If you’re trying to choose the right room using this Virgin Voyages cabin guide, here’s the short version: picking a cabin on Virgin Voyages isn’t complicated — but the options can feel overwhelming at first.
Your cabin assignment depends on the fare you book, and yes, there are ways to upgrade later if you want something nicer. I’ve sailed in multiple categories now, including starting in an Insider room and upgrading, so here’s what you actually need to know before you book.
If you’re still in the planning phase, see my full review of Virgin Voyages in my guide, Virgin Voyages Cruise Tips & Tricks: Ultimate Guide Before You Sail, so you understand how the whole experience works before narrowing down cabins.
The biggest thing to understand is that your exact cabin assignment depends on the fare type you book — and the more flexibility you want, the more you’ll usually pay.
Here’s the simple breakdown from least flexible (and usually least expensive) to most flexible:
This is typically the lowest price. You’re guaranteed the cabin category (or better), but Virgin assigns your exact cabin closer to sailing. You don’t get to pick the location, and you can’t change it once it’s assigned.
If you truly don’t care where your room is and just want the best deal, this can save real money.
Still on the lower end price-wise. Your cabin is automatically assigned within your category, and changes aren’t allowed.
These cost a little more, but you get more control. You choose your cabin during booking and can make changes later if availability allows.
These are the most expensive options because you’re moving into suite-level accommodations with added perks and services.
So really, it comes down to this:
If saving money is your priority and you don’t care about exact location, Lock It In can be a great deal.
If you want control over where you’re located on the ship, you’ll pay a little more for that flexibility.
Yes — but there are limited numbers.
If connecting cabins matter to you, book early. They go fast. And depending on when you booked and which fare you selected, cabin changes may or may not be allowed.
Cabins range from 1 to 4 sailors depending on the category.
If you’re traveling with friends or family, double-check capacity before booking. Don’t assume you can squeeze in “one more.” Cruise math is not forgiving.
No matter what category you book, Virgin cabins are a step up from what you might expect on other cruise lines.
You get:
Roomy rain showers
Mood lighting
Smart cabin controls
A 43″+ TV
A mini bar setup
Bathroom essentials
A hairdryer
An in-room safe
Plenty of outlets and USB ports
Open wardrobe space
They’re modern, functional, and actually comfortable.
The bathroom size alone surprised me. Even entry-level cabins don’t feel cramped. And the tech-friendly controls (yes, you can open your curtains from the bed) make it feel more hotel-like and less “cruise cabin from 2004.”
On my first sailing, I booked an Insider cabin.
Honestly? It was an upgrade from other cruise lines I’ve sailed. It was comfortable, modern, and perfectly fine — especially if you’re on a budget. I would absolutely stay in one again if price was my main focus.
But I decided to try the Level Upgrade bidding system just to see what would happen.
I asked myself: How much would this upgrade be worth to me?
I didn’t bid the absolute lowest amount, but I also didn’t go crazy.
I ended up upgrading from an Insider to a Sea View cabin for $80.
For natural light and an actual window? Completely worth it.
That’s why my strategy is simple:
Bid what feels fair to you. If it’s accepted, amazing. If not, you still have your original cabin. No risk.
If you want a better sense of how much time you’ll realistically spend in your room versus out exploring, check out my post on Sea Day On Virgin Voyages: What To Do, Where To Eat, And How To Enjoy It to help you decide how much cabin space actually matters to you.
Now that I’ve sailed a few times, my go-to is the Central Sea Terrace.
Why I love it:
They’re usually on higher decks away from noise
You get a balcony (with the hammock — which I love)
Morning coffee watching the sunrise? Yes.
Sunset at night from your own space? Also yes.
It just feels elevated compared to an interior or window-only room
The balcony changes the experience for me. Being able to step outside whenever I want makes the cruise feel bigger.
And let’s be honest — that hammock is not just decoration. It’s prime snack-and-ocean-stare real estate.
If it’s in your budget, I highly recommend it.
If budget allows, RockStar Suites are where Virgin really leans into the luxury side of things.
The suites themselves are designed by Tom Dixon, so they feel modern and elevated — not like a standard cruise cabin with extra square footage.
But the real difference is in the perks.
As a RockStar, you get:
Red Glove Services before your cruise to help with dining reservations and booking questions
A dedicated RockStar Agent onboard you can message through the app
A stocked in-room mini bar that’s complimentary and refreshed once
Early booking access for excursions and dining
Priority boarding
Access to Richard’s Rooftop, a private sun deck with select complimentary drinks during sunset happy hour
A priority line for headline shows
Free Ship Eats delivery (no delivery fee)
Easier tender access at ports
A private RockStar Retreat at the Beach Club in Bimini
Are these things necessary to have a great Virgin cruise? No.
But if you like personalized service, early access, and exclusive spaces — the perks do add up and noticeably elevate the experience.
