The Virgin Voyages Guide We Wish We’d Had Before Our First Sailing

Virgin Voyages made a splash onto the cruising scene when its first ship, Scarlet Lady, began sailing in 2021. Since then, three additional ships have joined the fleet (Valiant, Resilient, and Brilliant Lady). Whether you’re a first-time sailor or looking to book your next voyage, this comprehensive guide will take you through everything you need to know before setting sail with Virgin Voyages. It’s the exact guide we wish we’d had before our first sailing!

Virgin Voyages has created a cruise experience that stands apart from traditional cruise lines. With its adults-only atmosphere, mostly inclusive pricing model, exceptional dining, and unique entertainment, it appeals to travelers looking for something different. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, Virgin Voyages offers a fresh take on cruising that combines luxury, fun, and relaxation.

Table of Contents

• Fleet Overview
• Adults-Only Experience
• What’s Included in Your Fare
• VoyageFair Choices
• Bar Tab Instead of Drink Packages
• Dining Options
• Cabin Options
• Unique Entertainment & Activities
• The Beach Club at Bimini
• The Band
• Virgin Voyages App
• Sailing Club Loyalty Program
• Late Embarkation and Disembarkation
• What to Pack for your Virgin Voyage

Fleet Overview

Virgin Voyages currently operates four ships:

1. Scarlet Lady – The flagship vessel that debuted in 2021
2. Valiant Lady – Joined the fleet in 2022 as the second ship
3. Resilient Lady – The third ship in the fleet, launched in 2023
4. Brilliant Lady – The fourth ship launched in 2025, sailing to Alaska

All ships in the fleet are around 110K gross tons and share the same general design and layout. The ships are mid-sized by industry standards, accommodating approximately 2,770 passengers and 1,160 crew members.

Adults-Only (or Kids-Free) Experience

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 particularly aims to attract travelers who might not ordinarily consider a cruise for their vacation. The vibe on the ships is distinctly casual and laid-back compared to traditional cruise lines, with no formal nights or dress codes (except for themed events where dressing up is optional but encouraged).

What’s Included in Your Fare

One of Virgin Voyages’ most appealing aspects is its mostly inclusive pricing model, which offers significant value compared to other premium cruise lines.

Virgin still includes more in its base fare than most premium lines. That said, as of late 2025 you now choose how much is bundled in up front, which we break down in the next section.

What’s Included:

• Accommodations – 93% feature ocean views and 86% have balconies with most including a balcony hammock
• All dining at 20+ restaurants – No main dining room or buffet; instead, you get specialty dining experiences created by Michelin-starred chefs along with snacks like pizza and ice cream
• Basic beverages – Still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, drip coffee, and tea
• Wi-Fi – Basic internet access for all passengers
• Group fitness classes – Unlike most cruise lines that charge extra for fitness classes
• Entertainment – All shows and performances are included
• Beach Club at Bimini – Most Caribbean sailings visit this private beach club on the island of Bimini

What’s Not Included:

• Alcoholic beverages – Though there is no traditional beverage package
• Premium coffee drinks, fresh-pressed juices, and smoothies
• Shore excursions – Called “Shore Things” by Virgin Voyages
• Spa treatments and thermal suite – Though Mega RockStar guests get thermal suite access
• Gratuities – As of fall 2025, daily gratuities are no longer included ($22 per person, per day or $20 if you pre-pay)
• Premium menu items – Some restaurants have upcharge items
• Ship Eats delivery fee – $10 for room service delivery (waived for RockStar guests)
• Tattoo Parlor
• Upgraded WiFi options (Premium and Work from Sea plans)
• Merchandise
• Casino play
• Some upcharge activities – Activities like the Grog Walk or culinary and mixology classes

Understanding the New VoyageFair Choices

Virgin Voyages used to bundle everything into one fare. That changed on October 7, 2025, when the line rolled out VoyageFair Choices. Now you pick from three tiers based on how much you want included up front. The change applies to new bookings only. If you booked before that date, your original inclusions still stand.

No matter which tier you choose, the core Virgin experience stays the same. All dining, all entertainment, group fitness classes, and the basic drinks stay included across the board. The tiers only change the extras, and ultimately your voyage cost.

Here’s how the three break down:

Base is the budget pick. You get Basic WiFi for one device, a 15-day dining reservation window, and the lowest price. The tradeoff is that it’s non-refundable and locks in your sail date, cabin, and guests with no changes allowed.

Essential is the middle tier and the closest to Virgin’s old all-inclusive feel. It steps up to Classic WiFi, opens dining reservations 45 days out, and is refundable as credit. You can also shift your sail date or swap guest names for everyone but the primary sailor.

