The Complete Guide to Virgin Voyages Cruises
After four sailings across all four ships, I can tell you one thing for sure: Virgin Voyages Cruises are unlike any other line at sea. This is the first cruise line that actually feels like it was built for me. It’s designed for adults who want fun, relaxation, and a little luxury without all the fuss.
Think seriously good food (I’m talking Michelin-level, not lukewarm buffets), hammocks on your balcony, and entertainment that goes from circus acts to pajama parties. Everything feels thoughtful, a little cheeky, and refreshingly different from what most people picture when they hear the word “cruise.”
If you’ve been wondering ‘what Virgin Voyages is really like?’ or whether it’s worth booking, this guide breaks it all down: the food, the ships, the destinations, and the insider tips I always share with clients before they sail.
Jump to Section: The Ultimate Guide to Virgin Voyages Cruises
What Is Virgin Voyages?
So what exactly is Virgin Voyages? In short, it’s Richard Branson’s cruise line, and it was created to flip the traditional cruise model on its head. Forget buffets, bingo, and kids splashing you at the pool. This is an adults-only cruise line (ages 18+) built around incredible food, modern ships, and experiences that actually feel fun.
There are currently four Virgin Voyages ships, and yes, I’ve sailed all of them!:
Scarlet Lady
The original Virgin ship, sailing since 2021. Scarlet Lady departs from Miami, Barcelona, and Portsmouth with routes that cover the Caribbean, Europe, and even Transatlantic repositioning cruises. (A repositioning cruise is when the ship moves between regions for a new season - like from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean- and they sell those longer crossings as itineraries. You’ll get more sea days, usually at a better value, with a few ports on either end. Perfect if you love soaking up the ship itself.) Ports for Scarlet Lady include Key West, Costa Maya, Puerto Plata, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, and more.
Valiant Lady
Launched in 2022, Valiant Lady splits time between San Juan and Miami, sailing the Caribbean and parts of Europe. Think Ibiza, Cannes, Barcelona, Costa Maya, St. Croix, and The Beach Club at Bimini. (Pro tip: if your itinerary has Ibiza, book the overnight. You’ll thank me later.)
Resilient Lady
Newer to the fleet in 2023, this one stretches further with departures from Athens, Miami, San Juan, and Barcelona. You’ll find Greek Island itineraries such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes, plus European gems like Dubrovnik and Bodrum, and Caribbean favorites like Barbados, St. Lucia, and Aruba. (This is one of my personal favorites for cruising in Europe. The Greek routes are stunning.)
Brilliant Lady
Brilliant Lady launched in September 2025 is all about North American routes. She departs from Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Brilliant Lady brings new sailings along the U.S. coasts and into Canada with ports like Boston, Halifax, Québec City, Vancouver, and San Francisco. (I’m especially excited for this one because it opens up so many new options for clients who don’t want to fly overseas!)
No matter which ship you’re on, you’ll find Virgin’s signature touches: hammocks on sea terrace balconies, restaurants you’d actually want to eat at back home, and inclusions most cruise lines love to upcharge you for (WiFi, gratuities, fitness classes, and sodas are all part of your fare).
Whether you’re cruising as a couple, with friends, or even solo, Virgin Voyages makes it easy to relax, explore, and eat ridiculously well without ever feeling nickel and dimed!
Let’s make this cruise official!
Two easy ways to book - either way, you’ll still have Shoreline Destinations in your corner!
Here’s the key if you book it yourself: when the system asks if you want Andrea Norfolk as your travel advisor, just click YES. It costs you nothing extra, but it means you’ll get our exclusive Know Before You Go Guide and all the post-booking help: reservations, dining tips, excursion advice, upgrade assistance and more. Basically, you handle the reservation and we’ll handle everything that makes your cruise unforgettable.
Adults-Only Bliss
One of the biggest draws of Virgin Voyages Cruises is that they are 100% adults-only. That means no kids, no splash zones, and no being woken up at sunrise by little feet running down the hall. It changes the whole atmosphere onboard.
Instead, you’ve got spaces that feel designed for grown-ups who actually want to relax. Pools where you can sip a cocktail in peace, nightclubs that go late, and restaurants that feel like real dining experiences rather than cafeteria lines. (Think date night spots or places you’d go with friends back home, but at sea.)
