Virgin Voyages:
The Adults-Only Cruise Line That Actually Gets It Right
Think you know what a cruise looks like? Virgin Voyages is here to challenge every assumption. Here's everything you need to know before you sail — from what's included to insider tips that'll make your voyage unforgettable.
The Short Version
Why Virgin Voyages Stands Apart
Virgin Voyages isn't your grandparents' cruise line — and that's entirely the point. Richard Branson's cruise brand launched in 2020 with one crystal-clear mission: create a cruise experience that actually appeals to people who think they hate cruises.
Every ship is adults-only (18+), so you get a vibe that's more boutique hotel meets music festival than floating buffet. The ships are smaller and more intimate than the mega-ships from Royal Caribbean or MSC, which means shorter lines, better service ratios, and a genuine sense of community onboard.
Dining is truly all-inclusive — every restaurant on the ship is included at no extra charge, and there are over 20 unique dining experiences per ship. No specialty restaurant upcharges, no dining packages to stress over. Just show up and eat well.
Know Before You Go
What's Included vs. What Costs Extra
This is the question I get most often. Virgin Voyages markets itself as "almost all-inclusive" — here's exactly what that means in practice.
✓ Included in Every Voyage
- All restaurants & dining venues (20+)
- Group fitness classes (HIIT, yoga, spin)
- Basic Wi-Fi
- Gratuities & service charges
- Non-alcoholic beverages (coffee, juices, sodas)
- Live music & entertainment
- Room service (Excluding $10 Delivery fee, waived if you purchase items $10+)
- Port taxes & fees
+ Costs Extra
- Alcohol & cocktails (see Bar Tab tip)
- Spa treatments & thermal suite
- Shore Things (excursions)
- Tattoo parlor (The Squid Ink)
- Wi-Fi upgrades
- Laundry service
- Private cabanas at Beach Club
💡 Isaac's Take
The included dining alone is a huge value. On most cruise lines, specialty restaurants run $30–$60 per person per meal. On VV, every restaurant on the ship is included — no upcharges, no specialty dining packages. If you eat out even twice, you've already saved $100+.
The Fleet
Meet the Ships
Virgin Voyages currently operates four ships, all in the same class and design family. They're mid-size by modern standards — around 2,770 guests each — which keeps things intimate without feeling cramped.
Scarlet Lady
The original. Sails Caribbean itineraries from Miami.
Valiant Lady
Mediterranean & Caribbean routes. Great for Europe itineraries.
Resilient Lady
Greek Isles, Mediterranean, and Australia sailings.
Brilliant Lady
The newest ship. Pacific & Caribbean sailings.
All four ships share the same design DNA — rooftop pool deck, entertainment venues, and a similar restaurant lineup with signature venues across the fleet. The dining options vary slightly by ship, but the overall experience and vibe are consistent. Once you've sailed one, the others will feel immediately familiar.
Essential Prep
The Virgin Voyages App: Download It Before You Go
The VV app isn't optional — it's your boarding pass, dining reservation system, shore excursion hub, and onboard wallet all in one. Everything is managed through it, including checking in for your voyage.
Here's what you'll use it for:
- Check-in — complete your check-in and choose a boarding time slot before sailing day
- Restaurant reservations — some venues (especially The Wake and Gunbae) book up fast; grab your reservations as soon as the booking window opens
- Shore Things — browse and book excursions in each port
- Bar Tab — purchase or top up your drink package
- Onboard chat — message your crew or travel companions
- Your sailor loot — see any credits or perks applied to your booking
📱 Pro Tip: Get the App Early
Download the app and create your account as soon as you book. Restaurant reservations open 45 days before sailing for most regular bookings — and 60 days for Rockstars (VV's top cabin category). The early bird genuinely gets the table at Gunbae.
Port Days
Shore Things: VV's Take on Excursions
Virgin Voyages calls their shore excursions "Shore Things" — and they're carefully curated to match the brand's adventurous, social vibe. You'll find everything from snorkeling and kayaking to cooking classes and rum-tasting tours.
Booking Windows
Shore Things become available to book at different times depending on your cabin category:
Regular cabin holders — Shore Things open at 120 days before sailing
Rockstar Suite guests — Shore Things open at 135 days before sailing
Popular excursions — especially beach club days and water sports — do sell out. If you have your heart set on something specific, set a reminder and book on day one of your window.
Beach Club at Bimini
If your itinerary stops at Bimini, Bahamas, the VV Beach Club is one of the most talked-about experiences on any sailing. Think pristine white sand, a pool, beach bar, live music, and a lively party atmosphere that carries well into the afternoon.
Drinks On Board
The Bar Tab: How to Drink Smart on VV
Alcohol isn't included in the base fare, but VV offers a pre-purchased "Bar Tab" — essentially a discounted drink credit that you load before sailing. It's the smartest way to budget for drinks onboard.
How It Works
Bar Tab is available in tiers. The key mechanic: you buy credits at a discount before sailing, then spend them like cash at any bar on the ship. Unused Bar Tab credit is non-refundable, so don't over-buy.
🍹 Isaac's Bar Tab Tips
For a couple on a 5-night voyage who drinks moderately, $300–$500 in Bar Tab typically covers it. The higher the tier, the better the bonus — so it pays to size up if you plan to drink well. Remember: unused Bar Tab credit is non-refundable, so don't over-buy. And if you book a Sea Terrace cabin or above through me, I can add $100 in free Sailor Loot to your booking — at no extra cost to you.
Where You'll Sleep
Cabin Categories Explained
VV's cabin categories run from cozy and stylish to full-on suite living. Here's how they break down:
Sea View & Insider Cabins
The entry point. Beautifully designed — think boutique hotel room — with no balcony. Insider cabins don't have a window; Sea View cabins have a porthole or window. Both are great value for sailors who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship and ports.
Sea Terrace Cabins
The sweet spot. A private balcony — called a "sea terrace" — makes a huge difference on a sailing vacation. This is where most sailors land, and it's the minimum tier to qualify for my $100 free Bar Tab offer.
Rockstar Suites (including Mega RockStar)
The VIP tier. Expansive suites — with the Mega RockStar being the most lavish on the ship — plus exclusive lounge access, a dedicated concierge, priority boarding, and a 135-day Shore Things booking window. Truly the VV way to sail if the budget allows.
Honest Assessment
Is Virgin Voyages Right for You?
You'll love VV if...
- You're 18+ and traveling adult-only
- You want variety in dining without extra charges
- You appreciate a sleek, modern aesthetic
- You like live music and a social vibe
- You prefer a smaller ship with fewer crowds
- You want included Wi-Fi and gratuities
- You're a couple, solo traveler, or group of friends
VV might not be the best fit if...
- You're traveling with kids under 18
- You want a full all-inclusive drink package
- You prefer mega-ship activities (waterparks, etc.)
- You like traditional cruise entertainment (Broadway shows)
- You want a casino-forward experience
Ready to Sail? Let's Plan Your Virgin Voyage.
My travel planning services are 100% free to you — the cruise line pays my commission. I'll help you find the right itinerary, cabin, and timing, handle all the booking details, and make sure you don't miss a thing before you board.
Booking through my agent portal means Isaac gets credit for your booking — at no extra cost to you.