All you need to know about Virgin Voyages

What exactly is the Virgin vibe? Why’s it so different? What’s the food like? We give you the full lowdown and answer all your questions

If there’s one word to sum up the Virgin brand it’s: different. 

Of the more than 40 companies that fly the Virgin flag, all of them have made a point to shaking things up. It’s almost as if they take a look at their competitors and then purposefully do it differently. 

When it comes to the its cruise line, Virgin Voyages is no exception. 

Hence, regular cruisers should consider themselves first-timers if they’ve never experienced the Virgin version of cruising.

And if you’ve never cruised before, it’s best o leave any preconceptions of cruising on shore because, quite frankly, Virgin is in an ocean all of its very own. 

If you’re thinking about stepping onboard, then you should definitely be asking yourself: how different is different? And will that suit me?

This article will help you answer these questions before you take the plunge. It’ll tell you what you can expect; what life is like on board; who you’ll be cruising with and so much more. 

So let’s dive right in:

To kick off we’re going to address the first thing that we bet is on your mind by asking: is Virgin just for party animals?

Absolutely NOT. This is one of the biggest assumptions and misconceptions, so we thought we’d address it head on right from the start. 

Admittedly, when the cruise line first launched back in 2020, it heavily marketed the onboard ‘party vibe’. The spectacular drag shows, the immersive performances, the nightclubs and the tattoo parlours all hogged the headlines – because they were (and are) so different compared with what you’ll find on other cruise ships. They catapulted the cruise line right into the centre of the spotlight – that’s great marketing for you. 

However, while all those things are still very much there, over the years Virgin Voyages has gained a reputation for offering so much more. 

For one, the food is right up there. The theatre productions and festival-like line up of shows are cutting edge. The design of the ships mean there are loads of areas in which to relax and find solitude if that’s what you want. And for well being and fitness fanatics, the programme of gym classes, the healthy dining options and the spa all score very highly. 

While the Virgin ships have all the facilities you’ll find on the big cruise lines, they also have the small, intimate spaces you’ll expect in a boutique hotel. 

So,  put it this way – if you want to party then you’re invited (and it’s a party like no other); but don’t write off Virgin if want to chill out, relax and do your own thing. You will not be disturbed by partygoers if you simply want a night in or to have a gorgeous, quiet dinner with friends.

You can have one; you can have the other, or – as many Sailors do – you can have both. 

So now we’ve got that sorted, who is your typical Virgin Voyage passenger?

For a start, they’re not passengers. They’re ‘Sailors’. 

While the average age is 48, you’re equally likely to see an 18 year old on board as you are an 68-year-old. 

Rather than age, it’s mentality that generalises the Virgin sailors. 

They’re young at heart. They’re down to earth; open minded and up for a laugh. 

And what about the crew?

The 1,160 crew members justify a separate question because they’re a massive part of the Virgin cruise experience (in our opinion, far more so than on any other cruise line). 

It seems that almost all are showmen in their own right. Because so many of the shows are immersive, crew and Sailors will often find themselves dancing on the same stage. 

Each member has that Virgin attitude and they’re (very) passionate about their jobs. Crew are dressed very casually in a ’uniform’ of t-shirt and trainers and, in a unique move for the cruise sector, they’re allowed to have visible tattoos. Just as Virgin encourages its passengers, it equally encourages its crew to  express their individuality and “come as you are”. 

Your first encounter with a crew mate is likely to be as you walk up the gangway. Clad in a cropped top and knee-high boots, he or she will welcome you with a cheery “Hello, sailor” and a playful shake of their hips. See what we mean?

But what exactly makes Virgin Voyages different from other cruise lines?

It’s all goes back to that Virgin vibe. This starts before you’ve even stepped on board. Take a look at the website and you’ll see that even the language is ‘chilled out’. For example, suites are entitled Fab, Gorgeous, Cheeky or Posh. 

And the passengers? Only adults can step on board a Virgin cruise. While there are a handful of cruise ships out there that are ‘kid-free’ zones, the entire Virgin Voyages’ fleet is strictly reserved for passengers who are 18-years-old and above. 

This is the chance to escape the kids, let your hair down and leave all parental responsibilities at home. 

Having said that, this does seem to open the flood gates for passengers to let loose their inner child – and there are more than enough opportunities to do just that (although throwing a full-on kicking tantrum will not be tolerated). 

This adult-only policy, instantly gives the ships a fun, carefree vibe with passengers keen to make the most of every minute. 

It also allows Virgin to push the traditional boundaries when it comes to the entertainment, making room for the odd double entendre, hilarious innuendo and risqué drag queen performances. 

