The Ultimate Guide to Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages are a brand new cruise line launched in 2020 by Richard Branson’s Virgin Group. Virgin Voyages plan’s on been different to other cruise lines by offering an inclusive approach with no added cost for dining, Free fitness classes and free wifi.
Virgin Voyages Ships
Virgin Voyages has two ships in its fleet. Scarlet Lady launched to the industry in 2020 but has delayed its entry into service until 2021 due to the covid-19 pandemic. The second ship, Valiant Lady, is still under construction and is due to enter service in 2022.
Both ships are adults-only and offer an all-inclusive premium experience. Virgin Voyages has removed traditional aspects of cruises such as set time dining, the buffet and gratuities which new cruisers may find appealing. They also have a commitment to sustainability been plastic-free, tree-free and using the latest energy-saving & carbon-reducing operations.
The ships reflect a yacht’s sleek luxury and include a range of exciting and quirky venues. All ships are designed by creative studios Design Research Studio (Tom Dixon), Roman & Williams and Concrete Amsterdam.
The ships are all about relaxation and play with a large gymnasium, ample pools space, lots of bars and over 20 restaurants.
Cabins
Virgin Voyages offers a wide range of cabins from inside cabins to luxury suites. 86% of cabins onboard feature a balcony and 93% feature an ocean view. Each cabin is packed with the latest technology controlled by a tablet in the room and all bacony cabins include a hand-woven terrace hammock.
The most controversial feature of the cabins is the SeaBed. The SeaBed is a sofa by day and a bed by night. The room attendant will change this for you, or you can choose to have it as a bed all the time.
A Sea Terrace cabin with the Seabed in its daytime layout.
For those looking for more luxury, the RockStar suites offer retro-futurism decor with a music turntable, large bathroom and large balcony.
Suite perks also include early access to onboard entertainment, restaurants and shore excursions, a private transfer to and from the ship in Miami and priority embarkation.
Dining
The ships feature over 20+ dining outlets ranging from sophisticated high-level cuisine to casual fare.
All restaurants are included in the cost of the cruise.
Unlike other cruise lines which feature one main dining room and a buffet, Virgin Voyages has neither. Instead, there are multiple restaurants and quick-serve dining venues where you can choose to dine in with no assigned seating and no assigned dining times.
The Entrance to Pink Agave is an instagrammable spot.
The main restaurants
The six main restaurants are on par with Speciality Dining on other cruise lines. Each restaurant has a unique menu and decor. You need to book these for each evening - like making a booking on a land-based restaurant. Be quick - as they fill up fast.
The six main restaurants on Virgin Voyages are;
Razzle Dazzle - A fun “Vegan-forward” restaurant open for brunch and dinner.
Pink Agave - Modern Mexican
The Wake - Sophisticated Steakhouse open for Brunch and Dinner
Geonbae - A fun interactive Koren BBQ
Extra Virgin - Italian
Test Kitchen - A unique dining experience that serves molecular cuisine. Wine and cocktail pairings are available for an extra charge.
Quick dining restaurants
The other quick dining options you do not need to make reservations for. These include;
The Dock House - Featuring a grab-and-go selection of salads and light bites plus small made-to-order dishes.
The Pizza Place - Casual pizza restaurant that also serves salads.
Social Club Diner - Casual diner serving classic American dishes.
Lick Me Till… Ice Cream - Icecream counter
Sun Club Cafe - Outdoor quick-service counter serving Hawaiian Poke Bowls
The traditional buffet is replaced with “The Galley”. An area with multiple food outlets offering on-demand freshly made dishes including Sushi, Burritos and an American Grill. The idea is modelled from Food Trucks and Food halls.
Entertainment
“The Hostess” performing in the Manor Nightclub.
Entertainment highlights include the Red Room, an arena-like Theatre that can change each evening from a traditional theatre set up to a huge club. Shows include thrilling acrobatic spectaculars, interactive concerts and dance parties.
The ships nightclub, The Manor, is the main music venue and will feature cabaret-style performances and DJs into the early hours. If you fancy taking to the stage yourself, the Karaoke booths at The Groupie is where you can let your inner diva out.
Off the ship, on the private island of Bimini resident poolside DJs perform all afternoon and into the evening with celebrity DJs also featured on selected sailings.
You won’t find any formal evenings on Virgin Voyages, instead bring a splash of red for Scarlet Night. A party features art installations and performances throughout the ship as the night progresses leading to a huge disco on the open decks, or in the Red Room if the weather is bad.
The fully equipped gym is free to use.
Wellness
Virgin Voyages all-inclusive concept extends to its wide selection of group fitness classes, yoga and meditation. All classes are included in the cost of the cruise.
The ships feature two extensive indoor gyms, an outdoor gym, a yoga studio and a group fitness studio. Outside is a dedicated running track that forms a halo-like vision over the ship.
There are plenty of relaxation options too multiple pool areas and outdoor wellness spaces that are all included in the cost of the cruise.
For an extra charge, the onboard spa and beauty outlets offer a full range of treatments including a thermal suite, mani-pedi/medi spa, salon, barbershop and even a tattoo studio.
Destinations
Scarlet Lady offers 4 & 5-night Caribbean itineraries from her homeport of Miami. She visits the Virgin Voyages private island “Bimini Beach Club”, Puerto Plata, Costa Maya, San Juan, Key West and Cozumel.
Valiant Lady will sail from Barcelona offering 7-night Mediterranean itineraries visiting France, Italy and Spain. All itineraries include later stays in port and a Friday overnight stays in Ibiza.
FAQs
What’s included in a Virgin Cruise?
Virgin Voyages offers an all-inclusive model of cruising and the cruise fare includes nearly all onboard amenities.
Included in the cost of a Virgin Voyages cruise is;
All Gratuities and onboard tips
All dining venues onboard - see also our Dining Guide to Virgin Voyages
Soft drinks (Tea, filter coffee, non-pressed juices, water and sparkling water and Sodas)
Wifi (On-board the ship and on the private island)
All pools
The gym
Group fitness classes
Onboard entertainment
Ice cream
Most room service items - A delivery fee of $5 applies unless ordered with one paid item.
Not included in your cruise fare is;
Alcoholic drinks
Premium tea, premium coffee & freshly-squeezed juices.
Spa treatments
Shore excursions
The tattoo parlour
Some activities such as the bar crawl.
Cabanas
Who is Virgin Voyages for?
The ships are adults-only so all cruisers must be over the age of 18. Virgin is definitely for the young-at-heart. If you enjoy good food, great partys and relaxation - this is for you!
If you enjoy traditional aspects of cruising, such as set dining times and formal nights, this is not for you!
What is the dress code on Virgin Voyages?
There is no dress code on board so you are free to wear whatever you like. You will find most people wearing casual resort wear during the day and something a little nicer on an evening. Remember to bring a splash of red for Scarlet Night.
How much are Gratuities on Virgin Voyages?
All gratuities are included in the cost of your cruise.
