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Virgin Voyages: Our Honest Review (Spoiler: It’s Awesome)

By: Author Dan Bagby

Posted on Published: September 7, 2023

When I heard that Richard Branson had launched Virgin Voyages aiming to shake up the cruise industry, I was very hopeful. We have cruised before and were hoping his vision for cruising could eliminate some of the things we didn’t like.

So we got a good deal and booked a Virgin Voyages cruise out of Athens to visit Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. And while we were on that cruise, we liked it so much that we booked a cruise out of Barcelona to visit France, Italy, and Spain. Now we have been on two completely different cruises and wanted to share our Virgin Voyages review.

This article is a comprehensive review of Virgin Voyages cruises, but in short, we love that Virgin Voyages has the most inclusive pricing and the fewest upcharges on board, and is adult-only.

Get an extra $100 Sailors Loot

When you book through our link or with one of our travel agents, you will receive $100 in Sailors Loot per cabin to use on board for these sailings through April 2024 .

Also available in August is  $500 off all Caribbean voyages through April 2024  or  $1000 off sailings from Barcelona and Piraeus (Athens)  — all with up to $600 in free drinks included so they can toast on every coast.

In this Virgin Voyager Cruise Review, we are going to be covering every aspect of their cruises that you need to know. We’ll talk about the destinations, the ships, onboard activities and amenities, dining, entertainment, pricing, and more.

Virgin Voyages Reviews & Awards

It appears we are not the only ones who love Virgin Voyages. Most recently, they won 2023’s Cruise Critic’s Best Overall Cruise Line and Cruise Critic Best Dining, Best Cabins, and Best Value-For-Money awards. This makes them the first cruise line to win all five Cruise Critics awards in a single year.

Watch Our Full Review on YouTube on Virgin Cruises

Virgin Voyages Review: Overview

As mentioned, Virgin Voyages launched in 2020 with only two ships in their fleet. While their beginning was small, the company’s determination to set itself apart from traditional cruise lines is catching momentum. Even with the pause in traveling due to the pandemic, Virgin Voyages now has 4 ships in their fleet, and it won’t be a surprise if they add more in the near future.

Why Virgin Voyages?

Almost all-inclusive.

With other cruise lines, your base price is only the start of what you are going to pay. With Virgin Cruises, your pricing includes tips, taxes, Wi-Fi, and all restaurants.

The only things you need to plan on paying for are some drinks and excursions.

We loved that the alcohol was affordable and we only paid for our spa treatments on board and excursions.

Sustainability Review

I felt some guilt going on a cruise knowing its negative environmental impact. The good news is through innovative and sustainable technologies, banning unnecessary single-use plastics, and thoughtfully sourcing food and retail merchandise, Virgin is working hard to have Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050.

So even if a Virgin Voyages Cruise still has a negative environmental impact, it’s nice to know that by giving them our business we are supporting the innovation to get the industry cruising in the right direction.

Food Review

Virgin Voyages had chefs from Michelin-star restaurants create the food concepts and it was clear from our first meal. There are no buffets and no specialty restaurants that cost extra, in contrast to other cruise lines that are constantly trying to upsell you.

We made dinner reservations in the Virgin Voyages app in advance of the cruise and were able to make changes as we went, making additional reservations at the restaurants we loved and change times when needed. (More on the restaurants below.)

Adult Exclusive

This is not just an adult-focused cruise line; there are no kids allowed. The minimum age is 18. We personally like kids, but we loved that everything felt like it was made for us.

Adult Programming

With no kids allowed, the cruise entertainment, food, and amenities are all tailored to an adult audience. We noticed this in the health and wellness offerings as well, including group fitness classes and the different workout areas.

Each Virgin Voyages ship has a sleek design with a luxurious atmosphere. A majority of the cabins and suites offer guests balconies and ocean views. When on a Virgin Voyages ship, you will find a balance of relaxation and play with several pools, bars, workout areas, and restaurants.

• Virgin Voyages Food Review

Let’s talk more about one of the most important parts of any vacation, the food!

So when I think of food on a cruise things have been hit or miss on other cruise lines.

We had a completely different experience on a Virgin Voyage.

There are over 20 dining options to choose from on Virgin Voyages ships created by Michelin-starred chefs. Some of the restaurants include steak and seafood, Italian, vegetarian, hibachi, Mexican, and even an experimental kitchen.

Another great feature is you can find a good selection of food around the clock! Most restaurants close at 10, but the burger bar goes till 11:30pm and there is a 24-hour dinner.

You can order as much food as you would like including multiple appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

The Wake Review

The Wake is a popular steak and seafood restaurant that serves breakfast, brunch, and dinner.

Make sure you grab reservations for both brunch and dinner at The Wake. We loved the Roasted Bone Marrow, New Zealand Lamb Chops, Brown Butter Roasted Wild Mushrooms, and asparagus for dinner and the eggs benedict.

Razzle Dazzle Review

For vegetarians, Razzle Dazzle is a great option as a majority of the menu excludes meat. Razzle Dazzle has a casual dining atmosphere with a unique menu for breakfast, brunch, and dinner.

This was our first dinner on board and we ended up coming back again for brunch and again for dinner. One benefit is the staff recognized us and were great each time.

For brunch, service starts with offering coffee, tea, juices, and a selection of pastries. The wild mushroom frittata was the best breakfast item of the trip for us. The chicken biscuit and watermelon appetizer and the probiotic hash were excellent.

We loved the braised lamb shank and the braised leak dish for dinner.

Make sure you ask for the secret menu!

Extra Virgin

You may have guessed by the name that Extra Virgin is an Italian restaurant. When dining at Extra Virgin, you will find classic Italian dishes such as meatballs, homemade pasta, cheese and meats, calamari, and unique Italian tapas.

Everything at Extra Virgin was delicious. Every time we visited we ordered a ton of food.

Our favorites included a cheese and charcuterie board, beef carpaccio, meatballs, calamari, fired artichoke, gnocchi, a NY Strip, and gelato affogato, which they prepared custom tableside. Honestly, one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to.

If you crave Mexican food while on a cruise, then head to Pink Agave. This is an intimate and luxurious Mexican restaurant that serves classic Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, tacos, guacamole, cochinita pibil (smoked pork), chorizo, and seafood.

We really liked the drink selection including spiked agua frescas. We both ordered passion fruit agua fresca, but one with vodka and one with tequila. The appetizers were great, especially the guacamole and the enchiladas. A lot of people recommended the steak with cheese, but I didn’t really get the hype. The steak was cooked perfectly, but why the cheese?

Test Kitchen

Tied for our favorite with Razzle Dazzle is the Test Kitchen, a laboratory-themed restaurant where Virgin Voyages chefs experiment with ingredients and make up new recipes. When we said Virgin Voyages is different than other cruise lines, this is what we meant.

There are two different menus that rotate throughout the cruise with 5 courses each, and you will have an opportunity to experience dishes that have never been served before. You can also try different vegetarian menus.

Similar to other Virgin Voyages reviews we have seen, some of the items are a little bit of a stretch with being too experimental, but with 5 courses we are still left full. We both enjoyed our main dish which was beef tenderloin or venison. They also offered a drink pairing that we passed on but was a good value we will take advantage of next time with 6 cocktails or wine pairings for $35.

If you are an extrovert or an introvert looking for a way to get out of your shell, then Gunbae is the place to be. This is a Korean bbq restaurant where guests from all over the world can sit together for dinner and a show.

The meal starts with a drinking game where you take a shot if you lose. I was the first one out!

We enjoyed a wide variety of appetizers, including noodle bowls, crispy chicken, and more. For the main course, you choose a selection of meats that are prepared on the grill by the server.

Know that you will be sitting with strangers for this meal at tables of 6.

The Gallery

While it’s not exactly a buffet, The Gallery is a place with multiple options with a lot of variety. The food hall has various dishes to choose from, including burgers, pasta, salads, sushi, desserts, and more.

There are both grab-and-go options that you can get yourself or items you order from a menu that your service will grab from you.

Things we would get on our own for breakfast included the bento boxes of fruit and yogurt and anything from the pastry and fruit section. I got in the habit of ordering my main dish from the menu and then grabbing chia pudding, extra fruit, and a pastry.

I also enjoyed coming here in the morning to grab a pastry and coffee.

For dinner, there is also a dessert bar we loved with really great pastries.

Lick me till Ice Cream

Enjoy unique flavors of homemade ice cream with unique flavored cones.

The Social Club

Here you can order hotdogs, wings, popcorn, and candy or for an extra cost, grab an adult milkshake.

Drinks on Virgin Voyages

Even though Virgin Voyages isn’t completely all-inclusive, guests still will have access to all essential drinks. The cruise line makes sure that all guests are hydrated and taken care of while soaking up the Caribbean sunshine.

There are no drink packages on Virgin Voyages . Instead, most non-alcoholic drinks are included and other drinks are reasonably priced.

The essential beverages include all-you-can-drink sodas, teas, coffees, and water. This is great for those who aren’t big alcohol drinkers as they don’t need to worry about purchasing a drinks package like on other cruise lines.

