virgin voyages activities

Events & Entertainment On Board Virgin Voyages Ships

Explore the events and entertainment available to sailors on board the Virgin Voyages cruise ships; Scarlet Lady , Valiant Lady , Resilient Lady and the upcoming Brilliant Lady . Some of these events are exclusive to individual ships while others available on board all of the ships in Virgin’s fleet.

• Headline Shows
• Club Nights
• Cabaret Shows
• Food and Drink Events
• Scarlet Night Events
• Pool Events
• Gambling Events
• Wellness Events

View Event Line-up

heels Featured Headline Shows

Virgin Voyages® attracts the talents of some of the most talented acrobatics experts, singers, dancers, comedians and cirque performers from around the world. With many of the stars from world-renowned touring companies or even The Olympic Games these shows are set to stun. There are the headline shows that take center stage, dazzling in some memorable and unique entertainment at sea.

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Duel Reality

On Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady

An artful retelling of Romeo and Juliet by stunning acrobatics performers. Watch as two groups grapple with the desire to rise above one another through graceful and death-defying acts.

Festival Stage

On all ships

Taking a cue from festival-style performances, Virgin Voyages invites a rotation of comedians, magicians, and specialty artists across the entire fleet.

Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle

On Resilient Lady

Mind Mangler is headline show; a spoof of classic mind-reading and magic shows that you might find on other cruise lines. Originating from the Edinburgh Fringe, this is an unpredictable and fun show with a great cast.

Miss Behave Show

On Resilient Lady and Valiant Lady

"Miss Behave Show" – a revolutionary game show that defies conventions. Brace yourself for a unique experience as Team AHOY and Team SAILOR engage in a fierce competition for points with your hosts.

On Brilliant Lady and Resilient Lady

A unique retelling of Greek mythology with the ultimate mix of acrobatics, singing, dancing and much more that has to be seen.

Ships in the Night

On Scarlet Lady

Offering a creative combination of technology and choreography this show more closely resembles other cruise ship offerings in a full broadway style production.

UNTITLED DANCESHOWPARTYTHING

Join your Virgin Voyages dancers for a one-of-a-kind dance show with joyful dance moments, catchy tunes, and unexpected surprises.

album Featured Club Nights

Club nights are the raucous centrepiece of select nights of your Virgin Voyages. The Happenings Cast will help lead proceedings in a wild themed night of DJ beats and fun details and features. Some of these club night events will have a fun optional dress code for those sailors that really want to show off their disco flair.

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BoomVang is a dedicated club night on Virgin Voyages ships, offering music, dancing, and immersive experiences in The Manor nightclub.

This club night is one of the original Virgin Voyages parties - with mixes of house, groove, funk, pop, and disco on the dance floor and exciting and fun performances from The Happenings Cast.

Klub Rubiks: Not your Average 80s Party

Put on your 1980s-inspired glad-rags and get ready to boogie with fun electric beats and the occasional dance interlude from The Happenings Cast. With some zany performances and fun music this club night is a must!

A vibrant blend of the past and the present. This unique nighttime event on Virgin Voyages not only reverberates with the iconic disco sounds of the 70s and 80s but adds a modern twist with spontaneous performances from a seasonal roster of circus performers.

The PJ Party

Encouraging guests to wear their best pyjamas, the PJ Party offers a memorable night of music, dancing, and unexpected surprises.

On Brilliant Lady , Resilient Lady and Valiant Lady

This glitteringly-GOLD event is about all things fancy. The Happenings Cast invite you to celebrate the last night of your cruise in style as they guide you though a golden fantasy of world music beats.

perfume Featured Cabaret Shows

Cabaret events onboard Virgin Voyages are shows are performed in a bar-service setting. This normally involves a stage-show with live vocal performances and dancing. Some dinner-show cabaret events will have a meal served as part of their offering.

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Another Rose

An immersive up charge event combing the elements of cabaret and immersive theater to create an unforgettable dinner party journey.

Around The World With The Diva

Around the World in 80 Minutes with The Diva is the wildest drag show at sea. The ship's resident drag queen with dance, sing and lip-sync her way around the world and bring you along for the voyage.

It's a Ship Show

On Valiant Lady

The ultimate variety show onboard, an eclectic host will guide you through a unique twist on the old-school variety hour. Featuring food, live music, comedy and performances from talent around the world.

Lola's Library

This late at night event won't resemble your local library. Your host, Lola, alongside a cast of characters — like her nerdy assistant, Dewey, and the bossy maid, Mary — will take you through the eclectic book collection.

LOLz Supper Club

Launched in March 2024 on Scarlet Lady LOLz Supper Club offers up a selection of comedians in The Manor night club paired with food.

The Hostess Sings Her Secrets

The ship's hostess guides the audience through the best ways to host a dinner party all tied up in a post modern jukebox style cabaret show within The Manor.

bar Featured Food and Drink Events

Food and drink events on Virgin Voyages are some of the most infamous of them all! With events like the 'Grog Walk', 'Rice Rice Baby' and 'Shot for Shot' being some of the most memorable events in your voyage line-up. These events often include speciality cocktails, bubble or other speciality drinks as part of the running order.

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Afternoon Tea

Each sea day at Sip Lounge - Afternoon Tea. Spanning three hours with some of the world's freshest and most vibrant teas and cocktails.

Beyond Tequila: Rituals and Stories of a Mezcalier

Virgin Voyages' Beyond Tequila at Pink Agave: debunking myths, tasting history, and mescal insights for $50.

Bottomless Brunch

Available daily at The Wake & Razzle Dazzle for a low cost of $25 for up to 2 hours of bottomless brunch drinks.

Bubbles & Bites - Champagne & Fried Chicken

On Resilient Lady , Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady

Bubbles & Bites offers a distinctive culinary experience combining champagne tasting with the comfort of fried chicken for a $45 charge.

Flight Night

Experience a lively beer tasting event that feels more like a party than a lecture.

A must-do on the first night of you voyage - the renowned Virgin Voyages bar crawl. A great way to start your first night and meet your fellow sailors. Famous for helping sailors meet lifelong friends!

Loteria Gigante

Deemed a 'millennial bingo' Loteria Gigante is a silly mix of bingo and tequila/mezcal tasting. A fun event with plenty of flair hosted in Pink Agave, the Mexican restaurant by The Happenings Cast.

A bartending street-fight; Two mixologists go head-to-head to mix up the best cocktail. Judged by the crowd and emceed with campy and fun 90s R'n'B antics by The Happenings Cast.

A Greek Culinary Experience Embark on a culinary voyage inspired by the vibrant flavors of Greece with Opa Hour. Launched...

Path of the Negroni - Master Beverage Class

A unique blend of Campari, sweet vermouth, and gin. Path of the Negroni is a tasting experience takes place in Extra Virgin on Deck 6.

Rice Rice Baby - Sushi Class

Rice Rice Baby is hosted by the esteemed Foodie from the Happenings Cast on Virgin Voyages. Sailors will delve into the art of sushi-making for a nominal fee of $25 per person.

Richard's Champagne/Sunset Happy Hour for Rockstars

Every day, Virgin Voyages hosts a Sunset Happy Hour, offering a unique opportunity for Rockstars and Mega Rockstars to connect with their fellow cruisers and Rockstar agents whilst enjoying a range of drinks.

Shot For Shot

A mixology-and-mingle class. A mixologist and 'The Foodie' from The Happenings Cast will guide you through producing 3 signature cocktails, a great way meet other sailors and sample some fantastic cocktails.

dress Featured Scarlet Night Events

Scarlet Night is one of the highlights of most sailor's voyages. The whole ship transforms to celebrate this unique night with a huge number or unique events happening across all major venues and bars. Lead by The Happenings Cast, Scarlet Night is an unmissable series of events, keep an eye for it in your event line-up and remember to always “Keep it Red!” with your best red outfit.

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Scarlet Night: (Not-So Pool) Party

When bad weather makes the pool party a washout, Virgin Voyages doesn't let that stop Scarlet Night. The fun and festivities of Scarlet Night are brought to The Red Room for something extra special.

Scarlet Night: Opening Event

The opening event for Scarlet Night, here The Happenings Cast will welcome you to the fun and excitement Scarlet Night has to offer with music and dancing and a special Virgin Voyages toast.

Scarlet Night: Pool Party

One of the most talked-about events of any Virgin Voyage. The Scarlet Night Pool Party is the biggest Scarlet Night celebration. Dress to get wet as the party heats up when sailors are invited to let loose and dance in the pool!

Scarlet Night: The Afterparty

After the pool party, the final event in the Scarlet Night line-up is the afterparty. The Manor night club lights up red with current pop hits and club beats to finish Scarlet Night off with a bang.

The Octopus Garden: The Story of Scarlet Night

The Octopus Goddess invites you into her realm to sing the tales of Scarlet Night.

The Tentacle Tour

This invite-only tour is reserved only for Virgin Voyages VIP guests. We can’t reveal all the secrets here but it's not one to miss if you get a special invite!

bikini Featured Pool Events

These events happen around the ship's main pool. It's always good to be ready to get wet because the fun really starts when you take the party into the pool itself! There are raised sections on each end of the pool so you can dance and be part of the action without having to go all the way in.

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Let’s Set Sail (Sail Away Party)

As your lady ship pushes away from the shore "Let's Set Sail" is the start of your vacation, with free bubbles and a mingle with your Happenings cast.

casual Featured Casual Fun Events

There's something around every corner on board the Virgin Voyages ships. These events include everything from behind the scenes tours to karaoke.  Often ran by an energetic member of The Happenings Cast .

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Behind the Scenes - Ship Tour

Take a step behind the inner workings of Virgin Voyages through their 2.5 hour Behind the Scenes ship tour visiting the bridge and more.

Karaoke with The Happenings Cast

A casual and fun karaoke event at The Social Club, select members of The Happenings Cast will help emcee proceedings with a digital songbook of thousands of songs.