For me, this would be a “special occasion or treat-yourself” kind of booking.
If you’re curious how those perks play out at the private beach stop, learn more in my post about The Beach Club At Bimini (Virgin Voyages): What It's Really Like And How To Do It Right.
Here’s how I’d break it down in this Virgin Voyages cabin guide:
On a budget?
Book Insider. It’s comfortable and modern. Then consider bidding for an upgrade.
Want natural light but don’t need a balcony?
Sea View is a great middle ground.
Want the full experience?
Sea Terrace — especially Central — is my favorite.
Want luxury perks?
RockStar if budget allows.
There truly isn’t a “bad” category — it’s just about matching your priorities.
You’re not going to have a bad cabin on Virgin.
The rooms are thoughtfully designed and comfortable across categories.
But if you’re debating whether to upgrade — even a small jump like Insider to Sea View can make a noticeable difference. (For me, it was $80 well spent.)
And if you love a balcony moment as much as I do, Sea Terrace is where it’s at.
If you’re still deciding whether this cruise line fits your travel style overall, check out my post Who Virgin Voyages Is For (And Isn't): An Honest, Food-Forward Take before you book.
This Virgin Voyages cabin guide should make the decision simpler. Pick the level that matches your budget, consider bidding if you’re curious, and then focus on the fun part — deciding what to eat first.
Because cabin debates are important… but dinner reservations matter too.
10 stops. One very full day. Zero regrets. Amsterdam has one of the best food scenes I’ve experienced anywhere in Europe, but the honest caveat is that some of the viral spots come with lines that will genuinely test your character. I skipped a few. I regret nothing.
Here’s what actually made the cut on my self-guided Amsterdam food tour:
Fresh stroopwafels at Hans Egstorf: made right in front of you, warm caramel, no line. This one won.
Lourens cookie croissant: flaky outside, gooey chocolate inside. Did not share.
Café Winkel 43 apple pie: one of the rare viral places that fully lives up to the hype.
Davie’s Amsterdam for the Lelie sandwich: pastrami, pickles, marbled bread. Deceptively simple. Absolutely excellent.
De Kaaskamer to end the day: 400+ cheeses, grilled cheese with what they call ketchup (it’s not ketchup, and it’s better), and bunker cheese aged in underground military bunkers.
The full route covers 10 stops through Jordaan, the 9 Streets, the canal district, and the flower market area with a Google Map included so you can just follow along.
Full guide with every stop, tips for beating the lines, and what I’d skip vs. do again | link in bio.
#amsterdam #visitamsterdam #netherlands #travel #visitnetherlands #traveleurope
There’s a version of Gatlinburg that’s all fudge shops and tourist crowds, and then there’s the version that actually makes you want to come back.
Here’s everything worth doing downtown, in the order I’d do it: 🏔️
✨ Start at @gatlinburgskypark before the crowds hit
✨ Walk the strip mid-morning when it’s still manageable
✨ @googooclusters stop (see my post from Tuesday: don’t skip it)
✨ Dinner at one of the local spots off the main drag
✨ Wander back out at night when the lights are on and it gets actually pretty
This isn’t your overscheduled Smoky Mountain itinerary. It’s more of a “here’s what I’d actually do if I had one solid day” kind of list.
Full downtown Gatlinburg guide linked in bio. 🔗
If someone told me I’d spend five hours at SkyPark, I would not have believed them. And yet. 😅
Gatlinburg SkyPark sits above the strip and it’s one of those places that looks like a quick stop on paper and turns into most of your afternoon. The SkyBridge alone is worth it — longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and yes, you will look down.
✨ SkyBridge (longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America)
✨ SkyLift ride up with views of the Smokies
✨ Walking trails with mountain views in every direction
✨ Way less crowded than downtown
Fair warning: if heights genuinely freak you out, the bridge might not be your thing. The rest of the park is still 100% worth it. Full guide with tickets, tips, and what to skip linked in bio. 🔗
I walked into Goo Goo Cluster in downtown Gatlinburg thinking I’d spend five minutes and leave with a small piece of candy. I was wrong on both counts. 😅
You build your own chocolate cluster at a kiosk: caramel, sea salt, pretzels, cocoa pebbles, you name it, and then watch them make it right in front of you. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes and costs $15.
The caveat? This is not a snack. This is a full-size brick of chocolate that I was still eating two days later.
If you’re already walking the Gatlinburg strip, this is an easy yes. Especially if you have absolutely no self-control around caramel. (Asking for a friend.) Full experience breakdown linked in bio. 🔗
Your Knoxville Airport survival guide, from someone who’s flown through TYS 100+ times is now up on my blog🛫
Parking, TSA wait times, where to grab food before your flight, rental cars, all of it, from someone who actually knows this airport. No guessing, no googling at the last minute.
TYS is small, easy to navigate, and honestly one of the less stressful airports I’ve been through. You just need to know a few things going in.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
