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I went aboard Virgin Voyages' first cruise ship, and it made me want to book a cruise for the first time ever

• I took a tour of Virgin Voyages' first vessel, the Scarlet Lady, and it changed my perspective on cruising.
• The ship has amenities like a Korean barbecue restaurant, a tattoo parlor, and on demand champagne.
• Take a look inside the Scarlet Lady ahead of its first US sailing in October.

Richard Branson's Virgin Group's cruise line, Virgin Voyages, will begin a series of US sailings this October aboard its first vessel, the Scarlet Lady.

I took a tour around the adults-only Scarlet Lady when it was docked in New York City, and exploring the ship changed my perspective of what a cruise experience should be like.

The ship was supposed to debut in New York in early March 2020.

"As we got to Liverpool [to unveil the ship], the headlines were 'people stuck at sea on cruise ships,' and it was just the worst week in history to launch a new [cruise ship]," Branson said. "Virgin Group definitely chose its sectors well for COVID."

But now, 18 months later, the Scarlet Lady is ready to begin cruising from the US after completing a series of "staycation-at-sea" sailings around the UK.

Source: Virgin

According to Tom McAlpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages, these UK sailings "solidified the fact that [Virgin Voyages] got the right balance" of onboard amenities like restaurant and entertainment options.

"The team has created a magical experience, the kind of cruise ship that myself and my family would have dreamt of going on," Branson told Insider.

"We've never been interested in going on cruise ships, so that's why we set out to try to create something really special, unique, and very Virgin," he continued.

The Scarlet Lady even won over Branson's cruise-skeptic daughter, who sailed with her friends and "didn't want to get off," according to her father.

She's not alone. During the first sailing in the UK, 125 passengers booked additional cruises with Virgin Voyages, a testament to how much the customers enjoyed sailing on the Scarlet Lady, according to McAlpin.

Let's take a look around the cruise ship to see what's attracting these repeat customers.

To start, Virgin Voyages' ships are all adults-only.

And the cost of a sailing includes access to amenities like group fitness classes, WiFi, and all of the onboard dining options.

Let's start with the accommodations. The Scarlet Lady has 1,330 cabins and 78 "Rockstar Quarters" suites.

Virgin Voyages says its cabins are "superyacht inspired," and it's easy to see why.

Source: Virgin Voyages

While I was touring the ship, I got to see one of the two largest suites — aptly named "Massive Suite" — which has the typical living room, bedroom, and bathroom with a hot tub, along with …

… a second bedroom that also serves as a music room with guitars and an amplifier…

… and a sprawling terrace with two hammocks, a hot tub, an outdoor shower, a conversation pit, and an outdoor dining table.

In total, the 2,147-square-foot suite can sleep up to four people.

Now, moving on to the amenities that everyone sailing with the Scarlet Lady can access.

The Scarlet Lady has a variety of restaurants I personally haven’t seen on a cruise ship.

This includes Gunbae, a Korean barbecue restaurant designed to have a laid-back, party-like atmosphere ...

… and Test Kitchen, which also doubles as a cooking school.

Unlike most traditional restaurants, Test Kitchen's menu only states ingredients.

There's also Razzle Dazzle, a vegetarian-friendly restaurant with a drag brunch ...

… and the more classic cruise dining options, such as a steak and seafood, an Italian, and a Mexican restaurant.

Instead of a buffet, there's a food hall with eight stalls, including sushi and taco stands.

And of course, as an adults-only cruise, the Scarlet Lady has plenty of bars and lounges, including a casino.

Let's start with the Manor, a two-floor nightclub and entertainment venue with an Instagram-friendly entrance.

There's also Draught Haus, a taproom with eight beers on tap and a lineup of bottled beers, cocktails, and shots.

Not interested in beer? How about champagne. Sip is a champagne-focused lounge with bubbles that range from $9 a glass to $1,000 a bottle.

Craving a drink but you're nowhere near Sip? If you have the Virgin Voyages app, you can request on-demand champagne from anywhere aboard the Scarlet Lady.