Premium is the loaded option short of booking a suite. It adds Premium WiFi for two devices with streaming and video, a 60-day dining window, a $15 drink credit per person per day, and priority support. You also get the most flexibility to make changes, and it’s refundable as credit.

Of note: RockStar suites only receive Classic WiFi, so guests will need to pay extra to upgrade to Premium WiFi ($30 per day). Mega RockStar suites get Work From Sea WiFi.

Bar Tab Instead of Drink Packages

Unlike most cruise lines, Virgin Voyages does not offer traditional beverage packages. Instead, they use a “Bar Tab,” which functions similarly to onboard credit specifically for beverages.

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.

How the Bar Tab works:

• You can pre-purchase Bar Tab credit before your cruise
• Virgin Voyages adds bonus credit based on how much you purchase:
  • $200 Bar Tab: an extra $25 to spend and a total of $225 in drinks to share
  • $300 Bar Tab: an extra $50 to spend and a total of $350 in drinks to share
  • $500 Bar Tab: an extra $100 to spend and a total of $600 in drinks to share
  • $750 Bar Tab: an extra $175 to spend and a total of $925 in drinks to share
  • $1000 Bar Tab: an extra $250 to spend and a total of $1250 in drinks to share
• Bar Tab can be used for alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, fresh juices, and smoothies
• Unlike traditional beverage packages, your Bar Tab can be used to buy drinks for friends (so not everyone in the cabin needs to purchase one)
• Any unused amount will not be refunded so purchase wisely

Sailors are also permitted to bring two 750ml bottles of wine per cabin in carry-on bags, but there is a $25 corkage fee.

What’s the Difference between Bar Tab and Sailor Loot?

It’s easy to mix these two up since they are both credits added to your onboard spending account, but they actually work very differently. Bar Tab is drinks only. Sailor Loot is close to cash.

Your Bar Tab covers beverages but nothing else. That means cocktails, wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffees, fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and mocktails, both onboard and at the Beach Club at Bimini for you and your friends if you choose. As noted above, you can pre-purchase it for bonus credit.

Sailor Loot is far more flexible. You can put it toward almost anything on the ship, including spa treatments, Shore Things, the tattoo parlor, retail, dining upcharges, and yes, drinks too. It usually shows up as a perk from a promotion or your travel advisor rather than something you buy.

When you order a drink, Virgin pulls from your Bar Tab first, then your Sailor Loot, then your card. This order works in your favor since Bar Tab can only buy drinks. That keeps your Sailor Loot free for the things Bar Tab can’t touch, like a spa day or an excursion.

One last thing to keep in mind. You can cancel a Bar Tab for a full refund up to 24 hours before you sail, but after that any unused balance, bonus included, is gone. It won’t be refunded at the end of the voyage. Sailor Loot won’t be refunded after the voyage either, so plan to spend both down before you disembark.

A Variety of Dining Options

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, and each offers a distinct culinary experience.

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.

Key Restaurants:

1. The Wake – An upscale steak and seafood restaurant with impressive wake views
2. Extra Virgin – An Italian trattoria serving handmade pasta and regional specialties
3. Gunbae – The first Korean BBQ restaurant at sea with communal grilling
4. Pink Agave – An upscale Mexican restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere
5. Razzle Dazzle – Vegetarian-forward restaurant evolved to American comfort food menu
6. The Test Kitchen – Experimental, laboratory-style restaurant with set tasting menus

Razzle Dazzle continues to serve its popular brunch across the fleet; however, the venue transforms in the evening based on which ship you’re sailing.

• Scarlet Lady – Lucky Lotus (Chinese)
• Valiant Lady – Ariya (Indian)
• Resilient Lady – new concept expected after 2027 dry dock
• Brilliant Lady – Rojo (Spanish)

Of note: Treat Yourself items on select menus at the above restaurants and dinner shows will incur additional fees.

Instead of a traditional buffet, The Galley serves as a food hall with various stations offering made-to-order items including burgers, tacos, noodles, sushi, and desserts.

There are additional casual venues that are all included in the cruise fare as well. These include:

• The Social Club Diner
• Sun Club Cafe
• The Pizza Place
• The Dock House & The Dock
• Lick Me Till…Ice Cream

Do I need dining reservations?

