What You Need to Know Before Cruising on Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages made a splash onto the cruising scene when its first ship, Scarlet Lady, began sailing in 2021. Since then, two additional ships have joined the fleet (Valiant and Resilient Lady) and another (Brilliant Lady) is set to begin sailing in 2025. If you’re planning to book a cruise, here’s what you need to know before cruising on Virgin Voyages.

Adults Only

While some cruise lines are more family-friendly than others, Virgin Voyages is strictly adults-only. With a design aimed to appeal to the 18+ crowd, Virgin Voyages’ goal is to create an “environment for reflection, transformation, and exploration without life’s everyday stressors.”

Thus, bookings are open only to sailors who are 18 years of age or older — absolutely no kids are allowed on Virgin Voyages.

The cruise line is especially looking to appeal to those who might not ordinarily consider a cruise for their next vacation. The vibe on the ship is also more casual. So, there is no need to pack your formal attire — unless you want to for things like the “We Fancy” party or Scarlet Night.

All-Inclusive Pricing

Virgin Voyages’ cruise fares offer one of the most inclusive options in the premium cruise line category.

All cruise fares on Virgin Voyages include basic beverages, gratuities, WiFi, specialty dining, and more.

Complimentary basic beverages include still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, soda, tea, and drip coffee. You might want to bring a reusable water bottle, as there is no bottled water available on board. Instead, there are water refill stations throughout the ship.

Cruise fares also include all gratuities, even on services such as spa treatments. This means that there will be NO additional service charges or crew tips added to your onboard account. There will also be no gratuity added to alcoholic beverages purchased.

Other inclusions that are normally an up-charge on a cruise are basic WiFi for all passengers, as well as group fitness classes. Dining in all venues is also part of the cruise fare. 

However, there is a charge to upgrade to streaming WiFi or for certain premium menu items at the onboard restaurants.

A Variety of Dining Options

Speaking of restaurants, Virgin Voyages has upped the ante when it comes to cruise ship dining. There is no main dining room, no true buffet, and no set dinner times.

Instead, there are 20+ dining options that are all included in your cruise fare.

The Galley is the food hall serving made-to-order burgers, tacos, noodles, sushi, sweet treats, and more. Then, there are several specialty restaurants serving up international flavors.

Among the dining venues, one that tops our list is The Wake. Located at the aft of the ship, this glamorous restaurant features high-end steak and seafood options for a delicious dinner with a view.

Other restaurants include Extra Virgin, an Italian trattoria serving handmade pasta and Pink Agave, an upscale Mexican restaurant. There is also the lively Korean BBQ restaurant, Gunbae, Razzle Dazzle, and experiential food on a set menu at Test Kitchen.

Since there are no set dinner times, guests can make reservations on the Virgin Voyages app starting 45 days before departure (or 60 days for sailors booked in Mega RockStar and RockStar Quarters). Though, only one reservation per restaurant can be made in advance.

The food and dining is certainly where Virgin Voyages shines! The food quality and intimate spaces make you feel like you are dining at a restaurant on land instead of on a cruise ship.

Cabin Options

Virgin Voyages’ cabins definitely get you closer to the sea. Ninety-three percent of all cabins on the ship have an ocean view. Eighty-six percent of the cabins have a balcony, and nearly all come complete with a red hammock for swaying to the motion of the ocean and enjoying the saltwater breeze.

The cabins certainly have a unique style, including technological enhancements, trendy décor, and a configurable seabed.

All rooms include rainfall showers, mood lighting, a 43+ inch TV, bathroom toiletries, several power and USB outlets, and a safe big enough for your laptop.

Unfortunately, sailors cannot pick their exact room location. Much like a hotel, the cruise line auto assigns a room from the selected cabin category at the time of booking. However, if you call Sailor Services or work with a travel agent they may be able to get you booked into a specific cabin of your choice.

Cabin categories are the Insider, Sea View, Sea Terrace, and RockStar Quarters including the most lavish Massive Suite.

While we initially questioned the functionality of the cabins, we were pleasantly surprised. The closet has adequate storage. The size of the cabin is also on par with other standard balcony cabins, though the bathroom does feel notably smaller.

In terms of the bed, it will be left in the nighttime configuration (as a bed) unless you request for it to be changed to the sofa setup (daytime configuration).

We really enjoyed the hammock on the balcony, the rainfall shower, and the abundance of outlets.

No Beverage Packages

Unlike most contemporary cruise lines, Virgin Voyages does not offer cruise ship beverage packages.

Basic beverages like still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, soda, tea, and drip coffee are included. However, premium coffee, fresh squeezed juice, and alcoholic beverages will cost extra.