Virgin Voyages Alcohol Pricing

Virgin Voyages does not have an alcohol package as many cruise lines do. Instead, you have two choices; you can either pay for beers and cocktails as you go or purchase a $300 prepaid bar tab. If you choose to do the prepaid bar tab, then Virgin Voyages will give you a $50 bonus for premium drinks. You can also use your bar tab to buy other guests drinks if you choose to do so.

Virgin Voyages prides itself in not hiking up the prices of its alcoholic drinks as many cruise companies do. You will find beer for around $5-$6, basic cocktails for $9, and 42% of their wines by the glass are under $10. The other great part is that all of your tips are included in your fare, so don’t worry about having to carry around extra cash.

Just so you aren’t caught by surprise, not all coffees are included in your fare. Some specialty coffees are at an extra cost. The specialty coffees are still great, but it’s good to be aware that you will have to pay out of pocket for them if desired.

Nonetheless, there are numerous bars on Virgin Voyages ships, so no matter the time of the day, you will find somewhere to grab a drink. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular bars and lounges on the Lady Ships.

On The Rocks

Located in the center of the ship, On The Rocks serves every drink under the sun. Guests can enjoy trivia, late-night bands, and other late-night entertainment daily.

Dock House & The Dock

At the rear of the ship, you will find the Dock House and the Dock. Similar to a beach club, you can enjoy loungers, Thai beds, and seating areas with umbrellas. The Dock House has both indoor and outdoor seating, depending on what you are feeling.

When sitting outside, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the bar service. If you want to go inside, then you will find a full-service bar that serves cocktails, small bites, and evening music.

This is one of our favorite venues. After a busy day in port, we would come here, order a drink, and lounge for a while. They also serve some great tapas for an afternoon snack, perfect for when you first get on the ship on embarcation day.

Sip Champagne Bar

This elegant bar is a perfect place to grab a cocktail before going to dinner. Since it is a quiet and relaxing area, guests can also come here to wind down or catch up on work if necessary.

Richard’s Rooftop

If you booked a suite, you can enjoy the luxury of Richard’s Rooftop. The outdoor space has a mixture of rooftop parties and pre-dinner cocktail areas.

The Manor is a nightclub with a London vibe. Guests can listen to DJs, drink cocktails, and dance the night away.

In addition to these main bars and lounges, there are several others throughout the Lady Ships. These include the Aquatic Club pool bar, Social Club, and Loose Canon Pub.

Virgin Voyages Ships

Currently, Virgin Voyages has four ships : the Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and the newest Brilliant Lady. You will find that all four ships are very similar, with sleek exterior designs and luxurious interiors. Each ship accommodates around 2,700 passengers with spacious cabins and high-end suites.

The ships are designed to celebrate the ocean, provide a yachting experience to the masses, and bring back the glam experience of sailing combined with the luxe experience of a boutique hotel.

Virgin Voyages Cabins

Virgin Voyager cabins have a modern design with fresh and trendy decor. The cabins are spacious, with a lot of them having private balconies. However, one complaint about the cabins is that the bathrooms are smaller than other cruise lines.

Nonetheless, one thing that sets Virgin Voyager cabins apart is the technology. When opening the cabin door, the curtains will open, and the lighting will turn on. Guests can use an in-room tablet to control the shades, television, movies, and room lighting, and request room service.

One cool feature of the rooms is the convertible sofa beds. In each room, the queen size bed converts into a sofa giving guests plenty of space to relax or watch a movie. It’s unclear if you can do the bed conversion yourself or not.

It’s likely you can, but you will be doing your own bedding changes each day. Instead, you can request an attendant to do it and will convert the sofa back to the bed in the evening.

If your cabin or suite does have a balcony, you will be greeted with a hammock. Relaxing in a hammock while cruising the sea is a great way to end your day. The balconies also have a table and chairs if you and your loved one want to have a cocktail in private.

Since there is a converting sofa bed in the rooms, you can’t put your bags under the bed. However, the closets are big enough to fit your bags for a 14-day voyage.

Lastly, there isn’t a minibar in the standard cabins, but you are given water bottles daily. For those in suites, you will get some complimentary beverages each day.

Virgin Voyages Suites

The Rockstar and Mega Rockstar suites are the most luxurious and expensive suites on the Lady Ships. For those wanting to go all out, the Mega Rockstar Suite is the way to go. These suites range from 570 square feet to 2000 square feet. They include whirlpools, outdoor jacuzzis, and private terraces.

Guests in the Mega Rockstar suites will get a record table, a bottomless mini bar, a high-limit bar tab, premium WiFi, and priority check-in. In addition, hotel and airport transfers are included in your fare.

The Rockstar suites aren’t as fancy as the Mega Rockstar suites, but they are still pretty amazing. These suites range from 400 to 850 square feet, depending on the room. You still get priority boarding, access to Richard’s Rooftop, and a private concierge. However, the minibar isn’t unlimited and is good for single use.

Expect to pay $850 to $1,200 a night for the Rockstar suite and $1,400-$2,000 for the Mega Rockstar suites. If you are going to live like a rockstar, then you should expect to pay for the experience.

Virgin Voyager Routes

Even though Virgin Voyager only has a four-ship fleet, there is a wide range of routes to choose from. Most of the cruise itineraries depart from Miami and explore destinations in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. On a seasonal basis, there are Mediterranean itineraries with one of their Lady Ships. However, guests can now make bookings for cruises in Australia and New Zealand that will depart in late 2023.

Your itinerary will affect the vibe on your cruise. Itineraries with Ibiza or the Bimini Beach Club, the cruise is are going to have more of a party vibe.

Also, the shorter the cruise, the more it will feel like a party vibe.

Caribbean Routes

As mentioned, every cruise in the Caribbean departs from Miami for now. In the next couple of years, it is rumored they will offer cruise departures from Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands.

As for the itineraries, they range from four to eight nights and include ports like Nassau, St. Thomas, San Juan, Costa Maya, Mexico, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic , Turks & Caicos, and more.

Mediterranean Routes

Currently, travelers can book 7-night stays departing from Barcelona, Spain, and Athens, Greece. However, some ports will have longer stays and overnight itineraries depending on your needs.

The Mediterranean routes make stops in other European countries such as France, Italy, Corsica, Ibiza, Turkey, Greece, and more. Similar to the Caribbean routes, if you are looking for exciting late-night experiences, this is the cruise for you.

Australia & New Zealand Routes

Travelers down under can choose from 12 different itineraries ranging from 5 to 14 nights. Most of the cruises will leave out of Melbourne, Australia, or Auckland, New Zealand, with some being round trip while others are one-way. The ships will make stops at multiple ports in both countries, giving you the opportunity to explore the best places.

There will also be a few itineraries that include stops in Singapore and Bali which are worth considering. We expect this is only the beginning of many new voyages to come in the South Pacific.

Virgin Voyages Cancellation Policy

No matter if it’s a flight, an all-inclusive resort in Cancun , or a cruise, you should know the terms of the cancellation policy. If you are booking 120 days or more prior to your departure date, you have a 7-day grace period to receive a full refund, including your deposit amount.

However, if it’s past the grace period but you are still outside of the 120-day mark, you will not get the deposit refunded. For cancellations between 119 days and 45 days, you have some options.

The first option is to get a “Future Voyage Credit” that can be applied to another cruise trip up to 1 year after the original departure date. The second option is to give the trip to someone and change the names on the reservation. Lastly, you can make a travel insurance claim if you purchased coverage.

At the 44-mark from departure, all payments are final, and you won’t receive any refund. However, depending on the reason for the cancellation, you can file a travel insurance claim. In these circumstances, claims will need to be made directly to the travel insurance company and not to Virgin Voyages .

Virgin Voyages Casino Review

If you want to test your luck, you can go to a casino on any Virgin Voyages ship. While the casinos are a tad smaller than other ships in the industry, there are still plenty of slot machines and table games to choose from. Some of the games include blackjack, craps, poker, slots, keno, baccarat, and more.

The casinos are open at all hours, so don’t worry about missing out on the action. Travelers can also join tournaments and special events for chances to win cash prizes. If you need a break from playing, then you can hang out at the bar while your friends and family keep playing.

Keep in mind that smoking is prohibited in the gaming area. There are designated smoking areas, and Virgin Voyages has the right to refuse service to anyone found in violation. Also if you seem too intoxicated, they can deny you entry into the casino.

If you are interested in poker, there are digital poker tables and there are poker tournament cruises as well.

Virgin Voyages Excursion Reviews

There is a lot of fun to be had while aboard a Virgin Voyages ship, but the fun doesn’t stop there. When stopping at the assigned ports, you can choose from a wide range of excursions. And by a wide range, we mean activities suitable for any type of traveler.

For active outdoorsmen, you can hike Mount Liamuiga Volcano in Basseterre, Saint Kitts. For a relaxing adventure, take a boat ride through the famous Bacalar Lagoon in Costa Maya, Mexico. For a romantic getaway, go to a winery in Santorini, Greece.

To put it in perspective, Virgin Voyages sails in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Australia, and New Zealand. Within each region, there are several ports of call for your enjoyment. From there, you can choose from dozens of excursions that are categorized as relaxing, energetic, or cultured. No matter what you like, there is something for everyone.

One unique feature of Virgin Voyages is the list of Richard’s Favs which are hand-selected by Richard Branson.