Nintendo Switch Game Night

Nintendo Switch Game Night offers the opportunity for sailors to immerse themselves in some friendly competition while sailing the high seas. Virgin Voyages provides all the equipment and games !

card Featured Gambling Events

Virgin Voyages is world-renown for adult fun at sea. With its well-furnished on-board casino tables, slots and casino bar. The Virgin Voyages Happenings Cast members offer exclusive gaming events throughout your voyage from tournaments in the casino to fun Bingo With The Diva.

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Bingo With The Diva

A big bingo event hosted by The Diva - the ship's fabulous resident drag queen. Co-hosted by a member of The Happenings Cast this is a unique take on the classic game with campy and saucy thrown into the mix.

Horseplay Seahorse Auction & Race

Race your own personalized painted seahorse for the chance to win the grand cash prize on the final day of your cruise!

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11 Things To Do at the Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini

Virgin Voyages may be a small cruise line compared to the major players like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, but there is no doubt that it is making a splash.

Since opening for booking in February — and even before — the industry has been abuzz with all the ways that Virgin is taking a different approach to cruising . From being adults-only (no one under 18 is allowed) to the look and feel of the ships to the fact that wi-fi and gratuities are included in the price of your cruise — instead of being additional costs.

And it’s not just on the ship where Virgin Voyages is making updates to the normal cruise experience. As many other cruise lines have done, Virgin is planning its own private space in the Bahamas, where cruise passengers can spend the day enjoying the sun and beach.

What’s different is… well, just about everything.

Known as The Beach Club at Bimini , the island is located about 55 miles from the Port of Miami where Virgin’s first ship will sail from. Already all itineraries announced so far for the cruise line’s first ship — Scarlet Lady — are set to have a stop at The Beach Club. One major difference in this port call? The schedule calls for lengthy, all-day stays instead of just a few hours . In some cases arriving at 8 a.m. and leaving at 6:30 p.m. and on other cruises arriving at 9 a.m. and departing at 10 p.m.

So what exactly can you plan to do while at The Beach Club all day? Here’s a list of things already mentioned by the cruise line to take up your day in port.

Hang out in (or by) the resort-style pool

According to Virgin, the pool at The Beach Club is the “central anchor” of the area. And judging by the renderings, it will definitely be the place to be. By day the sweeping pool surrounded by loungers will be a great place to cool off and hang out with the friends you brought or made on board. By night, the pool’s lighting accents — and nearby DJ booth — will make it an awesome place to hang out under the stars.

Start the day with yoga and meditation

Virgin is putting a big focus on your entire well-being on a cruise, not just having a good time and getting some sun. They call it “Vitamin Sea.” At The Beach Club, it includes morning yoga and meditation, with the sounds of the ocean as the backdrop. Given everything we’ve heard about Virgin, we’re not sure people will be up early in the morning, but those who are have a relaxing way to ease into their day on shore.

Be a part of the DJ-led party

While Vitamin Sea sounds great, let’s be honest. If you’re at a beautiful private resort in the middle of paradise, then you likely want to let loose a little. Virgin plans “DJ-led pool and flotilla parties will be the center of the action” during the afternoon. Grab yourself a drink and stake out a spot by the pool to have a day you won’t forget anytime soon.

Take in the beach bonfire

With the ship staying so much later at Bimini than most other ships stay at their ports of call, there is the opportunity to do some unique things you won’t experience anywhere else. In this case, Virgin plans to have a beach bonfire during the evening, along with acoustical music. When the sun is setting and things are cooling off, we can think of no better way to take in the evening.

Party with Mark Ronson as DJ

Now we’ve already mentioned the DJ-led parties by the pool, but if you’re really a music aficionado, then you’ll want to check your calendar. Mark Ronson (perhaps most famous for collaborating with Bruno Mars for Uptown Funk) will have four performances at The Beach Club during 2020. This is the only opportunity we know of to have a blast partying on the beach with a 7-time Grammy-Award-winner, who also just won his first Oscar.

Eat like a local

One of the big drawbacks of many cruises is that they can remove the culture of a place to appeal to the widest audience. For example, most private islands from the cruise lines will serve up hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch. Virgin plans to offer Bahamian favorites instead, specifically mentioning “conch and mango salad, banana leaf-wrapped queen snapper, Bahamian rum cake and more.” If you want something else, there’s always the eateries on the ship, which are free of charge.

Have a drink (or six)

No cruise is a cruise without having something tasty to drink. And while the new cruise line is changing a lot of things, it’s not changing that. The resort on Bimini will have six bars for you to choose from. And since you are there all day you can each try to do the “Bimini bar crawl” — get a drink from each bar at the club before you make it back to the ship.

Just hang out in a hammock

There’s not much that’s better than hanging out at the beach in a hammock. That’s going to be easy to do at The Beach Club. There are hammock spots in multiple places, including under a grove a palm trees and even some out over the water. It’s the perfect place to relax and share a quiet moment, catch a nap, or take in the evening breeze.

Rent a poolside cabana

As we mentioned, the pool is the focus area of Virgin’s exclusive area. And around that pool are loungers, but what if you want your own dedicated space? There are poolside cabanas to rent. And if you want to hang out by the beach? There are also beach-side cabanas to rent as well. No word yet on the cost, but we’ve seen cabanas at other cruise lines run around $250 for the day. That may seem high but realize that you can usually fit multiple people in a cabana.

Play on the beach

If you want to play while enjoying the beach, you’re in luck. Virgin Voyages has said that the club will have “active areas for watersports and beach play.” There are no official details yet on what that means, but we’d guess there will be active beach sports like volleyball and soccer to keep you entertained on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Explore the Island of Bimini

Most cruise lines purchase an entire island, making it entirely their own. Virgin Voyages has instead carved out its spot on a larger island of Bimini. That means you can head out and explore the island if you like. There’s a number of things to do and see, from simple sightseeing to diving, snorkeling, eating, fishing, spas, and just simple sightseeing while you drive around a golf cart.

For more on sailing Virgin Voyages, read how the cruise line will be different here .

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Virgin Voyages Tips | 10 Things to Know Before Your First Cruise

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: January 2, 2024

If you’re sailing with Virgin Voyages, you should be prepared for sun-soaked days, fun-filled nights and flavor-packed meals. But you should also be prepared to do a bit of prep in advance if you want to take your cruise to the next level. In this post, we’ll share our 10 best Virgin Voyages tips to help you get the most out of your cruise.

I recently returned from a 5-day Virgin Voyages Dominican Daze Cruise on the Scarlet Lady . Before this trip, I had only cruised with Disney Cruise Line, and the Virgin Voyages experience was very different. (If you’re interested in how those two cruise lines compare, be sure to check out our post on Disney Cruise Line vs Virgin Voyages .) I learned so many things from my first Virgin Voyages cruise, and I’m sharing it all here.

Follow these tips and you can be sure that you won’t miss out on any of the fun (or food) onboard. The best part about these tips is that most of them can be done before your trip, so by the time you board you can sit back and relax.

Disclaimer: My Virgin Voyages cruise was graciously gifted by our trusted travel advisor, Lauren Quirk, from  Travel With Character . This post is not sponsored by Virgin Voyages or Travel With Character, and I do not receive any compensation in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

1. Complete the “Before You Sail” tasks ASAP.

As soon as you book your Virgin Voyages cruise (or as early as 120 days out), download the Virgin Voyages mobile app and complete the “Before you Sail” tasks. You’ll need the app for a few different things before and during your cruise, so you might as well get it now.

The “Before You Sail” task list has seven steps and takes about ten minutes. It includes things like confirming your passport information, taking a security photo and linking a credit card to use onboard. Most importantly though, this is where you can schedule your embarkation time. (Aka the time you can board the ship.)

It’s important to book your embarkation as soon as possible, because the best boarding times can book up quickly. What are the best embarkation times for Virgin Voyages? The earliest ones, which leads us to …

2. Schedule the earliest embarkation time.

I’d strongly recommend booking the earliest possible embarkation time for your Virgin Voyages cruise. On my cruise, this is 2 PM.

Early boarding has many benefits. Most obviously, you will have more time on the ship, plus shorter queues in the terminal. Most importantly though, early boarding means earlier access to registration for onboard activities. (We’ll talk more about that in tip #6.)

The embarkation experience will vary based on the port you’re sailing from. If you’re sailing from Miami, Virgin Voyages’ Terminal V is very well organized and boarding is quick and orderly. We were scheduled for earliest boarding group, and we were on the ship 20 minutes after we arrived at the terminal.

Boarding times are pretty strictly enforced. There are queues outside the terminal for each boarding time. If you arrive early, you’ll have to wait with your group for your time. You will not be able to board early if you arrive early.

3. Book dining reservations as soon as they open.

Meals are included on all Virgin Voyages cruises. That includes food from all quick service and table service restaurants onboard, as well room service. While all of the food onboard is pretty good, the very best, chef-curated meals can be found at the table service restaurants.

These high-end dining establishments are one of the selling points on Virgin Voyages, but actually getting a table at them takes a little bit of effort.

Virgin Voyages does not automatically schedule any meals for you. That means you’re not guaranteed a chance to dine at every (or any) table service restaurant onboard. You need to proactively make a reservation if you want eat at these table service restaurants.

Dining reservations open up 45 days before your sailing date. The exact time reservations open up reportedly varies, but it is typically around midnight in the departing port’s timezone. For example, if you are scheduled to sail on December 16, 2023 from Miami, your dining would open just after midnight ET the morning of November 1. You could potentially start checking the website in the late evening hours of October 31, around 11:30 PM, because sometimes they open early.

That said, the reservations don’t book up instantly. Unless you have a large party and are really set on a specific restaurant on a specific date and time, you probably don’t need to stay up till midnight to book your reservation. You should definitely plan to book in the morning of the day reservations open, though, for the best selection.

If you happen to miss the reservation window, don’t give up hope. All of the restaurants do have limited space for walk-ups and same-day reservations. This will just take more time and effort. There is also quick service dining available at all times.

