are in a T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops. No dress code.

No Kidding No Kids

When people hear “adults only” they get all sorts of ideas. While it is adults-only, it is not a singles pick-up cruise. While there are certainly singles and people who meet and have a great time, the clients are amazingly diverse and friendly.

I found it nice to have a cruise focused on adults having fun.  I also enjoyed having the entertainment focused on a variety of shows and games that would appeal to fun-loving adults.

What was the age mix of sailors? There were many people in their 20s, 30s, or 40s, but a 70- or 80-year-old never felt out of place.

Is Virgin Expensive?

People looking only at the list price may feel it is expensive compared to other lines. They would be wrong as Virgin includes much more in their fare. Other lines will charge you for:

• Crew gratuities, usually $15-20 per person per day
• Wi-fi, usually $10 per day per device
• Soda, brewed coffee, non-pressed juices, still and sparkling water are included, usually $3-$4 plus tip for a soda
• Group fitness classes, usually $20 or more per class
• Specialty dining charges. Every dining venue is included in your Virgin fare, which usually costs $15 to $60 per person per meal on other lines. And there are over 20 places to choose from.

Virgin Voyages is VERY LGBTQ+ Friendly

Step aside routine cruises, Virgin has raised the rainbow flag higher, pioneering a fresh wave of welcoming vibes for LGBTQ+ adventurers! This is a sanctuary where self-expression reigns supreme. No need to hide your colors here! Compared to your typical cruise, a Virgin Voyage cruise overflows with radiant LGBTQ+ vacationers. Every sea voyage features a dazzling drag queen wooing the crowd. Hold on tight, the fun just got unapologetically fabulous!

How’s the Service on Virgin Voyages?

Virgin pays its crew better than the other premium cruise lines so they can hire the best. Talking with crew, most had worked for other high-end lines. The service was as good or better than on any other cruise I have sailed. And the crew seemed happy not scrapping for tips.

Not Only Do They Treat Their Staff Well

Virgin Voyages has a genuine commitment to sustainability. You won’t find one-use bottles of water; instead, there are carafes in your cabin and water available all around the ship. Unnecessary single use plastics, including straws, water bottles, shopping bags, food packaging, stirrers and takeaway cups are banned from the sailor experience. You can read more about their commitment here.

Don’t Take a Virgin Voyage If…

• You are offended by drag shows
• You don’t think it is funny to name the ice cream shop Lick Me ‘Till Ice Cream
• You are not comfortable in a very diverse setting

A Virgin Voyage Cruise is not for everyone, and it doesn’t try to be.

If You Do Want to Go

You can contact us for more information or to book. Or, you can book directly through this link making us your travel advisor for the sailing.

On certain upcoming sailings we can provide you an additional $100 Sailor Loot (On-board credit) per cabin. Contact us for details.

More About Virgin

Read our post about Virgin’s Deals. And you have missed the last one, but we’ll let you know when you can sail with Richard Branson.

Want to know about Food and Drink on Virgin Voyages?

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel secrets and tips every week. You can see them all here.

The post Why I Love Virgin Voyages appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Although the cruise line tends to have a younger demographic, seniors have lots of fun on board.  For example, when was the last time you got to play for free in a video arcade featuring 1980’s games? How about Foosball? You can try over 20 places to dine with no specialty restaurant charges.

We’re currently writing a series of posts about Virgin Voyages cruises and today we’re sharing the many ways to save. So, if you’re looking for a memorable and fun cruise experience, check out Virgin Voyages cruises!

Relax!

Big Discounts if you Book Early and Pay in Full

If you book more than 180 days before the cruise you will receive a 10% discount. If you pay in full within 2 hours of making the booking, you save another 10%. Details here.

Free $50 Bar Tab

If you buy a $300 bar tab BEFORE your cruise, Virgin will add a free extra $50. Voila! You have a $350 bar tab credit.

Check With Us First

On select cruises we can add $100 extra free Sailor Loot for you to enjoy on your Virgin Voyage. Sailor Loot is on board credit you can use on drinks, shore excursions, gift shops, pretty much anything during your cruise.

What’s a MNVV?

My Next Virgin Voyage (MNVV) takes the future cruise deposit program to the next level.  It is the perfect way to get the most value out of your next cruise. This lucrative program gives you $1200 in value for just a $300 deposit.

While you need to purchase the certificate for a future cruise while on board, we’ve got you covered! Keep reading.

When you use the MNVV certificate, the $300 you paid for it is applied as your deposit on your next cruise. Then, on top of this, Virgin discounts that next cruise by another $300 and then they add $600 more in on board credit. Yes! For $300, you got an extra $900 in value.

Note that these can’t be refunded for cash but can be transferred once.

MNVV’s are also an excellent reason to book your next Virgin cruise with us.  That’s because we purchased several on our last cruise so that we can offer them to our Virgin cruise clients. This means you can book a Virgin Voyage with us, pay the $300 deposit and we will apply the certificate to your cruise. Ta da!

Once your deposit is made, your cruise cabin costs $300 less and you have $600 to spend onboard toward drinks, shore excursions, gift shop purchases, and more.

Do You Have Status with Another Cruise Line?

