The Ultimate Guide to Virgin Voyages Rockstar Suites: Elevating Your Luxury Cruise Experience
Are you ready to experience cruising like a true VIP? Virgin Voyages has revolutionized the premium cruise experience with its exclusive Rockstar and Mega Rockstar Suites. As someone who’s sailed in these luxurious accommodations multiple times, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you maximize your high-end Virgin Voyages experience and truly live the Rockstar lifestyle at sea.
Why Choose a Rockstar or Mega Rockstar Suite?
When you book a Rockstar or Mega Rockstar Suite on Virgin Voyages, you’re not just paying for extra square footage—you’re investing in an entirely elevated cruising experience. These premium accommodations come with exclusive perks that transform your voyage from wonderful to extraordinary:
Priority Everything: From boarding privileges (no timed check-in required) to a dedicated entrance at the terminal
Dedicated Rockstar Agent: Your personal concierge throughout the journey
Access to Richard’s Rooftop: The exclusive sun deck and bar area only available to suite guests
Daily Happy Hour: Complimentary Moët & Chandon, cocktails, and other drinks each afternoon at Richard’s Rooftop
Fully-Stocked In-Suite Bar: Personalized with your preferred spirits*
Luxury Vinyl Record Player: With a curated selection of records (more on this later)
“Work from Sea” Wi-Fi: Included at no additional cost for Mega Rockstar guests
Priority Dining Reservations: Book 60 days before sailing (versus 45 days for standard cabins)
Priority Shore Excursion Booking: Reserve 135 days prior to sailing (versus 120 days for standard cabins)
These exclusive benefits create a seamless, luxury experience that’s worth every penny for travelers seeking the ultimate cruise escape.
Pre-Voyage Preparation: Maximizing Your Rockstar Experience
The Virgin Voyages App: Your First Priority
The moment your voyage is confirmed, download the Virgin Voyages app and complete the check-in process. While regular cabin guests must select arrival times, as a Rockstar or Mega Rockstar, you can board at your leisure—a significant advantage for starting your vacation on your terms.
What to Pack: Beyond the Basics
In addition to your typical cruise wardrobe, remember to pack these Virgin Voyages-specific items:
Something scarlet for Scarlet Night
Pajamas for the PJ Party (typically held on the first night)
80s-themed workout attire for the VHS Workout class (think leg warmers, sweatbands, and bright colors)
Two bottles of wine (permitted per cabin)
These themed events are signature Virgin Voyages experiences, and having the right attire enhances your participation and enjoyment.
Strategic Booking Timeline: When to Secure What
One of the advantages of Rockstar status is priority booking for everything. Mark these dates in your calendar:
135 Days Before Sailing: Shore Things (excursions) open for booking
60 Days Before Sailing: Restaurant reservations become available
Unlike standard cabin guests who have to wait until 120 and 45 days, respectively, you get a significant head start on securing the most desirable times and experiences.
Bar Tab Strategy for Rockstar Suites
Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer unlimited beverage packages like other cruise lines. Instead, they use a Bar Tab system where you prepay $300 and receive $350 in credit (promotional bonuses may increase this amount further).
For a 7-day sailing in a Rockstar Suite, my recommendation for social drinkers is to purchase one $300 Bar Tab (for $350 total credit). With your in-suite bar, the daily happy hour at Richard’s Rooftop, and the two bottles of wine you’re permitted to bring aboard, this should cover most of your drinking needs.
Pro tip: Any unused Bar Tab funds are forfeited at the end of your voyage, so it’s better to slightly underestimate and pay as you go for any additional drinks rather than losing prepaid value.
Elevating Your Suite Experience: Insider Tips
Personalizing Your In-Suite Bar
One of my favorite Rockstar perks is the personalized in-suite bar. Standard stocking includes tequila, rum, gin, vodka, whiskey, and half-bottles of white, red, and Champagne. Here’s how to make it truly special:
Meet with your Rockstar agent on embarkation day and request spirit swaps based on your preferences. Love tequila? Ask to swap out the whiskey for another tequila bottle. You can even swap out both half bottles of still wine for another half bottle of Champagne.
Bring your own mixers and specialty ingredients. While your Rockstar agent can provide basics like tonic water, ginger ale, and juices, consider packing:
Mini bottles of bitters
Specialty mixers (margarita mix, etc.)
Lime juice
Powdered drink packets
Request garnishes from your Rockstar agent, such as lime and lemon wedges, to complete your in-suite cocktail experience.
Remember your daily happy hour at Richard’s Rooftop when making your drink swap selections!
The Vinyl Experience: Bringing Your Music to Sea
Rockstar and Mega Rockstar Suites feature vinyl record players with a limited selection of albums. Unfortunately, Virgin’s once-robust record library has diminished over the past couple of years. For music lovers, I recommend bringing a few of your favorite vinyl records if space allows. There’s something magical about enjoying your personal soundtrack while taking in ocean views from your private balcony.
