Virgin Voyages Excursions 2026: Master Your “Shore Things” Adventures

Section 1: The Philosophy of Virgin Voyages Excursions

In 2026, Virgin Voyages has expanded its fleet to include the Brilliant Lady, which brings a new level of sophistication to Virgin Voyages excursions. The brand’s “Shore Things” are divided into categories that cater to every “Sailor” personality:

• The Classics: Must-see landmarks viewed through a Virgin lens.
• The Adventurous: High-adrenaline Virgin Voyages excursions like zip-lining and scuba diving.
• The Wellness-Focused: Yoga on the beach or thermal mud baths.
• The Foodie: Immersive culinary classes and vineyard tours.

1.1 Exclusive Access in 2026

Virgin Voyages has partnered with local operators to offer over 250 different Virgin Voyages excursions, with 75 of these being completely exclusive to the cruise line. This means when you book a Virgin Voyages excursion, you are often visiting sites that are off-limits to passengers of other major cruise lines.

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Section 2: 2026 Flagship Destinations & Shore Things

The 2026 itinerary for Virgin Voyages excursions spans four continents. Here are the standout experiences you cannot afford to miss.

2.1 Alaska: The New Frontier (Brilliant Lady)

With the 2026 debut of the Brilliant Lady in Seattle, Virgin Voyages excursions in Alaska have become the most talked-about tours of the year.

• Dog Sledding on Mendenhall Glacier (Juneau): Take a helicopter over the Juneau Icefield and land directly on a glacier for a professional dog sledding experience.
• Taku Lodge Feast & 5-Glacier Seaplane Discovery: A vintage floatplane journey followed by a salmon feast at a remote wilderness lodge.
• Misty Fjords Flightseeing (Ketchikan): Experience the monumental scale of Alaska from the air on this premier Virgin Voyages excursion.

2.2 The Caribbean & The Bahamas

Caribbean Virgin Voyages excursions remain a staple, especially with the private port of Bimini.

• The Beach Club at Bimini: While access is included, the private cabanas are the “must-book” Virgin Voyages excursion here. They offer VIP service and a dedicated retreat area.
• Ocho Rios Reggae Vibes: A brand-new 2026 port offering lush river rafting and coastal charm.

2.3 Mediterranean & European Escapes

For those sailing from Barcelona or Athens, Virgin Voyages excursions focus on history and high-end lifestyle.

• Total Eclipse of the (Med): Special 2026 “Solar Eclipse” Virgin Voyages excursions are planned for August, placing Sailors in the path of totality near Ibiza.
• Santorini Sunset Sails: Avoid the crowds with a private catamaran Virgin Voyages excursion that offers the best views of the Oia sunset.

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Section 3: How to Book Virgin Voyages Excursions (The Official Timeline)

Timing is everything when it comes to Virgin Voyages excursions. Because the group sizes are kept intentionally small for a boutique feel, popular tours sell out within minutes of the booking window opening.

3.1 The 120/135 Day Rule

• RockStar Sailors: If you are staying in a RockStar or Mega RockStar Suite, you can book your Virgin Voyages excursions 135 days before your sail date.
• All Other Sailors: The window for standard Virgin Voyages excursions opens 120 days before departure.

3.2 Booking via the App

In 2026, the primary way to manage your Virgin Voyages excursions is through the Virgin Voyages App.

1. Navigate to the “Discover” tab.
2. Select “Shore Things.”
3. Browse by port and activity level.
4. Book using your card on file or Future Voyage Credit (FVC).

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Section 4: Virgin Voyages Excursion Cancellation Policy

Understanding the Virgin Voyages excursion cancellation policy is vital to avoiding unwanted charges.

• 48-Hour Deadline: Most Virgin Voyages excursions are fully refundable if canceled at least 48 hours before the tour takes place.
• Late Cancellations: If you cancel within 48 hours or fail to show up, the Virgin Voyages excursion fee is 100% non-refundable.
• Refund Method: If you cancel before your voyage, the refund goes to your original payment method. If you cancel while onboard (and are within the 48-hour window), the refund is applied as Sailor Loot to your folio.

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Section 5: Pro Tips & “Black-Hat” Booking Hacks

How do you get onto a Virgin Voyages excursion that is already marked as “Sold Out”?

• The “Day 1” Drop: Virgin Voyages often holds back 10–15% of the inventory for Virgin Voyages excursions to be booked once onboard. Head straight to the Chart Room (Deck 7) as soon as you board to snag these spots.
• The App Refresh: Sailors often cancel their Virgin Voyages excursions exactly 48 hours before the port call to avoid the penalty. Check the app frequently around the 49-hour mark.
• Waitlists: Always ask the Shore Things team to put you on the waitlist. Virgin Voyages excursions often clear waitlists due to last-minute schedule changes.

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Section 6: 10 Essential FAQs — Virgin Voyages Excursions

1. Are Virgin Voyages excursions included in the cruise fare? No. While dining, Wi-Fi, and fitness classes are included, Virgin Voyages excursions come at an additional cost, varying from $50 to over $1,000 for private flights.

2. Can I use my “Bar Tab” for Virgin Voyages excursions? No. Your Bar Tab is strictly for beverages. However, you can use Sailor Loot (onboard credit) to pay for Virgin Voyages excursions if you book them once you are on the ship.

3. What happens if a Virgin Voyages excursion is canceled due to weather? If Virgin Voyages cancels the tour, you will receive a 100% refund to your original form of payment (or folio if onboard).

4. Is there a weight limit for Alaska helicopter Virgin Voyages excursions? Yes, most flight-based Virgin Voyages excursions in Alaska have a weight limit (typically 250 lbs) for safety reasons. Always check the “Need to Know” section in the app.

5. Do I need to book a tender for Virgin Voyages excursions? If you book an official Virgin Voyages excursion at a tender port (like George Town or Santorini), your tender priority is automatically included.

6. Can I book Virgin Voyages excursions for my friends? Yes, if your bookings are linked in the app, one person can book and pay for the entire group’s Virgin Voyages excursions.

7. Are there “Adults-Only” excursions? Since the entire ship is 18+, every single Virgin Voyages excursion is strictly adults-only, ensuring a consistent vibe throughout your trip.

8. What is the most expensive Virgin Voyages excursion? In 2026, the private helicopter and glacier dining experiences in Alaska are the highest-priced Virgin Voyages excursions, often exceeding $1,200 per person.

9. How do I know the “Intensity Level” of a Virgin Voyages excursion? The app uses a 1–3 “Wheel” system to indicate how much walking or physical exertion is required for each Virgin Voyages excursion.

10. Can I book non-Virgin excursions? You can, but Virgin Voyages will not guarantee the ship will wait if your third-party tour is late. Official Virgin Voyages excursions guarantee the ship will wait for you.

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Section 7: Conclusion — Elevate Your 2026 Adventure

Mastering the world of Virgin Voyages excursions is about more than just seeing the sights—it’s about curated, stress-free luxury. By utilizing the 135-day RockStar window, understanding the 48-hour cancellation policy, and targeting the exclusive “Brilliant Lady” 2026 routes, you ensure that every moment on land is as spectacular as your time at sea. Your 2026 journey is waiting; make sure your Virgin Voyages excursions are booked and ready to deliver the “Epic Sea Change” you deserve.