What’s more, as part of Virgin disruptively throwing out the traditional cruise rulebook, it’s scrapped the formal nights that you’ll find on many cruise lines. No need to dust down that black tie suit or ball gown (unless you want to of course - any thing goes on a Virgin cruise). Instead, you can don your PJs and join in the Pyjamas Party or wear a splash of red on Scarlet Night – but more on that later. 

Formality is also out the window when it comes to the dining. You can forget the assigned dining times, allocated table or archetypal buffet queues that you find on many traditional cruises. There’s none of that with Virgin. Dine where you like or when you like.

But don’t for one second assume that informal means you’ll forgo luxury. It’s been described as “rebelliously luxe” and you’ll soon understand what this means when you experience it for yourself. The food certainly falls into the luxury category, with Michelin-created menus (we’ll be paying that a visit further down). 

Plus, the cutting-edge onboard technology; the bright red chair hammocks hanging on the terraces; the spontaneous pop-up performances; the ‘shake yer phone for Champagne’ concept…  these are just a handful of the many small Virgin-esque touches that add up to make a BIG difference when comparing Virgin Voyages with other cruise lines. 

OK, but before I splash out, what’s included in the price? And what’s not?

Virgin flirts with the concept of all-inclusive. While it doesn’t cover every possible amenity, it includes many features that other cruise lines often charge extra for. Every voyage includes dining at 20+ eateries, all gratuities are covered, wifi is free and essential drinks and unlimited group fitness classes are all covered in the fare. 

When they say essential drinks, this means all non-alcoholic drinks. Don’t fret, water is just one of the options in full flow. You’ll have an endless pot of coffee on tap, all manner of healthy fresh juices, sodas and shakes.

Anything stronger you’ll need to pay for. Sailors can do this by pre-purchasing a ‘bar tab’. But be sure to drink your fill, because any credit left on your tab is not refunded at the end of the cruise. 

Another top tip is to pre book your Bar Tab before you travel and Virgin will top it up!

All food is included, even at the speciality restaurants. However, some of these eateries might have specials on their menu that cost extra – but only a few. 

Unsurprisingly there’s a charge to use the spa and for any beauty and wellbeing treatments. 

And shore excursions need to be paid for. 

Other than that it’s true to its word when it says it’s ‘Almost All-Inclusive, Utterly Unforgettable’.

Sounds good. So, tell us about the fleet and what ship should I choose?

You’ve got four ships to choose from – or you will have once Brilliant Lady sets sail at the end of 2024. 

The fleet is made up of ‘Lady Ships’, a play on the term ‘your ladyship’ giving a nod to Virgin’s British heritage. 

You’ve got the choice of Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and, as we’ve said, Brilliant Lady. 

Each ship has the distinctive Virgin red splashes with each one adorned with the brand’s iconic mermaid image. Apparently she reflects a powerful spirit guide. 

Each ship hosts 2,770 Sailors and 1,160 crew. 

Taking inspiration from the sleek and modern interiors of a super yacht, all four Ladies have the same design. The onboard facilities are the same on all four too, so there’s no need doing a comparison. 
Of course, the itineraries differ. Brilliant Lady is build slightly differently to allow her to cruise down the Panama Canal, and the programme of entertainment varies slightly with some shows being exclusive to certain ships.

OK, so tell me about these great shows and the entertainment

Virgin puts on a show like no other cruise line. It’s one of their key points of difference and it makes every effort to keep it that way with its avant-garde and boundary-pushing programme of performances. 

Shunning the classic Broadway productions, Virgin has appointed the talents of top directors, choreographers, artists and the odd drag queen or two to curate original, first-at-sea shows and a festival-like line up of entertainment. 

There’s an extensive choice, and as we said, the programme can differ from ship to ship.

The Red Room hosts the big shows, such as (at the time of writing) long-running Duel Reality, which has earned itself rave reviews. It’s a fast-paced retelling of Romeo and Juliet with an elaborate Cirque de Soleil-esque twist. Witness the red team grapple against  the blue with a jaw-dropping array of stunts and death-defying stunts.

Another example (at the time of writing) is the appropriately titled: Untitled Danceshow Partything. As the name suggests, it’s not really sure what it is. Think of it as a cross between being in a music video and a nightclub, with a touch of old-school showbiz charm. This show blurs the lines between stage and nightclub, and with the seats removed, the audience has no choice but to join in. Get ready for joyful dance moments, catchy tunes, unexpected surprises - and a cat (yes, you read that correctly. We’ll let you figure that one out!)

