Frequently Asked Questions: NBSWR 2027 FunFest Cruise To Greece

Trip Logistics & Flights

Where does the cruise start and end?

The NBSWR 2027 Mediterranean Funfest Cruise is a 7-night round-trip voyage departing from and returning to Athens (Piraeus), Greece aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady:

• • Embarkation: Sunday, October 10, 2027 — Athens (Piraeus), Greece (Departs at 5:00 PM)

  • Disembarkation: Sunday, October 17, 2027 — Athens (Piraeus), Greece (Arrives at 6:30 AM)

Because this is a round-trip voyage, you can book standard round-trip flights into and out of Athens International Airport (ATH – Eleftherios Venizelos).

Where is the port of Piraeus relative to Athens and the airport?

Piraeus is the primary seaport for Athens:

• • Distance to Central Athens: Approximately 6 to 8 miles (20 to 30 minutes by taxi, metro, or express bus) to iconic sites like the Acropolis, Plaka, and Syntagma Square.

  • Distance to Athens Airport (ATH): Approximately 30 miles (45 to 60 minutes by taxi, private transfer, or direct airport express bus X96).

When should I plan to arrive in Athens for embarkation?

Plan to arrive in Athens at least one to two days before embarkation (Friday, October 8 or Saturday, October 9, 2027).

Arriving early provides two critical advantages:

1. Transatlantic Flight Safety Buffer: Flights from North America to Europe frequently encounter weather delays, mechanical issues, or missed connections. If your Saturday flight is disrupted, an early buffer ensures you do not miss Sunday's 5:00 PM departure.

2. Time to Acclimate and Explore: Athens is 7 to 10 hours ahead of North American time zones. Arriving early gives your body clock time to adjust to local time and lets you explore the Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, and rooftop tavernas in the Plaka neighborhood at a relaxed pace.

What time should I schedule my return flight on Sunday, October 17?

Scarlet Lady docks in Piraeus at 6:30 AM, with disembarkation running between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM.

• Book transatlantic flights home out of Athens (ATH) that depart after 11:30 AM or 12:00 PM to account for the 45-to-60-minute transfer from the port, airline luggage drop-off, and EU customs/security queues.

• Alternatively, extend your trip by booking an extra night or two in central Athens to explore mainland Greece.

Travel Documents, Passports & Currency

Do I need a passport?

Yes. You must carry a valid passport book with at least 6 months of validity remaining past your return date (meaning an expiration date after April 17, 2028), along with at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.

Do I need a visa for Greece or Turkey?

• Greece (European Union / Schengen Area): U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a traditional visa for short tourist stays. If the EU's electronic travel authorization (ETIAS) is active by 2027, you will complete a quick online application prior to departure.

• Bodrum, Turkey: Cruise ship passengers docking at Turkish ports for day visits (under 72 hours) and staying aboard the vessel overnight are generally granted port-entry transit passes arranged directly by the cruise line without needing a prior Turkish visa.
  
  

What currency do I need in Greece and Turkey?

• Onboard the Ship: All purchases on Scarlet Lady are cashless and charged to your Sailor account via your RFID wearable band. Virgin Voyages bills directly in U.S. Dollars (USD).

• Greece: The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, though having €50–€100 in cash is helpful for small cafes, tips, and street markets.

• Bodrum, Turkey: The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). However, shops, bazaars, and restaurants in Bodrum's port area widely accept Euros, USD, and major credit cards.

Virgin Voyages Experience & Inclusions

Is Virgin Voyages really adults-only?

Yes. Virgin Voyages is strictly an 18+ cruise line. There are no exceptions, providing an elevated, tranquil, and sophisticated atmosphere across all pool decks, lounges, and dining spaces.

What is included in my cruise fare?

Unlike traditional cruise lines that nickel-and-dime for every amenity, your Virgin Voyages fare includes:

• All Dining at 20+ Eateries: No buffets or main dining halls. World-class options—including a classic steakhouse, Korean BBQ, upscale Italian, Mexican, experiential test kitchens, and a 24/7 food market—are included with zero upcharges.

• All Essential Drinks: Still and sparkling filtered water, drip coffee, non-pressed juices, sodas, and teas are complimentary throughout the ship.

• Unlimited Basic Wi-Fi: Suitable for messaging, browsing, and posting social updates.

• All Group Fitness Classes: Unlimited yoga, spin, bungee fitness, HIIT, and meditation classes.

• Signature Group Perks: Every NBSWR group cabin receives a $100 Bar Tab plus $50 Sailor Loot (onboard credit).
  
  

How do the $100 Bar Tab and $50 Sailor Loot work?

• $100 Bar Tab: Automatically credited to your stateroom account to spend on alcoholic beverages, premium specialty barista coffees, mocktails, and fresh-pressed juices across any bar or dining venue on the ship.

• $50 Sailor Loot: Flexible onboard credit that can be applied to treatments at the Redemption Spa, Virgin Voyages shore excursions ("Shore Things"), retail boutique purchases, or additional drinks.

What is the difference between The Sea Terrace and the Central Sea Terrace?

The cabin layout, size, and interior amenities are identical between the two categories—the only difference is their physical location on the ship.

• Identical Cabin Experience: Both staterooms are approximately 225 square feet (including the balcony) and feature Virgin Voyages’ signature red hand-woven terrace hammock, private oceanfront balcony, configurable European king Seabed, custom mood lighting, and modern ensuite bathroom with a rainfall shower.