The ship also has several features I've also never seen on a cruise ship, such as a record shop ...

… and a tattoo and piercing shop.

But the one feature that stood out to me the most was the spa, which has amenities like a mudroom, quartz bed, and salt room.

Unlike most spas that are pristine and white, Scarlet Lady's Redemption Spa has darker colored decor, which made the space feel calm, serene, clean, and luxurious.

However, the nail salon, barber shop, and hairstyling stores aren't located in the spa. Instead, they're next to the aforementioned tattoo and piercing shop.

The Scarlet Lady also has several workout options, including a gym, spin room, boxing ring, track, and yoga and barre room.

And we can't forget about the outdoor pools.

To reduce waste, the Scarlet Lady won't have any single-use plastic items. This means no non-reusable water bottles or utensils.

Overall, the Scarlet Lady looked more contemporary and sleek than the other cruise ships I remember being on as a child with my family.

And I definitely never remembered seeing a Korean barbecue restaurant or tattoo parlor aboard any cruise ship I was ever on.

And because the space is for adults only, none of the amenities or decor felt childish or tacky.

I've always felt lukewarm about vacationing aboard a cruise ship, but the Scarlet Lady's modern appearance and plush, hotel-like amenities made me rethink my hesitations.

And imagine playing in the arcade or at the casino with no children running around. Luxury!

If you're also interested in sailing aboard the Scarlet Lady, you'll have to wait until October when the ship will begin bringing over 2,770 passengers and 1,160 crew members on four to five-night cruises from Miami to the Caribbean.

Passengers will also get a chance to spend time at Virgin's Beach Club in Bimini, Bahamas.

In terms of health protocols, the Scarlet Lady will be sailing fully vaccinated to create a "bubble" and the safest travel experience possible, McAlpin said.

"It's time to get back out there and convince people that it is safe and have fun," he said. "Take the masks off and be able to socialize again and have a good time."

Like other cruise lines, McAlpin noted that there's "pent-up demand" for cruises.

As a result, Virgin is seeing a good mix of customers, including first-time cruisers.

Looking ahead, Virgin Voyages already has plans to debut more ships, including the Resilient Lady and the Valiant Lady. The latter will debut in 2022.

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I Sailed the Greek Islands With Virgin Voyages and Found the Fun-loving Cruise Line to Be the Perfect Summer Escape

On a buzzy Virgin Voyages trip through the Greek islands, T+L senior editor Samantha Falewée finds there’s plenty of sizzle off the ship, too.

COURTESY OF VIRGIN VOYAGES

Past the glitzy boutiques of downtown Mykonos, inside a hidden courtyard lined with 200-year-old cacti, I was cutting pieces for a mosaic with an iron tool that appeared to be from a previous century. Artisan Irene Syrianou — who’s been teaching these classes “for around 25 years, I don’t exactly remember” — demonstrated how to slice slivers of glass smaller than my pinkie nail, then place them on wet mortar to create a multicolored design. The process was quiet but therapeutic: after half an hour, one member of our small group said it felt like a form of meditation. 

The mosaic-making excursion wasn’t the only surprise on my weeklong voyage around Greece and Turkey aboard the 1,408-cabin Resilient Lady . The Richard Branson–backed Virgin Voyages , which now has three ships in its fleet, takes an unapologetically bold approach. Passengers, who must be 18 or older, can revel in lipstick-red interiors, party-all-night entertainment, a variety of small-venue dining options, and a refreshingly inclusive atmosphere. Both staff and travelers are welcome to express everything from personal style (the ship has its own tattoo parlor) to sexual and gender identity. 

Sergio Pitamitz/Cultura/Getty Images

But, as I experienced, it’s the shore excursions that set the line apart. “For all the amenities on board, it turns out what happens off the ship is what makes Virgin passengers happiest,” confirmed Tom McAlpin, Virgin Voyages' then-CEO, who now chairs the company’s board of directors. “We want as many people as possible to take an excursion, learn about the culture, and be part of local life,” he told me over sunset drinks on Deck 16.