First Day Onboard: Setting Up Your Perfect Voyage
Immediate To-Dos Upon Boarding
As a Rockstar or Mega Rockstar guest, head directly to the Sip Lounge after boarding, where your dedicated Rockstar agent will be waiting. They’ll assist with:
Booking the Grog Walk (if you’re interested in this social bar crawl)
Booking bungee fitness classes (snag these immediately as they fill up quickly)
Securing restaurant reservations for your preferred dining times
Answering questions and providing a personalized orientation
Customizing your in-suite bar, as mentioned earlier
While regular guests might be struggling with the app to book reservations, your agent will handle everything with ease.
The Sail Away Experience, Rockstar Style
The Sail Away Party on Virgin Voyages is legendary and not to be missed. For the ultimate experience:
Start at Richard’s Rooftop for the happy hour
Head to Deck 16 as the party begins
Enjoy your privileged position next to the Happenings Cast (Virgin’s entertainment team)
Make sure to schedule your first dinner around 6:30 PM, as the Sail Away party typically runs from 5:30-6:00 PM.
Must-Do Experiences for Rockstar Suite Guests
VIP Activities Worth Your Time
The Grog Walk ($45): Book this guided bar crawl for the first evening to meet fellow sailors and enjoy four included cocktails. This is a great way to meet other groups early on in the cruise (if desired).
Scarlet Night: This signature Virgin event transforms the entire ship. Wear something scarlet (pack accordingly!) and attend the pre-event “storytellings” to get insider tips on surprise happenings. The 9:00 PM kickoff in the Roundabout leads to a 10:45 PM poolside finale that’s extraordinary. Rockstar tip: Be prepared for possible submersion in the pool—leave valuable items in your suite.
Bungee Fitness Classes: With only six spots available per class, these are nearly impossible to book for standard guests. Have your Rockstar agent secure a spot immediately upon boarding.
Redemption Spa: While all guests can book the thermal spa, Mega Rockstar guests receive complimentary access to the spa. The three-hour sessions require advance reservations—book on embarkation day for sea days.
Dining Priorities for Suite Guests
As a Rockstar or Mega Rockstar guest, you have priority access to all restaurants. Here’s my ranked recommendation based on numerous voyages:
Pink Agave: The authentic Mexican restaurant offers exceptional cuisine beyond typical Tex-Mex fare. The cochinita pibil is a standout dish that shouldn’t be missed. The separate tequila and mezcal bar is worth visiting even if you’re not dining there.
Extra Virgin: The ship-made pasta and gelato trolley make this Italian restaurant a delightful experience.
Gunbae: The Korean BBQ experience features communal tables of up to six people, making it perfect for socializing early in your voyage. Research the drinking game in advance to impress your tablemates!
The Wake: This steakhouse and seafood restaurant offers beautiful stern views and solid cuisine. If you have multiple sea days, consider booking their brunch.
Razzle Dazzle: Following a menu update, this restaurant offers an excellent dining experience with creative dishes. Its menu now incorporates a wide variety of options for all preferences. Their brunch is exceptional—prioritize it for sea days.
Test Kitchen: The molecular gastronomy concept features rotating menus. Check both options before deciding when to book, as the menu typically changes mid-voyage.
Late-Night Secret: The Pizza Place Strategy
The Pizza Place serves the best pizza at sea with made-to-order personal pies. On busy nights (especially Scarlet Night), send one person from your group to order while the party is winding down to beat the rush. The provided buzzer works several decks away, allowing you to continue enjoying the festivities until your pizza is ready.
Disembarkation: Ending Your Voyage in Style
Even disembarkation is enhanced for Rockstar guests:
Priority Departure: If you choose self-disembarkation (carrying your own luggage), you’ll be among the first allowed to leave.
Flexible Timing: Unlike standard guests who are assigned specific departure times, Rockstar guests have more flexibility.
Assistance: Your Rockstar agent can arrange for help with luggage if needed.
Remember that Virgin Voyages’ embarkation and disembarkation times run slightly later than other cruise lines. This allows your suite to be perfectly prepared upon arrival and gives you a more leisurely final morning.
Is a Rockstar Suite Worth the Investment?
After multiple Virgin Voyages sailings in various Rockstar Suites, I can confidently say that for travelers who appreciate luxury experiences, the Rockstar and Mega Rockstar Suites deliver exceptional value. The combination of:
Exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop
Personalized service from your Rockstar agent
Priority booking for everything
In-suite bar customization
The record player experience
Premium bathroom amenities
Sophisticated design elements
…creates a vacation experience that feels more like a luxury boutique hotel than a traditional cruise.
For special occasions, celebrations, or travelers who simply appreciate the finer things, the Rockstar Suite experience elevates your Virgin Voyages sail from excellent to extraordinary.
Ready to book your Rockstar experience, looking for additional perks, or have questions about which specific suite category might be right for you? Contact me directly to discuss your Virgin Voyages dreams, and let me help make ship happen!