What You Should Know About Virgin Voyages “Lock It In” Rates

When you’re booking a Virgin Voyages cruise, you might come across something called a “Lock It In” Rate. It’s a heavily discounted rate that can look really tempting but they’re cheap for a reason—and it’s not to save you money.

Virgin Voyages Lock It In rate may seem like a good deal at first but might cost you a lot more in the end. Here’s what you need to know before you book a Lock It In rate.

So, what is a Lock It In Rate?

Lock It In rates are Virgin Voyages’s version of a guaranteed cabin. You pay a lower price and with the promise of a cabin at the category you booked at a minimum. Since it’s a guarantee minimum, there’s a chance you might be upgraded, though it’s not something you should count on. With Lock It In rates, Virgin Voyages will assign you a cabin based on inventory left a within a couple of weeks (or even days) from embarkation.

For example, The Sea Terrace Lock It In rate guarantees you will get an obstructed view balcony cabin at a minimum. That would be a Limited View Sea Terrace or a Sea Terrace: (Slightly) Smaller Balcony, if you’re cruising on the Brilliant Lady.

If you’re lucky, Virgin Voyages may assign you to a Central Sea Terrace. If you’re not so lucky, you may end up on an XL Sea Terrace above the The Manor nightclub.

It’s also common for a Lock It In booking to be assigned to an accessible cabin. These cabins are designed for guests with wheelchair needs so the layout may differ from standard cabins.

Now, that may sound okay if you’re not picky about cabin type or location but there are some fine-print details you really need to be aware of.

What You Can’t Do With Lock It In Rates

Virgin Voyages Lock It In rates come with quite a few restrictions that make them a bit of a gamble. If any of these are deal-breakers for you, I recommend going with a regular fare instead.

🚫 No cabin selection. Virgin Voyages will assign your cabin, and you may not find out where you’re staying until just a few weeks before your cruise—sometimes as late as 48 hours before embarkation.

🚫 No modifications. Once your cabin is assigned, it’s final. No switching. Lock It In rates do not allow cabin changes or upgrades (unless you bid on a different cabin category through the Level Up program).

🚫 No cancellations or credits. Lock It In rates are non-refundable. If you need to cancel, you won’t get a refund or Future Voyage Credit (FVC).

🚫 No date changes. Want to move your cruise to a new date? Not allowed.

🚫 No promos and perks. You can’t stack Lock It In rates with other offers, like the First Mate Sailor Loot, My Next Virgin Voyage (MNVV), Refer a Sailor Program, Resident Discount Rates, Bar Tab offers, etc.

When It Might Make Sense to Book a Lock It In Rate

If you’re flexible, easygoing, and okay with giving up all the change/cancel wiggle room, Lock It In rates can be one way to save.

There are some situations where the Lock It In rate might not be the worst idea:

⏰ You’re booking last minute. Within 45 days of departure, all payments are final anyway so the risk of booking a regular rate is the same as a Lock It In.

🐙 You’re an avid Virgin Voyages cruiser and being onboard is all that matters. So what if your cabin ends up being on top of The Manor? You’ll be down there dancing anyway.

Why I Do Not Recommend Lock It In Rates

As a First Mate and travel advisor, I always want my clients to get great value, but not at the expense of a stress-free, enjoyable vacation. Virgin Voyages Lock It In rates come with trade-offs that don’t match the experience most of my clients are looking for.

If you want flexibility to change or cancel your cruise, get perks, and care about your cabin location (especially if you get sea sick, or want to avoid obstructed views, noise and vibration), Lock It In rates just aren’t worth the trouble.

Lock It In Rates not for you? There’s a better alternative

Starting October 7, 2025, Virgin Voyages will have three fare types, including an alternative non-refundable option if you prefer to have a bit more control over your reservation and cabin assignment. Learn more about the new FairVoyage Choices here.

Still not sure about what cabin or fare type to book? Let me help you.

👋 Hi, I’m Denise — travel advisor with Fora and Top 100 First Mate with Virgin Voyages. This article is intended for my clients here at PlanYourVoyage.com. If you’re booking on your own using my First Mate link or using a different travel advisor, some of this information may not apply to you. I try my best to keep everything updated but something is off or you have any questions, please reach out. Cheers!