While The Red Room hosts the big shows, through a glittering hall of mirrors you enter The Manor. This two-storey nightclub (named after Richard Branson’s first recording studio) is the venue for cabaret shows and of course interactive dance parties. 

One girl who loves to party is the resident drag queen. She’s usually on the dance floor keeping the party in full swing. Her quick wit and innuendo-laden repartee is sure to have you belly laughing. She’s often the host of the ship’s daytime game shows; she takes centre stage at the infamous drag brunch and she’s the perfect selfie partner. 

If there were to be an equivalent of a kids’ club onboard, then it would surely be The Arcade or the Social Club. Here you can hang out and play arcade games of yesteryear, such as Pacman and air hockey. Both venues are akin to a youth club but much, much posher. If you’re a pub quiz connoisseur then the Social Club is the place to show off.

Meanwhile, wannabe popstars and Swifties can let loose in The Groupie – a bookable karaoke, gaming and movie lounge that can be hired for private parties. 

Harping back to Virgin’s original roots, music fans will love the Voyage Vinyl – the ships’ novel record store and a first for a cruise ship. Flick through the albums, grab a set of headphones and listen to your favourite and classic songs. Nothing beats the crackle of a ‘real record’. 

In addition, there are lots of other entertainment hotspots dotted about the ship. But, don’t be surprised to see bands, magicians or comedians popping up in all corners of the ships. This is particularly the case on the infamous Scarlet Night for which Virgin Voyages has become renown. 

If you haven’t already, this is the night when you really let your hair down. Brace yourself for pop-up circus performances, interactive games, gigs and Mardi Gras-type parades that take over the ship.

To have the most fun on Scarlet Night, join in the fun by wearing something red and be prepared to say “yes”. You could well find yourself competing in a dance off, playing charades or limbo-ing to see how low- can you go.

At 10:45pm all activities lead to the pool deck for the grand finalé of Scarlet Night. The staff perform to the Scarlet Night theme song before inviting everyone to dive in and dance in the pool under the watchful eye of a giant, inflatable octopus (of course!).

What’s the food like?

Gosh, where do we start(ers)? 

Look at the reviews from cruise critics and it’s the quality and the variety of food that seems to be garnering the five stars for Virgin Voyages these days. Apparently it commissioned world-class chefs to design the menus and it seems to be paying off. 

Virgin has opted for more intimate spaces as opposed to the vast dining halls and sprawling buffets you’ll find on many other cruise ships. 

You’ll have more than 20 places to choose from, including six restaurants.

For a quick bite, best head to the Galley where you’ll be able to pick from a number of street food stalls, such as the taco shack (we love the clever title: Let's Taco About It), sushi bar, pastry and panini shop, a noodle bar, a soup and salad stand and a 24-hour American diner.

There’s no need to endure lengthy queues in The Galley (or for that mind, in any of the dining venues on board). Just raise your little red Ahoy! flag that sits on the table and a crew member will know you’re ready to be served. The Galley is also the place to head to if you get the nighttime munchies as it serves 24/7.

The six restaurants are all very different. And remember, there’s no extra costs to dine in the ‘speciality’ restaurants – they’re all considered ‘special’. You may have a few premium options on some of the menus, but these are kept to a minimum. 

We’d advise you make reservations ahead of time so that you get to dine at as many as you can. The main restaurants can be booked on the Virgin Voyages App from 45 days before embarkation and once onboard. We’ll talk about the App further down. 

The Wake is the most glamorous restaurant. It serves succulent steaks and seafood in a mid-twentieth century chop-house atmosphere. 

By contrast Razzle Dazzle is largely veggie and vegan – the Impossible Burger is fabulous. Razzle Dazzle is also the venue for the infamous (aforementioned) Drag Brunch. 

The Test Kitchen is a real experience – and experiment at the same time. It’s Virgin’s take on a Michelin-starred modern cuisine concept. You’re not given a menu, just a list of ingredients. The kitchen is more like a laboratory, with the chefs conjuring up all sorts of fancy dishes – think lots of smoke, foam, wild colours and flavours that play with your mind. The Instagram-worthy plates look like works of art, so there’s always lots of snapping going on. 

Pink Agave will take you on a culinary tour of Mexico, while Extra Virgin is the ships’ Italian trattoria.

And a first for any cruise line is Gunbae, a Korean BBQ. Diners sit around tables with a grill in the middle and meat, fish and veg selections are rustled up in front of you. But the food is just one reason to dine here. Every meal at Gunbae begins with a Korean drinking game that includes a complimentary shot of soju. 