Do you have high level status on another cruise line? If so, Virgin will give you a very nice status match.  It’s called the Sailing Club.  Visit their web site to see if you qualify. If you qualify, sign up for some excellent free special perks. 

If you qualify, you receive Deep Blue Extras, which means priority boarding, a free (very large) bag of laundry, $10 per day in specialty coffee and tea credits, premium wi-fi, an exclusive cocktail party with free champagne and sangria, and an extra $100 Bar Tab for free.

In addition, there is a limited time offer for Sailing Club members. When you book any new voyage by October 31st, 2023 and sail by December 31, 2023, you’ll get an additional 10% off your voyage.

How About a Splash of Romance?

For $200, you can add a Splash of Romance package which includes:

• Priority Boarding
• Wristband set
• Curated daily cold-pressed juices
• Two 3-Hour Thermal Spa Passes
• A Shake for Champagne
• Exclusive Sail Away Hour
• Sultry bites

Ready for More Great Travel Tips?

We share our favorite travel secrets and tips every week. You can see them all here.

Read Why We Love Virgin Voyages

Why I Love Virgin Voyages

Learn About Food and Drink On Virgin

The post Ways to Save on Virgin Voyages appeared first on Far Far Away Travels.

Having an LGBT+ travel agent can make a world of difference.

If you’re looking for an LGBT+ friendly vacation, an LGBT+ travel agency can help you find the perfect destination and you can support an LGBT+-owned business. We can take the guesswork out of your vacation planning and research the best places for you to enjoy. With our expertise, you can be sure to have an enjoyable and safe trip that supports the LGBT+ community.

Traveling in the United States

If you’re a LGBT+ American looking to travel within the United States as an LGBT+ person, you probably already have a good idea of where you might enjoy traveling. Cities like Chicago, New York, San Francisco, or Palm Springs tend to be very welcoming to LGBT+ travelers.  Likewise, cities in states like California or Massachusetts have welcoming reputations. There are many options for fantastic LGBT+ travel within the United States! 

LGBT+ Travel on a Cruise Ship

Cruising is a fun and exciting way to travel all over the world. While almost all cruise lines are welcoming to LGBT+ Travel, some go above and beyond to make them feel welcome. Celebrity Cruises has been one of the first and most welcoming cruise lines for LGBT+ travelers, hosting special Pride events in June for their guests and being the first to officiate gay weddings on their ships.  

In addition to Celebrity, other cruise lines have been making strides towards becoming welcoming to LGBT+ travelers. Virgin Voyages is new to the scene, but their adults-only cruises are very welcoming for the LGBT+ community.  There is usually a drag show onboard. And their staff are not required to wear gender-conforming clothing.

Royal Caribbean Cruises is showing the Pride flag on all their ships this June.

There are also special cruises that, while open to everyone, are specifically focused for gay or lesbian travelers.

These are just a few examples of lines that have been especially welcoming.  Your travel agent can help you find the right cruise and the right itinerary to make your vacation affordable, safe, and amazing. 

Travel in Mexico and the Caribbean

Americans spend much time and money vacationing in Mexico and the Caribbean and LGBT+ travelers are no different. However, there are certain cities or islands that are far more welcoming than others. Your straight friends may have told you about the great all-inclusive resort they went to in Jamaica, but you need to know before you go that it is not a country friendly to LGBT+ vacationers. A travel agent who specializes in LGBT+ travel can tell you how much happier you will be in Curacao or Puerto Vallarta, or somewhere else. We have a list!

LGBT+ Travel Abroad

Traveling abroad as a member of the LGBT+ community can be anxiety inducing. But you can speak with your travel agent about where it is safe, welcoming, and fun! Luckily, there are a lot of places all over the world that are welcoming. 

If you want to stay close to home, Canada, especially cities like Vancouver or Toronto are particularly nice to visit for LGBT+ travel. Not only is Canada regularly ranked as the top or near top safest and friendliest places in the world for gay people, but it continues to strengthen those policies. Canada is also fantastic if you are looking to explore the wilderness, enjoy theater, or just take in some fantastic cuisine. 

Another option is New Zealand. New Zealand consistently ranks high for their advancements of LGBT+ rights. So, whether you are interested in sailing and beach culture, breathtaking scenery, or you are just a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan, New Zealand is not only safe, but also a fantastic place to visit. 

Finally, an option for LGBT+ travel that you might not have considered is Iceland. Not only has Iceland’s gay rights movement managed to get many laws and protections in place for LGBT+ people in the country, but the people themselves are very welcoming. Iceland boasts having elected their first openly gay prime minister in 2009. Additionally, Iceland is a beautiful country to visit with stark vistas, innumerable waterfalls, volcanoes, and glaciers. 

Fortunately, the media is beginning to discuss the needs of LGBT+ travelers in articles such as this by the New York Times. Even the U.S. State Department has developed guidelines and advice.

Overall, while it can feel tricky to travel as an LGBT+ person, with an experienced travel agent at your side, you can feel safe and confident in your choice for your next vacation. Being secure in the knowledge that where you travel is welcoming can let you relax and truly enjoy your vacation. We are proud to be an LGBT+ travel agency.

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