Virgin Voyages Review [Ships, Destinations, Dining, and More]

Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line that offers a premium product with lots of inclusions. It has often been cited as the cruise line for people who don’t really like cruises. Virgin’s unique approach to cruising has made it a major player in the industry since its first ship debuted in 2021.

In this post, we’ll explore what makes Virgin Voyages different and what you can expect on board, from the staterooms and dining to entertainment, activities, and loyalty program benefits.

Let’s jump in!

What’s Different About Virgin Voyages?

Virgin Voyages is a relatively new cruise line for adults only. With just 3 ships (1 more is coming in 2025), it’s not as big as cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Disney Cruise Line, but it has gained a dedicated fan base since its first sailing in 2021.

What’s Included?

One of the things that makes Virgin Voyages different than many other big cruise lines is what’s included in the cost. Most cruise lines charge extra for things like Wi-Fi, specialty dining, drink packages, and group fitness classes, but that’s all included with a Virgin Voyages cruise.

Virgin is also known for what it doesn’t have: buffets, extra charges for specialty restaurants, designated dining times, or formal nights.

How To Book Virgin Voyages With Points

It can be tricky to get good value booking cruises with points, but it can be done, and Virgin Voyages is a great option. Select sailings on Virgin Voyages can be booked with Virgin Red points, and we’ve seen incredible limited-time deals recently.

Virgin Red points are easy to earn. First, Capital One Miles and Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer directly to Virgin Red.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points also transfer to Virgin Red. And Virgin Atlantic points are so easy to earn — American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Bilt Rewards all transfer 1:1 to Virgin Atlantic.

Hot Tip:

If you are planning to book a Virgin Voyages cruise with cash instead of points, be sure to use one that rewards general travel purchases. The Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, American Express^® Green Card*, and the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card all earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases, including cruises.

*The information regarding the American Express^® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Virgin Voyages Ships

Virgin Voyages has a small fleet of 3 ships, with 1 more set to debut in 2025. This first group is known as the “Lady Ships,” a play on the British term “your ladyship.” Each one can hold 2,770 passengers.

Scarlet Lady

Scarlet Lady was Virgin Voyages’ first ship. Introduced in 2021, she sails the Caribbean and Europe from Miami, Florida.

Ports of Call:

Hot Tip:

Are you curious about what a Virgin Voyages cruise is like? Here’s a peek at the French Daze & Ibiza Nights itinerary on Scarlet Lady.

Valiant Lady

Sailing since 2022, Valiant Lady explores the Caribbean and Europe from her home port of Barcelona, Spain.

Ports of Call:

Resilient Lady

Resilient Lady debuted in 2023. She sails Europe and the Caribbean from Piraeus (Athens, Greece).

Ports of Call:

Brilliant Lady (Coming in 2025)

Brilliant Lady will be the newest ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet when she debuts in 2025. With home ports in multiple U.S. cities (Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Seattle), Brilliant Lady will sail North America.

Ports of Call:

Virgin Voyages Cabins

Each Virgin Voyages ship has 1,330 cabins and 78 RockStar Quarters (suites). Of these rooms, 86% feature a balcony, and 93% have ocean views.

There are 5 levels of cabins on Virgin Voyages ships.

Insider

Insider rooms are the least expensive and smallest cabin option. They sleep 1 to 4 people in 105 to 177 square feet.

Sea View

Sea View rooms have a window seat or porthole. These cabins sleep 1 to 3 guests in 130 to 190 square feet of space.

Sea Terrace

Sea Terrace rooms have a balcony with a hammock and can sleep 2 to 4 people in 185 to 225 square feet of space.

RockStar Quarters

RockStar Quarters sleep 2 to 4 people in 352 to 857 square feet. These premium rooms include a terrace with a hammock, a European king bed, a marble bathroom, a minibar, and an outside Champagne table. Guests staying in RockStar Quarters also get priority access to restaurants and events, plus access to Richard’s Rooftop, a private deck.

Choose from the Seriously Suite, Brilliant Suite, Sweet Aft Suite, or Cheeky Corner Suite.

