What I Wish I Knew Before I Sailed on Virgin Voyages

Even if you don't pay much attention to cruising, it's likely you've heard of Virgin Voyages. That's because the cruise line made a splash not only with ships that look like nothing else at sea, but by offering a completely different way of cruising.
Adults only, with things such as tips and wi-fi included, no buffet and all food being free... there's a lot about sailing Virgin that's simply not the same as other lines.
I just got back from my first ever cruise with Virgin Voyages, and here's what I wish I knew -- and what you'll want to know before you sail.
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[@arijohn8413]

Cruised solo with Virgin for my bday in June. Booked another while on board( do it you get many perks) & my next one is Jan ‘24. I absolutely LOVED IT !!!

[@archdelux26]

Was there a night club onboard?

[@BardWannabe]

@@archdelux26Yes, a really good one. They have one night produced by The House of Yes, and another resident DJ.

[@desireeworthy677]

Did you have a solo studio cabin?

[@rsotojr]

you must be a unicorn.

[@desireeworthy677]

@@rsotojr I could be lol

[@Beachdudeca]

Adult only is a massive plus given that the ship is not overcrowded due to cabins crammed with kids , this means no crazy lines

[@SonjaGrosskopf]

actually there are lines for absolutely everything!

[@Bonsai-Miata2020]

Looked pretty crowded to me lol

[@crystalmorgan5237]

I disembarked for the 3rd time yesterday. I love Virgin Voyages, the experience is like nothing else in the industry.

[@traceykelly2603]

Your reports is accurate and helpful. I did my first Virgin cruise in November and it was great. Only downside was it was only 5 days but they were filled with fun, good food and decent entertainment. The solo cabin was great, and there is a tablet to control the lights and TV. I got into all the restaurants except the Wave and the Mexican one. It's not a big deal. The app is a must have.

[@ms.d4220]

My husband and I had a blast on our first cruise. In fact, we were Virgin Virgins. We can’t wait until our next cruise w/Virgin in May ‘24. We loved that old school arcade on the ship too! Virgin costs more but we ❤️ getting up from the table without having to worry about a charge. I also liked that only one of us needed to purchase a drink package. Virgin through in $50 we broke even. The pool I agree is small and busy but I loved the atmosphere of everyone on the ship. I am not sure if Virgin is the cruise for everyone. I’ll just say you have yo be young at heart and keep an open mind. Greetings to you from the Garden State. My hubby and I are 55+ and we met folks our age, older, and younger. There’s something for everyone. Thanks for your content.

[@Cruzelycom]

Yes, it definitely skewed younger, but all ages were represented. It's also nice not having a bill at the end of the cruise.

[@traceykelly2603]

My solo experience was similar. Getting into restaurants was hit or miss as I booked 2 weeks before the cruise. Next time I will book 60 days out for shows and restaurants.

[@thetravelgoods2760]

Almost time ❤

[@jcraigshelton]

I finally have a use for my old Target employee shirt from the nineties!

[@BardWannabe]

Great video. I’ve sailed with Virgin 5 times and you captured a lot of what I love about it.

[@meadsummer6547]

Tanner, I think this may have been the single most helpful video of yours that I have ever watched. I have stayed away from Virgin because I thought it strictly catered to 20s and 30s... but after seeing this review of Virgin, I might have to give it a try. It's also great to know that they will take into consideration the loyalty level I've established with another cruise line!

[@Cruzelycom]

Glad you liked it. I definitely had the same impression and the crowd is different... but still welcoming and I didn't feel out of place.

[@BardWannabe]

Their early marketing was full of beautiful Gen Zers, but if you look at their current marketing you will see a lot more 50-something having fun. It took them a while to find their audience.

[@chrisv.s.3403]

Good straight to the point video with loads of info! We just got off that cruise. In fact it may have been the same one this video was shot on. It was Awesome!!! Thanks for pointing out the carpet color code as I never noticed. I must say you should take this cruise with an open mind.