Virgin Voyages Activity Reviews

Even though Virgin Voyages has the appearance of a party ship, it has a lot of activities that don’t include DJs and pool parties. Of course, if you are into nightclubs and pool parties, you won’t have to look far, as there is plenty of that on board.

But aside from the vibrant nightlife, Virgin Voyages offers other activities such as trivia, food classes, bingo, workout classes, and other games. Then, of course, there is the casino, as we discussed earlier, but that costs money to play, whereas the others don’t.

Let’s not forget the shows and nighttime entertainment. Each Lady Ship has its own curated schedule of nighttime shows, including drag shows, game shows, live music, and comedy shows.

For example, the “It’s a Ship Show” is a dinner and a show that includes comedy, music, and performances. The food is included in the show, so you can snack while enjoying the show. Another show is Duel Reality which is a theater dance performance. However, once you go to this show and sit down, you can not leave for any reason until the show is over.

You will find that the shows on Virgin Voyages can be a little weird, but that’s the way they like it. They are proud to be eccentric and different from other cruise lines, and that is one of the main appeals of going aboard a Virgin Voyages ship. So, keep an open mind and enjoy the ride!

Virgin Voyages Amenities

When you aren’t watching a show, dining at a restaurant, or sleeping (if you sleep), there are plenty of amenities to keep you occupied. Virgin Voyages offers a variety of pools, jacuzzis, spa treatments, and gym facilities.

The workout facilities on Virgin Voyages are impressive. All of the cardio equipment is compatible with Apple Watch and the “my wellness” app. The weight lifting is separate from the cardio space and is equally impressive. You will find that some cruise lines and even resorts have limited workout areas, but not Virgin Voyages.

Ships also have professional fitness instructors that offer workout classes. For example, you can join spin, bungee, HIIT, or yoga classes. If you have never done one of these before, this is a good opportunity as it’s included in your fare.

The Redemption Spa is available to guests, but not all services are included in your fare. For example, you have to pay extra to get a massage which can be disappointing to some. However, there are typically saunas, steam rooms, mud rooms, whirlpool tubs, and heated laying areas.

Keep in mind that you can only block off 3 hours at a time when booking a reservation. The other downfall is that you have to be there for the full three hours. If you don’t, you can’t reenter and have to book a new reservation for another day.

The Pool Decks

The pool decks, also known as the “Aquatic Club,” are for those looking to relax and get a tan. There are only two pools; one is large and surrounded by lounge chairs, while the other is small and at the rear of the ship.

You will find that the larger pool has more of a club vibe where music plays all day. If you want a more relaxing or intimate vibe, then the smaller pool may be more your style.

Virgin Voyages Splash of Romance Package

Only available on the Scarlet Lady ship, guests can register for the Splash of Romance package. This package has an introductory rate of $200 and offers a luxurious experience with added perks.

Honeymooners or romantic couples will enjoy priority boarding, daily cold-pressed juices, exclusive sail-away hour, and sultry bites. In addition, you will get a two 3-hour thermal spa pass.

If you are wanting some bubbly to celebrate, then take advance of the “Shake for Champagne Service” via the Virgin Voyages app. When using this service, shake your phone, and you will have a bottle of champagne on ice delivered to you no matter where you are within minutes.

The Splash of Romance package is available in any region that the Scarlet Lady vessel sails to. To book, fill out the form, and within 72 hours, you will have a booking confirmation. From there, you will have 24 hours to pay a deposit and confirm your reservation.

Is Virgin Voyages All-Inclusive?

Virgin Voyages is all-inclusive to a point. All of your onboard food, activities, refreshments, and entertainment are included with your fare. However, on-shore activities, alcoholic beverages, and select spa services are not.

Are Virgin Cruises Adults Only?

Yes, Virgin Voyages cruises are for adults only, and you must be 18 years or older to board the ship. It’s a perfect cruise for solo travelers, couples, families, and friends. However, if you want to take your kids on a trip, you might want to look into Royal Caribbean or Disney cruises .

Virgin Voyages: Wrapping Up

There you have it, the complete guide to Virgin Voyages! It’s fair to say that these cruises are different than other ones, offering luxurious but unique experiences. There is a reason why Virgin Voyages has won several rewards recently, so why not give it a go?

Learn more about Virgin Voyages:

• Our Virgin Voyages Review
• Bimini Beach Club
• Virgin Voyages in Miami
• Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
• Virgin Voyages vs Royal Caribbean

He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club. Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.

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.)

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10+ Virgin Voyages Tips and Things to Know Before You Sail

About to sail on a Virgin Voyages cruise? As we’ve explained before, there is a lot that’s different that you’ll want to know about before you step on board.

Some of the biggest differences — no kids allowed, wi-fi and gratuities included in the fare — are well known and advertised heavily. But there are also a lot of things you may not know before your cruise that are unique to Virgin.

That’s why we’ve created a helpful list of a dozen things that are great tips and things to know for the cruise line. If you’ve never sailed before Virgin, this list can help make you a pro in no time…

Pack Some Red For Your Wardrobe

The signature color on Virgin Voyages is red. You’ll see it everywhere from the logo to the lighting around the ship to the uniforms of some crew members. But one thing you’ll want to do is bring a little red of your own — best if it’s in a snazzy outfit.

One big feature of a Virgin cruise is Scarlet Night. You may have seen ’80s or neon-themed parties on other lines. In a twist, Scarlet Night is where you wear your best red and the ship turns into a red-themed party. There’s red lighting everywhere, entertainers performing around the ship, and everyone is dressed up.

What you don’t want to do is feel out of the loop by leaving your red at home. 

High Status on Another Line? See About a Match

One hard part of creating a new cruise line is getting customers that are loyal to another line to give it a shot. Since cruise lines give perks to customers that have sailed often, getting them to jump to try another is difficult.

To solve this, Virgin Voyages introduced “Experience Match.” If you’re someone with a high status on another line, then Virgin will provide a match that opens up the perks that the cruise line offers its own loyalty program guests. This can include things like bar credit, premium wi-fi, daily coffee credit, and more.

Now you will need to have fairly high status on another cruise line to get a match (for example, Platinum or higher on Carnival) so not everyone will be able to take advantage. But if you can, it’s a no-brainer.

Pay Attention to the Letter on Your Cabin Number

Finding your cabin on the ship can be a little confusing your first time sailing Virgin Voyages due to the numbering convention used.

First, instead of having odd numbered cabins on one side and even numbers on the other, the cruise line uses “A” for rooms on one side of the ship and “Z’ for the other side. Ships in the middle use “M.”

But if you are in room 5266A, there’s another room on the other side of the ship that’s 5266Z. And there could be a mid-ship room that’s 5266M. In other words, you need to pay attention to the entire room number, including the letter at the end.

Otherwise, it could be for some awkward conversations when you’re trying to open up the door to the wrong cabin late at night.

Reservations Are Tricky

When you’re on the ship, you’ll want to be thinking ahead of what you will do. The cruise line uses reservations for its sit-down restaurants and also for some shows. The available spots fill up quickly. If you wait until the day of a show or even just a couple of days before dinner, then you aren’t likely to get a spot.

That’s the bad news. The good news is there are ways to get around not having a reservation.

For shows, often the cruise line has the same performances multiple times during a cruise. So if you don’t see a spot available at first, look at the schedule for later in the cruise on the Virgin Voyages app to see if there are openings at another showtime.

As for restaurants, the cruise line leaves space open for walk-ins. Even if you don’t have a reservation, head down anyway to see if you can get a table. We did this twice during a four-day cruise and were seated immediately both times.

No Announcements, So Pay Attention

If you’re used to traditional cruise lines, one thing that might catch you off-guard is the lack of announcements. There’s no cruise director on the ship, so there’s not someone coming over the intercom every few hours to tell you what’s happening.

This also applies to notifications like when you can leave the ship when docked at a port of call. Instead, you simply need to keep an eye on the time and head down when the ship is scheduled to allow passengers off the ship — or when you see people already debarking.

For those that like having reminders, it can be a bit different. For those who get tired of the interruption of a full-ship announcement, it’s a nice change.

How to Use the Stairwells to Navigate

Many lines have hidden clues in cabin hallways to help you navigate. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line uses the carpet design to point the way forward with fish swimming ahead or arrows pointing forward.

Virgin uses something similar. Look carefully and you’ll notice that the carpet in the stairwell/elevator areas is actually a different color. It’s red at the aft elevators, blue in the middle of the ship, and purple in the forward stairwell.

This way you can have an idea of where on the ship you are even if there are no windows or other clues to get your bearings.

Think of The Beach Club Port Stop as Two Days

If you sail from Miami, then your cruise will include a stop at The Beach Club. This is Virgin Voyages’ private destination on Bimini in The Bahamas. It features a huge pool area, plenty of spots to relax, and a wide stretch of white sand beach and electric blue water.

When you visit, you’ll only spend a day here. However, it can really be thought of as two days. Head out in the morning, and it feels like a relaxing beach resort. There aren’t a ton of people, the music is calm, and you have your run of the place. Lay in a hammock, swim on the beach, take a dip in the pool.

