Virgin Voyages
Richard Branson’s adults-only answer to everything cruising got wrong: no kids, no buffet, no nickel-and-diming — just a boutique hotel at sea with a wicked sense of humor.
Cruising, Rebuilt From Scratch
Virgin Voyages threw out the cruise playbook and started over. Every sailing is 18+ — no kids clubs because no kids. There’s no buffet; instead, 20+ eateries are all included in the fare, from a proper steakhouse to a Korean BBQ where the table does the grilling. Also included: WiFi, gratuities, group fitness, and even basic drinks like soda and drip coffee. The ships — Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady — feel like a Soho House that floats: tattoo parlor (Squid Ink, the first at sea), a drag brunch, a champagne button in every cabin, and a nightly party that starts where other lines’ schedules end. The crowd skews 30s–50s and the dress code is ‘wear whatever wins.’
The Vibe
Boutique-hotel cool with a wink — vinyl record shops, drag brunches, sunset yoga on the bow, and DJ sets instead of napkin-folding demos.
Signature Stuff
Adults-only everything, 20+ included eateries (no buffet), included WiFi & gratuities, Squid Ink tattoo studio, Scarlet Night pool parties, and The Beach Club at Bimini.
Who Will Love It
Couples, friend groups, honeymooners, and anyone who’s been curious about cruising but scared of the conga line. Not for you if you want waterslides or bring the kids.
Destinations They Do Best
Ships in the Fleet
Guides to 4 Virgin Voyages ships across 1 class, with the tonnage, guest capacity, service date and — where recorded — the most recent refurbishment for each hull, grouped by class.
Lady Class
Brilliant Lady
Size 108,232 gross tons
Guests 2,770 at double occupancy
In service 2025
Ship guide ›Resilient Lady
Size 108,232 gross tons
Guests 2,770 at double occupancy
In service 2023
Ship guide ›Valiant Lady
Size 108,192 gross tons
Guests 2,770 at double occupancy
In service 2021
Ship guide ›Scarlet Lady
Size 108,192 gross tons
Guests 2,770 at double occupancy
In service 2020
Ship guide ›No kids. No buffet. No khakis required.
You're welcome.
Virgin Voyages FAQs
Is Virgin Voyages really adults-only?
Completely — every guest on every sailing is 18+. There are no kids clubs, no family pools, no exceptions. If your travel party includes younger sailors, we’ll point you to Royal Caribbean or Disney instead — happily.
What's included in a Virgin Voyages fare?
More than any other mainstream line: all 20+ restaurants, WiFi, group fitness classes, and basic drinks (soda, drip coffee, tea, filtered water). Alcohol runs on a prepaid “Bar Tab” — buy one in advance and Virgin regularly tops it up with bonus credit, which we’ll time for you. Gratuities are charged separately as a daily service charge per Sailor.
What are the Virgin Voyages ships like?
Four sisters — Scarlet, Valiant, Resilient, and Brilliant Lady — each around 2,770 guests: mid-sized by today’s standards, styled like boutique hotels, and turned up to eleven after dark. Cabins have mood lighting, hammocks on many balconies, and yes, a champagne-delivery button.
How do gratuities work on Virgin Voyages?
Virgin charges a daily service gratuity per Sailor, at a slightly lower rate if you prepay it before you sail. Prepaid gratuities are locked in and non-refundable; left to bill onboard, you can adjust the amount based on your experience. Beyond that single charge there is no tipping at all — not for drinks, not for dining, not for spa treatments. Please note Virgin only introduced this charge recently, so older guidance describing tips as included in the fare is out of date.
How does drinking work if there is no drinks package?
Virgin does not sell an unlimited package. Instead you buy a Bar Tab — prepaid onboard credit you draw down on whatever you actually order, and Virgin regularly adds a bonus top-up when you buy in advance. Soda, still and sparkling water, drip coffee, non-pressed juice and bedtime tea come with your fare regardless. It suits moderate drinkers far better than a package, because you are never trying to drink your way to break-even.
Is there a formal night on Virgin Voyages?
No. Virgin is explicit that it does not do formal nights or strict dress codes — the only real asks are that you wear more than a swimsuit in the restaurants and keep footwear on indoors. Evenings run to whatever you feel like, and plenty of Sailors treat it as an excuse to dress boldly rather than formally. If the prospect of packing a tuxedo has been putting you off cruising, this is the line that removes the question entirely.
What is included in the fare and what still costs extra?
Included: every one of the twenty-plus eateries with no specialty surcharge, WiFi, unlimited group fitness classes, entertainment, and the basic drinks above. What costs extra is alcohol via your Bar Tab, the Treat Yourself menu items, the dinner-show experiences, caviar, and a small delivery fee on in-room ShipEats orders below a threshold. Fare tiers differ mainly in WiFi quality and how early your dining reservation window opens.
Does Virgin Voyages have a loyalty programme?
Yes, called the Sailing Club, and it is refreshingly simple. Blue Extras unlocks after two voyages and is enjoyed from your third; Deep Blue Extras unlocks after four and is enjoyed from your fifth. There are no points to track and no thresholds to calculate — just voyages sailed. Virgin ran a status match from other lines for a time, but that offer has now closed, so the club is earned on Virgin sailings alone.
Let's Plan Your Virgin Voyages Cruise
Tell us who’s sailing and when — your specialist knows Virgin Voyages’s fleet, fare sales, and cabin sweet spots, and the service is free.
Our planning costs you nothing — the cruise lines pay our commission, so your fare is the same as booking direct. A quote is yours to keep.
Weekend Bahamas run or 30-night grand voyage — same care.
Family reunions, weddings at sea, milestone birthdays — we love a full table.
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