4. See if you qualify for Deep Blue Extras.

Virgin Voyages is a relatively new cruise line, so they don’t have an established frequent sailor program just yet. While they build that up, they’re offering a collection of perks to seasoned sailors called Deep Blue Extras through the end of 2024.

Deep Blue Extras are pretty good, too. The perks include a $100 onboard drink credit, $10 per day specialty coffee credit, some complimentary laundry services and a free upgrade to premium wifi. You’ll also have access to a dedicated Sailor Services rep onboard, expedited boarding and a special happy hour.

Anyone who sailed with Virgin Voyages in 2021 (Sea-Blazers) or has sailed twice in 2022 and 2023 (Sea-Rovers) will receive Deep Blue Extras. If you qualify, these rewards will automatically be applied to your next sailing through 2024.

4.5 (Bonus tip!). Don’t tighten your Deep Blue Extras bracelet.

If you do qualify for Deep Blue Extras, you’ll get a special bracelet when you check in at the terminal. This one is a ribbon style bracelet with a one-way clasp — meaning you can tighten it but not loosen it.

If you put this bracelet on, make sure that you keep it loose enough to slide on and off. You don’t actually need this bracelet for anything, and all the perks are connected to your other NFC band. I think this is literally just to demonstrate your status on board.

I slipped mine off right away and just kept it in my purse, but I didn’t actually need it.

5. Use a hair tie for The Band.

When you check in at the terminal, they will give you a bracelet to use during your cruise. The Band is a contactless device that you need to use for pretty much everything on board. It serves as your room key, ID and credit card onboard, and you are required to tap it every time you get on and off the ship.

The NFC device itself is plastic with two attached loops. It is on a rope bracelet that wraps around your wrist twice and attaches with a small metal anchor. As you would expect from that description, the bracelet broke immediately.

Since the tap device is so important for your cruise, I’d recommend bringing a backup bracelet for it. A hair tie is the perfect solution. Slip the hair tie through one of the loops on The Band, and then pull one side of the hair tie through the other side of the hair tie to create a loop knot. Then you can wear the hair tie around your wrist and The Band won’t go anywhere.

Also, any small bracelet that can fit through these loops will do the trick.

6. Sign up for activities in the app as soon as you board.

As soon as you board, connect to the ship’s wifi and open the Virgin Voyages app. At this point, you will be able to see the full itinerary for your cruise and begin signing up for activities. To sign up for an activity, click “Add to Agenda.” (Hearting an activity doesn’t officially sign you up for it.)

Some events are “ticketed,” meaning that there is a cap on how many people can participate. Some ticketed activities have an additional fee (like cocktail classes or coffee tastings), while others are free (like yoga, spin classes and select stage shows). For ticketed events, you’ll need to tap your bracelet in order to enter.

You should sign up for all of your ticketed events as soon as you board, because some ticketed events fill up quickly. If any of these activities are important to you, be sure to check the itinerary and sign up quickly or you may miss out.

Other activities on board (like fitness classes, bingo and parties) are not ticketed. There is no formal cap on who can attend and they don’t check to see if you’ve registered before they let you participate. For these activities, adding them to your agenda is just to keep you organized.

Unfortunately, the Virgin App isn’t great and it’s even worse when everyone is using it at the same time. We experienced the app crashing, spinning and logging us out numerous times on both the basic and premium wifi. So I’d recommend heading to a bar and grabbing a drink for this process so it feels less annoying.

6.5 (Bonus Tip!). Link your party in advance.

Passengers staying in the same room should automatically be connected with each other in the app. That means that anyone in your cabin can register anyone else in your cabin for activities.

However, if you are traveling with friends or family in other cabins, you will need to manually connect them. You can complete this step at anytime, but ideally you should do it before you board. That way, anyone in your party can start booking for the entire party right away.

7. Plan for any in-person registrations.

While most things onboard can be booked in the app, there are a handful of sign-ups that have to be done in person on the ship. These are things with individual time slots, like tattoo and spa appointments and private karaoke registration, and they will be noted as such in the app. If you are set on any of these services/activities, do some research in advance and plan your first day accordingly.

For example, the tattoo parlor opens after the ship has left port and reaches international waters, often around 6 PM. The line for tattoo appointments forms early and gets long very quickly. Appointments on the last cruise day usually book up first, but they’re usually fully booked within a couple hours. If a tattoo is a priority, plan to be there about an hour before it’s scheduled to open for bookings.

Spa appointments book up less quickly, and karaoke spots usually open up daily. There might be other in-person registrations, but these are the three I know about. This is just something else you’ll want to take care of early for the best choice in times.

8. Skip luggage service when you board.

Most Virgin Voyages cruises have a luggage service available at embarkation and debarkation. The exact details vary based on your port, but here’s how it works at Terminal V in Miami.

There is a luggage check location outside the terminal. You can leave your bags here and then they will be delivered to your cabin that evening. The timing can vary, but on my cruise they were scheduled to be delivered by 6 PM.

This service can make it easier to navigate the terminal and board the ship without having to deal with your bags. This can also make security a bit easier. If you do use this service, just make sure you keep everything with you that you’ll need before 6 PM (including swimsuits, make up, meds, etc.)

It’s a good service, but I would actually recommend you skip luggage check when you board.

The main reason for that is because rooms are typically ready as soon as you board. On other cruise lines, that’s not the case, so you want to check your bags so you can enjoy the ship without lugging them around. But on Virgin Voyages, you can usually drop your bags in your room right away. This is easier than having to pack a day bag and then waiting for your bags to be delivered.

The Miami terminal is also easy to pull your bags through. The entire route is accessible by elevator, escalator, and/or ramp, so you won’t have issues with stairs. You do have to go through security, but you don’t have to remove anything from your bags like at the airport. If you have an early boarding time, this process can take less than 20 minutes.

8.5 (Bonus Tip!). Do use luggage service if you have a late debarkation time.

Similarly, Virgin Voyages also offers luggage check service on your debarkation day. You can leave your bags outside your door the night before you disembark, and then pick them up just before you exit the terminal. There is a cutoff time, but it’s usually around midnight.

This service does actually make sense if you have a late debarkation time. Most itineraries allow you to stay on the ship as late as 10:30 AM. However, access to the rooms is usually cut off before that. That means you have to keep your luggage with you.

If you plan to leave the ship late and want to have a relaxing morning, you don’t want to be lugging your bags. In this case, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the baggage service.

9. Pack the essentials.

This is not a complete packing list, but there are a few things you should be sure to pack for your Virgin Voyages cruise.

• Passport. There are some ways around this, depending on your itinerary, but it’s best to have it on you when cruising.
• Scarlet outfit. There are a few cruise parties and events, some of which vary by season, but the highlight of every Virgin Voyages cruise is Scarlet Night. Everyone wears red and there are a few events around the ship. It’s really fun and everyone gets into it, so this is the one onboard event you should definitely plan for.
• Sunblock and aloe. I’m usually pretty firmly in the buy-it-there camp, but that’s not always possible on a cruise ship. The stores onboard are only open when the ship is at sea and they are closed when the ship is at port. You might not always be able to buy these important items onboard when you need them.
• Portable charger . Virgin Voyages offers free wifi for everyone, so you might be on your phone more than you think. Plus, you’ll probably be using the app a lot to check the day’s schedules. A portable charger is nice to have in your bag. There are also many outlets around the ship, so you can also just bring an extra cord to keep with you.

10. Plan your flights properly.

If you are flying on either side of your cruise, selecting the right flight times is a delicate art.

Regardless of what port your sailing from, I would recommend flying in at least one day before you sail. Even if you don’t board until late in the afternoon or evening, I still wouldn’t recommend flying in the same day as your cruise departure. There’s always a chance that your flight gets delayed, you get rerouted, your bags get delayed, etc. You don’t want one bad travel day to cost you your entire cruise if you don’t make it there in time.

That same rule of thumb does not necessarily apply to your departure flight. It’s rare (but not impossible) that your cruise disembarkation will be drastically delayed. You can usually plan to fly out the same day that your cruise is scheduled to arrive. This of course varies based on your specific itinerary and port.

If you’re sailing from Miami, Virgin Voyages officially recommends booking a flight no earlier than noon on your arrival day.

Based on my recent personal experience, though, I would say that you could make a domestic flight as early as 10 AM. My disembarkation was scheduled for 8 AM, but I went down at 7:30 AM and walked right off the ship. There were no lines in the terminal, and I was at the Uber pick-up area by 7:42 AM. I arrived at the Miami airport at 8:02 AM and was through PreCheck security by 8:17 AM.

Everything might not always go that smoothly. However, I just wanted to share an actual timeline to help give you an idea.

Final Bonus Tip: Work with a travel advisor.

As I mentioned before, this trip was graciously gifted by our travel advisor at Travel With Character . We always work with them to book our Disney vacations , but this was my first time working with them on a cruise. I got to experience first hand what it was like to have a dedicated travel advisor help with my cruise vacation, and it was a dream.

They stayed on top of all of the timelines I mention throughout this post, and sent out reminders for each task to make sure nothing slipped through the cracks. Not only did they make the cruise planning a breeze, but they also helped plan my hotel and activities in Miami before the cruise, and they quickly found a third-party tour provider when our cruise itinerary changed last minute.

If you want your travel planning to be as stress-free as the cruise itself, I’d highly recommend reaching out to Travel With Character. (And no, they’re not paying me to say that.)

Family travel with a toddler

Solo cruise on Virgin Voyages (what to expect)

Looking for information on how a solo cruise works? Here’s our brief guide on a solo cruise on Virgin Voyages. We break down if it’s worth it, if there is a solo surcharge, and what to expect on a solo cruise. 