Meanwhile, The Dock is a rustic beach club-inspired space serving Mediterranean small plates alongside meat and seafood skewers cooked on the flame grill. It’s the perfect choice if you can’t bear to drag yourself out of the sun. 

And to cool off there’s always the ice cream parlour (entitled Lick me ’til Ice Cream – we’ll say no more).

Blimey, sounds like I’ll put on weight - how can I keep active?

Not necessarily. You can be an active sailor or a slouchy sailor – the choice is yours. 

If you’re the former, then there are loads of healthy options on board. And there's a real fitness-centric and wellbeing vibe onboard too.

Pound the track of the Runway – admittedly, it’s only 255 metres long, but a few rounds of jogging around that should do the trick (and the views are pretty awesome).

The calories will be left in the ship’s wake when you hit the Training Camp.

From spinning and HiiT classes to Barre and Bungee sessions, all are included in the package. So that’s even more of an incentive to work out.

The gym, B-Complex, is decked out with all the state-of-the-art equipment, and you can also take a turn in the Geezers Boxing ring (we’ve been reassured it’s for Gals too). 

Virgin’s shore excursions are another opportunity for you to shape up and see the sights at the same time. Go for a hike, have a SUP session or explore using peddle power.

For those who feel less energetic, then the Redemption spa beckons. Its Thermal Suite includes a mud room, salt room, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, and heated marble hammam benches.

And as the sun rises or sets, wander up to The Perch for a spot of yoga or soulful meditation. 

Looking your best is totally achievable with Virgin. The onboard nail and hair salons ensure you’re well groomed, and if you fancy getting another (or your first) tattoo, then a visit to Squid Ink is a must. 

What’s the dress code?

What dress code? There is none. Virgin’s ripped out this page of the traditional cruising rulebook too. 

In the daytime, it’s casual beachwear – you can even go topless at The Perch on Deck 17! In the evenings, wear what you like, although most people dress up a bit for dinner in the speciality restaurants. 

While there are no formal nights, anything goes on a Virgin cruise, so feel free to go full-on taffeta and tiara if you so wish. It’s hard to feel out of place.

However, be sure to bring something red for Scarlet Night and pack your best PJs for the pyjamas party, which normally kicks off on the first night of each voyage.  

Talking of pyjamas, where am I going to sleep?

The Ladies have each got 1,330 cabins and 78 Rockstar Quarters on board. Around 93% have got ocean views and 86% come with a balcony on which you’ll find your hanging hammock chair – bright red of course. 

A quirky Virgin-esque touch are the ‘sea beds’ – billed as ‘the first-ever transformational cabin bed at sea’. The idea is that one minute they can be a bed, ideal for relaxing (and sleeping obviously) and the next they can be reconfigured and made into a sofa meaning the cabin becomes more of a spacious and social space for entertaining. In fairness, most people tend to leave them as beds, but it’s a handy feature if you do decide to have friends over.

The mood can also be changed with the clever use of lighting. Want a calming vibe, go blue. Want to spice things up, make it red. 

Another snazzy use of technology is the fact that the floors of the cabin have sensors in them. When you step back into your cabin, the floor will sense that you’ve returned ‘home’ and the curtains will magically open for you unveiling glorious views of the ocean beyond. 

It’s the Suites where it gets more interesting. 

Rockstar suites are jauntily named Brilliant Suite, Cheeky Corner Suite, Seriously Suite and Sweet Aft Suite. Here you’ll find large marbled bathrooms, Rockstar embroidered robes, sun loungers and a mini bar that’s topped up with your favourites each day. Some also include record players, which is quite quirky.

If you want to upgrade to be a Mega Rockstar then you’ll be staying in either a Fab, Posh, Gorgeous or Massive Suite (when they say massive they mean a generous 2,147sq ft). 

These Mega suites come with similarly large bathrooms but with Peek-a-View showers (ie: windows that look out to sea), a bottomless mini bar (could be dangerous) and an outdoor shower on the terrace. 

But upgrading to Rockstar or Mega Rockstar status gets you more perks than just the fancier cabin. 

OK, I want to be a Rockstar – what will I get?

Right from the start you’re treated like a VIP. Not only will you have your own entrance but you’re allowed to board earlier than every one else. This gives you a head start in reserving your seats at all the shows. For the really popular shows, this is a golden ticket. 

You’ll also have the unbridled attention of the Rockstar Agents. These agents are there to jump when you say jump (within reason). Whether it’s a simple inquiry or helping you with reservations, they’re at your beck and call around the clock. 

