Virgin Voyages: A Closer Look
If you’re looking for a cruise experience that feels different from the start, Virgin Voyages might be the right fit for you. This adults-only cruise line was designed to challenge traditional expectations — creating an experience that’s modern, inclusive, and centered around personal choice rather than rigid schedules or formalities.
Virgin Voyages refers to their guests as “Sailors,” a reflection of their approach to cruising as a more personal, connected experience at sea. You won’t find assigned dining times, strict dress codes, or traditional cruise entertainment schedules. Instead, Virgin Voyages gives you the freedom to shape your days and nights, offering a collection of thoughtfully designed spaces, flexible dining options, wellness opportunities, and immersive entertainment experiences that unfold naturally throughout the ship.
If you value travel experiences that feel personal, relaxed, and connected — without losing a sense of style and creativity — you may find Virgin Voyages a refreshing alternative to conventional cruising.
Is Virgin Voyages Right for You?
Choosing the right cruise experience is all about finding the atmosphere, style, and flexibility that match what you value most. Here’s how to know if Virgin Voyages might be the right fit for your travel style — or when you might want to explore other cruise lines.
You May Enjoy Virgin Voyages If:
- You prefer boutique, modern cruise ships designed with thoughtful spaces and a smaller-ship feel (around 2,700 Sailors)
- You prefer a casual, stylish onboard atmosphere without formal dress codes or assigned dining times
- You value diverse dining experiences, with meals included across multiple unique restaurants
- You enjoy a relaxed but social environment, with opportunities for connection, wellness, and creative entertainment
- You appreciate travel experiences that prioritize inclusivity, creativity, and personal freedom
- You enjoy later stays and overnight port visits that allow more time to explore each destination
You May Want to Consider Other Cruise Lines If:
- You prefer a more traditional cruise experience with formal nights, scheduled dining seatings, assigned tables, and classic entertainment shows
- You are traveling with children or seeking a family-focused cruise experience
- You enjoy highly structured schedules and a strong sense of formality in service and onboard activities
What to Expect Onboard Virgin Voyages
Sailing with Virgin Voyages feels less like joining a traditional cruise — and more like stepping into a boutique resort at sea, where you have the freedom to shape your days and nights exactly as you like.
You’ll find a relaxed, stylish atmosphere throughout the ship. Whether you start your morning with sunrise yoga, explore chef-curated dining throughout the day, or unwind at a spontaneous performance or quiet lounge in the evening, you set the rhythm of your journey. There are no assigned dining times, no formal dress codes, and no rigid entertainment schedules — giving you space to relax, connect, and explore on your own terms.
Dining and Culinary Experience
Dining aboard Virgin Voyages is designed to be an integral part of your overall experience — elevated, flexible, and seamlessly included in your voyage. You’ll have access to over 20 unique, chef-curated eateries, featuring a range of global influences and culinary styles, without needing to navigate specialty dining fees or assigned seating. The atmosphere encourages exploration — whether you’re drawn to upscale steakhouses, casual beachside lounges, or inventive small-plate venues. Virgin Voyages continues to evolve its culinary offerings, with new dining concepts being introduced alongside its newest ship, Brilliant Lady, further expanding the options available for you to discover.
Wellness and Fitness
Wellness is thoughtfully woven into the Virgin Voyages experience. You’ll have access to complimentary fitness classes — from yoga and HIIT to spin and meditation — along with outdoor athletic spaces and a dedicated running track. The Redemption Spa offers thermal suites, relaxation areas, and rejuvenation treatments for those seeking additional ways to unwind and recharge. Whether you prefer active days or quiet moments of restoration, wellness is always within easy reach, without rigid schedules or added complexity.
Entertainment and Activities
Entertainment on Virgin Voyages is designed to be engaging, spontaneous, and centered around your preferences. Instead of traditional large theater productions, you’ll find a collection of intimate performances, interactive experiences, and creative events unfolding in different spaces across the ship. Whether you feel like joining an immersive show, discovering pop-up entertainment, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at your own pace, the atmosphere allows you to participate as much or as little as you like — without schedules dictating your experience.
Cabins and Accommodations
Your cabin is designed to feel modern, efficient, and relaxed — with intuitive lighting, convertible furniture for flexible space use, and sea terraces featuring signature hammocks in most staterooms. Technology enhances the experience naturally, with adjustable mood lighting, smart cabin controls, and app-based service requests designed to make your stay effortless. If you’re looking for a more elevated experience, RockStar Quarters and Mega RockStar Suites offer expanded amenities, exclusive VIP areas, and priority access onboard.