This post is part of our cruising series, to read more cruising content, here are a few articles we suggest: 

• Why book a Virgin Voyages Cruise
• Virgin Voyages Restaurants Guide – what restaurants are there and where to eat onboard
• The ultimate guide to Virgin Voyages activities on the ship/What to expect during Scarlet Night
• Port Guide and shore excursions in Costa Maya 
• Port guide and shore excursions in Bimini/What to expect at the Beach Club at Bimini
• Virgin Voyages Shopping Options
• Virgin Voyages Sailing Club (the perks of the Virgin Voyages loyalty program)  
• All Virgin Voyages Posts

Why cruise solo?  

Booking a solo room on virgin voyages , what are the perks of solo cruising , what’s it like as a solo cruiser on board a virgin voyages cruise, where to meet other solo cruisers, shore excursions as a solo cruiser on virgin voyages, how to check for single supplements charges when sailing alone, other cruise ships offering single rooms with no single supplement, try solo cruising and solo travel – it’s really fun, share this:.

There are many people who prefer or need to travel solo. It could be that one’s travel partner(s) have no other vacation days, someone just broke up with their partner, or have other extenuating circumstances where they have to change plans and go alone. It could also be by choice: some people prefer the freedom of traveling solo. There are many reasons why people do things alone, and we can’t possibly go through them all. 

Solo cruising gives you the freedom to do what you want when you want it. Virgin Voyages makes it really easy to book and cruise alone, with solo promotions that can entice you to upgrade to a bigger room without a solo surcharge. No promotion? No problem, Virgin Voyages has dedicated solo rooms that you can book, with no solo cruiser surcharge to pay!  

There are two types of solo rooms available on Virgin Voyages. The first one is an insider with no windows, and the second type is a sea view stateroom, where you can have a small window that looks outside. The indoor stateroom is generally cheaper than the sea view and is a bit smaller than an ocean view, but solo rooms have smaller beds fit for 1 person while regular rooms have queen-sized beds. 

If you choose to book your solo cruise on the website, all you need to do is select 1 cruiser when searching for cruises and compare the price per sailor to per cabin to get the best deal. Usually, I compare what it would cost if I cruised solo against booking with 2 people to ensure I am not paying a solo supplement and that I am not overpaying by traveling alone. 

After selecting the room you want at the price point you are comfortable with, just pay the deposit and/or full fare, depending on the date you booked and you are all set. All you’ll need to do is to download the app to reserve dining options and complete the pre-arrival requirements. After that, boarding will be a breeze and all you need to do while waiting for your cruise is research your shore excursions, pack, and budget how much you plan to spend while on the ship.  

Do whatever you want whenever you want. This is the ultimate perk of solo cruising. Want to sleep in? Sure, why not? Don’t like sharing a bathroom with someone else? You won’t have to! These are all valid reasons to go solo. Your time, itinerary, and what you choose to do and spend is really of your own choosing. 

Want to do all the events in one day? Sure. Just load them up on the app if you want. Want to watch the same show more than once? Of course, you can. 

If you get lonely doing a lot of things alone, Virgin schedules meetups for solo travelers to mingle and meet other people. This will help if you need to join team activities like trivia. You may even bump into your fellow cruisers in a show or two and end up sitting with them. 

Virgin does make everything very inclusive and generally, everyone is happier and more friendly on a cruise anyway so it is very easy to meet other people while on the ship. 

If you’re a solo cruiser, you won’t be treated any different than those who travel with groups. You get your own table in the restaurants except for Gunbae, where they seat you with another group. 

It’s easy to look for seats if you’re watching a show except if you’re in the Manor, where some of the bar seats are few and far between and you may need to share a seat with another group of people. The Red Room has plenty of seats for everyone, and you won’t even need a seat for Untitled Dance Show Party Thing and the dance party for Scarlet Night. 

There are also plenty of spots in public areas where you can set up your computer and work without being interrupted. It’s a great way to change your scenery in case you get bored working in your room. 

Overall, you make your own rules being a solo cruiser on board. There’s nothing you can’t do! 

On Day One of the cruise, there will be a social gathering for solo cruisers to mingle. It is headed by one of the cruise staff of Virgin and is a question-and-answer type format. You’ll get to know a few of the solo cruisers quickly and can make plans to go for dinner or watch shows together. The social event is sort of an ice breaker, where you can connect more to people who have the same interests as you.

Alternatively, you can also meet other solo cruisers by just talking to people. I met another cruiser by showing up to one talk and ended up sitting next to someone who was also cruising solo. She did not attend the social event and we just happened to randomly meet each other. I also met another solo cruiser who was sitting alone at Razzle Dazzle during breakfast. She was waiting for the restaurant to open (I was too), and we started talking and ended up having breakfast at the same table together.

You won’t need to join the solo cruiser activity organized by the cruise ship. By being open and friendly to other people, you won’t feel lonely and start meeting other folks. After all, you are all on one big ship that you’re sharing for a few days – it’s not like you have anywhere else to go!

If you’re the adventurous type and your friend or partner is not, or if you want to go on an active excursion but your friend or partner is not, why not do shore excursions solo? 

Since shore excursions are generally guided tours from a big group on a boat, even if you book for 1 person, there’s very little chance of the tour being canceled. Plus you can meet new friends along the way! Only downside is unless you bring your own tripod, there’s no one to take photos of you! 

I’ve met a few people on my shore excursion and their stories are so great. We went on an off-the-beaten-path tour – Mujil and Secret River, and it was one of the most unforgettable places I’ve ever been to. I have never been more welcomed by my group, even as a solo cruiser. 

Even without cruising, going on a group tour will satisfy your need for human contact. You’ll get to chat with different people from different parts of the world, and you’ll get welcomed into their group for a few hours and even more! Some people end up meeting other folks when traveling solo and end up being friends for life. It’s all up to you to keep in touch with these folks if you guys really jive. 

Here is how I check if a cruise ship charges a single supplement fee or not:

• Go on the website to check the price for one cruiser vs two

As you can see, the insider room has a cheaper price for the cabin – $928.12 as compared to an insider room for two for $1,526.25. This is comparing the price to the second screenshot when booking for two people.

While the price is the same for the insider room whether it is for 1 or 2 people, there is a cheaper option that pops up for $928.12 for a solo insider room. It’s still slightly more than half of the $1526 fare ($165 more), but it is still less than paying for other cruise lines’ single supplement.

Virgin has the most single rooms available but here is a list of other cruise lines that offer solo rooms without a supplement. 

I honestly have not tried any of these yet however, research shows that there are fewer solo cabins in these cruise lines. Another frustration is that there are only certain ships that offer them. 

Here’s a list of ships that offer solo rooms with no single supplement:

• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) 
• Royal Caribbean (certain ships only) 

You’ll get to grow as a person, and you’ll get to know yourself and your needs more when you travel solo. It will put you in an uncomfortable position which will only be for the better and will force you to put yourself out there. 

Would you try going on a solo cruise on Virgin Voyages? 

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7 Dos and Don'ts When Cruising Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

If you’re planning a Virgin Voyages cruise, you might be feeling overwhelmed.  Are reservations necessary on Scarlet Lady ?  Does Virgin Voyages have a sailaway party?  Maybe some activities seem a bit risqué for your taste.  After sailing Virgin Voyages ’ Scarlet Lady quite a few times, we decided to put together a list of seven “dos and don'ts” to prepare you for your cruise.  At the end of the list, check out how you can join us on Virgin with special events, excursions, and extra value adds - or book on the Virgin site by clicking here !

Do sign up for the Grog Walk on the first or second night of the sailing, especially if you’re traveling solo

Billy and I are not big fans of sugary mixed drinks, so we don’t usually do pub crawls unless we are traveling with others, but this was suggested as an alternative when a tasting we had signed up for was canceled, and I’m glad we tried it (and not just for the food stop we made in Pink Agave).

I got to try a very strange, yet surprisingly delicious cocktail that I probably would not have ordered otherwise, and we found it to be a great way to get acquainted with what was at all of the bars and lounges that we would want to go back to later.  We even “rediscovered” a bar that we had seen when we toured the ship on our first couple of sailing, but had since forgotten about.  We also made several new friends that we had a blast hanging out with throughout the cruise.  This is partially thanks to Virgin building in some social aspects, including challenges that you complete in order to get your drink, like drawing people you're with.

BTW: Looking for opportunities to socialize that don’t have to involve alcohol? There are plenty of other activities to enjoy such as afternoon tea or a painting class.  For a more high energy atmosphere, check out the karaoke party at The Social Club, which features the same great selection of songs you can find in the private karaoke rooms in a venue called the Groupie but with an audience to cheer you on!

Looking for more on Scarlet Lady’s libations?  Check out the full restaurant and bar menus.

Don’t stress about making all of your dining reservations ahead of time

Whether you couldn't get the reservations you wanted, or you just forgot to make them, don’t sweat it.  If you're flexible, walk ups are often available.  In our experience, if a restaurant was busy on a particular night, there was likely availability at another restaurant.  Ask the restaurant host about a standby list early in the evening, and keep checking the app for availability.  For the most part, we’ve either secured walk-ups, found success with standby lists, or found reservations as other guests have canceled them - sometimes just moments before the reservation time!  If you are sailing with a larger group, try and get your reservations in, or chat with someone at one of the restaurants on the day you arrive.  

Do log into the Virgin Voyages WiFi as soon as you board

When Virgin first started sailing you could actually connect to the ship's WiFi at the port and start making reservations.  This seems to have changed, so be sure to connect as soon as you board.  Workout classes and entertainment cannot be booked ahead of time, so being the first to connect means you get your pick of times and the best chance to secure the exact reservations you want.

Sailors traveling in standard cabins can use the Virgin Voyages app to reserve dining 45 days prior to departure (60 days for those booked in Rockstar and Mega Rockstar Quarters). Shore Things (Virgin's term for excursions) are also bookable on the app prior to sailing (120 days for standard cabins, or 135 for Rockstar and Mega Rockstar sailors). 