For me, this is what makes Virgin stand out. You don’t realize how much the “family cruise” culture affects the energy onboard until you step onto a ship where everyone is 18+. The result is a mix of couples, friend groups, solo travelers, and everything in between. It feels social, fun, and surprisingly inclusive.
If you’ve been hunting for an adults-only cruise line, this is it.
Food & Drink on Virgin Voyages
If you’ve ever cruised before, you’re probably picturing buffets, assigned seating, and cavernous dining halls. Forget all of that. Virgin Voyages restaurants feel more like places you’d book at home for a date night or dinner with friends. There are over 20 dining options onboard, all included in your fare, and not a single lukewarm buffet line in sight.
Some of my personal favorites:
Pink Agave
Upscale Mexican with a menu that never disappoints. The cocktails are creative, the atmosphere feels like a night out, and the Elote is a must-order. It is consistently solid every single time I go.The Wake
Steak and seafood in the most elegant setting onboard. It feels like a classic supper club at sea. The brunch here is also one of the hottest reservations on the ship, so lock it in early!Extra Virgin
Italian comfort food with a modern twist. You’ll want to linger over handmade pasta and then end with the affogato. (I promise it’s the best decision you’ll make all night.)Test Kitchen
This is for the adventurous eaters. It’s a multi-course tasting menu that feels more like an experience than a meal. While the courses are preset, you can swap one or two if something isn’t your style. Perfect if you like a little surprise.The Dock
If you ask me, The Dock is one of the best spots onboard. It sits at the very back of the ship, open to the sea, with daybeds and a laid-back Mediterranean feel. It is the kind of place where you wander in for a quick bite and end up staying for hours.
The small plates here are standout. We are talking grilled shrimp, charred octopus, lamb skewers, dips with warm pita, all light and fresh and perfect for sharing. Pair it with a craft cocktail or a glass of rosé and it becomes the kind of leisurely meal that makes you want to linger.
Here is the insider tip you will thank me for later. Every afternoon from 4:30 to 6:30, The Dock hosts Opa Hour. It is their version of happy hour, with a special Mediterranean mezze menu that you cannot get at any other time. It feels like a secret event for anyone lucky enough to be there.
Razzle Dazzle / Rojo
Razzle Dazzle is vegetarian-forward with fun brunch options. On Brilliant Lady it is being replaced by Rojo, a tapas spot that already has rave reviews.The Galley
Instead of a buffet, Virgin does a food hall. Multiple counters serve sushi, ramen, tacos, sandwiches, and salads. Everything is staff-served (no touching shared utensils) and there are grab-and-go boxes if you want to take food back to your cabin.
Pro Tip: Dining reservations open 60 days out for RockStar Suites and 45 days out for standard cabins. Book as soon as you can, even if the times aren’t perfect. You can adjust once you’re onboard using the ship’s WiFi, but the best slots disappear fast.
get your cruise on the calendar!
Two easy ways to book - either way, you’ll still have Shoreline Destinations in your corner!
Here’s the key if you book it yourself: when the system asks if you want Andrea Norfolk as your travel advisor, just click YES. It costs you nothing extra, but it means you’ll get our exclusive Know Before You Go Guide and all the post-booking help: reservations, dining tips, excursion advice, upgrade assistance and more. Basically, you handle the reservation and we’ll handle everything that makes your cruise unforgettable.
What’s Included on Virgin Voyages
One of my favorite things about Virgin Voyages Cruises is how much is included in the fare. With most cruise lines, you book the trip and then spend the whole week dodging upcharges. By the time you add gratuities, WiFi, soda packages, fitness classes, and cover charges, that “cheap cruise” is anything but.
Virgin flips that script. Their model is closer to all-inclusive, and it makes the experience feel easy and stress-free. Here’s what’s built into your cruise price:
All restaurants and dining- Every meal at 20+ restaurants is included. From steakhouses to Italian trattorias to food-hall style quick bites, there are no main dining rooms, buffets, or “extra fee” specialty spots. (Oh, and bonus- the menus are created by Michelin-starred chefs!)
Unlimited sodas, drip coffee, and still and sparkling water- All included, along with fresh juice at breakfast.
WiFi- Yes, really! It’s fast enough to check email, stream, or post your vacation selfies.