Mega Rockstars are the real super sailors. They not only get the bottomless mini bar refills, they also get a daily bar tab and daily access to the spa. 

And, as if to make all the other Sailors on board seriously jealous, it’s only Rockstars who have access to Richard's Rooftop.

On this exclusive deck, you’ll rub shoulders with other Rockstars at stargazing parties and pre-dinner cocktail hours while sipping complimentary Moet Champagne. With ample day beds, hot tubs and a remarkable view, you know you’ve arrived when you step onto Richard’s Rooftop.

And to ensure everyone knows you’re a Rockstar, you’ll be wearing a black wrist band as opposed to a red one, which the other Sailors will be donning. 

What are the wristbands for?

Ah, well this is the clever bit. Your trendy, surfer-style bracelet is your cabin key. It also doubles up as your ID and links to your cashless on-board account. It’s another fancy use of technology, as is the app. 

What can I do with the Virgin App?

This is where you are in full control. And Buoy it’s really clever. 

Use the app to make all your show reservations and book onto the shore excursions. 

You can also check and top up your bar tab total here, as well as manage your restaurant, spa and fitness bookings.

Can’t be bothered to go to the Sailor Services desk? Then direct message them using the app and within minutes you’ll have your answer. 

And no need to endure countless announcements over a loud tannoy, just check the app to find out what’s going on where and when.  

What’s more, when we said there’s no queuing on ship, it’s all thanks to this snazzy app. Rather than queue you stay put and the app will ping to let you know it’s nearly your turn. How clever is that?

And best of all: give your phone a shake and a secret button will be revealed. Press it and a bottle of Moët will be delivered almost anywhere on board. That’s what you call swish.

So where can I go?

Virgin has got the Caribbean and Europe well and truly covered. Plus, with home ports in New York, Miami, LA and Seattle, it ticks off all four corners of North America allowing its Ladies to glide along the charming northeast, the wild west coast, Alaska and, as we said earlier, Brilliant Lady will be gliding down the Panama Canal. 

European voyages set sail from Barcelona, Athens or from Portsmouth here in the UK. Cruising the Med on week-long voyages take in the likes of Mykonos, Ibiza, Croatia, and Toulon. Ibiza is always a popular stop with the line making the point of spending at least 24 hours here, allowing guests to party Ibiza-style at night, while taking the sun-drenched sites of the white island by day.

Short sailings to Bahamas and the Caribbean out of Miami are particularly popular. Itineraries often include a stop at Virgin’s The Beach Club at Bimini in the Bahamas.

This private beach club offers high energy and laid back seclusion in equal measure. The DJ will spin chilled out tracks during the day and will ramp things up for the popular pool parties. Come nighttime, guests can gather around the beach bonfire where the party winds down with an acoustic musical performance. 

Just as on board ship, food is complementary with a local flavour – think conch and mango salad, banana leaf wrapped queen snapper and finished off with a slice of rum cake.

The club is dotted with six bars and social spaces with guests hanging out in hammocks or chilling in beachside cabanas. Yoga classes and watersports are also on offer at Bimini. 

For Sailors wanting to explore the paths less travelled, then Virgin’s Shore Things programme might appeal. Rather than the stock tour experiences usually on offer from cruise liners, Virgin has delved deeper into the local culture to provide Sailors with authentic and one-off experiences. 

For example, rather than join the crowds on the streets of central Dubrovnik, you can escape the city walls on an ATV expedition across the Dinaric Alps and explore the villages devoid of tourists. Experience the dramatic Dalmatian landscape up-close and personal, off-roading your way through undisturbed nature to find the best views of Dubrovnik.

Alternatively, visit a Belgian brewery while in Bruges, go kayaking in Corsica, trekking in Tortola or cooking in Costa Maya, Mexico.

Want to hear more about Virgin Voyages? Listen to the Travel Podcast

Join Hayley Sparks and Eamonn Holmes as they dive into the extraordinary world of Virgin Voyages. This week, they are joined by SJ, who gives us an insider’s look at what makes Virgin Voyages a game-changer in the cruise industry.

So what now?

If you’re ready to step on board a Virgin Voyages cruise, then I’m here to help. 

As a Not Just Travel agent I’ve most possibly got a few deals up my sleeves. I’ve also got the inside knowledge, so I can help you pin point the best cabin and the sailing that will suit you best. 

And remember, I don’t charge you for my service – so why not take advantage of my knowledge and expertise? Let me do the leg work for you while you sit back and enjoy your holiday even before it’s started. 

Give me a call Sailor!