Don’t miss the sailaway party

You may be ready for a deck party at sailaway, and this is another area where  Virgin Voyages does things in a different way that came as a pleasant surprise.  Instead of a DJ or calypso band by the pool, on our sailings we enjoyed a live funk band while sipping sparkling wine.  What’s better?  For the duration of the party, sparkling wine is complimentary and when you finish a glass, you are quickly brought another one.  As a bonus, Scarlet Lady ’s departure happens a little later than most, which means sailors either get to see the sunset over the horizon, or the beautifully lit Miami skyline at night. 

Do linger for a bit when you see something strange

We truly enjoyed all of the unique entertainment options we got to experience on Scarlet Lady , and The Phantom Folktales Players (produced by PigPen Theatre Co.) completely blew us away.  Unfortunately, their contract has ended, but Virgin continues to dazzle with a variety of somewhat surprising events around the ship.  Maybe it's members of the acrobatic Duel Reality cast juggling and doing flips on Scarlet Night, or maybe you just happen to catch The Charmer enjoying a drink at the bar and he decides to show you some tricks.  Either way, if you see wandering performers, or anything a bit unusual, keep a keen eye and an open mind and you might get to witness something special.

Don’t be afraid to sit up front at one of the sexier shows, Never Sleep Alone (NSA), even if you are not into audience participation

One of the best things about this adult-themed show is that it is highly interactive, and therefore, always a little different. 

If my use of the word “interactive” makes you want to find the table furthest away from the stage, allow me to reassure you that there is absolutely nothing to worry about.  Before the actual show starts, two performers that assist the show's host will talk to each audience member as they sit down and ask them to rate how adventurous they feel on a scale of 1 to 10. They write the answers down so no one is pressured (or even asked) to go up on stage if they don’t want to, regardless of where they sit.  This, like the grog walk, is a great example of Virgin excelling at the social aspect of cruising.

Do prepay your Bar Tab

On Virgin, your Bar Tab is like onboard credit for drinks.  You can pay as you go like any other line, but if you know you’ll be spending at least $300 at the bar, there is a way to save some cash.  For every $300 you prepay before your cruise, you’ll get at least $50 in bonus Bar Tab.  This amount is sometimes increased with promotions so you can save even more.  The easiest way to do this is to have your travel agent handle it. The same awesome people at Touring and Cruises (formerly known as TouringPlans Travel ) who book our trips can help you with this.

More Virgin Voyages Info and Tips

This list just scratches the surface when it comes to what Virgin has to offer.  Fortunately, we have much more to share:

Live blogs from some of our past voyages

Menus and daily programs

Video tours of Scarlet Lady and a Sea Terrace cabin

Top 5 Things You Should Know About Virgin Voyages

Video tour of Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin’s exclusive destination

Things you don’t expect to find on an adults-only cruise line

The best way, however, is to let us help you.  With the assistance of our travel partners at Touring and Cruises , you can join us onboard! Come along for CruiseHabit’s Virgin Voyages Group Cruise in December of 2023, and we will show you how to make the most of what Valiant Lady has to offer.  You’ll also be able to take advantage of exclusive special events and savings.  We'll also be sailing with KidFreeFebruary.com , another great chance to enjoy some extra perks.  Want to book right this second?  Book on Virgin's site right now with this link and one of our travel partners will reach out to help ensure your trip is in ship shape.

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What’s Included on Virgin Voyages: Essential Guide

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you purchase via my links at no cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Virgin Voyages provides a largely inclusive cruise fare they call “Always Included Luxury.” It makes them one of the industry’s most inclusive-priced mainstream cruise lines. 

Some cruisers complain about Virgin’s high prices, but you get what you pay for.

Your cruise fare includes all dining at 20+ eateries, gratuities, basic WiFi, non-alcoholic beverages, and unlimited group fitness classes. While more expensive than other mainstream cruise lines, Virgins’ more inclusive pricing eliminates hidden fees and creates a more enjoyable experience for sailors.

And considering what’s included, a Virgin Voyages cruise is similarly priced to other mainstream cruise lines. The most significant difference is that there are no hidden fees or unexpected expenses. All your essentials are included in your base cruise fare.

We’ve compiled this guide on what’s included on Virgin Voyages to help you prepare for your next cruise.

Table of Contents

What’s Included on Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages cruise fare includes a variety of amenities and activities designed to provide guests with a luxurious, fun, and relaxing experience. The cruise line has one of the most inclusive cruise fares in the industry, eliminating hidden expenses.

Virgin Voyages cruise fare includes:

• Cabin accommodations
• All food and dining at 20+ onboard restaurants
• Non-alcoholic drinks
• All onboard activities
• All entertainment venues
• Group fitness classes

Accommodations

Your cruise fare includes the cost of your Virgin Voyages cabin accommodations .

Virgin Voyages offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from cozy cabins to luxurious suites. These staterooms have premium amenities like mood lighting, ample storage space, modern decor, several outlets, USB charging stations, and a custom bed that converts into a sofa during the day.

The cruise ships are designed to bring passengers closer to the sea. According to the cruise line, 93% of the cabins on Scarlet Lady provide an ocean view and 86% of feature balconies.

A unique feature is the signature red hammock hanging on every balcony.

Food and Dining

The cruise line provides a diverse selection of included dining options, covering various cuisines and dietary preferences. With over 20 restaurants and dining venues, Virgin Voyages offers travelers a wide range of culinary experiences.

Unlike traditional cruise lines, Virgin’s cruise ships don’t have a main dining room, buffet, formal dress codes, or set dining times.

The menus were designed in collaboration with Michelin-star chefs, so you know the food is good. And in our experience, Virgin Voyages dining provides some of the best food you’ll find at sea.

One of the most popular restaurants on Virgin Voyages is Extra Virgin, an Italian restaurant that serves classic Italian dishes and handmade pasta in a casual setting. Some of the standout dishes at Extra Virgin include fried calamari, seafood pasta, and bucatini carbonara.

Another popular restaurant on Virgin Voyages is Gunbae, a Korean BBQ restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. At Gunbae, your meal starts with a fun drinking game. The interactive meal includes watching your servers cook meats and vegetables on a grill built into the table.

The Wake is an excellent option for a more upscale dining experience. This American-style steakhouse offers a range of high-quality meats and seafood and an extensive wine list. Some of our favorite dishes at The Wake include the filet mignon and the lobster tail. The Wake’s location at the cruise ship’s aft treats you to unbeatable ocean views of, you guessed it, the ship’s wake.

Razzle Dazzle is an excellent option for a more casual dining experience. This vegan-forward restaurant offers a range of plant-based dishes and a “naughty” menu for non-vegans. It’s worth a visit, if only for the rainbow churros.

In addition to these restaurants, Virgin Voyages also offers a range of other dining options. The Test Kitchen is a unique dining experience that offers a tasting menu based on a list of main ingredients. The Dock House offers Mediterranean-style apps and grilled skewers. Pink Agave provides a sharing experience with Mexican cuisine. And The Galley offers a range of grab-and-go options in a food hall setting.

The Pizza Place is an excellent late-night stop after a night of partying. Here, you’ll find the best pizza at sea, in our option anyway.

One of the standout features of dining on Virgin Voyages is that all dining options are included with the voyage. This means that travelers can indulge at every restaurant without worrying about additional costs.

One of the great features of Virgin Voyages is that all “essential drinks” are included in the cruise fare. You can enjoy a range of non-alcoholic drinks, including:

• Still and sparkling water
• Drip coffee
• Non-pressed juices.

In addition to these basic beverages, Virgin Voyages offers a range of premium drinks for an additional cost.

Overall, including basic beverages in the cruise fare is an excellent feature of Virgin Voyages. It allows travelers to enjoy a range of non-alcoholic drinks without worrying about additional costs and provides excellent value for those who prefer to stick to basic beverages.

The complimentary drink menu is far more inclusive compared to other cruise lines. We loved having soda and juice included with the cost of the cruise. And the self-serve Coke machines were easy to use.

For those who want to indulge in alcohol or premium coffees, plenty of options are available for an additional cost.

Onboard Activities

Virgin Voyages offers a range of activities that are included in the fare. Specifically, the cruise line has greatly emphasized fitness and healthy living. 

You’ll find two fitness rooms, a running track, and a sports court for passengers who want to stay active during their vacation. There are several unique outdoor workout spaces for guests, including a functional training center beside the pool. You can take part in several guest fitness classes during the week that are free to attend.

Sailors can also access traditional onboard activities, games, lounges, pools, hot tubs, trivia, and the casino.

But, one of our favorite activities was the giant chess board located on the starboard side near the aft of deck 16.

For those not afraid of heights, there’s a suspended cargo net at the Deck 16 Athletic Club that takes you over the ship’s wake. If you’re not daring enough to venture out on the net, you can still enjoy watching people nervously take turns walking across the net.

Entertainment

Live performances, DJs, parties, and immersive experiences are all part of the included entertainment offerings on Virgin Voyages.

The ship has two main entertainment venues, The Manor and The Red Room.

The Red Room is the main theater on the ship, offering Broadway-style productions and musically-led revue-type shows. The theater is the first of its kind transformational, multi-form theater at sea. Each night you return, the theater takes on a new shape.

In addition to the theater, passengers can enjoy other shows such as Never Sleep Alone, a fun and interactive show that encourages passengers to participate, and Scarlet Night Cabaret, a burlesque-style show featuring aerial acrobatics, dance, and music.

The Manor is a two-story bar, theater, and nightclub. The club is “named after Richard’s first recording studio, is inspired by a classic theatrical zeitgeist — layered with a moody and sexy ’70s, punk vibe.” ( Source )

The night begins with a high-energy show before transitioning the dance floor into the hottest nightclub at sea.

The ship also has an arcade that pays homage to yesteryear’s epic childhood arcade games. Passengers can also enjoy private karaoke at The Groupie. One of the most popular events onboard is the Scarlet Night Pool Party, where passengers wear red and dance the night away with performers on the pool deck. The ship’s entertainment is designed to create a fun and social atmosphere onboard, empowering guests to interact with staff members and fellow guests alike.