Gratuities- Already included, so you don’t get hit with the $20-a-day surprise at checkout.
Group fitness classes- Yoga, HIIT, cycling, bungee workouts, and more are included. (Other cruise lines charge $20+ a class for this.)
Entertainment- Quirky shows, drag performances, live music, pool parties, and Scarlet Night are all included in your fare.
What’s not included? Alcohol, specialty coffee drinks, spa treatments, and shore excursions. But instead of complicated drink packages, Virgin offers something better: the Bar Tab. You load it with however much you want and Virgin gives you bonus credit on top. It works for cocktails, wine, beer, specialty lattes, pressed juices, and more.
For me, this is one of the biggest reasons I recommend Virgin Voyages over other cruise lines. You can actually get off the ship knowing you’ve enjoyed amazing meals, coffee, WiFi, and entertainment without watching extra charges pile up every day.
Cabins and Suites on Virgin Voyages
Here’s the thing: on most cruises, the cabin is just where you crash. On Virgin, the cabins are part of the fun. Think hammocks on your balcony, mood lighting that shifts with the sunset, and bathrooms that don’t make you feel like you’re showering in a phone booth.
I always tell clients to think carefully about their cabin choice because it changes your whole experience. If you can, start with the Extra Large Sea Terrace. The bathroom space alone is worth it. And if you’re ready to splurge, Virgin’s suites aren’t just bigger rooms. They unlock perks like Richard’s Rooftop (members-only sundeck) and priority dining that make you feel like a total rockstar.
Insider Cabins
No windows here, but Virgin designed them to feel surprisingly cool and cozy. They run 105 to 177 square feet and are perfect for solo travelers, couples, or friend groups who don’t plan to spend much time in the room. The mood lighting and clever layout make them feel fun, not cramped.Sea View Cabins
These give you a porthole view of the ocean without the price of a balcony. Sizes range from 130 to 190 square feet, with a nautical-inspired window seat that’s perfect for morning coffee or a quiet moment at sea. A great option for solo travelers or couples who want ocean views but don’t need the terrace.Sea Terrace Cabins
The signature cabin everyone talks about. Each one has a balcony with that handwoven hammock, a roomy rainshower, and plenty of space to spread out. The lighting is smart and adjusts throughout the day, which makes the whole room feel cozy and modern. These cabins sleep two to four people and run 185 to 225 square feet.
Andrea’s tip: upgrade to the Extra Large Sea Terrace. The bathroom is so much more functional, and you will thank yourself later.RockStar Quarters
This is where you step into the VIP lifestyle. Suites designed by Tom Dixon, marble bathrooms with Peek-a-Boo showers, champagne tables, and private terraces that are made for stargazing. Book a RockStar Suite and you’ll unlock Richard’s Rooftop, priority reservations, and 24/7 RockStar Agents who make everything seamless. Plus, you walk into your suite with a stocked bar ready to go. Andrea’s favorite here is the Brilliant Suite: roomy, stylish, and not so over the top that you feel lost in it.Mega RockStar Quarters
If you want to go all in, this is the category. Mega RockStar Suites come with daily spa access, a bottomless in-room bar, private transfers, and even complimentary parking at the terminal. Some stretch over 850 square feet, which is massive at sea. You’ll also have a dedicated RockStar Agent who takes care of everything before you even think to ask. It is unapologetically extra, and if you can splurge, it’s unforgettable.
Entertainment and Nightlife on Virgin Voyages
Forget the old-school cruise theater with the same dated song-and-dance numbers. Virgin Voyages leans all the way into experiences that feel bold, immersive, and yes, a little cheeky.
Scarlet Night: If there is one night you will still be talking about long after your cruise, it is Scarlet Night. Virgin goes all out, turning the entire ship into one giant red-soaked celebration. Think immersive performances popping up in unexpected places, live music, dancers, and characters that seem to appear out of nowhere.
It all builds to a ship-wide pool party under the stars, where the energy is electric and everyone is in on the fun. The dress code is simple: wear red. My advice? Pack more than one red outfit. I thought I was clever with a single dress, and by the end of the night I wished I had five.
Scarlet Night is less like a cruise event and more like a festival at sea. It is playful, glamorous, and a little bit wild — exactly the kind of unforgettable memory that makes Virgin Voyages so different from any other cruise line.