Dining reservations are required for the six main restaurants, with some walk-up availability. Reservations can be made as early as 120 days before your sailing based on which VoyageFair tier you booked and your cabin type (for reservations made on or after October 7, 2025). The reservation windows are as follows:

• Lock It In or Base: 15 days before sailing
• Essential: 45 days before sailing
• Premium: 60 days before sailing
• RockStar & Mega RockStar Quarters: 120 days before sailing

These reservations can be made in the cruise line’s app or the Virgin Voyages website

The number of reservations you are allowed to make pre-cruise depends on the length of the voyage: 1 reservation per restaurant (1-5 night sailings), 2 reservations per restaurant (6-8 night sailings), and 3 reservations per restaurant (9+ night sailings).

Cabin Options

Virgin Voyages offers several cabin categories with uniquely designed spaces featuring technological enhancements and modern décor. A standout feature is that 93% of cabins have an ocean view, and 86% include balconies with signature red hammocks.

All rooms also 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. 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.

The ability to change your cabin after it’s been auto-assigned is based on which VoyageFair tier you booked. Changes are not allowed for Lock It In and Base fares.

Main Cabin Categories:

1. Insider – Interior cabins without windows, the most economical option, some solo options available
2. Sea View – Cabins with a window or porthole, some solo options available
3. Sea Terrace – Standard balcony cabins with hammocks, XL Sea Terraces also available

RockStar Quarters:

For those looking for a luxury experience, Virgin offers “RockStar Quarters”. These suites come with enhanced amenities and privileges:

• Sweet Aft Suite
• Seriously Suite
• Cheeky Corner Suite
• Brilliant Suite

These guests receive access to Richard’s Rooftop, one-time in-room bar, and early booking/priority access for dining and experiences (120 days).

Mega RockStar Quarters:

The ultimate luxury experience comes with the Mega RockStar Quarters:

• Gorgeous Suite
• Posh Suite
• Fab Suite
• Massive Suite – The most luxurious accommodation, featuring a music room, outdoor hot tub, and expansive terrace

These guests receive Richard’s Rooftop access, early booking/priority access for dining and experiences (120 days), daily Bar Tab, complimentary access to the thermal suite, private transfer to ship or free parking, bottomless in-room bar, and Work from Sea WiFi.

Unique Entertainment and Activities

Much like dining, Virgin Voyages has re-envisioned cruise ship entertainment. Virgin Voyages’ entertainment options are distinctly different from traditional cruise lines.

Theater Shows

Rather than Broadway-style productions, the focus is on immersive shows and experiences held in two main venues, The Red Room and The Manor.

• The Red Room: The main entertainment venue; a transformational theater that can be configured in four different ways to create varied experiences during the voyage
• The Manor: A two-story nightclub inspired by Richard Branson’s first recording studio; features various themed parties and interactive experiences throughout the cruise

While all four ships in the fleet feature a variety of shows and entertainment, there are slight differences in the offerings. One of the most popular productions is Duel Reality, an artistic and high-energy reimagining of Romeo & Juliet. In addition to the signature shows, there’s the PJ Party, Festival Stage Acts, the shipwide Scarlet Night party, live music around the ship, and various activities with the Happenings Cast. Brilliant Lady has dedicated Alaska programming while sailing the region as well.

There’s also more traditional cruise entertainment with a twist like karoake, trivia, board games, dance classes, and crafts. Most of these experiences and entertainment offerings do not require reservations.

Scarlet Night

The highlight of most Virgin Voyages cruises is Scarlet Night, a ship-wide immersive event that transforms the entire vessel into a red-themed celebration. The evening includes multiple themed pop-up performances throughout the ship, interactive experiences with the Happenings Cast, storytelling centered around the “Octopus Goddess”, a massive pool party where sailors are encouraged to wear red attire, and an after-party that continues into the early morning.

Wellness and Fitness

• Redemption Spa – Featuring a thermal suite and treatment rooms for massages, facials, and various other services
• The Athletic Club – An outdoor training zone with boxing bags and fitness equipment
• B-Complex – Indoor fitness center with the latest equipment for cardio and strength training
• Wellness Pool – A dedicated pool for relaxation
• Group Fitness Classes – Including yoga, meditation, cycling, and HIIT workouts (all included in your fare)

Fitness classes do require reservations and do fill up quickly. These reservations can be made in the app once onboard the ship.

The Beach Club at Bimini

Most Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries include a stop at The Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin Voyages’ private beach destination in the Bahamas. This exclusive 4.5-acre resort offers:

• Two expansive lagoon-style pools
• Complimentary beach loungers and hammocks
• Private cabanas available for rent
• Multiple bars and food options (food is complimentary)
• Water sports and excursions available for purchase
• Exclusive area for RockStar guests
• Ability to explore the rest of Bimini if you’d like

The Beach Club provides a relaxed beach day experience with the signature Virgin Voyages vibe, including DJ performances, a flotilla party, beach games, as well as beach yoga and meditation sessions.

