Virgin Voyages does not try to be a traditional cruise line. That is the whole point. The experience is adults-only, modern, dining-focused, nightlife-friendly, wellness-minded, and designed for travelers who want something different from the classic cruise experience.

If your idea of a great cruise includes formal nights, fixed dining times, large buffets, family pool decks, and traditional production shows, this line may feel too different. However, travelers who want a kid-free cruise with included restaurants, creative entertainment, fitness classes, and a stylish onboard vibe should give Virgin Voyages a serious look.

Compared with Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Princess Cruises, Virgin has one of the clearest identities: adults-only lifestyle cruising.

What Makes Virgin Voyages Great?

Virgin Voyages stands out because it made several bold choices that separate it from most major cruise lines. The ships are adults-only. Dining is built around 20+ restaurant-style venues instead of one traditional main dining room. Wi-Fi, gratuities, essential drinks, group fitness classes, and dining are included in the fare.

That creates a very different feel. Virgin is less about old-school cruise traditions and more about modern travel, food, music, wellness, nightlife, and relaxed style.

The onboard experience also feels more boutique than many large mainstream ships. Even though Virgin ships are not tiny, the product is built around a more curated adult atmosphere rather than trying to be everything for every age group.

Virgin Voyages Is Best For These Travelers

A strong fit for adults who want a cruise that feels modern, social, and less traditional.

Virgin Voyages Is Usually a Great Fit For:

• Couples who want an adults-only getaway
• Friend groups celebrating birthdays, milestones, or getaways
• Food-focused travelers
• Adults who want nightlife without a family-cruise atmosphere
• Wellness-minded travelers who like included fitness classes
• Travelers who dislike traditional cruise dining
• Guests who want Wi-Fi and gratuities included
• People who want a more modern, stylish cruise experience

Virgin works especially well when travelers want the ship to feel social, adult, and contemporary. It is not just a cruise without kids. It is a cruise line built around adults from the start.

Where Virgin Voyages May Not Be the Best Fit

Virgin Voyages is excellent for the right traveler, but it is not for everyone. In fact, its biggest strengths can be drawbacks if you prefer a more traditional cruise.

Virgin May Disappoint Travelers Who Want:

• A family cruise with kids or teens
• Traditional main dining rooms and fixed dinner times
• Classic cruise production shows
• A very formal cruise atmosphere
• Large Broadway-style theaters on every ship
• Huge waterparks, surf simulators, or kid-focused attractions
• The cheapest possible cruise fare
• An all-inclusive alcohol package

Virgin also has a very specific personality. Some travelers love the modern, edgy, nontraditional style. Others may find it too different from the cruise experience they are used to.

Virgin Voyages Value Category: Adults-Only / Lifestyle Premium

Virgin Voyages fits best in the adults-only lifestyle premium category. It is not a budget cruise line, and it is not a traditional luxury line. The value comes from what is included and the adult-focused experience.

Dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, essential drinks, and group fitness classes are included, which can make the total cost easier to understand than some mainstream cruise lines. However, alcohol, spa treatments, excursions, casino spending, specialty retail, and some premium experiences still cost extra.

Where Virgin Delivers Strong Value

• Adults who value a kid-free experience
• Travelers who will use the included dining
• Guests who appreciate Wi-Fi and gratuities included
• Food-focused travelers who want restaurant-style meals
• Couples and friend groups who want nightlife and social energy
• Wellness travelers who will use group fitness classes

Where the Value Can Drop

• You do not care about adults-only cruising
• If you want a family-friendly ship
• When you prefer traditional cruise dining and shows
• If you drink heavily and expect a traditional drink package
• If the fare is much higher than comparable adult-friendly sailings on other lines

The best way to judge Virgin is by comparing the full value. The upfront fare may be higher than some mainstream options, but the included dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, essential drinks, and fitness classes can change the math.

What Is Included on Virgin Voyages?

Virgin Voyages includes more than many traditional cruise lines. That is one of its strongest selling points.

Commonly Included With Virgin Voyages

• Dining at 20+ eateries
• Wi-Fi
• Tips and gratuities
• Essential drinks such as water, soda, drip coffee, tea, and select juices
• Group fitness classes
• Entertainment
• Adults-only ship access

What Usually Costs Extra

• Alcoholic drinks
• Bar Tab purchases
• Spa treatments
• Shore excursions, called Shore Things
• Casino spending
• Retail purchases
• Some premium experiences
• Specialty coffee or premium beverages outside essential drinks

Virgin is sometimes described as “almost all-inclusive,” but that does not mean everything is included. The important part is understanding what is included before comparing it to a cheaper cruise fare elsewhere.