I decided to give it my best shot when we anchored at Santorini, setting out with just four other travelers on a catamaran excursion. The plan called for a five-hour sail inside the island’s famed caldera, the volcanic bay ringed by steep cliffs. I jumped into the cool seawater, then climbed back aboard to a huge meze platter and still-sizzling lamb skewers. As our little group toasted with Assyrtiko made right on Santorini, I felt as if we had chartered a private sailboat. 

“We’re partnering with a lot of smaller tour operators who were hurt during the pandemic to help them come back,” said Nirmal Saverimuttu, Virgin Voyages’ new CEO. “Instead of a big bus tour, travelers might instead board a six-person van.” Virgin ships also tend to stay late or even spend the night in port — ideally both, Saverimuttu told me, so passengers can spend more time ashore.

During my trip, we overnighted in Mykonos. Sometime around 1 a.m., I grinned as I waved goodbye to the island’s sparkling lights and returned to the ship, where a king-size bed awaited in my RockStar Suite. (That’s what Virgin calls its spacious balcony staterooms that have marble bathrooms and turntables, complete with a selection of LPs.) On my way, I passed a tender full of Virgin sailors going in the opposite direction, just starting their wild night out.

Seven-night sailings from Athens with Virgin Voyages from $2,375 per person. 

A version of this story first appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of  Travel + Leisure  under the headline "Vibe Shift."

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Built in 2021, the Virgin Voyages Cruise Line Valiant Lady cruise ship weighs 110K tons and has 1410 staterooms for up to 3102 passengers served by 1160 crew . There are 17 passenger decks, 9 with cabins. You can expect a space ratio of 35 gross tons per passenger on this ship. On this page are the current deck plans for Valiant Lady showing deck plan layouts, public venues and all the types of cabins including pictures and videos.

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Brilliant Lady

Mermaiden Voyage planned for 5 September 2025

Brilliant Lady, Virgin Voyage’s fourth ship will launch in 2025 following a near 2 year delay. The MerMaiden voyage will be on September 5th 2025.

Resilient Lady

Mermaiden was on 14 May 2023

Launched May 2023, Virgin Voyage’s third ship; Resilient Lady made her first steps into Asia and the South Pacific in October 2023 and will arrive in US waters later in 2024.

Valiant Lady

Mermaiden was on 18 March 2022

Virgin Voyages second ship brought the fun of luxury adult-only cruising to brand new places. Valiant Lady currently sails exclusively in Caribbean destinations from Miami & San Juan.

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Mermaiden was on 6 August 2021

The ship that started it all. Scarlet Lady was the first Virgin Voyages cruise ship, welcoming guests to fabulous adult-only luxury cruising in the Caribbean and Europe.

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A unique retelling of Greek mythology with the ultimate mix of acrobatics, singing, dancing and much more that has to be seen.

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Offering a creative combination of technology and choreography this show more closely resembles other cruise ship offerings in a full broadway style production.

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The Italian restaurant, Extra Virgin, serves classic trattoria fare in a bustling setting. Standouts include the handmade pasta, cooked to al dente perfection, and a delightful selection of antipasti.

With its vibrant atmosphere, exceptional service, and mouthwatering Korean cuisine, Gunbae Restaurant is a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts onboard.

Celebrating the vibrancy of Mexican cuisine, Pink Agave promises an authentic experience with dishes such as tlayudas, memelas, sopes, and tortas, accentuated by bold interior design from Tom Dixon.

Razzle Dazzle

As the primary vegetarian-friendly restaurant on board, Razzle Dazzle offers light, plant-based variations on classic comfort foods. Its "naughty or nice" options cater to all palates.

The Test Kitchen

An adventurous restaurant inspired by Auguste Escoffier’s Ma Cuisine, The Test Kitchen provides a culinary journey with its fixed seasonal tasting menu. Designed as a laboratory eatery, it offers a playful and inventive dining experience.

An upscale take on a classic steakhouse, The Wake, offers a selection of steak options and seafood platters. A great upscale option for bottomless brunch, the Bloody Marys are particularly excellent.