Sailors can purchase a Bar Tab before setting sail. This is a dedicated allowance for premium beverages that can be used onboard the ship and at the Beach Club at Bimini. Note that the Bar Tab is nonrefundable once the voyage begins.

Thankfully, not all sailors in a cabin need to purchase a Bar Tab. Since it works more like onboard credit than a traditional drink package, you can use the Bar Tab for drinks as you wish, including using it to purchase beverages for fellow sailors.

Virgin Voyages is currently running a deal where if you pre-purchase a $100 Bar Tab, they’ll add an extra $10. You get an extra $25 on a $200 Bar Tab, and an extra $50 on a $300 Bar Tab.

Sailors are also welcome to bring two 750mL bottles of wine per cabin in carry-on bags (no liquor or beer). Of note, there is a corkage fee of $25 at restaurants.

The costs of drinks are on par with other cruise lines, minus the additional gratuity charge. So, you can rack up quite the hefty bill if you’re not paying attention.

The Band Acts as Your Key Card

Much like Princess Cruises’ Ocean Medallion, The Band bracelet is your wearable all-in-one device. The Band acts as your room key card allowing you to enter your cabin, make onboard purchases, and more.

The band also acts as a geo-locator for app features like Shake for Champagne and Ship Eats. Essentially, it allows the crew to find you onboard the ship to deliver food and beverages ordered through the app.

You’ll receive your band during check-in at the terminal prior to embarkation. It is sailing specific, so you will not be able to use it for future voyages.

All Caribbean Cruises Visit The Beach Club at Bimini

The Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries on Virgin Voyages provide several different four to eight-day options. Luckily, all Caribbean itineraries visit the Beach Club at Bimini with extended time in port well into the evening. This exclusive 4.5 acre resort in the Bahamas overlooks the ocean and offers expansive lagoon-style pools.

There are plenty of complimentary hammocks, beach loungers, and comfy furniture to relax, as well as private poolside and beach-side cabanas to rent. Like most cruise private destinations, the Beach Club offers complimentary food options, three bars, water sport rentals, and excursions for purchase.

Unique Entertainment

Much like dining, Virgin Voyages has re-envisioned cruise ship entertainment. Virgin Voyages offers unique entertainment options unlike your typical main theater and Broadway-esque shows.  

The Red Room is the transformational theater that offers four different configurations. This allows for completely different experiences throughout the cruise.

With modern and immersive entertainment options, you will certainly want to check out the shows, including Duel Reality and UNTITLED DANCEPARTYSHOWTHING.

If that’s not enough, there’s also the Instagram-worthy The Manor nightclub, which features various late-night dance parties — including themed ones.

Finally, there’s Scarlet Night, which is an all-evening event culminating with a huge party on the pool deck. Unless you’re sailing a special cruise over a holiday, this will be THE biggest event of your sailing and you don’t want to miss it. Be sure to pack some fun red clothing and your sparkliest makeup to help get you in the mood for one of the best nights of the sailing.

Late Embarkation and Disembarkation

In keeping with the party vibe, Virgin Voyages is offering later checkout times than most contemporary cruise lines. Sailors can sign up for disembarkation times as late at 10:45 am. So, do plan your flights home accordingly.

With that being said, embarkation begins later as well, generally 2 pm. So, if you are flying into the homeport the morning of your cruise, you will have plenty of time to get to the terminal. Further, the ship does not usually depart until 7 or 8 pm. However, the sail away party often starts an hour before sail away, so be sure to head up to the main pool deck to enjoy the party (including a free glass of champagne!).

We do recommend completing your check-in as soon as possible so you can reserve one of the earlier boarding groups.

Download the Virgin Voyages App

Finally, before you set sail with Virgin Voyages, be sure to download the Virgin Voyages app. This app will be your digital resource once onboard the ship.

You can make dining reservations or reserve shore excursions via the app (either pre-cruise or once onboard). You can also make reservations for the spa and fitness classes (the latter of which is complimentary).

The Virgin Voyages app, in conjunction with The Band, also allows for onboard food and drink delivery services, including Shake for Champagne.

Much like other cruise line apps, you can view your onboard account and all the daily activities as well. You can even chat with Sailor Services via the app instead of visiting in person.

Further, the app will send push notifications with reminders for reservations, to alert you when the ship is cleared to go ashore at a port of call, and more.

There is also a tablet located in each cabin from which you can request services like water, towels, room cleaning, and more. This tablet also controls the lights and curtains in the room.

Now that you know everything there is to know before cruising on Virgin Voyages, the only thing left to do is have a good time!

Comments

Is there anything else you would like to know before cruising on Virgin Voyages? Do you have an upcoming sailing on Scarlet, Valiant, or Resilient Lady? Drop us an anchor below with your questions about this newer cruise line.