Dining on Virgin Voyages

Dining is one of Virgin’s biggest advantages. Instead of a traditional main dining room and buffet setup, Virgin uses restaurant-style venues across the ship. That makes dining feel more like going out to different restaurants during the cruise.

There is no large traditional buffet. Food is made to order in venues such as The Galley, and the main restaurants each have their own concept and style.

Virgin Dining Highlights May Include:

• The Wake for steak and seafood
• Pink Agave for elevated Mexican dining
• Extra Virgin for Italian
• Gunbae for Korean BBQ
• Razzle Dazzle for creative comfort food and vegetarian-friendly options
• The Test Kitchen for experimental dining
• The Pizza Place for casual late-night or quick bites
• The Galley for made-to-order casual dining

Virgin Voyages biggest advantage is that these dining venues are included instead of priced like traditional specialty restaurants on many other cruise lines. Reservations are still important, especially for popular dining times.

Entertainment and Nightlife

Virgin Voyages entertainment is not traditional cruise entertainment. Instead of classic Broadway-style shows every night, Virgin leans into immersive performances, music, nightlife, pop-up entertainment, comedy, live acts, and ship-wide events.

Scarlet Night is one of Virgin’s signature experiences. Guests often dress in red and participate in a ship-wide evening built around music, performance, and celebration.

Virgin Entertainment Highlights May Include:

• Scarlet Night
• The Red Room performance space
• The Manor nightclub
• Live music and DJs
• Pop-up performances
• Comedy and immersive shows
• Casino and lounge spaces
• Adult-focused social events

This style can be a major plus for adults who want something different. However, travelers who love traditional cruise theater, classic production shows, or family entertainment may prefer another cruise line.

Wellness and Fitness on Virgin Voyages

Virgin is also strong for wellness-minded travelers. Group fitness classes are included, and the ships include gyms, outdoor training areas, spa spaces, and relaxation-focused venues.

The Redemption Spa costs extra, but it can be a major draw for travelers who want a dedicated wellness experience at sea.

Virgin Wellness Highlights

• Included group fitness classes
• Modern gym spaces
• Outdoor fitness and training areas
• Redemption Spa
• Thermal and relaxation experiences available for added cost
• Health-conscious dining options

Virgin is not just a party cruise line. The better description is lifestyle cruising: food, fitness, music, wellness, nightlife, and adult relaxation all built into the same experience.

Virgin Voyages Ships: Why the Ship Choice Matters

Virgin’s ships are designed with a similar style and layout philosophy, but the itinerary, entertainment, departure port, and ship availability still matter. The current Lady Ships include Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady.

Compared with cruise lines that have very old and very new ships mixed together, Virgin’s fleet has a more consistent modern feel. That can make the decision easier, but travelers should still compare itinerary, dates, and pricing carefully.

Scarlet Lady

Scarlet Lady was Virgin’s first ship and helped introduce the brand’s adults-only, dining-focused cruise style. It is a strong fit for travelers who want the classic Virgin experience.

Valiant Lady

Valiant Lady offers the same modern Virgin personality with Caribbean and other warm-weather itinerary options depending on the season.

Resilient Lady

Resilient Lady is often tied to broader international itineraries and can be a strong option for travelers who want Virgin’s adult-focused style in different regions.

Brilliant Lady

Brilliant Lady expands the fleet and gives Virgin more flexibility in where it can deploy ships. For travelers comparing future Virgin sailings, Brilliant Lady will be an important ship to watch.

Best Virgin Voyages Ships to Consider

The best Virgin ship usually depends more on itinerary and departure port than onboard differences. Since the fleet has a fairly consistent product style, the route, date, and price often matter most.

The Beach Club at Bimini

The Beach Club at Bimini is one of Virgin’s signature Caribbean experiences. It is not a private island in the same way as some cruise lines, but it gives Virgin sailors a beach club-style day in the Bahamas.

The atmosphere is more adult and stylish than family private island destinations. Expect beach club energy, pool time, loungers, music, and a more relaxed social vibe.

Why Bimini Works Well for Virgin

• Adults-only beach club atmosphere
• Good fit for couples and friend groups
• Beach, pool, music, and lounge energy
• Strong match for Virgin’s modern lifestyle brand
• Easy warm-weather cruise highlight on select itineraries

For more destination planning ideas, visit the Caribbean travel section or read more about the Bahamas.