PJ Party: The first night onboard is always the pajama party. It is cozy, silly, and surprisingly fun. Picture everyone in silk sets, onesies, or whatever pajamas make you happiest, all hanging out after dinner with music and drinks.
Never Sleep Alone: An interactive, adults-only comedy show that blends humor with a touch of sass. It is hilarious, slightly outrageous, and a must-see if you like entertainment that pushes the envelope.
The Manor: A nightclub inspired by Richard Branson’s early Virgin Records days. Think mirrored hallways, live DJs, and the kind of dance floor that keeps you out later than you planned.
Pop-up acts everywhere: Instead of just one big show, you will find drag performances, cabaret, circus-inspired acts, and live music tucked into lounges and pool decks. It feels more like stumbling onto a secret performance than sitting through the same show every night.
This is entertainment designed for adults who want fun with a little edge. No cringe-worthy talent shows, no forced group sing-alongs. Just genuinely good performances that make the ship feel alive.
Pro Tip: Do not forget to pack something red for Scarlet Night. And yes, go all in on the pajama party. It feels weird at first, but by the time you are clinking glasses in your pajamas with hundreds of other sailors, you will be glad you did.
WHEN YOU BOOK WITH US
You get… It costs you nothing extra, but it means you’ll get our exclusive
Our Virgin Voyages Know Before You Go Guide with all of our tips
Pre and Post Cruise Assistance (staying in XXX prior to your cruise?)
Our dining recommendations
Excursion advice and booking
Travel Insurance quotes
more!
DON’T WAIT TO BOOK
Two easy ways to book - either way, you’ll still have Shoreline Destinations in your corner!
Here’s the key if you book it yourself: when the system asks if you want Andrea Norfolk as your travel advisor, just click YES!
Destinations and Itineraries on Virgin Voyages
One of the best parts of sailing with Virgin Voyages is that you are not just signing up for the same old Caribbean loop. Their itineraries mix in some incredible ports, from party islands to historic cities, and each ship has its own “home base” that makes choosing your cruise a little easier.
Here is a quick breakdown of where each ship sails:
Scarlet Lady
Sailing since 2021, Scarlet Lady is the ship that started it all. She mainly departs from Miami, with itineraries around the Caribbean, plus summer seasons in Europe. Popular ports include Key West, Cozumel, Puerto Plata, and Virgin’s private Beach Club at Bimini. In Europe, think Barcelona, Ibiza, Marseille, and even Tuscany.Valiant Lady
Launched in 2022, Valiant Lady splits her time between the Caribbean and Europe. She departs from Miami or San Juan, Puerto Rico, and you will see itineraries that include Bimini, Costa Maya, St. Croix, and Cozumel. Her Europe sailings are big on Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, and the French Riviera.Resilient Lady
This ship joined the fleet in 2023 and quickly became a favorite for Mediterranean and Greek Island itineraries. Departures include Athens and Barcelona, and the ports are the kind you dream about: Santorini, Mykonos, Dubrovnik, Rhodes, and Corfu. In the Caribbean, look for Bridgetown, Castries, and Tortola.Brilliant Lady
Brilliant Lady brings Virgin Voyages to even more North American ports. She departs from Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle with itineraries that include the Caribbean and even routes up the West Coast and into Canada and New England. Think Boston, Québec City, San Francisco, and Vancouver.Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady also offer transatlantic and repositioning cruises. These are longer sailings that move a ship between its seasonal homes, like Miami to Barcelona. They tend to include more sea days and unique ports you do not always see on regular itineraries, and they are a great value if you love the idea of spending extra time onboard.
Virgin Voyages FAQs
Planning your first Virgin Voyages cruise? I had a million questions before I sailed too. What’s actually included? Do I need to pack fancy outfits? And is Scarlet Night really as fun as people say? Consider this your quick guide to the most common questions, answered with my own insider perspective so you know exactly what to expect before you book.
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Yes, and it is the easiest part of sailing with Virgin. Your fare covers dining at more than 20 restaurants (and I’m talking everything from steak to ramen to late-night pizza), unlimited WiFi, group fitness classes, entertainment, non-alcoholic drinks, and all gratuities. No awkward tipping envelopes at the end of your trip. The only extras are alcohol, spa treatments, and specialty experiences like the afternoon tea. Personally, I love that I never feel nickel-and-dimed, which is what makes this cruise feel so stress free.