The Band

Much like Princess Cruises’ Ocean Medallion, The Band RFID 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, scan on and off the ship, and more. The band also acts as a geo-locator for app features like Shake for Champagne.

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. Though, you can recycle it upon disembarkation if you’d like.

The Virgin Voyages App

The Virgin Voyages app is an essential tool for your cruise experience. It will be your digital resource once onboard the ship, so be sure to download it prior to your voyage.

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.

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. This is important as there aren’t many ship-wide announcements made during the voyage.

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

Sailing Club (Loyalty Program)

Virgin Voyages’ loyalty program is called the Sailing Club, which rewards repeat sailors with escalating benefits based on the number of cruises completed.

How it works:

• Complete one eligible voyage and you’re automatically enrolled in the Sailing Club
• Complete two voyages to unlock Blue Extras on your third voyage
• Complete four voyages to unlock Deep Blue Extras on your fifth voyage

Blue Extras benefits include:

• Dedicated Sailor Services support
• Exclusive cocktail reception
• Laundry service (one bag)
• One specialty coffee per day

Deep Blue Extras additional benefits:

• Two (instead of one) specialty coffees per day
• Two pressed items and one specialty-cleaned item (+ one bag of laundry)
• Priority boarding at embarkation
• Unlimited premium WiFi
• $100 Bar Tab credit

Only full-fare sailings qualify for the Sailing Club program. Discounted sailings, gifted cruises, comped casino cruises, or voyages booked with airline points don’t count toward status.

Of note: The Virgin Voyages Status Match program ended as of October 2025.

Late Embarkation and Disembarkation

In keeping with the relaxed vibe, Virgin Voyages offers a later boarding and departure than many cruise lines.

With that being said, embarkation begins generally around 1:45 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. However, we still always recommend flying in a day early just in case you encounter any travel delays.

We also recommend completing your check-in as soon as possible so you can reserve one of the earlier boarding groups. If you are staying in RockStar Quarters or have Deep Blue Extras perks, you’ll get priority embarkation.

The good news is that given the later boarding all cabins are ready when you arrive to the ship.

In terms of disembarkation, sailors can sign up for times as late as 10:30 AM. So, you can take your time and have some breakfast before getting off the ship. Just be sure to plan your flights home accordingly.

What to Pack for Your Virgin Voyage

Virgin Voyages has a more casual atmosphere than traditional cruise lines with no formal nights, but there are still some special events that you may want to bring along special attire. We also have a few trusted cabin hacks to make the best use of the cozy quarters.

Here’s a helpful list of some items you may want to pack:

• Red attire for Scarlet Night – This ship-wide celebration is best enjoyed when dressed in red
• Pajamas for the PJ Party – There’s a fun pajama party on the first night, so pack your favorite sleepwear to wear out
• Themed outfits – Check your sailing for any special themed events in The Manor
• Athletic wear – For group fitness classes and workouts like the popular VHS workout (80’s themed)
• Reusable water bottle – There’s no bottled water available onboard, only refill stations
• Magnetic hooks – Cabin walls are metal, making these perfect for hanging items like bags and hats to save space
• Over-the-door shoe organizer – Great for organizing small items in your cabin like charging cords, toiletries, sunglasses, and the like
• Motion sickness remedies – Just in case, even if you don’t typically experience seasickness
• Sunglasses and sunscreen – Especially important for beach days at Bimini or while lounging poolside
• Portable phone charger – Useful for long days of exploring ports or using the app onboard
• Towel clips – Helpful to secure your beach towels to the lounge chairs
• Wrinkle release spray – Since irons aren’t allowed onboard cruise ships

Virgin Voyages provides Red Flower bath products in all cabins, so you can save space by not packing shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or hand soap. You’ll also want to make sure you leave the clothes irons, steamers, and other prohibited items at home.

A Note Before Your First Virgin Voyage

Virgin does a lot of things differently, and a handful of insider moves puts you one step ahead of everyone else. Book early for the best rates, download the app before your booking window opens so you can grab dining reservations, pre-purchase a Bar Tab for bonus credit, and remember that Virgin Voyages is designed to be a more relaxed cruise experience than traditional cruise lines. Yet, there’s still plenty to do.

Focus on the experiences that interest you most and leave time to simply enjoy the ship’s atmosphere, onboard happenings, and the destinations you visit.

Comments

Is there anything else you would like to know before cruising on Virgin Voyages? Do you have an upcoming sailing on Scarlet, Valiant, Resilient, or Brilliant Lady? Drop us an anchor below with your Virgin Voyages tips, tricks, and secrets.