Virgin Voyages and Sustainability

Virgin has made sustainability a major part of its brand. The line has focused on reducing waste, removing unnecessary single-use plastics from the sailor experience, improving energy efficiency, and designing operations around more responsible choices.

One of the most noticeable differences is that Virgin does not use a traditional cruise buffet. Food is made to order, which helps reduce waste and supports the dining experience at the same time.

Sustainability Highlights

• No traditional buffet
• Made-to-order food model
• Unnecessary single-use plastics banned from the sailor experience
• Energy-efficient ship technology
• Water and waste reduction efforts
• Retail choices that include more thoughtful sourcing

Sustainability should not be the only reason to choose a cruise line, but Virgin’s approach is another point of difference compared with more traditional cruise brands.

Virgin Voyages Compared to Other Cruise Lines

Virgin is best compared with other adult-friendly, premium mainstream, and lifestyle cruise options. It is not a family cruise line and should not be judged like one.

Biggest Pros of Virgin Voyages

• 100% adults-only
• Dining at 20+ eateries is included
• Wi-Fi and gratuities are included
• Essential drinks are included
• Group fitness classes are included
• Modern ship design and adult-focused atmosphere
• Strong nightlife and social energy
• Good fit for couples and friend groups
• No traditional cruise buffet
• More relaxed dress code and modern style

Biggest Cons of Virgin Voyages

• Not available for families with kids
• Not ideal for travelers who prefer classic cruise traditions
• No traditional main dining room setup
• No traditional unlimited drink package
• Entertainment style may not fit everyone
• Can price higher than mainstream cruise lines
• Pool areas can feel smaller than some travelers expect
• Adults who want a quiet classic cruise may prefer another line

Final Verdict: Is Virgin Voyages Worth It?

Virgin Voyages is worth considering if you want an adults-only cruise with modern dining, nightlife, wellness, included Wi-Fi, included gratuities, and a less traditional atmosphere.

It is not the best choice for families, travelers who want classic cruise traditions, or guests looking for the lowest possible cruise fare. It is also not the right fit for someone who wants huge waterparks, character experiences, or old-school formal cruise nights.

However, for couples, friend groups, solo adults, food-focused travelers, and people who want something different from mainstream cruising, Virgin Voyages can be one of the most refreshing options at sea.

The key is knowing what kind of cruise experience you want. If adults-only, modern, dining-focused cruising sounds right, Virgin deserves a serious place on the comparison list.

Helpful Sehlmeyer Travel Resources

• Plan Your Trip with Sehlmeyer Travel
• Explore the Cruise Line Guide
• Read Caribbean Travel Guides
• Explore the Bahamas Travel Guide
• Browse Travel Tips and Tricks

Frequently Asked Questions About Virgin Voyages

Is Virgin Voyages adults-only?

Yes. Virgin Voyages is a 100% adults-only cruise line, and guests must be at least 18 years old to sail.

Is Virgin Voyages all-inclusive?

Virgin is more inclusive than many cruise lines, but it is not fully all-inclusive. Dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, essential drinks, group fitness classes, and entertainment are included. Alcohol, spa treatments, excursions, casino spending, retail purchases, and some premium experiences cost extra.

Does Virgin Voyages have a drink package?

Virgin does not use a traditional unlimited drink package. Instead, guests can usually purchase a Bar Tab or pay for drinks individually. Essential drinks such as water, soda, drip coffee, tea, and select juices are included.

Is Virgin Voyages good for couples?

Yes. Virgin is a strong option for couples who want adults-only cruising, included dining, nightlife, wellness, stylish spaces, and a more modern cruise atmosphere.

Is Virgin Voyages good for families?

No. Virgin Voyages is adults-only, so it is not an option for families traveling with children under 18.

What is Scarlet Night on Virgin Voyages?

Scarlet Night is one of Virgin’s signature ship-wide events. Guests often wear red and enjoy an evening of music, performances, parties, and adult-focused entertainment throughout the ship.

Is Virgin Voyages better than Royal Caribbean?

Virgin is usually better for adults-only dining, nightlife, wellness, and modern style. Royal Caribbean is usually better for families, teens, large-ship activities, private island thrills, and travelers who want more traditional big-ship cruising.

Is Virgin Voyages better than Princess Cruises?

Virgin is more modern, social, and adults-only. Princess is calmer, more destination-focused, and usually better for Alaska, adults who prefer a classic cruise feel, and multi-generational trips.

Who should avoid Virgin Voyages?

Virgin may not be the best fit for families with kids, travelers who want traditional cruise dining, people who prefer classic production shows, or guests looking for the lowest cruise fare.