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Yes! Every ship, every itinerary is 18+. That means no kids cannonballing into the pool while you’re sipping your cocktail. It keeps the entire ship more relaxed, whether you’re looking for a quiet hammock nap or a late-night dance party.
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Honestly, they all share the same design and feel, so your choice really comes down to where you want to sail. Scarlet Lady was the original ship and does Caribbean and Europe. Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady branch into itineraries from San Juan, Barcelona, and Athens. Brilliant Lady is the newest addition and is already sailing itineraries out of Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle, opening up North American routes like New England, the Pacific Northwest, and Mexico. My advice? Pick based on destination and timing. The ships themselves are equally fabulous.
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Yes, but they’re subtle. If you want slots and table games, you’ll find them. If you don’t care, you can walk past without even noticing. I like that it’s an option without being a focus.
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Not in the old-school cruise way. Instead, you pre-purchase a “bar tab” to use on cocktails, mocktails, specialty coffee, and juices. It’s flexible and way less wasteful than those “all you can drink” packages most lines push. Plus, Sailor Loot (onboard credit) can be applied toward drinks too.
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Most sailings are 4 to 8 nights, which is the sweet spot for getting into vacation mode without being away forever. They also offer weekenders and longer repositioning voyages (when the ships cross from Europe to the Caribbean or vice versa). The repositioning trips are usually 10+ nights and give you a mix of long sea days and port stops—perfect if you want more time to truly unwind.
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Plenty of places, and now with Brilliant Lady in the mix, even more options are on the table.
Caribbean: Classic escapes from Miami and San Juan with stops in Puerto Plata, Costa Maya, Key West, Roatán, and Virgin’s private Beach Club at Bimini.
Mediterranean & Greek Isles: Sail from Barcelona or Athens to ports like Ibiza, Santorini, Mykonos, Dubrovnik, and the French Riviera.
North America: Brilliant Lady opens up itineraries from Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Think New England fall foliage cruises, Pacific Coast sailings, and trips to Mexico.
Transatlantic & repositioning voyages: When ships move between Europe and the Caribbean, you can snag longer itineraries that combine sea days with unique port stops. These are hidden gems if you love more time onboard.
I love that you can choose a quick Caribbean getaway or a bucket-list Europe itinerary, and now even explore North America without giving up that Virgin flair.
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It’s Virgin’s signature themed party, and it’s a blast. The whole ship glows red with performances happening around every corner. You’ll see dancers, musicians, even circus-style acts, all leading up to the famous pool party at midnight. My biggest tip: pack more than one red outfit. I brought one and immediately wished I had five.
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Yes! The ships are built to be social. From trivia and karaoke to group dining and lounges, it’s easy to meet people. I’ve seen solo travelers come on board and leave with a whole new group of friends by the end of the trip.
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One hundred percent. The brand leans into inclusivity and you feel it on board. Every sailing feels welcoming, comfortable, and celebratory for all travelers.
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Four total: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady, which is the newest and already cruising from multiple U.S. homeports.
Ready to Sail?
Two easy ways to book- either way, you’ll still have Shoreline Destinations in your corner!
Here’s the key if you book it yourself: when the system asks if you want Andrea Norfolk as your travel advisor, just click YES. It costs you nothing extra, but it means you’ll get our exclusive Know Before You Go Guide and all the post-booking help: reservations, dining tips, excursion advice, upgrade assistance and more. Basically, you handle the reservation and we’ll handle everything that makes your cruise unforgettable.
Virgin Voyages isn’t your grandma’s cruise line. It’s adults only, all inclusive, ridiculously good food, hammocks on your balcony, Scarlet Night pool parties, and destinations that make you feel like you’re living in a travel magazine. Once you try it, you’ll never look at cruising the same way again.
Here’s the fun part: you don’t have to figure it out on your own. When you book with Shoreline Destinations, you get insider tips (like the exact restaurants you should book on day one, and why you need a second red dress) plus access to perks you won’t find clicking around on your own. We’ll help you pick the perfect ship, the right cabin, and the itinerary that actually fits your style.
So, grab your suitcase, toss in something fabulous for Scarlet Night, and let’s get you on board. Virgin Voyages is waiting!
Cheers to all things travel!