In the afternoon, things change a little. You can still find your place to relax, but the pool party starts up complete with a DJ, dancers from the entertainment team and dozens of inflatable floats. It’s a very different atmosphere.

Be Careful Booking a Room on Deck 8, Mid-Ship

If you are able to book a specific room on your cruise, there’s one spot we’d suggest you avoid at all costs — the middle of the ship on Deck 8.

Most of the time cruise lines are thoughtful about where they place cabins in relation to public spaces, but Virgin Voyages ships were built with a quirk. The Manor is a nightclub on the ship, and it takes up two decks — Decks 6 and 7. That means the roof of the hotspot is the floor of Deck 8 where there are cabins.

We were assigned a cabin here, and the bass from the nightclub reverberated through the walls, straight through the bed and seemingly right into our ear. Finally at about 1:30 a.m. on the first night, we went to the front desk to ask about changing rooms. Thankfully, the staff had another room and we moved immediately.

The better bet is just to avoid this spot on the ship unless you plan to be the one in the nightclub yourself. ( You can see a deck plan here. )

Talk to “Chart Room” Desk for Faster Service

Every ship has a Guest Services desk (on Virgin Voyages it’s called Sailor Services) that can help you with any question you might have on the ship. This can cover anything from having to switch rooms due to being over the nightclub to fixing your onboard account.

However, the lines here — especially at the beginning and end of the cruise — can be long on any ship. That’s why Virgin Voyages also has a second location that many people don’t realize.

If you need help with something, you can also stop by the Chart Room, located on Deck 7.  It’s not heavily advertised, but they are able to help with most questions, giving you a chance to get any issues taken care of without having to wait in line.

Internet Is Included, But Upgrade to Stream Video/Music

One great thing about the cruise is that a lot is included in the fare. This includes gratuities, all food, and wi-fi.

And truth be told, the wi-fi is solid. When we tested the speed, it only came in at 1.5 Mbps, but felt much faster. It also didn’t have issues with slowing down or dropping service as we’ve seen on other lines. The only drawback is that you can’t stream with the basic included wi-fi.

If you want to stream video or music, then you’ll need to upgrade. The cost is $15 per day and you can do it by the day or the entire trip. When we upgraded we reached speeds of around 6 Mbps and had no issues streaming such as buffering or lagging. It did take a few minutes of watching before the picture turned to sharp HD.

There’s no Keycard on Virgin, but The Band

If you’ve sailed other cruise lines, then you know that most have a credit card style room key. You use this to access your cabin, make purchases on the ship, and for disembarking.

Virgin Voyages uses something called The Band. Instead of a plastic card you have a stylish bracelet that you wrap around your wrist and keep on with the anchor clasp. If you don’t want to wear it on your wrist, you could also put it on a lanyard or just keep it in your pocket. It can be a little annoying as it wears a bit loose, but it is also nice not to have to dig into your pocket every time you want to get into the room.

Hot Tubs at the Back of the Ship Rarely Get Full

Want to have your own personal hot tub on the ship? It’s not really yours, but it may as well be.

The pool area on the ship can get crowded and it feels like there isn’t much seating either in the pool or around it. This includes the hot tubs. What we saw, however, was that during the cruise the two hot tubs at the back of the ship were largely forgotten. They were either empty or only had two people in them.

If you’re wanting a spot to relax and watch the sunset, it’s hard to beat this location.

More on Sailing Virgin Voyages:

• What to Expect on Virgin Voyages Compared to Other Cruise Lines (Differences, What to Know, & More)
• Virgin Voyages Live Blog: First Impressions of a Completely Different Cruise Line

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

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September 19, 2023

22 Top Virgin Voyages Questions ANSWERED

Sailing with Virgin Voyages is simply a different cruising experience. When Virgin Voyages says they are “reimagining cruising”, it means it’s time to reset our expectations and frankly, expect something fresh, unique and NON traditional.

It’s no surprise that people who are considering (or booking to) a sailing with Virgin Voyages have A LOT of questions. Find the top questions asked !

22. Is it a swingers cruise?

One of the most intriguing and frequently asked questions about Virgin Voyages is: “Is it a Swinger’s cruise?”. My guess is something went viral somewhere and that suddenly became what people thought of or saw the most about Virgin Voyages.

While swingers “exist”, just like people who prefer oat milk instead of half of half in their coffee “exist”, this is not a cruise that is per-se “for swingers”.

21. Is the food really that good?

Absolutely . The food on Virgin Voyages is exceptional. If you’re someone who relishes dining in cities like LA, San Francisco, New York City, and Miami, you’ll find that the culinary experiences on Virgin Voyages are on par with these locales. The cruise line truly offers an elevated dining experience.

With over 20 eateries on board, there’s a vast array of choices to satisfy every palate. Additionally, all the restaurants are included in the cruise price, allowing for an all-inclusive dining experience. This means you can indulge in as many meals as you desire without any additional costs.

Not only is the food quality top-notch, but the value is also remarkable, especially since it’s all part of your cruise package. Check out the video below for more info on food !

20. Is it expensive and what’s included?

Virgin Voyages offers a pricing structure that, contrary to some expectations, isn’t more expensive than other cruise lines. In fact, it’s quite competitive and on par with many other options out there.

Here’s what’s included in the price when you embark on Virgin Voyages:

• Food : All meals from the cruise line’s array of over 20 eateries are included. This means you don’t have any extra cost for specialty restaurants.
• Gratuities : All gratuities are included in the cruise price, although many travelers, acknowledging the high level of service, still choose to give additional appreciation to the staff.
• Wi-Fi : Unique to Virgin Voyages, Wi-Fi is included in the cruise price. The connection is notably fast and reliable. However, if you need a connection robust enough for high-quality video meetings, there’s a premium option available at an average cost of around $10 per day. This rate is quite competitive when compared to other cruise lines.
• Workouts : All workout sessions on the cruise are covered in your ticket price.
• Regular Drinks : This encompasses basics like drip coffee, water (with fill stations throughout the ship), tea, regular juice, and sodas. For those who stay in their rooms, water crafts are provided, and housekeeping will readily replenish your supply.

While Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer a drink package, the prices for individual drinks are reasonable. For instance, wines are usually priced between $9 and $11, beers around $5-7, and premium drinks like whiskies or select tequilas are also available at competitive rates.

So, while assessing the value, it’s clear that Virgin Voyages offers a comprehensive package with many inclusions that might come as additional costs on other cruise lines.

Tbh, not everyone wants to share how much they paid. So given that.. here’s how much I paid .

How much does sailing with Virgin Voyages vs. another popular cruise line cost? Below is an example of two sailings I took …

19. What is NOT included in the price?

And upgraded food items (I mean, freshly shaved truffles on your pasta wasn’t free the first (or last) time I checked ANYWHERE in life). Or seafood towers (which are amazing).

And excursions. And shopping. The obvious things.

Want to figure out how much you’ll spend on booze? This video will help you .

18. Is it actually adults only?

Yes, Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise. This means there are no kids on the boat. Being an adults-only cruise allows for specific entertainment tailored to adults. However, “adults only” on this cruise refers to individuals who are 18 and up, not necessarily 21 and up.

17. Is Virgin Voyages a good cruise line?

Virgin Voyages offers a unique cruising experience that differs from other cruise lines. In the provided opinion, it’s worth trying at least once to experience “sailing the Virgin way.”

However, while it is recommended to be experienced by everyone, it might not be suitable for all. Virgin Voyages is distinct, and whether it’s a good fit depends on individual preferences. The cruise line has various entertainment options, from unique shows to music, and is noted for its high-quality offerings. Potential travelers can find more detailed information and considerations on the Virgin Voyages homepage to determine if it aligns with their preferences.

One key thing to note: Virgin Voyages is not for everyone

Consider checking out the blog post about why by clicking here or watch the full video about it by clicking here .

16. Is it too risqué?

No, it’s not too risqué. The cruise can be enjoyed as a family affair, indicating it’s suitable for various audiences, including (my) parents (who are actually, really awesome people!).

15. Is the entertainment any good?

Yes, the entertainment on Virgin Voyages is good. It’s also different .

The music on board features talented artists, musicians, and singers. The entertainment varies, from unique offerings like drag queen bingo, which is fun and engaging, to other performances showcasing acrobatics, dancing, and singing shows.

The range of entertainment is diverse and caters to different tastes. Additionally, the cruise often brings in different DJs, ensuring a variety of musical experiences on board.

14. Will I be bored?

It’s unlikely that you will be bored on the ship. There are numerous activities available throughout the day. One person mentioned that there were 40 options for activities available before 6:00 p.m.

These activities range from workouts like boy band dance classes and dodgeball to various fitness activities. All fitness-related activities are included in the Virgin voyages cruising price.

Apart from these, there are trivia sessions, and classes such as “rice rice baby” for sushi-making and coffee-making. Some classes might have additional minimal costs, but many are free. There are both free and paid activities available, catering to various interests and preferences.

13. Do I need formal outfits?

No, you don’t need to pack any formal or fancy clothing for the cruise. The cruise’s atmosphere is more fun than formal.

For themed entertainment and party nights like “Scarlet night,” attendees are encouraged to wear red, but it doesn’t have to be fancy. For instance, a red t-shirt from Walmart with a clip-on bow tie would suffice.