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Ahoy Sailor! The award-winning Virgin Voyages is on a mission to create the world’s most irresistible travel brand. We’re seeking to redefine what you should expect from a holiday at sea and create an Epic Sea Change For All.

Our first ship, Scarlet Lady, is unlike any other ship you’ve ever met. With RockStar Quarters, champagne on demand and amazing food, this is cruising but not as you know it. 

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Virgin Voyages second ship, Valiant Lady, calls Barcelona her home – setting sail through the Mediterranean in the summers and spending her winters voyaging down in the Caribbean.

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Too hip or just right? Here's what it was really like sailing on Virgin Voyages for the first time

With a nighttime show called "Never Sleep Alone" that awards golden condoms to participants, an onboard tattoo parlor and in-room music and lighting settings with options like "get it on" and "hangover mode," adults-only Virgin Voyages clearly caters to a kid-free crowd. Still, I had no idea what to expect as I stepped onto Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady .

Leading up to its maiden voyage in 2021, Virgin Voyages marketed itself as the cruise line for vacationers who otherwise weren't interested in traditional cruising. It aimed to appeal to those who were young and hip, wanted to party and craved an atmosphere without little kids running around.

Up until recently, I'd only ever sailed with Disney Cruise Line — and with my kids in tow. However, the Virgin Voyages concept has intrigued me since it launched.

Could Richard Branson's edgy Virgin Voyages truly be a perfect match for trips without kids? Or, would I feel completely out of place and overwhelmed by the rock star attitude featured throughout the cruise line's ships?

There was only one way to satisfy my curiosity — I booked a sailing on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady.

Would the four-night cruise from Miami , with stops in both Key West, Florida, and Bimini, Bahamas, impress me enough to consider Virgin Voyages for future trips? Here's what I took away from the experience — and whether I'd cruise with Virgin Voyages again.

There's a surprisingly diverse crowd on board

Like many people, I went into my cruise expecting most passengers (or "sailors," as the line calls them) to be millennials based on the flashy marketing I've seen from the line. Much to my surprise, though, there was a fair mix of people on my sailing.

Sure, there were millennials in their late 20s, 30s and even early 40s — including me, as I fall within the oldest bracket for that generation — but for every 27-year-old on board, there was also someone close to 70 years old like the cruise line's founder, Richard Branson.

Last year, Tom McAlpin, the president and CEO of Virgin Voyages, told TPG's resident cruise expert Gene Sloan that on early sailings of Scarlet Lady, the average passenger age was in the 50s, with plenty on board in their 60s and 70s. Based on my trip, I'd say that is still a pretty accurate representation.

After a few days on board, it became clear that what passengers had in common wasn't the age listed in their passports but rather the shared desire to have a good time. For the most part, my fellow cruisers were a diverse, inclusive and vibrant group of vacationers who were all eager to strike up conversations with others, regardless of age.

Related: First look: 10 things I love about Virgin Voyages' new Valiant Lady cruise ship

The adult-oriented persona isn't as extreme as you might expect

While there is a "Scarlet Night" celebration featuring lots of red lights and sailors donning their best scarlet-colored attire, the atmosphere on board is far from what you'll find in Amsterdam's Red Light District.

The entertainment we experienced fell somewhere between PG-13 and R, though we admittedly headed to bed by 11 p.m., so perhaps offerings leaned more X-rated as the night went on.

There were a couple of shows that I wouldn't want to see with, say, my parents, such as the previously mentioned "Never Sleep Alone." During that event, participants were awarded golden condoms that granted access to a post-show VIP party. However, those adult activities were easy to spot on the agenda, so you could easily skip them if you wanted a more tame cruise experience.

Beyond the evening entertainment, the vibe was similar to what you'd find in Las Vegas . The pools, restaurants, spa, casino and exercise classes all featured plenty of skimpy outfits and adult-oriented jokes and innuendos, though you could avoid anything that was too outside your comfort zone.

Related: 5 cruise lines to try if you just can't stand being around kids on vacation

Dining options are plentiful (albeit hit or miss)

As far as I'm concerned, cruises are for eating — and Virgin Voyages offers numerous places to dine on Scarlet Lady.