Basic WiFi is included in the cruise fare on all Virgin Voyages itineraries. The Virgin Voyages internet package allows passengers to access the internet from their devices on the ship and at Bimini Beach Club .

The basic internet plan provides internet speeds of 1-2 Mbps. The basic WiFi speeds are much slower than you’re probably used to. But you can browse the web, access email, check social media, and use messaging apps. Sailors can use the WiFi to connect to the s Sailor App.

You won’t be able to stream using the basic plan.

While we could get some videos to load, most streaming services are blocked. If you want to stream music, movies, and TV shows, you can upgrade to the Premium Voyage WiFi package, which provides faster internet speeds.

Unlike other cruise lines that charge a daily service fee , gratuities are included in your cruise fare. Cruise lines commonly charge service fees which are split among the hardworking staff that provides you with an incredible cruise vacation. 

Including tips makes for less confusion when guests receive their final bill at the end of the cruise.

Tips are also included in the price of alcoholic drinks.

In other words, the price you see is the price you pay, except for any applicable taxes which may be charged without notice.

What’s Not Included

Despite the broadly inclusive cruise fare, Virgin Voyages is not an all-inclusive cruise line .

You’ll need to pay extra for the following:

Shore Excursions

Alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, tattoo parlor.

• Salon & Beauty Parlor

Onboard Shopping

The new cruise line offers many onboard activities and dining options included in the fare, but shore excursions are not part of the package.

Passengers can purchase shore excursions and tours to experience the ports of call. You can book shore excursions, or “Shore Things,” as the cruise line calls them, from the mobile app. You can also  book and view Shore Things from their website.

Alcoholic beverages are not included in your cruise fare. You can pay for individual alcoholic beverages or purchase Virgin Voyages drink package , known as the “Bar Tab,” to pre-pay for drinks.

We found Virgin’s drink prices slightly cheaper than other cruise lines. Additionally, the cruise line often runs a promotion where you receive $50 in the Bar Tab for every purchase of $300 before departure.  

While Virgin Voyages includes standard amenities such as fitness centers and pools, the Thermal Suite and spa treatments are not included. Guests seeking relaxation and pampering must book and pay separately for spa treatments and thermal suite access.

The Redemption Spa on board offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments, as well as access to the thermal suite and salt room. Treatment prices vary depending on the service and duration, with most treatments ranging from $100 to $300.

You can make appointments through the Sailor App or by visiting the spa reception desk.

Virgin Voyages features the first tattoo parlor at sea, Squid Ink. But be prepared to pay extra for the experience.

Sailors interested in getting inked during their cruise should budget a minimum of $150 for this additional expense.

Gambling at the onboard casino is not included in the cruise fare. Guests who wish to try their luck at the casino should budget for their gaming expenses.

The casino is smaller than similar-sized cruise ships, but you’ll find a range of slot machines and table games. Virgin Voyages is also home to the first poker room at sea, with tournaments and cash games scheduled throughout every sailing.

The casinos are also smoke-free, except for a small smoking room at the back.

Lastly, onboard shopping is not part of the cruise fare. Ensure you budget for souvenirs, clothing, or other items you wish to purchase during your cruise.

Is Virgin Voyages All Inclusive?

Virgin Voyages has a largely inclusive cruise fare, but it is not all-inclusive. The standard cruise fare includes accommodations, food, basic WiFi, onboard activities, entertainment, and gratuities. But premium drinks, spa treatments, and shore excursions cost extra.

1. https://www.virginvoyages.com/addl-terms-and-conditions

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Daily Activities Listing

By WanderlustJourney , November 26, 2021 in Virgin Voyages

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WanderlustJourney

I was wondering if anyone had a full daily activities listing they could share?

From what I understand there are no paper schedules and the schedule can only be accessed through the app/posted on a tv screen?

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someone posted this in one of the VV facebook groups - if you navigate to the date or update the URL, you can see what's going on each day:  https://spark-aws.virginvoyages.com/api/v1/ext/ddp/5a3193a0af8e4c3fb714386b/2021-11-25#events

37 minutes ago, _tacocat_ said: someone posted this in one of the VV facebook groups - if you navigate to the date or update the URL, you can see what's going on each day:  https://spark-aws.virginvoyages.com/api/v1/ext/ddp/5a3193a0af8e4c3fb714386b/2021-11-25#events  

Thank you so much! 🙂

When we sailed, you could pick up a paper copy at Sailor Services each day. I made a suggestion that they  post the daily schedule on the stateroom TVs.

3 hours ago, sippican said: When we sailed, you could pick up a paper copy at Sailor Services each day. I made a suggestion that they  post the daily schedule on the stateroom TVs.  

Oh that's great to know! Thanks so much! 🙂

Wildcatllamas

Thank you sippican and _tacocat_ for the info and the link. They will definitely be more user friendly then searching on my phone.

imahistorygeek

1 hour ago, Wildcatllamas said: Thank you sippican and _tacocat_ for the info and the link. They will definitely be more user friendly then searching on my phone.

We just debarked yesterday. The do have the activities listed on screens around the ship. The biggest issue we encountered was the cancelling of activities in the evening, at least one each night. You just have to make sure you check out the screens before you go to your event to make sure it's still happening if you don't use your phone.

They also encourage you to use the app to "book" your activities because they can become sold out. We saw this frequently with evening shows restaurants if you didn't pre-book. 

The emphasis to use the app is heavy on board, but the app works maybe 1/3 of the time.

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Virgin Voyages Cruises

About Virgin Voyages Cruises

The Virgin Voyages fleet will comprise four 110,000-ton, 2,700-plus-passenger ships. The first one, which will debut in 2020, will be called Scarlet Lady. It will sail seven-night Caribbean itineraries out of Miami. All will be adult only, with a minimum sailing age of 18 years old.

More about Virgin Voyages

Who goes on virgin voyages cruise ships, do i have to dress up on a virgin voyages cruise.

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Virgin Voyages wants brand loyalists who have never cruised to make the leap and try out the line, so first-time cruisers are likely. The line's cool vibe and big personality is also expected to reach the Millennial market and bring in lots of under-30s (though no one under 18 is permitted onboard), but you'll find plenty of Gen Xers as well.

No. There is no dress code on Virgin Voyages ships, but expect lots of chic "rent a runway"-style duds in the evening.

Is everything free on Virgin Voyages cruises?

No, but cruise fares will be fairly inclusive, especially for a big-ship cruise line. The cruise fare will include all dining, gratuities (even in the spa), basic drinks (soda, bottled and sparkling water, juices), basic Wi-Fi and group fitness classes.

Extra charges will include streaming Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions, and spa and beauty treatments.

Cruisers staying in one of the line's RockStar Quarters will receive perks such as early boarding through a VIP entrance, priority access to booking, 24/7 access to "RockStar" agents who can fulfill any of your Rock Star needs, as well as the ability to create a rider (wish list) of just about anything they want their suite stocked with.

What are Virgin Voyages’s most popular activities?

With the first ship not yet launched, it's hard to know what the most popular activities will be, but the nightlife is expected to be one of the main draws of the ship, with lots of bars and lounges and unusual night activities, including aerialists, comedy, pop-up music, interactive theater and more. (There will be no traditional big-stage production shows.)

Additionally, the fleet is being designed around a "Vitamin Sea" philosophy that emphasizes daytime relaxation and wellness. The line expects cruisers to participate in a detox, retox array of activities throughout the day

Why go with Virgin Voyages?

• Midsized cruise ships offer plenty to do without being overwhelming
• All dining is complimentary
• Active nightlife

Best for: Anyone with an active Instagram account and looking for a trendy downtown vibe on their vacation

Not for: Early-to-bed travelers and anyone who sneers at the word "selfie"

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Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Riviera Maya

Scarlet Lady

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11 things I loved on Virgin Voyages — and 6 that I kind of hated

I've rapidly gone from vacationing on shore to setting sail as a regular cruise passenger. Despite becoming a happy family cruiser in recent years, I really had no idea how I'd react to leaving my kids back home with their grandparents to step onto an adults-only Virgin Voyages ship with my husband. After all, every cruise I've previously enjoyed has been with our kids on Disney Cruise Line .

Given the kid-free policy and edgy, adult-oriented slant to cruising the line offers, I wasn't quite sure what I'd think of this sailing. While I could imagine the cruise being the best four days of my life, it also wouldn't have surprised me if it was the four weirdest days I've ever had at sea, as the line offers a drastically different take on cruising than what I'm used to.

Ultimately, our cruise ended up being somewhere in the middle, offering many highlights, plus a few downsides. Which details did I love, and which could use some work? Here are my favorite and least-favorite parts of Virgin Voyages cruises.

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Hated: Boarding

I've admittedly become a bit spoiled with Disney's boarding process as a concierge passenger , so I knew this experience would be different. Still, even with that upgraded option factored out, I strongly disliked the boarding process with Virgin Voyages.

Unlike Disney Cruise Line, which permits entry into the terminal as you wait and staggers arrival times so passengers are processed faster, Virgin Voyages requires cruisers to stand outside — in my case, that meant in the Florida heat — in roped-off rows based on your time slot and wait until it's your turn to enter the terminal.

Lines are allowed to form much earlier than the posted times suggest, causing the area to get crowded fast. We arrived at 1:25 p.m., got through the outside portion of the line at 1:57 p.m., were upstairs in the packed terminal at 2:11 p.m. and eventually walked on board at 2:39 p.m. Had we not received a Group 1 boarding pass after figuring out the wristband situation for those with status in the Virgin Voyages program , we would have boarded in a later group.

Loved: The diversity of passengers

Despite what some initial buzz and marketing may have indicated, Virgin Voyages is not a ship exclusively full of 20- and 30-somethings.

In fact, we met and spent time with folks of every age, spanning from their 20s to their 80s. Passengers were not only extremely friendly overall, but they were diverse in pretty much every observable way.