Dress Code and Atmosphere
Virgin Voyages embraces a true “come as you are” approach. There are no formal nights, no assigned dining attire, and no expectation to conform to traditional cruise norms. While Virgin Voyages does host optional themed events — like Scarlet Night and Pajama Party — how you choose to dress is entirely up to you. Whether you’re in relaxed beachwear, dressed for an evening out, or something in between, the atmosphere remains easygoing, welcoming, and built around your comfort and style.
Virgin Voyages Destinations and Itineraries
Virgin Voyages designs its itineraries around flexibility, giving you more time to experience each destination at a pace that feels personal and unhurried. Sailings range from 4 to 15 nights, offering everything from shorter Caribbean getaways to longer Mediterranean explorations and relaxed transatlantic crossings. Each itinerary balances time at sea with extended stays in port — often including later departures and overnight visits. Whether you’re exploring historic cities, relaxing at a private beach club, or discovering coastal towns, every voyage is crafted to let you connect with the places you visit without feeling rushed.
Caribbean and the Bahamas
If you’re sailing from Miami, you’ll find Caribbean itineraries that blend relaxation and discovery — including visits to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), San Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands), and Virgin’s Beach Club at Bimini. Many itineraries feature extended stays, giving you time to explore historic towns, relax along local beaches, or experience evening events before returning to the ship.
Mediterranean and Europe
Mediterranean voyages sail from ports like Barcelona and Athens, offering access to destinations such as Ibiza, Mykonos, and the Greek Isles. These itineraries are designed around cultural immersion and vibrant local life, often with late-night or overnight stays that allow you to experience more than just daytime sightseeing. Whether you spend an afternoon visiting coastal communities or an evening enjoying local cuisine and music, you have the flexibility to plan your time ashore in a way that suits your interests.
Transatlantic Crossings
For those seeking a longer, more leisurely journey, Virgin Voyages also offers transatlantic crossings — providing the opportunity to experience the open ocean in a boutique resort-style environment, with time to truly unwind between continents.
Virgin Voyages Inclusions and Pricing Style
Virgin Voyages is designed around the idea that your time at sea should feel natural — allowing you to enjoy your voyage without navigating endless add-ons.
Your fare includes access to all onboard dining across 20+ eateries, with no additional charges for specialty restaurants. You’ll also enjoy Wi-Fi throughout the ship, fitness classes like yoga and spin, and daily gratuities — already taken care of. Basic beverages, including filtered still and sparkling water, drip coffee, teas, and sodas, are also included to make your time onboard more convenient and enjoyable.
While your voyage covers a wide range of experiences, some extras — such as alcoholic beverages, premium coffee drinks, upgraded spa services, and curated Shore Things excursions — are available at an additional expense, giving you the flexibility to personalize your experience if you choose.
Virgin Voyages’ approach to inclusions is designed to keep your experience focused on enjoying your time onboard without complexity.
Important Things to Consider About Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages offers a different approach to cruising — one designed around personal freedom, modern experiences, and relaxed luxury. As you consider if this voyage style fits what you’re looking for, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Adults-Only Environment: Virgin Voyages is exclusively for travelers 18 and older. If you are planning a family or multigenerational trip, a different cruise line may be a better match for your needs.
- Flexible, Unstructured Days: Dining, entertainment, and activities are designed without rigid schedules. You’ll have the freedom to dine where and when you choose, enjoy performances that pop up across the ship, and plan your days at a pace that feels right for you — without formal dining seatings or assigned showtimes.
- Entertainment and Energy: Entertainment onboard tends to be immersive, creative, and often more modern or edgy compared to traditional cruise productions. If you enjoy casual social spaces, spontaneous experiences, and the option to engage as much or as little as you like, you may find Virgin’s atmosphere a good fit.
- Casual Atmosphere: Virgin embraces a relaxed “come as you are” approach. There are no formal nights, no dress codes, and no expectations for traditional cruise attire — making it easy to travel comfortably while still enjoying sophisticated spaces and experiences.
- Optional Extras: While much of your experience is included, alcoholic beverages, premium coffee drinks, spa treatments, and Shore Things excursions are available at an additional expense if you wish to enhance your voyage further.
Next Steps for Planning Your Virgin Voyage
As a Gold Certified Virgin Voyages First Mate and a graduate of the Seacademy program, I bring a deeper level of insight into the Virgin Voyages experience. Whether you’re looking for the right itinerary, the best stateroom options, or thoughtful advice on how to personalize your time onboard, I help ensure your voyage feels well-matched to your style and goals.
If you’d like to discuss your options, I invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation to ensure we align your goals with the best voyage. If you already know which Virgin Voyage you would like to reserve, you can finalize your plans through my Reserve Your Voyage link. You’ll continue to enjoy all the great benefits of my essential cruise planning service.