There are also other themed parties like a pajama party, but participation in these themes is optional. You should wear whatever makes you comfortable. While you can dress up if you choose to, it’s not a requirement.

Do consider a helpful (and free!) packing checklist. Read the full blog post by clicking here or see the full video by clicking here .

Don’t forget to pack THIS!

Virgin Voyages has reimagined sailing and what you need to pack on for this trip is DIFFERENT than a normal cruise line. There are many items I wish I knew to bring (that I didn’t have with me on my first sailing). Get a free printable pack list and save yourself the headache!

12. What can I use sailor loot on?

Sailor loot is more versatile than one might initially think. While some believe it’s only applicable to alcohol and specialty drinks, its actual use extends much further. Specifically, sailor loot can be used:

• On excursions, referred to as “shore things” when at port, through Virgin voyages.
• For food upgrades. While all food is generally included in the cruise cost, if you’re looking for specific delicacies such as freshly shaved truffles on your pasta at Extra Virgin, the Italian restaurant, wagyu beef at Gun Bay, or the Seafood Tower at The Wake, sailor loot can cover these extras.
• At High Street, a shopping area on the cruise where various items can be purchased.
• At the spa, specifically recommended is the thermal suite.
• Additionally, there are ways to get free sailor loot, which can be applied in the same manner.

Read more on the Virgin Voyages website.

Remember, the best kind of sailor loot is free sailor loot, which you can get a TON of by booking with a travel agent. I encourage people to use Sea Sun Vacations to get a free no-stings-attached quote.

11. How do I book my entertainment, shows etc?

• Use the Virgin Voyages App : All bookings for entertainment, shows, and dining are managed through the app on your phone.
• Booking Dining : It’s recommended to book your dining 45 days before your sailing. Set a reminder on your calendar to avoid forgetting.
• Booking Upon Arrival : Once you arrive at the port and connect to Virgin Voyages’ free and included Wi-Fi, you can use the app to book the rest of your activities. As a tip, as soon as you’re at the port waiting to embark, start using the app to make these bookings.

Want to SEE this blog post with more helpful tips? Check out the full video !

10. Should I prepay my bar tab?

• Deals & Offers : Virgin Voyages sometimes provides special offers where they add extra money on top of a prepaid bar tab.
• Consider Consumption : If you aren’t planning on consuming a lot, it may not be worth prepaying a large bar tab. You should only prepay for what you anticipate you’ll drink.
• Estimate Costs : Before deciding, review the drink menu prices to gauge your expected daily spend. For instance, if you anticipate spending around $50 a day on drinks, or considering purchasing high-priced bottles, calculate what suits your budget best.
• Alternative : Instead of prepaying, explore opportunities to get free or discounted sailor loot by availing of promotional deals and offers provided by Virgin Voyages or their partners.

9. Is sailing alone fun?

• Accommodation Options : They offer “solo sailor insider” rooms which are a great option if you are a single person. These rooms are smaller and provide an economic option for solo travelers. You also have the option to upgrade your room if you wish.
• Daily Meetups and Events : Virgin Voyages organizes daily meetups and events specially designed for solo sailors, facilitating opportunities to meet other people easily.
• Mobile App Features : The mobile app used for various bookings on the cruise also enables you to link up with other sailors, inviting each other to dine or attend entertainment and shows together, enhancing the solo sailing experience.
• Group Experiences : The cruise offers experiences such as dining at Gun Bay where you can sit in a group with other sailors, possibly playing drinking games over dinner, providing a fun way to connect with others.
• Online Communities : If you feel anxious about sailing alone, you can connect with other solo sailors before your trip through Reddit forums and Facebook groups organized by sailing and sale dates, allowing you to make friends before you even start your journey.

Therefore, solo sailing can not only be fun but a great opportunity to meet new people and have unique experiences.

8. What is there to do in Bimini in the Bahamas?

In Bimini, Bahamas, there are various activities and places to visit:

• Beach Club : Once you arrive in Bimini, you can take the free tram to the Beach Club, which is a popular destination for many visitors. It’s described as fantastic, with further details available in the full video .
• Explore the Island : The tram has a stop where you can rent a golf cart, boat, or jet ski to explore the island on your own.
• Hilton Resorts World : If you’re interested in gambling or simply want to spend your day at a resort, the tram will take you to Hilton Resorts World.
• Tours : Bimini offers various tours. You can book these through Virgin Voyages or independently. Some of the top-rated ones can be found by clicking here , but they give a chance to explore more of what the island offers.
• Natural Beauty : Bimini is highlighted as a beautiful destination, making it a picturesque place to relax and enjoy.

These options give visitors a range of activities to enjoy during their stay in Bimini.

7. Should I get a room with a balcony?

When considering whether to get a room with a balcony, take into account the following points:

• Popularity : The majority of the rooms on Virgin Voyage cruises are balcony rooms, with over 80% of them offering this feature.
• Comfort and Experience : The rooms are described as exceptionally comfortable. Spending time on the balcony can greatly enhance your cruising experience. The person speaking in the transcript admitted to being surprised by how much time they spent in their room, specifically enjoying the balcony.
• Preference : The individual expressed a preference for having a balcony due to the comfort and views it provided.

6. Are the rooms nice?

The rooms on Virgin Voyage cruises are described as exceptionally comfortable, with a significant majority being balcony rooms.

In fact, over 80% of the rooms have balconies. The individual in the transcript mentioned being genuinely surprised by the amount of time they spent in their room, suggesting that the rooms are conducive to relaxation and enjoyment.

Additionally, the rooms have modern decor and offer conveniences such as in-room water (both still and sparkling) that can be requested through a tablet system in the room.

The room attendant checks in with guests regarding their preferences and ensures their needs are met. Furthermore, the rooms are described as being quiet due to effective soundproofing.

5. Can I have two people in a room but not the same bed?

Yes, you can have two people in a room without sharing the same bed. The rooms on the Virgin Voyage cruises can have different configurations.

If you’re traveling with someone who is not a significant other and you don’t want to share a bed, there are ways that the room can be configured by the staff to accommodate your preferences.

4. Are the rooms noisy? 

The rooms on the Virgin Voyage cruises are not loud. They have really good soundproofing, so disturbances from external noise are minimal.

Even with the entertainment and glamorous nighttime parties on board, the inside of the rooms remains quite quiet.

3. Should I upgrade my room to rockstar rooms?

Deciding to upgrade to the Rockstar rooms on Virgin Voyage cruises depends on your personal preferences. Consider two main points:

• Space and Comfort : If you value having more space to move around and spend time in your room, then upgrading to one of the bigger rooms or suites might be a good fit for you. While the current standard rooms are comfortable, they are not overly spacious.
• Rockstar Status Benefits : Upgrading to a Rockstar Suite, which is larger than the standard Terrace rooms, gives you Rockstar status. This status provides access to exclusive amenities and events, such as Richard’s Rooftop, where there’s a daily cocktail party. Additionally, having this status allows you to enjoy certain privileges, enhancing your overall cruise experience.

If these considerations align with what you’re looking for, then upgrading to a Rockstar room might be worthwhile.

2. Is it just a bunch of young people?

No, the cruise is not just for young people. While there might be a perception that it’s primarily for Millennials or Gen Z, in reality, the average age of passengers ranges between 30 and 60.

Based on the given experience from the last three sailings, many people were celebrating their 40th birthdays, and a significant number of passengers were in their mid-50s and 60s.

1. How can I get a good deal on Virgin Voyages?

To get the best deal on Virgin Voyages, while there are various methods to save on a cruise, it’s recommended to explore deals that might not be commonly known or accessible to everyone. Specifically, I had no idea that travel agents DO have access to exclusive deals that we simply don’t get as everyday travelers. I booked my last sailings through Sea Sun Vacations. Consider getting a no-strings-attached-quote by clicking here .

Bottom Line

If you’ve skimmed to the end of our FAQ guide for Virgin Voyages, here’s a quick recap:

Virgin Voyages offers a unique cruising experience distinct from traditional ports, prioritizing your comfort with amenities like a free tram for transportation and over 80% of their rooms boasting balconies.

Entertainment isn’t just for the younger crowd; guests range in age from 30 to 60, ensuring a balanced vibe for all. The ship isn’t just a “party cruise”—it offers quiet, soundproofed rooms and diverse entertainment options.

Additionally, there’s a chance to elevate your experience with Rockstar status, granting access to exclusive events and areas on the ship. If cost is a concern, we’ve touched upon tips for snagging the best deals. Virgin Voyages is redefining the cruise experience, and this guide is here to help you navigate it.

Don’t forget there is a video version of this blog post with more helpful tips!

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Now we’re voyaging: Virgin Voyages reveals new video

It’s an epic start to the year for Virgin Voyages . The award-winning cruise and travel brand has launched a brand new video, ‘The Voyage’. 

Inspired by its exclusively-adult voyages, director Jonas Åkerlund takes viewers on a cinematic journey through a day at sea – musically guided by a reimagining of the 80’s classic ‘Karma Chameleon’, which was originally released by Virgin Records in 1983. The new Virgin Voyages-inspired tropical house tune is debuting during the 40th anniversary of the original track’s iteration and paying homage to its Virgin roots. 