Mega RockStar Quarters

The most premium accommodations on Virgin Voyages are the Mega RockStar Quarters. These large rooms can sleep 2 to 4 guests in 570 to 2,167 square feet of space. They have large terraces with hammocks and sun loungers as well as outdoor peek-a-view showers. Other perks include outdoor Champagne tables, European king beds, large marble bathrooms, and bottomless minibars. Guests get premium Wi-Fi, a daily Bar Tab (more on that below), daily spa access, and access to Richard’s Rooftop.

Choose from the Gorgeous Suite, Posh Suite, Fab Suite, or Massive Suite.

Virgin Voyages Dining

Virgin Voyages sailings offer over 20 places to eat and drink, many of which have menus by chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants. All places to eat are included in the cruise fare — there are no charges for specialty dining. There aren’t any buffets or designated dining times, either. Plus, you can get 24-hour-a-day food delivery around the ship.

Onboard Restaurants:

Onboard Bars:

One of the more unique features on Virgin Voyages cruises is Shake for Champagne. To have a bottle of Möet Chandon Impérial delivered to you anywhere on the ship, just open the Virgin Voyages mobile app and shake your phone. A button will appear to order Champagne.

Guests can prepurchase a Bar Tab, a credit to use on board (and at the Beach Club at Bimini) on drinks up to 24 hours before sailing. Bar Tabs can be used for alcoholic (cocktails, beer, and wine) and nonalcoholic beverages (fresh-pressed juices, specialty coffees, mocktails).

This is not a traditional bar package that you may find on other cruise lines. A Bar Tab can be used for any premium drink for yourself, a cabin mate, or a new friend, and unlike drink packages on other cruise lines, not everyone in a cabin has to purchase one.

Hot Tip:

You get bonus onboard credit when purchasing a Bar Tab of at least $200.

Virgin Voyages Onboard Activities

Fitness

All group fitness classes are included on Virgin Voyages. This includes everything from guided meditation and yoga to HIIT, spinning, and boxing. Each ship also has a Virgin-red track that circles the upper deck.

Beauty and Spa

Each Virgin Voyages ship has an onboard spa offering a variety of treatments, including massages and facials. There’s also a mud room, salt room, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, and heated marble hammam benches.

Each ship has a blowout bar (Dry Dock) and a barber shop (Stubble & Groom). The Tune Up offers manicures and pedicures, as well as medi-spa treatments like Botox, fillers, and IV therapy.

One of the most unique features of a Virgin Voyages ship is Squid Ink, the onboard tattoo parlor.

Entertainment

You won’t find traditional Broadway-style shows on a Virgin Voyages cruise. Instead, you find unique events, including the cruise line’s iconic Scarlet Night, a festival-like, shipwide party with live performances where everyone’s encouraged to wear red.

In addition to performances, there are some entertainment spots to explore during your cruise:

• The Red Room: A live performance space that transforms into a late-night dance space
• The Groupie: A bookable space for private karaoke
• Voyage Vinyl: An onboard record shop with music magazines and listening stations
• The Arcade: Vintage arcade games for your inner child
• The Social Club: A space featuring games like air hockey, shuffleboard, and foosball

Casino

Each Virgin Voyages ship has a casino with slots, blackjack, craps, poker, and roulette. The ship holds free gaming lessons on embarkation day.

The Roller Rewards Program is the casino’s loyalty program. As soon as you start playing, you’re automatically enrolled and can earn free play and perks like free drinks and even free cruises. There are 5 levels of membership within the Roller Rewards Program.

Virgin Voyages Sailing Club

Virgin Voyages Sailing Club is the cruise line’s loyalty program. You automatically become a member after your first Virgin Voyages cruise. There are 3 levels of membership.

Only full-fare sailings qualify for the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club. Any discounted sailing, including gifted sailings, comped casino cruises, or cruises booked with Virgin Points, don’t count toward elite status.

Hot Tip:

Anyone who’s earned Sea Blazers and Sea Rovers status (based on sailings from 2021 to 2023) receives Deep Blue Extra perks through 2025.

Final Thoughts

Virgin Voyages is a unique cruise line that has a lot of inclusions. Guests don’t pay extra for things like Wi-Fi, group fitness classes, or specialty dining. Even though this cruise line has only been sailing since 2021, it has gained a loyal following of cruisers who appreciate this untraditional approach. For points and miles enthusiasts, Virgin Voyages is a favorite because these cruises can be booked with Virgin Points, often at incredible rates.