In addition to featuring more than 20 grab-and-go spots and traditional sit-down eateries, there's the large Galley venue with various vendors arranged in a way similar to what you'd find in a food court or buffet.

Given all the options available, there were more places than we could try on our first Virgin Voyages cruise. Still, we sought to sample as much as possible during our four-night sailing.

If you're looking for a traditional sit-down experience, six onboard restaurants accept reservations for dinner: The Wake (which serves steaks and seafood), Razzle Dazzle Restaurant (a contemporary venue with vegetarian and American fare), The Test Kitchen (a laboratory-style eatery), Pink Agave (where gourmet Mexican cuisine is on the menu), Extra Virgin (an Italian-inspired venue) and Gunbae (which specializes in Korean barbecue).

Your cruise price covers dining at all of these spots, plus the quick bite options on the ship. However, some restaurants offer buy-up options labeled as "treat yourself" dishes that cost extra. For example, a half-dozen oysters at The Wake are going to set you back an additional $20, but the steak and clam chowder are 100% included.

Besides the main restaurants, there's the previously mentioned Galley, where you can savor everything from sushi roll bento boxes to 24-hour diner food. It is a hybrid of a grab-and-go and dine-in experience, meaning how you order will vary depending on which station you visit.

Additionally, you'll find casual spots that serve ice cream, pizza, poke bowls and more. You can also order room service; the food is complimentary, but there's a $5 delivery fee.

While I appreciated the array of options at our disposal, I found the quality of the food and service to be hit or miss. Some restaurants I loved so much that I went back a second time; at others, I took a solitary bite of food before deciding to move on.

For example, the tuna poke bowl I excitedly tried at the Sun Club Cafe was patently awful, and the sushi rolls at The Galley were disappointing, reminding me of what I'd find in my Texas grocery store.

Similarly, The Wake was lackluster, to say the least. While some fellow cruisers we met enjoyed the restaurant, it was extremely underwhelming during our visit, serving the worst shrimp and grits I've ever had. Not to mention, the service was slow and seafood options were surprisingly limited for a restaurant that claims to specialize in steak and seafood.

It wasn't all mediocre, though.

Gunbae's Korean fare was not only delicious but served in a setting that was an absolute blast to experience. It really captured how Virgin markets itself by offering staff-led drinking games and communal seating that encourages socializing. We had such a great time there that when we walked into a quiet and sparsely populated restaurant on our last night, we turned around and went back to Gunbae for a repeat experience that was just as memorable as our first visit.

Pink Agave was another standout restaurant. It didn't offer as much of a party vibe as Gunbae, but it still felt lively and served a solid selection of Mexican dishes.

Related: Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The 9 best meals you can have at sea

The cabins are decent but could be improved

Unless you splurge on a pricy RockStar suite , you'll be placed in a cabin that looks modern but otherwise seems fairly standard, other than the fancy mood lighting.

Our Sea Terrace cabin was spotless and stayed true to the modern theme featured throughout the ship, but it wasn't the most comfortable spot on the whole.

While we enjoyed the red outdoor hammock that was shockingly comfortable and not merely a cute, Instagram-worthy gimmick, as well as the selection of in-room movies, which ranged from the original "Top Gun" to newer releases like "Elvis," the rest of the cabin left a lot to be desired.

The bathroom was quite small, to the point where it bordered on being a claustrophobic experience.

The bed was also rather hard and uncomfortable for my personal tastes, so much so that by the last night of our trip, I was ready to return to my more inviting setup at home.

Additionally, unlike Disney Cruise Line, where cabin attendants make it a point to get to know you and your preferences, Virgin Voyages lacked the same personalized service. I never interacted with a person in charge of our cabin, as it would be serviced while we were out (after pushing a button that sent the request to the crew) by a person that, to us, remained nameless and faceless.

Related: Virgin Voyages to debut cruise loyalty program in 2023, with temporary perks available now

The private beach club is top-notch

While other ports of call vary based on the sailing, a constant for Scarlet Lady is a stop at its private beach club in the Bahamas.

