Quick answer Yes. Virgin Voyages is one of the better cruise lines for non-drinkers because there’s no drinks package to feel pressured into, and soft drinks, still and sparkling water, juices and basic coffee and tea are all included. Zero-proof cocktails are on the menus and cost a few dollars less than the alcoholic versions. Any Bar Tab offer works on non-alcoholic drinks too, including speciality coffee, fresh juices and mocktails.
Virgin Voyages has a lively reputation, and the bars are a big part of life on board. So if you don’t drink, for whatever reason, it’s natural to wonder whether you’ll feel left out or be paying for something you won’t use.
Short version: you won’t. We’ve spent 100+ nights on Virgin Voyages, and some of our best evenings on board have had nothing to do with alcohol.
What drinks are included on Virgin Voyages?
According to Virgin, these are included in your fare:
- Sodas (soft drinks)
- Filtered still and sparkling water
- Non-pressed juices
- Drip coffee, available around the clock in The Galley
- Sachet teas
That covers a lot. Unlimited fizzy drinks and sparkling water mean a non-drinker can get through a whole sailing without spending a penny on drinks. For the full picture, see is Virgin Voyages all-inclusive?
What costs extra
- Speciality coffee. Lattes, flat whites and other barista-made coffees are charged to your Bar Tab.
- Fresh-pressed juices.
- Premium bottled water in some venues.
- Zero-proof cocktails and other premium alcohol-free drinks.
If you’re in the Sailing Club, Blue Extras includes one speciality coffee a day and Deep Blue Extras includes two. See our Sailing Club guide.
Zero-proof cocktails: what they cost
Virgin’s bartenders take non-alcoholic drinks seriously. There’s a wide range of zero-proof and low-alcohol drinks across the ship, so whether you don’t drink at all or are simply being mindful of alcohol, you’ll have plenty of options. Many bars have zero-proof cocktails on the menu, and you can ask for an alcohol-free version of most classics.
Our tip: ask the bar crew for their recommendations. They know their menus inside out and are happy to suggest something you might not have spotted.
The Test Kitchen has one of Virgin’s most inventive mocktail menus, and it offers drinks pairings with the tasting menu, so ask your server about a low- or no-alcohol version and you can still enjoy matched drinks with the courses.
As an example, on Valiant Lady in August 2026 the Loose Cannon cost $11 as a zero-proof cocktail against $15 with alcohol. So you save a little, but it isn’t free. Prices are in US dollars and change, so check our Virgin Voyages drinks prices for the latest.
A couple of mocktails a day adds up over a week. If that’s your thing, budget for it, or use a Bar Tab offer.
What to do with a Bar Tab offer if you don’t drink
Virgin bookings often come with Bar Tab as a promotion. Despite the name, it isn’t only for alcohol. Bar Tab is for drinks, but Virgin is clear that it covers non-alcoholic drinks as well as alcoholic ones, so you can spend it on:
- Speciality coffees and fresh-pressed juices
- Zero-proof cocktails and other premium soft drinks
- Drinks for your friends or other Sailors
It can’t be used for spa treatments, shore excursions or shopping, and any unused Bar Tab isn’t refunded at the end of your voyage.
Bar Tab is spent before any onboard credit, and each Sailor’s Bar Tab is individual unless your cabin shares one payment card. Our bar tab and Sailor Loot guide explains how it works, and how does the bar tab work? covers the details.
Our tip: if you don’t drink, a Bar Tab offer is still useful. Put it towards your morning lattes, fresh juices and mocktails, or treat your travel companions. Before booking, we’ll compare offers with you, as sometimes a lower fare is worth more to you than Bar Tab you’d struggle to spend.
Evenings that aren’t about drinking
You don’t need a drink in your hand to have a great night on Virgin.
- Dinner as the main event. All six restaurants are included, and The Test Kitchen’s five-course menu makes a whole evening. Our Pacific Coast sailing on Brilliant Lady in September 2026 was a Festival of Senses voyage, focused on food rather than parties, and it was a reminder of how much of Virgin is about the dining. See our restaurants guide.
- Supper clubs. Theatrical dinner shows, some included and some around $50.
- Shows. Virgin’s original productions in The Red Room are inventive and funny. See our entertainment guide.
- Comedy and live music. Plenty of late sets around the ship. Our Valiant Lady UK Comedy Fest sailing from Portsmouth in August 2026 was built around stand-up, which needs nothing stronger than a sparkling water.
- Themed parties. Virgin runs themed parties, and they change. Check the Virgin Voyages app for what’s on your sailing. Dancing doesn’t need a drink.
- Your hammock. A Sea Terrace at sunset is hard to beat.
Wellness on board
Virgin leans into wellbeing, which suits non-drinkers well.
- Fitness classes. Group classes in the B-Complex gym, from HIIT to sunrise yoga, are included. Book them in the Virgin Voyages app.
- Running track and outdoor gym.
- Redemption Spa. The thermal suite and treatments cost extra; see our spa prices guide.
- Morning sail-ins. Early mornings are lovely when you’ve had a clear-headed night.
Will I feel left out as a non-drinker?
In our experience, no. Nobody is counting what’s in your glass, and with no drinks packages on Virgin, there’s no pressure to “get your money’s worth”. Order a zero-proof cocktail and it looks just like everyone else’s.
Not sure Virgin suits you? Read will I enjoy Virgin Voyages?
FAQs
Are soft drinks free on Virgin Voyages? Yes. Sodas, still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, drip coffee and sachet teas are included.
Is speciality coffee included? No, unless you have Sailing Club Blue Extras (one a day) or Deep Blue Extras (two a day). Otherwise it goes on your Bar Tab.
Does Virgin Voyages have mocktails? Yes. There’s a wide range of zero-proof and low-alcohol drinks, and most bars can make alcohol-free versions of classics. Ask the bar crew for their recommendations.
How much is a zero-proof cocktail on Virgin Voyages? It varies. On Valiant Lady in August 2026, the Loose Cannon was $11 zero-proof versus $15 with alcohol.
Can I spend Bar Tab on things other than alcohol? Yes, as long as it’s a drink. Bar Tab covers non-alcoholic drinks such as speciality coffee, fresh-pressed juices and mocktails, but not the spa, shore excursions or shopping.
Is there a drinks package for non-drinkers? No. Virgin doesn’t sell drinks packages, and the main soft drinks are already included.
Plan it with us
Whether you drink or not, we’ll help you choose the right sailing and offer. We’re Virgin Voyages Gold Tier First Mates with 100+ nights on board. Call 07307 602030, email hello@magical-traveller.com or contact us.