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Inspired by real Sailor experiences, ‘The Voyage’ video was filmed on-board the brand’s first ship Scarlet Lady. Jonas Åkerlund has previously worked on music videos including Lady Gaga and Beyonce’s ‘Telephone’, and artists such as The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Paul McCartney and more. 

Virgin Voyages also teamed up with vocalist and songwriter Drew Love – of the band THEY – for the project. Love’s sound spans across genres including R&B, pop, dance and hip hop. He’s worked with various artists including The Chainsmokers, Louis the Child and John Legend. 

Nathan Rosenberg, chief brand officer at Virgin Voyages, said: “We have won the hearts and minds of thousands of Sailors who have fallen in love with Virgin Voyages. As we continue to grow our brand and showcase our ships to the world, we hoped to capture what it’s like to sail with us in a creative expression that emulates this experience on board. ‘The Voyage’ video shows this in such a unique and relatable way, from a quiet and restorative feeling, to a dreamy, curious and energetic state. This video tells our brand story in a way we haven’t done before.” 

Virgin Voyages has been making waves since its first sailing in 2021. With more five-star ratings than any other cruise line on TripAdvisor, and numerous industry awards, Virgin Voyages is looking forward to 2023 as its most exciting year yet. 

Visit Virgin Voyages to find out more and book your next sailing with them. 

Virgin Voyages Launches “The Voyage” Music Video

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: January 6, 2023  - Last updated: March 20, 2023

Innovative cruise line Virgin Voyages has released a music video-style short film to take cruisers on a cinematic journey through 24 hours at sea.

On January 6, 2023, Virgin Voyages , Richard Branson’s award-winning cruise and travel brand, launched a music video to celebrate the cruise line’s exclusively adult experience.

The industry’s newest cruise line promises a kids-free getaway at sea, offering a sophisticated cruising experience for travelers eighteen years and older.

Directed by Grammy award winner Jonas Åkerlund and featuring vocals by Drew Love , Virgin’s four-minute video features a cover of the iconic 1983 hit “ Karma Chameleon ” by Culture Club .

Originally released by Branson’s Virgin Records 40 years ago, the favorite 80s pop hit has been reinvented in a tropical house style to serve as the soundtrack for the exciting visual journey through a day on one of Virgin’s cruise ships.

Starring real Virgin Voyages crew members and Sailors (the cruise line’s term for passengers), the music video was inspired by real-life experiences on board.

“The Voyage” music video was filmed on the brand’s first ship, Scarlet Lady , and captures the essence of what it’s like to sail with the brand.

The video interweaves typical guest experiences like relaxing on a stateroom balcony hammock in the morning, lounging by the pool, and enjoying dinner at one of the ship’s themed restaurants with choreographed fantasy scenes where Sailors and crew members alike dance to Love’s version of the song.

As Nathan Rosenberg, Chief Brand Officer of Virgin Voyages said about the video in a press release, “We have won the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of Sailors who have fallen in love with Virgin Voyages because we created an experience everybody could love. As we continue to showcase our ships to the world, we wanted to share what it’s like onboard based on what our sailors have told us and shared on social.”

To experience the new Virgin Voyages music video, click on the thumbnail below:

“It features real crew as well and is a celebration of travel and voyaging. The Voyage music video shows this in such a unique and relatable way, from a quiet and restorative feeling, to a dreamy, curious, and energetic state.”

The artists and visionaries behind “The Voyage” music video

Acclaimed Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund was at the helm of “The Voyage”, working together with the team at Virgin Voyages.

Åkerlund’s work, which includes feature films, documentaries, music videos, commercials, and stage shows, has garnered international acclaim, including his Grammy award and five MTV Video Music Awards for his work on Madonna’s 1998 music video for her song “Ray of Light”.

He has also directed music videos for other renowned artists including Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Maroon 5.

Alongside the distinguished director, the brand also partnered with vocalist and songwriter Drew Love of the band THEY.

Love’s work with THEY along with their solo projects has spanned genres including R&B, pop, dance, and hip-hop. Love has also co-written for other artists including G-Eazy, The Chainsmokers, SG Lewis, Louis the Child, and John Legend.

Virgin Voyages’ new brand campaign: “Now We’re Voyaging”

The new music video kicks off the launch of the cruise line’s new brand campaign, featuring the tagline “Now We’re Voyaging”. As Jason Xenopoulos , VV’s Co-Chief Creative Officer for North America said, “We believe that brands should create culture rather than interrupting it.”

“‘The Voyage’ is an example of how music and entertainment can be used to tell a brand story while delivering an authentic entertainment experience to the audience. Virgin Voyages deserves more than an ad campaign, and we are delighted that we could create an entertainment experience instead—one that will live in culture where this brand belongs,” Xenopoulos continued.

In the new short film, Virgin Voyages tells its brand story through the lens of the Sailor experience, all firmly rooted in the musical DNA of the Virgin brand.

Back in 2018, Virgin Voyages invited travelers to Stray the Course and consider the possibilities and innovations in cruise travel. In 2021, Richard Branson’s new company invited potential cruisers to Set Sail the Virgin Way , asking Sailors to expect the unexpected.

In 2023, Virgin Voyages is elevating the experience yet again with Now We’re Voyaging . The new brand campaign speaks to the duality of excitement and relaxation that the cruise line promises Sailors aboard a Virgin Voyages cruise.

What’s next for Virgin Voyages

Although the pandemic significantly delayed the launch of the newest cruise brand to enter the industry, Virgin Voyages has been going strong since its first sailing in 2021.

Since the maiden sailing of Scarlet Lady —the cruise ship featured in the music video—Virgin Voyages has also launched its second ship: Valiant Lady .

On the horizon, Virgin Voyages will take delivery of two new ships: Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady . With the expanded fleet, the cruise line plans to sail to exciting new destinations including Greece and Australia.

Have you watched the new music video “The Voyage” from Virgin Voyages yet? How does it make you feel about trying a Virgin cruise? Or have you already sailed on Virgin? Are you (like me) shocked to hear that Culture Club’s “Karma Chameleon” is turning 40 years old this month? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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Sunday 24th of September 2023

I would like to know the brand name of the red multi colored bathrobe the lady is wearing

Monday 25th of September 2023

Hi Diane, that photo was provided to the press by Virgin Voyages as part of their press release back in January, and I don't know the source of any of the outfits the models were wearing. I tried using Google Lens to search the image and found lots of dresses and robes that have a similar pattern, but there wasn't an exact match. You might want to give it a try! Thanks for stopping by, and happy cruising :)

Tuesday 14th of February 2023

i would like to know who that man is in that pic above

Wednesday 15th of February 2023

@Carrie Ann, no worries. ty

Hi Dancy, I'm assuming he's a model? The photo is from Virgin's press release and they didn't share info on the models' names. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Step aboard Virgin Voyages' adults-only, luxury cruise ship, which has 17 decks, a tattoo parlor, and a playground for grown-ups

Posted: March 20, 2024 | Last updated: March 20, 2024

• I sailed on a luxury, adults-only Virgin Voyages cruise ship called the Valiant Lady.
• It can hold more than 2,700 guests with unique amenities like a tattoo shop and an adult playground.
• Here's a tour of the ship's 17 decks full of cabins, restaurants, and communal spaces. 

In August 2023, I took my first cruise with Virgin Voyages , a relatively new luxury cruise line I've heard about from friends and other travelers for the last couple of years.

Virgin Voyages launched in 2021 as an adults-only cruise line , according to its website . Since then, it's won several awards, including five from Cruise Critic for its cabins, dining, service, and ships in 2023.

Virgin Voyages has four "lady" ships: Scarlet Lady , Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady. A representative from Virgin Voyages told Business Insider that the ships are pretty much identical, aside from some differences in artwork and entertainment. 

I cruised on Valiant Lady, which began sailing in March 2022. Like the other ships, it can hold more than 2,700 guests.

Virgin Voyages ships sail in Europe and the Caribbean. I took a seven-day Mediterranean cruise that left out of Barcelona.

My ship sailed round-trip from Barcelona, Spain, to ports in Italy and France, including Toulon, Ajaccio, and Marina di Carrara . The cruise ended with an overnight stop in Ibiza .

I booked a room with a balcony that typically costs about $5,910 for two people on my itinerary.

The ship has 1,408 cabins and suites, according to the cruise line . I booked a mid-tier stateroom with a balcony — a step above sea-view cabins, which only have a window. BI received a media rate for the cruise.

The room I booked was 225 square feet, including the balcony. I thought the cabin made great use of the tiny space, including luxury details , from smart controls to a private terrace with a hammock.

But a lot of the fun takes place in the ship's communal areas.

According to Virgin Voyages , the ships are 912 feet long and pack in 17 decks filled with cabins, restaurants, and communal spaces. 

During my cruise, I never got bored. From shops and swimming pools to game rooms and swing sets, I thought there was so much to do.

To get up and down the ship's many decks, elevators take guests to 13 of the 17 levels.

The lower three decks of the ship are only accessible to crew members , and the top deck is only accessible from the outdoor portion of deck 16.

