TotesMcGotes

Yes, there are certain coverages I am interested in, where I need to purchase travel insurance within a certain timeframe from the first deposit. Which I made last week, so this is why now I am shopping around before the deadline! This is my thinking, I do not want to pay for something I don't need to. I didn't think about including penalty costs, which makes sense. I've already booked my hotel which is fully refundable up until two days before check-in. Then at their discretion they charge a fee, so I'll include that fee in the overall cost. I have not purchased airfare, but I've been looking at the fare that refunds it to my original form of payment, no e-credit.

What is the general consensus on buying travel insurance to cover the costs of refundable tickets/fares. When I took my first cruise back in July, I added up all my travel costs (cruise fare, hotel fare and airplane fare) and bought travel insurance based off that amount. Both my airplane and hotel were fully refundable. I am going on another cruise in February and this time around, I wanted to save a little on the cost of travel insurance, and just wanted to insure the amount of the cruise fare. Is this recommended, or should I continue like last time and include the other fare amounts as well?

When first booking, I was able to get a check-in time of 1:45pm. Ended up later getting the SOR and was able to board at 1:30pm. I actually just checked the time stamp of a photo I took just before crossing the bridge onto the ship it and it said 1:39pm.

How was the crowds? Did the ship feel overcrowded? I'm going on the Utopia in February, 2nd cruise, but first time on a "mega ship". So trying to have a realistic expectation.

Just got off the Valiant Lady. To share bar tab, you'll have to link both sailor accounts. So that means all charges will go under one account. I did this with my cabin mate, and then once the bar tab ran out, we unlinked our accounts and he was able to continue charging his account separately.

Was looking at the Greek Island Glow itinerary for July 2025. Almost $5k for a regular sea terrace cabin. 😮

Yes, they have a whole category of solo cabins (inside and Oceanview)This is what I was first going to book when planning my birthday cruise. However, I ended up roping in a few friends so ended up just going with a regular balcony room (sea terrace). In the future, I definitely want to try one of their solo cabins, especially the Oceanview one.

That's good to know. I will keep that in mind. When I booked my mother's cruise back in 2015 with Carnival. I used a TA, and I could have sworn I made payments directly on Carnival's website. But I do not 100% remember. But now I know with Virgin, this is possible.

I have another question. I made my initial deposit through the TA and I asked her going forward could I make payments directly on the virgin voyages website. She said I would have to make payments through her. However, when I got onto the website, I have an option to make payments. Would it matter either way to make payments directly on the website, or through the TA?

Oh, this is good to know! I did book with a TA who has been great so far. I will definitely utilize her with the reservations.

Thanks for this. I was able to get a 1:45 check-in time.

I saw something briefly about the positioning of the double beds. Definitely an odd set up, but fine with me. That's good to know about the fitness classes, etc. I heard they fill up quickly and there are a couple that I am interested in taking. Thank you! Where can I go to see the check-in times. I've looked online and in the app but could not find anything.

I booked last week. I just checked the price for my sailing, price for the same category cabin I got is now about $600 more.

Hi all! I will be going on my first ever cruise on the VL in July 2024 for my birthday. Funny enough, I've paid for a cruise (for my mom's 50th birthday a few years back) but I've never been on one. I will be going on the trip with a few friends, and sharing a cabin with one of them. When do I let Virgin know the bed in the cabin will need to be separated. Is this something I would tell the room attendant once on board? Also, when signing up for a check-in time at the terminal. Is it like airlines where check-in opens up 24 hours before, then you go into the app to pick your time slot? What usually is the earliest time you can check-in and get on the ship. We plan to fly in the night before, and I want to know the earliest I can leave the hotel to make my way to the terminal. Lastly, from what I've been reading, I would only be able to make reservations for restaurants, sign up for fitness classes, etc. once on board and connected to the ship's wifi?