Situated on the island of Bimini, this spot was, in a word, fabulous.

Although it's not quite a private island like Royal Caribbean's CocoCay and Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay, that doesn't really matter. You'll feel like you're in an exclusive setting after taking the open-air tram from the ship's dock to the modern, beautiful beach club.

The club offers a couple of large pools, ample lounge chairs and towels, plenty of bars and a picture-perfect beach. A swim-up bar would have been nice, but that's being picky.

During your visit to the club, any drinks you order are charged to the ship, so bar tab credits you have during your cruise will work here, too. The food, which ranged from snapper steamed in a banana leaf to a salad featuring Bahamian mango and macadamia, is included, though some dishes were better than others. I loved mixing the curry, rice and snapper I ordered all together to create a pretty tasty bowl.

On-island entertainment is available as well, though I can't speak to what happened as the afternoon wore on, as we hit our sun quota by midday. However, rumor has it there was a pool float party that occurred after our departure.

Related: Virgin Voyages hopes to draw cruise newbies like me: Here's my first impression from its first sailing

You won't find the usual cruise experience on board

Virgin Voyages does not simply give its amenities and activities quirky names — like "Lick Me Til Ice Cream" for the onboard ice cream shop. The overall experience is a bit different than what you'll come across on traditional cruise lines.

To start, there are no drink packages — and that was a big complaint I heard on the ship from folks who were used to sailing with other lines that offer unlimited drink inclusion options . Instead, Virgin Voyages offers a bar tab that you can load before you sail. Sometimes bar tab credit is also included with the sailing as part of a promotion.

Blessedly, there are no keycards and associated lanyards to keep up with but rather adjustable bracelets that look like friendship bracelets from middle school. Unlike the ones from your childhood, these have built-in technology that opens your cabin door, allows you to charge things to your account and more.

There are also no set dining times, restaurant rotations or dress codes, though you can — and should — make dinner reservations. As a result, you can dine at whichever restaurant you prefer at a time that works for you.

Other than the cabin cleanings, the crew was more noticeable, too. We saw crew members on the basketball courts, eating in The Galley and just generally out and about around the ship even when they didn't appear to be on the clock, which helped create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Additionally, we didn't have to worry about extra tips, taxes or fees. Tips for the crew, spa services and more are factored into your cruise price, so what you see on the menu really is what you can expect to pay.

Another noticeable (and welcome) difference was how laid-back the line was with announcements and disembarking. Outside of a welcome announcement from the captain on the first day, we didn't hear another peep. On the last day, you just had to be off the ship by a respectable 10:45 a.m., so you could still go to a workout class, play some air hockey and have brunch without feeling rushed to depart.

Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly

Bottom line

Despite some underwhelming aspects here and there, such as some design choices we didn't love and a very crowded pool area, we had a great time.

The late-night spicy ramen, social atmosphere and fun ports more than made up for any hiccups. For us, it was like a four-day long party without the hangover.

In fact, we had such a great time that before disembarking Scarlet Lady, we put a $300 deposit down on a future Virgin Voyages sailing so we could receive $900 in discounts and credits the next time around.

It's safe to say that overall, the cruise was absolutely worth it — and one we can't wait to do all over again.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

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What's Included on a Cruise?

SO MUCH MORE VALUE

Introducing Fair & Flexible Fares

Fair, in that we give you much more for your voyage fare, and flexible, in that you can make changes anytime you want, without a penalty.

A lot of travel companies like to trick you with (extra) low prices in their headlines — nickel and diming you later. On every voyage here, you get over $1,000 of value which includes access to all the premium dining at our 20+ eateries with menus curated by Michelin star chefs, group fitness classes, WiFi, gratuities, award-winning entertainment, and a soda and drinks package. And if you need to change your sail dates or the name(s) on your booked voyage, we let you do that, too.

Incredible value. True transparency.

You should know what you’re spending at the end of the vacation… well, before it’s the actual end. And we love a chart, so we created one to break down exactly what we mean….  