Sparkling details like light projections in the elevator and iridescent panels along the staircase made me feel luxurious while getting around the ship. 

The fun starts on deck five, the lowest deck with staterooms. It also houses the ship's spa.

Hot stone massages, hydrating skin treatments, and indoor pools can all be found on deck five at Virgin Voyages' Redemption Spa .

These treatments and amenities come at an additional price. Massages and facials start at $155 and passes to access amenities start at $39.

Upstairs, decks six and seven are packed with communal spaces, including several show venues.

A reporter at The Points Guy recently called Virgin Voyages' wide range of entertainment the best on any cruise line. During my voyage, I thought it was easy to see why. There were dance parties, live music, comedy shows, and more.

Many of the venues for these events are on decks six and seven, including the Red Room for performances; On the Rocks, a music bar; and the Manor, a nightclub and theater.

These lower decks also house many of the ship's restaurants and eateries, including fine dining rooms and an ice cream shop.

From personal pizzas to juicy steak dinners, there's plenty to eat on decks 5-7. 

There are more than 20 restaurants and eateries on the ship. Food and drinks are included in the price of the ticket, save for alcoholic and specialty drinks as well as select menu items in some establishments. 

On deck six, High Street is a strip of high-end shops that is reminiscent of a mall.

On High Street, I found a plethora of products from luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, and Bulgari. 

The strip also has a store dedicated to the Virgin brand that sells records and other merchandise.

On the same deck, Valiant Lady has a tattoo parlor called Squid Ink.

Virgin Voyages' ships are the first-ever cruises where you can get a tattoo on board, according to the cruise line . According to Cruise Gear , tattoo pricing starts at around $150.

Upstairs, deck seven is a gamer's paradise.

On deck seven, I found the arcade. It's a narrow, dark room with neon lights and games lining each side. Here, I raced cars and battled with buttons.

On the same floor, there's a larger room packed with tables for playing board games and puzzles, which are stacked on shelves around the space. I spotted decks of cards and a wide variety of nostalgic games from my childhood, including Mouse Trap, Cranium, and Operation. 

Deck seven also has an outdoor lounge known as the Dock.

I thought the Dock was the most relaxing space on deck seven. It's an outdoor lounge at the back of the ship full of beds and sofas. The Dock serves small Mediterranean-inspired plates and hosts events. 

I went to the Dock for a stargazing event. Guests got comfortable and looked up at the night sky while crew members told stories about the stars. 

Decks 8-14 hold nothing but staterooms.

Most of the rooms on these decks have their own balcony. Mine was on deck 12. 

Up on deck 15, there are two pools surrounded by lounge chairs and whirlpools.

The Aquatic Club is on deck 15 and has two pools separated by a bar — the main pool and the Well-Being Pool. 

For a beach club vibe, I recommend the main pool because it's bigger and has music playing all the time. I was surprised to find that the pool felt relatively smaller than on a typical cruise ship, in my experience. But it was never too crowded to use — even in the afternoons — so this didn't bother me at all. 

On the other side of the deck, The Well-Being Pool is smaller and has seating and jets in the water, so it felt to me like an extra-large whirlpool. But like the main pool, this one was never too crowded to go in either. And unlike the main pool, it was quiet, making it ideal for relaxing and cooling off. 

Inside deck 15, there's the Galley, a large dining space with several eateries similar to a buffet.

The Galley is Virgin Voyages' food hall. Similar to a typical cruise ship buffet , there are several stands with a wide range of offerings. But unlike most buffets, servers make the plates and hand them to the customers.

In the Galley, I had tacos, sushi, desserts, and breakfast foods. There's also a burger grill, a noodle bar, a panini shop, and a popsicle stand. 

Additionally on deck 15, there's a standalone restaurant called Gunbae that serves family-style Korean barbecue dishes.  

There was also a gym in the indoor portion of deck 15.

B-Complex is the gym on board Virgin cruise ships. They have free weights and machines as well as fitness classes from yoga to spin sessions. 

I don't like to work out on vacation unless it's a fun activity that makes me forget I'm exercising at all. So I didn't use the gym. But I thought B-Complex's offerings were consistent with gyms I've been to at home while offering a much better view — the ocean.

But I think you can get a more fun workout upstairs on deck 16.

On deck 16, the Athletic Club is home to an outdoor training center with strength and gymnastics equipment as well as a boxing ring. 

The deck has a playground for adults with gigantic netted swing sets and seesaws ...

The adult playground was my favorite part of the ship. Against the backdrop of the sunset over the ocean, I bounced on seesaws and pumped my legs on large, netted swings with the breeze on my face. It made me feel like a kid again. 

... and a wide variety of games and sports, like a giant chess board.

The playground area has a basketball court and other more unexpected offerings like foosball and a gigantic chess board. 

For thrill-seekers, there's a net you can walk — or crawl — around with a view of the ocean below.

The net reminded me of a catamaran. From the outside, I didn't think stepping onto it would be scary. But as soon as I did, my gut dropped. So I immediately got on all fours and crawled to the other side. With butterflies swarming in my stomach, I thought this activity was way more thrilling than I was expecting. 

In my opinion, deck 16 is home to the most relaxing spot — Richard's Rooftop.

Richard's Rooftop is the VIP lounge on Virgin Voyages' cruise ships. The rooftop is reserved for passengers staying in suites — known as "Rockstars" by the cruise line . 

Virgin Voyages gave BI access to Richard's Rooftop , and I thought it was the most relaxing place on the ship. 

It's packed with cabanas, loungers, and whirlpools. It also has a bar and lounge-side service.

Lastly, the top deck, 17, holds the runway, a bright-red track that circles the ship.

On deck 17, the track is the perfect place to run — or walk, if you vacation like me — with constant views of the wide-open ocean. 

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2024: THE VIEW FROM THE TOP

In 2024, previously uncharted territory is on the horizon. from the english channel to the cook strait, we’re taking our time and exploring new parts of the world. and these new routes come with the same included luxury you’ve come to love..

SEA YOURSELF HERE

Our new destinations

New in 2024: basque in spanish sunlight. dance in puerto rican twilight. relax in tasmanian starlight., this year, we’re doubling down on the entertainment you love, bringing more comedy into our lineup, and even sending one of our shows to tour on land..

• LOLz Supper Club Stand-up from the very best up-and-comers on the scene, hosted in a classy, old-school supper club setting.
• Duel Reality: Now on Land Where Romeo & Juliet meets the circus — and you’ll watch the whole thrilling conflict unfold, just feet away from the action.
• Festival Stage Acts Music, comedy, audience participation — in 2024, you’ll experience something new on every single voyage with our rotating lineup of epic laughs.

LOVE & LOYALTY

Virgin Voyages Sailing Club

Coming 2024: the virgin voyages sailing club is getting an (even more) epic upgrade., we’re changing things up in 2024 — but we know when to leave a good thing alone. and our beloved flagship events aren’t going anywhere..

• Celebration Voyages Our Celebrations Voyages — starring Richard Branson himself — are boutique celebrations of the Virgin brand, featuring the people who created it. SEA WHEN WE SAIL
• Elevate Voyages Designed as a space for self-discovery and growth, Elevate is inspired by the success of 2023’s Limitless Voyage. And in 2024 Elevate is going global. LEVEL UP YOUR LIFE
• Eat & Drink Festival You loved it, so we brought it back. Three ships, two months, one epic onboard program for discerning foodies. Sailing June 30th through August 4th. SEAS THE TASTE
• Well-Being Months Breathe in. Breathe out. From January to March, all sailings focus on getting you grounded — with spa offerings, wellness socials, and more. FEEL GOOD

Virgin Voyages is pitching a monthlong cruise to remote workers starting at $10K for two people

• Richard Branson's Virgin Voyages says it's launching a monthlong  summertime cruise pass .
• Passholders would get to sail on four consecutive weeklong Mediterranean itineraries.
• The program, aimed at remote workers, starts at $9,990 for two people in one balcony cabin.

Richard Brandon's Virgin Voyages wants you to "WFH" this summer.

No, not home — "Helm," it said.

The adult-only cruise line says it's launching monthlong summertime passes, aptly known as the "Scarlet Summer Season Pass," starting at $9,990 for two people in one cabin.

Say goodbye to your desk and hello to destinations like Ibiza, Spain; Cannes, France; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. With this pass, travelers would sail on four consecutive weeklong Mediterranean cruises.

Guests must pick from four preset embarkation dates, which all fall on the first or second week of June, July, August, and September.

During the month at sea, the Scarlet Lady would sail twice to nine ports in Spain, France, and Italy.

No more dingy desks: These remote workers get balcony cabins instead.

Passholders would spend four weeks at sea in one of Scarlet Lady's mid-tier "Sea Terrace" cabins.

The Scarlet Lady is Virgin's first ship, joining the fleet in 2021.

But first doesn't mean the worst: The balcony stateroom has plush amenities like rainfall showerheads, electronic blinds, and bright red hammocks on the balcony.

Don't worry: WiFi and coffee are included.

Cruise ships aren't traditionally known for having fast or stable WiFi. But according to Virgin, there's no need to worry about laggy Zoom meetings: The ship's internet was recently upgraded, now serviced by SES and Starlink .