Maybe part of our impression stems from how starved for adult interaction we've been in the past few years, but we found everyone we met to be fabulous. The people on board truly were a highlight of the experience for us.

Related: First look: 10 things to love about Virgin Voyages' new Valiant Lady cruise ship

Hated: The cabin bathroom

Although our cabin was decent enough, one part of the space was borderline unbearable: the cabin bathroom.

Coming from Disney Cruise Line, which offers a split-bathroom layout in most cabins so you have two distinct spaces that can be used at the same time, we found this one tiny bathroom to be difficult to tolerate.

If you're cruising solo, it's tight but workable, but if you plan on traveling with another person, know that you'll have limited bathroom space to work with. Sharing the space with someone else for days on end quickly becomes an unpleasant experience.

Related: 5 reasons why Disney cruises aren't just for kids

Loved and hated: The pools

Let's start with the good elements of the pool area.

With no kids on the ship, there are times when the main pool and hot tubs are not as busy as they would be on a typical cruise. In fact, we often had them to ourselves when visiting early in the day, during popular port days and at night.

However, the main pool is unquestionably small for the number of passengers on board.

Although our sailing was far from full capacity, the pool deck was overcrowded during prime pool times. On sea day afternoons, expect body-to-body pool time if you're set on taking a dip.

To get around this inconvenience, do as we did and strategically time your pool visits so you're avoiding the peak swimming hours.

Related: Use these credit cards to maximize your next cruise vacation

Loved: The ports of call

If I never take a cruise to Nassau in the Bahamas again, it'll be fine. I have nothing against Nassau, but the destination's spread-out layout and pricey excursions make it a place we feel we've adequately experienced during previous visits.

Our time with Virgin Voyages did not include a stop in Nassau, much to our relief. I was thrilled to have Key West as a port of call on this sailing, as I've been to Key Largo but never as far south as Key West. It can be extremely expensive to visit Key West as an overnight guest, so being able to check it out without paying hotel rates was phenomenal.

The dock is essentially in the heart of town, so I was able to walk off and do a $50 group bike tour I booked through Virgin Voyages. But even if you didn't want to do any organized activities, the heart of Key West is pretty compact. You can quickly get to a variety of restaurants, bars and noteworthy activities just blocks from the dock, so it's easy to hop off, have some fun on land and then hop back on the ship.

My three-hour bike tour with Key Lime Bike Tours was capped off with an included slice of key lime pie at the Key Lime Pie Company, which I savored before wandering over to Conch Republic Seafood Company to have some delicious coconut shrimp. Key West was an incredibly easy-to-navigate and enjoyable port that I would happily return to again.

Our cruise also included a stop at Bimini, a less-crowded Bahamian island that's home to Virgin Voyages' private beach club. To get to the club, all you have to do is hop on the complimentary tram at the port.

Like Nassau, you'll find beautiful beaches here. Yet Bimini's quieter setting makes it easier to truly unwind while lounging on the soft sand and swimming in the crystal-clear water. Not to mention, the beach club's beautiful pool and tasty (complimentary) food add to the feeling of treating yourself while on vacation. What's not to love about all of that?

Hated: The app's constant crashing

When I read complaints about Virgin Voyages' app before the cruise, I admit I may have rolled my eyes. How much can an app influence the enjoyment of your cruise?

Well, when everything from ordering room service to registering for dinner or activities is housed in that app, it turns out that it can affect you quite a lot.

When the app worked, it was useful and an excellent way to stay on top of all your bookings and daily schedule. However, when it became totally unresponsive at least a dozen times, I found myself starting to stress. It was not the feeling of total relaxation I seek while on vacation.

On several occasions, I resorted to restarting my phone in an effort to fix the problem. But much to my disappointment, my phone was not the problem. It was a widespread issue that others experienced, too, so mentally prepare for this inconvenience and set your expectations accordingly.

Loved: Most food and the lively Korean restaurant

A lot of the food and restaurants on the ship are pretty fantastic. While there were some culinary misses, for the most part we enjoyed the venues we visited.

That said, there was one restaurant in particular that deserves its own love letter: Gunbae.

At this Korean barbecue joint, dinner is served in booths that you share with fellow cruisers. We initially thought this sounded a little weird, but we ended up thoroughly enjoying the concept, as it invites you to socialize with others while on board.

To help you get to know your seatmates, the staff organizes a drinking game for everyone to play that is both easy and fun. Once you've become acquainted, you'll dine on an array of Korean barbecue staples that are just as memorable as the atmosphere they are served in. We loved the food so much that we ended up visiting twice during our cruise.

But Gunbae wasn't the only dining venue we enjoyed. Many of the restaurants we tried served food we'd order again. Even when they didn't, the plethora of options available made it easy enough to move on to the next dish when we were less than impressed.

Related: Virgin Voyages hopes to draw cruise newbies like me: Here's my first impression from its first sailing

Loved: The track

When I'm on the road (or at sea), I try to stay a little more active, so running above the ocean on the 1/6-mile track that goes all the way around the ship was an excellent way to start the day.

Because this is a dedicated space, you don't have to worry about bothering folks who are relaxing in nearby deck chairs as you jog by.

For a workout beyond the track, Scarlet Lady offers a basketball court, boxing ring and outdoor area with weights, punching bags and other equipment. Additionally, passengers have access to a large indoor gym with everything from exercise bikes to a row of treadmills, should you prefer to break a sweat indoors.

You can also sign up for group workout classes. They fill up fast, so be sure you make your class reservations as soon as you board.

Loved: The hair and nail salons

Cruise rates for Virgin Voyages include tips, meaning the listed price for a service is exactly what you'll pay. I was a big fan of this pricing system, as knowing that something really costs $59 makes it easier to stick to a budget.

Since I didn't have to factor in taxes and fees for add-ons like hair and nail services, I could easily compare the cost of these extras to what I typically spend back home. Ultimately, the rates were similar, so I decided to treat myself to a pedicure and a hair wash and blow dry while on board. Both the hair salon and the nail salon were top-notch areas, offering relaxed atmospheres and superb service by the crew.

Hated: The spa

Like the hair and nail salons, the spa also offers an array of services that are priced to include tips. However, I found my experience at the spa to be disappointing overall.

The massage itself was OK at best. Additionally, the changing room situation was far from perfect due to the small changing rooms and lockers provided in the compact communal area.

The thermal spa area was also a letdown, as it was nearly as crowded as the pool area during popular times. Access is sold at a reasonable rate or as part of packages like the "Romance Package," so it was a busy area that lacked the tranquil, relaxing setting I'd hoped to find.

Loved: The totally relaxed approach to cruising

With Virgin Voyages, you do not rotate through assigned restaurants, have evening photo-ops by onboard photographers while at dinner, hear frequent announcements or have strict dress codes to follow.

While you do need to make reservations for some things (most of which are not available until you board), your cruise is what you make of it at a pace that is fully yours to set, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Hated: The bar tab

Many fellow sailors we met were unhappy that Virgin Voyages did not offer unlimited drink packages. Disney Cruise Line doesn't have those either, so I didn't miss having something I've never tried. Still, I was not a fan of the cruise line's bar tab approach.

Prior to your cruise, you can add money to your bar tab, which results in you getting a bonus amount to spend. The concept sounds great in theory, but in practice, it was impossible to know how much you'd really spend on drinks. As a result, a chunk of our funds ended up going to waste since we couldn't transfer them to other onboard charges or a future cruise.

Loved: The new status perks

Despite encountering a few problems when it came to the execution of some of the perks we received by status matching into the new Virgin Voyages Sailing Club, overall, we found the benefits to be pretty fantastic.

By matching my Disney Castaway Club status , we were given Group 1 boarding, premium Wi-Fi, a daily $10 credit for coffee drinks, an invite to an exclusive party (with free drinks), one bag of free laundry and a free "Shake for Champagne" order, which would've otherwise cost us $95.

All of these complimentary benefits saved us a few hundred dollars. Not to mention, it was great to go home with some clean clothes for once.

Loved: The free onboard games

It's been a long time since I spent any measurable amount of time playing games that didn't involve my kids. But by the end of the sailing, we had our fill of all the classics, including air hockey, shuffleboard and various arcade games.

Given the diverse selection of options, we never found ourselves waiting for a machine to become available, leaving us more time for a round or two of arcade favorites like Ms. Pac-Man. And yes, these games are all included — no quarters required.

Loved and hated: The 'Shake for Champagne' feature in the app

As previously mentioned, one of the status perks we received was a complimentary "Shake for Champagne" benefit . While I didn't fully hate the perk, as it offered free bubbly, it did have some annoying glitches.

I naively thought that when you shook your Virgin Voyages app, your order would arrive within five or 10 minutes. Since we were sitting within a few feet of a bar when we shook the app, I assumed our order would fall within this presumed arrival window.

However, the service appeared to be popular and was not coming directly from the bar, resulting in delays. It took a total of 41 minutes for the Champagne to arrive. And while you wait, there are no real-time updates on the app, so it's impossible to guess how long delivery will take.

Once the bubbly was brought to us, it more than hit the spot, so if you don't mind a wait, definitely give it a try.

Loved: The price

We booked this cruise because we wanted an affordable adult getaway. Unlike other kinds of vacations involving flights, hotels and even meals, cruises tend to be more budget-friendly , as many of your expenses are covered by the cruise fare.

For example, the sea terrace room we booked for this four-night sailing from Miami to Key West and Bimini cost us $1,400 — or $175 per person, per night.

Yes, some of your alcohol will add to that total, but you can often get a drink credit included with your booking. Plus, you may have opportunities to partake in special gatherings with free alcohol, such as the sailaway party. Even if you don't, you'll find that drink prices on board are far more reasonable than they are at most resorts, as many drinks cost between $6 and $10.

Had we stayed in Miami at a decent hotel and gone out for meals or ordered room service for four nights, we would have likely spent way more than $1,400 . Factor in our visits to other beach destinations, and it's safe to say our out-of-pocket costs would've soared past what we spent on this cruise.