Word-on-the-sea is that we’re *the* ship to be

5-star reviews. Awarded Best New Cruise. And incredibly kind reviews.

Incredible!

"Amazing experience and best cruise I have ever been on. Exceptional food, helpful/kind staff, shows were out of this world. Definitely will only be booking with Virgin from now on!".

Great Atmosphere & Great Crew

"The Scarlet Lady is so welcoming and inclusive! They make you feel so comfortable no matter who you are and their entertainment and crew are fabulous!".

Best cruise and ship ever!

"Everyone, everything was on point. No buffet is served on this cruise. The staff is friendly and professional. Nothing is too small or large for them to deliver. There's no other ship like virgin voyages. The food…".

Excellent cruise line

"From the adult-only option all the way to food and entertainment. They did an awesome job. There was so much to do on the ship we needed more time. Will definitely be back to Virgin for our next cruise and many many more".

Award Winning Value

Best cruise line for the money 2023, best value-for-money - large ship category.

Cruise Critic - Cruisers' Choice Awards

Best Premium Cruise Company

Travel Weekly - Travel Awards

Best Overall Cruise Line - Large Ship Category

Always included, food to elevate your mood.

When we say “included,” we mean it. From comfort go-to’s to experimental cuisine, elaborate brunches to Korean BBQ, all our specialty eateries are on us — no hidden tax, no pesky disclaimer, no crowded buffets or designated dining times. Plus, all our food is sustainably sourced, made fresh-to-order, and always tasty. Go ahead, snap that pic (you know you want to) — because we’re picking up the bill.

ALSO INCLUDED

We’ve taken care of tipping.

We’ve reimagined the way people holiday at sea from the hull up — so that epic service becomes the norm. Our Crew is knowledgeable, friendly, and incredibly stylish — but mainly, our Crew is genuinely happy to help you make your vacation one of a kind. So get pampered, taste everything, and enjoy a drink (or two) knowing that all tips are covered. Cheers to that.

YEP INCLUDED, TOO

Free wi-fi for all.

Check in with your loved ones. Make new connections aboard. Or post that ice cream selfie before it melts. With Wi-Fi included on every sailing, you can show off share the view with your home crew, find your newest best friends online, or check in on your email (look, we get it, sometimes it’s hard to *fully* let go) — because, let’s be honest, in this day and age, Wi-Fi should be considered as essential as water.

INCLUDED? THIS, TOO

Unlimited group workouts.

For the 'do-nothings,' the 'do-somethings' and the 'do-literally-everythings' (you know who you are), we have tons of group fitness classes on board so that you can sea the world and keep your #FitnessGoals going. From sunrise yoga and outdoor boxing to a cycling studio and bungee workouts — you’ll have full access to classes and state-of-the-art gym equipment for unlimited opportunities to break a sweat. And if you’re not the working out kind, well, the views are nice from the gym?

STILL INCLUDED

All essential drinks. always on us..

Hydration is key — especially in a sun-soaked, adventure-filled, energy-buzzing holiday at sea. Start your day with a drip-coffee, quench your post-workout thirst with still and sparkling water, get a non-pressed juice by the pool, or find the perfect soda and end your day in paradise with your favorite bedtime tea. With all essential drinks already covered, you can recharge, free of charge.

LIGHTS. CAM. ON US.

Late nights and neon lights.

With a festival-like lineup featuring original, first-to-sea productions, extraordinary pop-up acts, and immersive experiences, the entertainment you’ll experience on board is something you’ve never seen before. It’s wild. It’s thought-provoking. It’s a full-on extravaganza. And it couldn’t be anything else. Digging deep into our musical roots, we’ve collaborated with the world’s most-talked-about directors, choreographers, and artists to create the live entertainment only a Virgin brand could.

A lavish retreat away from it all

With spaces that transform to your given mood, you can live like a rockstar or retreat to a quiet and luxurious oasis whenever you need a break away from all the action.

Restore and explore

Beachside Mexican mornings. Bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico. Exclusive beaches in Bimini. Let us take you far away.

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