To fuel those days at work, travelers would also get daily credit for specialty coffee and tea, although the $10 would have to be split between the cabin's two occupants.

Virgin Voyages promises pass holders entry to the ship’s “members-only” sundeck.

And no need to pack heavy: The cost also includes laundry services.

No more overpriced lunch salads or hastily made sandwiches: The ship has over 20 restaurants.

The Scarlet Lady's dining venues are complimentary, save for some upcharged dishes and "dinner shows."

This includes a Korean barbecue venue and a trendy vegetable-forward restaurant.

Companies have increasingly been issuing return-to-office orders.

But a spokesperson for Virgin Voyages said this hasn't been waning cruisers' interest in the pass.

Quite the opposite: Virgin says it might have to expand the program.

The cruise line had initially planned 40 passes (10 a month).

But "after seeing incredible demand," Virgin Voyages is now "considering" making more passes available, the spokesperson told Business Insider.

• Main content

Work from sea: Virgin Voyages brings remote friendly summer season pass to second ship

Virgin Voyages is doubling down on its remote work-friendly season pass.

The adults-only cruise line is offering the Summer Season Pass on its Resilient Lady ship, which sails from Athens, Greece. This follows high demand after revealing the offer for Scarlet Lady earlier this month.

Passholders can take back-to-back cruises at a cheaper cost.

“No longer does working from home mean being tied to a desk or home office and eating leftovers for lunch,” Virgin Voyages CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu previously said in a news release when the first pass was launched. “With our latest WiFi upgrades, Virgin Voyages can now offer our Sailors the chance to see the world while working from a daybed at The Dock (outdoor lounge) and sampling Mediterranean mezzes, then hopping off the ship in between calls to make the most of our incredible ports of call.”

What are the terms of Virgin’s Summer Season Pass?

The passes for Resilient Lady are available in three stints of four cruises each:

• June 30-July 28
• July 7-Aug. 4

Destinations include the islands of Santorini and Mykonos, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Bodrum in Turkey, and Kotor, Montenegro, though exact itineraries vary by sailing.

How much does Virgin’s Summer Season Pass cost?

The pass starts at $9,990 for up to two guests, a savings of roughly 30% compared to booking four sailings separately. Passholders will stay in a Central Sea Terrace cabin with a private balcony.

They will also get complimentary wash and fold laundry service, access to Richard’s Rooftop – usually reserved for suite guests – a $10 daily coffee credit per cabin and more.

Can I work from a cruise ship?: We gave it a try

Premium Wi-Fi will be provided at no extra cost, handy for those who need to get work done on board. If you do, Virgin recommends posting up at the “in-cabin desk, your hammock, or in the Grounds Club” coffee bar, according to an FAQ section on its website.

Travelers can fill out an online form to book.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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Breaking news, here’s the ‘ridiculous’ rule on cruise ships that travelers are blasting as a ‘rip-off’.

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When it comes to drinking on board a cruise ship , there is a rule that has even the most dedicated cruisers scratching their heads, claiming it is a “rip-off.”

Drink packages are a common offering on cruises, allowing guests to pay upfront to have the cost of alcoholic drinks at bars and restaurants on board the ship covered.

But there is often a catch – and it can be a terribly frustrating one.

If one person wants to purchase the drinks package, everyone in the same stateroom has to, despite the packages being charged per person, per day and strictly not allowed to be shared.

Australian couple Christine and Dave Russell, who have been going on multiple cruises a year for the past decade, found out how pesky the rule was when Ms. Russell decided to stop drinking 12 months ago.

It meant on three Carnival cruises , Mr. Russell had to miss out on purchasing the drinks package because Ms. Russell would have been forced to pay $111 ($72 USD) a day.

“When you times that by two and only one person drinks, it’s a lot of money,” she told news.com.au.

“I’m not going to drink $100 a day in soft drink. I don’t generally drink soft drink anyway, I only ever drink water.”

Ms. Russell described the rule as “frustrating” and “annoying.”

Carnival’s policy is that its “Cheers!” drinks package, including up to 15 alcoholic drinks a day and other non-alcoholic beverages, must be purchased by each adult assigned to the same stateroom.

No sharing is permitted.

News.com.au reached out to a number of major cruise lines that sail in Australia with similar conditions – including Carnival Cruise Line, P & O Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean – and not one could give a reason.

Carnival Australia, which is the parent company of seven cruise brands in Australia and New Zealand, including Carnival, P & O, Cunard and Princess, instead said it took its Responsible Service of Alcohol seriously and drink packages were optional.

“Our beverage packages are completely optional, and guests have the freedom to purchase beverages individually at competitive prices, allowing them to customise their cruise experience according to their personal preferences,” a Carnival Australia spokesperson said.

“Our beverage package conditions align with general industry standards which have been in place for many years, and mirror other hospitality industries when opting for a set menu or drinks package.

“Guests who are pregnant or don’t drink alcohol do not have to buy a beverages package, and we offer a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages.”

Adam Glezer of  Consumer Champion , who advocates for Australian customers with issues in the travel industry, told news.com.au the rule was “unreasonable” and “a profit making exercise.”

While he believes drink packages on cruises are a brilliant idea, he said cruise companies should not be pressuring people to buy them if they don’t want to.

Mr. Glezer, who is a cruiser himself, said it was “disappointing but not surprising” the cruise companies had failed to give a reason for the rule.

“They haven’t given a reason because there’s no explanation that would paint them in a decent light,” he said.

“I’m fighting for this to be changed because a drinks package should be optional per individual.”

“If someone drinks, they should be able to purchase the drinks package without others in the cabin being obliged to purchase the same package.”

“I’ve met a number of people that have been quite annoyed by the situation.”

He believes a cruise company who decides to buck tradition and “get rid of the ridiculous rule will have an edge on their opposition.”

Virgin Voyages and Disney Cruise Line, which had their first seasons in Australia this summer, have both ditched traditional drink packages.

Virgin instead allows guests to pre-pay their “Bar Tab” and get bonus on-board credit for doing so.

It promotes its offering as being different to other cruise brands, with “no restrictive drink packages with unreasonable rules here”.

Disney’s deals include packages of bottled wine and a refillable beer mug offering, where guests receive a 21 oz glass mug and can refill it for the cost of a 16 oz beer at any bar on the ship that serves draft beer.

Royal Caribbean has a slightly different take on the traditional rule that the same drink package must be purchased by those staying together.

If a guest within the stateroom does not drink alcohol then a ‘Refreshment Package’ must be purchased, including soft drinks, coffees, tea, juices and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Travelers have shared mixed reactions to cruise drink packages online, with some warning it is not worth it and others explaining how they got their money’s worth.

One Australian TikTok user, who goes by the handle “jasmintiexo,” created a detailed breakdown of every drink she ordered on a eight day Royal Caribbean cruise.

It showed she was able to get $US1151.50 (about $1760) worth of drinks for $US520 (about $795).

See how major cruise brands in Australia apply the rule on drink packages below.

Carnival Cruise Line

If purchasing the “Cheers!” alcoholic drinks package each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase it too, starting at $111($72 USD) per person, per day.

There is a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks a day.

If the drinks package is part of an offer you have received from Carnival, then it is applicable to the 1st and 2nd adults in the cabin only; if the 2nd passenger is not 18 years of age, then the “Bottomless Bubbles” package (soft drink and juice) will be assigned at $7.50 (about $5 USD) per day.

Carnival Cruise Line told news.com.au: “If one of the guests sailing together chooses not to purchase a package, they always have the option to enjoy beverages ala carte.”

Celebrity Cruises

Guests must purchase the same drink package for all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom. Packages may not be shared.

A non-alcoholic drink package will be added instead for teens 13 to 17 years old, pregnant guests, and recovering alcoholics or guests with a medical issue that does not allow them to consume alcohol.

Alcoholic drink packages start at $US89 ($136) per person, per day.

Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the same drinks option.

Sharing is not permitted.

On a five to 14 night cruise, the “Beers, Wines and Spirits” package starts at $US72 ($110) per person, per day.

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P & O Cruises

If two or more guests aged over 18 years are sharing a cabin all guests must purchase the same drinks package.

There is a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks a day. Sharing drink packages is not allowed.

Alcoholic drink packages start at $99 ($65 USD) per person, per day.

Princess Cruises

The requirement for alcoholic drink packages to be purchased by more than one guest is not included in the updated terms and conditions.

However in its FAQ, Princess Cruises states third and fourth guests in the same stateroom are not required to purchase or be defaulted to the selected package of first and second guests in a stateroom, implying the first two guests must purchase the same package.

Alcoholic drinks are limited to 15 beverages a day and must not be shared.

The alcoholic drink packages start at $110 ($72 USD) per person, per day.

Royal Caribbean

If purchasing the “Deluxe Beverage Package” it is required that it is purchased by all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom.

Packages cannot be shared.

If a guest within the stateroom does not drink alcohol then a “Refreshment Package” must be purchased.

This includes soft drinks, coffees, tea, juices and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Prices can change depending on the sailing.

The alcoholic drinks package is said to cost between $US56 ($86) to $US105 ($161) per person, per day, and the “Refreshment Package” costs $US29 ($44) per person, per day (both excluding gratuity).

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