If you want to save more, people who sail with Virgin Voyages in November 2022 get a $300 drink credit for each cabin. Plus, you can get a discount of up to 50% using a code from the Bilt program.

Bottom line

There's no denying that Virgin Voyages does things a bit differently. From its bar tab concept to its emphasis on socializing with other sailors, the cruise line offers many aspects that you'll likely love and others you may hate.

We loved far more things than we didn't, which helped us feel like we got our money's worth. In fact, we were so impressed with what we experienced on board that I happily put down a deposit for a future cruise. Since I locked in that next sailing before our first one ended, we'll receive an even larger discount and more inclusions next time around.

As long as you go into your cruise knowing that there may be a few hiccups along the way, odds are you'll have a fun time full of memories you'll cherish for years to come.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
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• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

20 Surprising Things You Didn’t Know About Cruise Lines

Posted: April 13, 2024 | Last updated: April 13, 2024

If you’ve never been aboard a major cruise line, it’s hard to fathom how much is actually on the ship. It’s like a city on water, sailing through the middle of the ocean. There’s everything you need for a great vacation from nightlife to pools, restaurants, bars, entertainment which even includes a show on ice and a bungee fitness class.

Different cruise lines have something for everyone from Virgin Voyages’ adult only sailings to Royal Caribbean’s family-friendly fun. There’s even an outdoor track if you need to get your run in before a late night out. We bet you didn’t know these fun facts about some of our favorite cruise lines!

There’s a crew-only bar

Crew members have access to their very own crew bar along with their living quarters. For most cruise lines, it’s located below deck, but on Virgin Voyages, their crew-bar sits above Deck 17 which might just have some of the best views on the ship.

Dress codes aren’t actually mandatory

Stereotypically, there is a formal night with sailors in full-on tuxedos and ball gowns. While this is strongly encouraged for some, it’s not mandatory. Virgin Voyages doesn’t have a dress code at all across their 20+ eateries as their motto “come as your are”.

Cruises will exclusively get you to National Parks that can’t be accessed otherwise

Did you know that Alaska is more than double the size of Texas? On Holland America Line , guests will be able to get up close to ice formations as the ship sails through Glacier National Park. With National Park rangers giving talks and answering questions on the ship, it should be on everyone’s bucket list.

You can sail with some of your favorite characters at sea

Onboard any Disney Cruise Line, you’ll sail with a few lovable friendly faces. At sea on the newest ship, the Disney WISH , sailers can attend the engagement party of Queen Anna and Kristoff in the Kingdom of Arendelle from Frozen . Along with Elsa and Olaf, guests will enjoy Norwegian inspired dishes while singing along to fan favorites.

The is a bar run completely by a robot

On Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, guests can get drinks specially made from two robotic bartenders at Bionic Bar. With the ceiling above the bar lined with upside bottles hanging, watching the process of giant mechanical arms pouring and shaking your cocktail is just as good as how it tastes.

Some cruises are adult only

Kids running around can be inconvenient when you’re trying to find your inner zen poolside on the top deck. While many cruiselines promote their kid friendly environment, it’s rare to find adults only – unless you’re on a Virgin Voyages sailing. With no screaming children, all guests must be 18 or older.

Irons are not allowed

Before you start packing your bags, be sure to always check what isn’t allowed on the ship. Across any cruiselines, irons are not allowed so you won’t find one in your closet. Pack wrinkle release spray because it will become your best friend onboard.

Never leave the balcony door open when you leave your room

Rule number one of cruising is to always shut your sliding door before leaving your living space. If you don’t you’ll create a windtunnel and it’s even worse on the higher floors.

Some ships have shows on ice

Don’t underestimate how good the entertainment is onboard. Royal Caribbean is the only cruiseline that has an ice skating rink on their ship. The shows by professional skaters include all of the theatrics from jumps to spins!

Flames aren’t allowed but some cruiselines found a way around it

For safety measures, open flames are not allowed. However, cruiselines have gotten creative to find ways around it like Virgin Voyages. They have a Korean BBQ resturant onboard called Gunbae, and invented a flameless grill just for the ship.

You may find a speakeasy onboard

While it may seem like guests can just get a haircut at Hook’s Barbery onboard the new Disney WISH, there’s more. Based on the classic Peter Pan , sailors who are over 21 will find a secret whiskey bar for perhaps the best haircut of their lives.

You can shake the app for Champagne

On Virgin Voyages, guests can literally shake their app on their phone for Champagne. Moments later, a crew member will deliver a bottle of Möet Chandon Impérial wherever they are located. Talk about first class service!

You can get botox while at sea

It’s not just about getting a manicure while in the middle of the ocean anymore. Virgin Voyages offers botox to sailors as well as other self care activities including a spa, pedicure salon and blowout bar. Fitness classes include bungee, spin, boxing, HIIT, pilates and more.

You’ll have the same waiter throughout your voyage

On Holland America Line, sailors will dine at the same table with the same waiter in Main Dining throughout the voyage. Headed to foreign places, it’s nice to have a familiar face to always ask about your day along with telling you the night’s menu specials.

Disney Cruise Line does the same — with the waiters traveling with the guests to different restaurants on the ship. Planning ahead is the move as popular restaurants may get booked. Throughout the expedition, staff remembers will remember your name and what you like to drink which will make your day that much better.

Virgin Voyages has a tattoo parlor named Squid Ink

Their ship the Scarlet Lady is the first ship to have a fully functioning tattoo parlor. What better way to commemorate a great trip? With piercing services too, make an appointment on the first day because their ink slots fill up fast.

They say on the ship it’s your best night’s sleep

Rock-a-bye-baby, but actually! Many first time sailors will find how soothing sleeping is on the ship. It’s probably because of the subtle rocking as it sails through the night.

An average cruiser gains a pound a day

With all meals included and available at anytime, there’s no rules while you’re on vacation. Many cruiselines even have alcohol included for one fee so the possibilities are endless.

Many cruiselines own private islands

Typically a stop on the ship’s route, it’s common for cruiselines to own an island. It’s convenient for sailors to get on and off of the ship and enjoy activities on land. Royal Caribbean’s island called Perfect Day at CocoCay has the tallest waterslide in North America! Named Daredevil’s Peak, this adrenaline-seeking structure stands at 135-feet-tall.

There’s an outdoor track

You can get in that morning run with an outdoor track that is usually on the top deck. Even if you don’t like running, head up for a walk because it has some of the best views on the ship!

On some ships the beds can be reconfigured

Most interiors on a ship are well-designed and functional for a small space. On Virgin Voyages, your bedroom can be configured in multiple ways from one full size bed that can convert into two single beds or even a couch!

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Come aboard our adults-only cruises for a kids-free getaway at sea.

Children are one of life’s great joys, but on Virgin Voyages, we believe absence makes the heart grow fonder, especially while on a cruise vacation. That’s why, despite the fact that our adult only cruise ships are a playground for your inner child, we’ve chosen to curate an adults-only cruise experience.

Why We're the Best Cruise Line for Adults

Whether you choose to jumpstart the morning with a wheatgrass shot from Gym & Tonic or a Filthy Mary from The Red Bar, you can trust that any path you take will remain unobstructed by little feet. We’re proud of our design-forward eateries and bars and we created them specifically for adults, either for mingling with like-minded adventurers or for cozying up and reconnecting with the person you came aboard with. On top of the spaces themselves being kid-free havens, the menu items served within may also be a little advanced for the average tyke. Between hibachi crudo and filets at The Wake, carpaccio and truffle pasta at Extra Virgin, and mezcal pairings at Pink Agave, we keep our food and drink offerings mature and unexpected. And the best part? Dining is included in your voyage fare.

Fun Cruises for All Adult Lifestyles

The adults only lifestyle continues whenever we dock, with pages of Shore Things excursions tailored to sophisticated tastes in sight-seeing and cuisine in every port, whether you're a first time cruiser, traveling solo, or bringing the love on a couples cruise . While we know every child has a spark of genius, we don’t know many who’d be riveted by (or at least not get restless on) a medieval heritage tour through the white-stoned streets of Dubrovnik. From artisan honey-making in Ajaccio to sampling craft brews in Zeebrugge, every Virgin destination from A to Z boasts activities best enjoyed by those 18 and up.

Luxuries and Pleasures, All Designed for Adults

Once you’re back on the ship after a day of exploration, award-winning entertainment options will reinforce the wisdom of leaving the kids at home . We’re more “Romeo and Juliet reimagined in a circus” than themed character dinners, if you will; more immersive cabaret than 7 pm movie and jammies. But let’s be clear, being an adult means you vacation however you want, whenever you want. So if being in bed by 7 pm is your idea of the perfect evening, we encourage that.

And with free, reliable Wi-Fi available everywhere on our cruise ships, you’re just a video call away from any little ones you may have left on land, whether for a good night story, or a good night kiss. 

All Adult Cruise Experience

There you have it: our case for remaining an adult-only cruise experience . Aboard a Virgin Voyage , you can stretch out Lagoon-side with a drink in one hand and a book in the other (how many pages you’ve read is none of our business) without fear of a rogue cannonball spoiling the relaxation. According to Josh Rivera, Consumer Travel Editor for the USA Today, "It feels like an upscale PlayPlace for adults. In the best way possible. Different from other lines, Virgin’s vibe was engaging, and knowing that passengers were all there without kids, all looking to have a good time , changed the atmosphere."

2024 & 2025 Adult Cruise Vacations

Be sure to checkout our 2024 adult cruises, and 2025 cruises for adults , the possibilities are endless with over 100 dreamy destinations to select from. Set sail and enjoy  Caribbean cruises filled with sun, sand, and sea , or discover unforgettable Europe Cruises filled with scenic beauty and rich history . Take advantage of 2024 cruise deals, some with drink packages to enhance your vacation fun!

Ready to plan your dream adults-only vacation? Make it reality.

Adult Friendly Cruise

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