• The Sea Terrace: Located toward the forward (front) or aft (back) sections of the ship across decks 8 through 14.

• Central Sea Terrace: Positioned strictly mid-ship on prime middle decks.

Why choose the Central Sea Terrace?

1. 1. Maximum Sailing Stability: Mid-ship cabins sit at the ship’s natural center of gravity, significantly reducing the sensation of pitch and roll. It is the premier choice for travelers sensitive to motion or prone to seasickness.

   2. Convenience & Footwear Relief: Being located right at the central elevator core means faster, direct access to the ship’s 20+ restaurants, lounges, and pool decks without having to walk the full length of the cabin corridors each day.

Within our locked group block, the Central Sea Terrace is just a $95.00 per person difference ($1,987.00 per person vs. $1,892.00 per person double occupancy), making it an easy upgrade for sailors prioritizing location and a smoother ride.

Packing, Dress Code & Weather

What is the dress code onboard?

Virgin Voyages has no formal dress code and no formal nights. The philosophy is "Come as you are," allowing you to dress in whatever makes you feel comfortable—from resort-casual shorts and tees to dressed-up cocktail attire.

Are there themed events I should pack for?

Yes, two signature onboard parties:

1. 1. Scarlet Night: The ship's premier signature celebration. Pack a splash of red (or an all-red outfit)—from red dresses and linen shirts to casual red accessories.

   2. PJ Party: An opening-night celebration on the aft pool deck. Pack your favorite stylish, comfy pajamas or loungewear.

What else is essential to pack?

• Comfortable, Grippy Walking Shoes: The cobblestone streets of Old Town Rhodes, the winding paths of Mykonos, and the polished marble walkways around the Acropolis can be very slippery. Supportive shoes with strong tread are mandatory.

• Modest Attire / Shawl: When visiting Greek Orthodox monasteries or Turkish mosques in Bodrum, shoulders and knees must be covered. A lightweight scarf, wrap, or linen pants are ideal.

• European Power Adapters: Staterooms have standard U.S. 110V outlets and USB ports, but European 2-pin adapters are essential for your hotel stays in Athens.

What is the expected weather in mid-October?

Mid-October is one of the best times to cruise the Aegean Sea:

• Daytime Temperatures: Typically range between 70°F and 78°F (21°C – 26°C) under clear, sunny skies—warm and comfortable without the intense, exhausting heat of mid-summer.

• Evening Temperatures: Cool down to 60°F to 66°F (15°C – 19°C). Bring a light jacket, cardigan, or wrap for breezy evenings on deck or seaside dining in Mykonos.

• Sea Temperature: The Mediterranean and Aegean hold summer warmth well into autumn, averaging 70°F to 73°F (21°C – 23°C), making beach visits in Santorini and Mykonos pleasant for swimming.

Booking, Payments & Group Policies

What is the NBSWR Registration Fee and why is it required?

The NBS Western Region charges a registration fee of $100 per sailor through January 31, 2027 ($200 per sailor beginning February 1, 2027).

• This fee secures your access to the private group pricing block (up to 18% below retail fares) and exclusive onboard amenities.

• As part of the "Party with a Purpose" mission, this fee directly supports the NBS Western Region's youth snowsports programs and athlete development pipelines.

How much is the deposit to lock in my cabin, and when is final payment due?

• Initial Deposit: $623.20 for The Sea Terrace or $661.20 for the Central Sea Terrace. This represents 20% of the net cruise fare and is applied directly to your Virgin Voyages booking under Essential Fare terms.

• Final Balance: Due 120 days prior to departure (June 12, 2027).

Can I book double occupancy if I don't have a roommate yet?

Yes. You can lock in your stateroom at the double occupancy rate and list your second traveler as "TBA". You have until the final payment deadline to submit your roommate's legal name, date of birth, and contact information.

What is the cancellation and change policy for this cruise?

Because our cabins are booked under the Essential Fare category, the following Virgin Voyages cancellation and change policies apply to your cabin deposit and voyage payments:

• 120+ Days Before Sailing (Before June 12, 2027): You have a 7-day grace period from the date of your initial deposit to cancel and receive a full refund to your original form of payment. If you cancel after the 7-day grace period but before the 120-day mark, your 20% deposit will be converted into a Future Voyage Credit (FVC), and any additional payments made toward the voyage fare will be fully refunded.

• 119 to 45 Days Before Sailing (June 13 – August 26, 2027): All voyage fare payments become non-refundable. If you cancel during this window, your total funds paid will be transferred into a Future Voyage Credit (FVC) valid for 1 year from the original sailing date. You are permitted to change your voyage date during this window, provided the new date is within 1 year of the original sailing start date.

• 44 Days or Less Before Sailing (August 27, 2027 onwards): All payments are final and 100% non-refundable. No Future Voyage Credit will be issued for cancellations. While you cannot cancel or change the primary Sailor (Sailor #1), you may change the name of the secondary Sailor (your roommate) up to 48 hours before sailing.

• Taxes & Fees: Port taxes and fees ($334.00 per person) are always fully refundable back to your original form of payment, regardless of when you cancel.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

• Yes, travel protection is strongly advised. International trips involve non-refundable flights, stateroom deposits, and foreign medical systems that do not accept standard domestic U.S. health insurance. Moore Love Travel partners with Allianz Global Assistance to provide customized quotes covering trip cancellation, flight interruptions, baggage loss, emergency medical care, and medical evacuation at sea. Call us at 773-359-3334 to request a quote.