[@carrieatchison5823]

My husband and I love Virgin Voyages! We sail on our 3rd one September 2024! It's just a great experience.

[@dossyintl]

Such a useful video! All great and useful info without making the video unnecessarily long! Thanks, a million!!

[@lorimasterson8427]

Very informative video! Really very helpful. I've wanted to try Virgin, but now I am even more motivated to book it. Thanks!

[@gloria267]

Thanks so much! What a great service you provided to the cruising masses! Virgin cruises sound perfect to me! I like kids but feel they deserve their own ships designed for their energetic needs. Will bring red! Great video with wonderful info!

[@chrisandstephanieashley3510]

Excellent video. Very informative for us considering VV over our normal RCL.

[@mattkirkey1371]

Your videos are always informative, entertaining and well done. Thank you for a straightforward and unapologetic delivery.

[@Cruzelycom]

So I shouldn't break out the crazy morning DJ voice on the next one?

[@mattkirkey1371]

Undoubtedly you have a voice tailored for morning radio, but I feel it’s better suited for your videos. Feel free to DJ in the shower or alone in your car. Actually, watching and hearing your radio delivery would be a hoot. Keep up the good work, you’re a KZbin favorite.

[@KPW79]

The tip on matching other lines' loyalty tiers was the best one! Great video all 'round.

[@moniquefennell7317]

This was very helpful, thank you.😊

[@lchat9408]

Thank you for posting

[@-_-OB1]

Informative, thanks for sharing

[@LucyBird]

Going on Virgin in December, cannot wait to try it! Everything looks great. Thanks for the tip about packing some red clothing.

[@Adam_The_Archivist]

LOVE cruising on Virgin!! Squid Ink is one of the best tattoo studios on the planet! Got two very intricate tattoos on my voyages! The more you go the more you’ll enjoy! Everyone fits in even introverts like myself! Glad you enjoyed your voyage! Awesome Video you nailed it all!!👍

[@happysavy9296]

I took a Cruise on this same Ship Scarlet and it was amazing!! Virgin did not dissapoint the food was amazing! Highly recommend for sure!

[@MFARAJR1018]

Thanks I am going to look into it

[@ruby7543]

Sailed last January loved it , doing the Mediterranean on Virgin in September 👍second cruise with Virgin

[@Love4ourFamily]

Thanks for making this video. I’ve never sailed on Virgin, so this video is a big help!

[@Cruzelycom]

You're welcome! It's definitely a different style of cruising.

[@QueenSuperJ]

This was totally my same hesitation, that I wouldn’t or couldn’t fit in on a Virgin Voyage, the advertising definitely makes you think you need to be a 20 something Instagram influencer. I really appreciate this video 😊

[@Opie1971]

My husband (54 yo) and I (52 yo) are avid cruisers. Virgin Voyages is our favorite cruise line. We absolutely love them. We sail with them about two to three a year. The food is absurdly fantastic! You’ve never eaten so good at sea! *there is one exception to that statement… It’s the three course meal served during “The Ship Show”. “The Ship Show” is dinner theatre. Know that you’re going to be very entertained. Also know that you’re going for the show, not the food. The show is really great, the food… Not so much. 😅 Eat or have a snack before you go. On our first sailing with VV a few other sailors gave us the heads up so when we went it wasn’t off putting or a disappointment. If you love surf and turf “The Wake” is a must! It’s our favorite restaurant onboard! Dinner is mouthwatering magnificent! Plus you can have brunch there every morning if you’d like! 😋😍 If you’re on a seven day sailing and would like to try the “Test Kitchen” know that there is an A and B menu available during the cruise. The A menu is available at the beginning of the cruise, the B menu towards the end. *the B menu is ONLY offered on seven day sailings.

[@davidholland3605]

Very useful info, thank you! :)

[@a.Janine.pretty]

Had a great time on VV it was great!!!

[@ThomasOsborne-kl7oo]

That was extremely valuable. I had assumed that I would not like this cruise line, but you really my mind! I am now seriously thinking that my nest cruise will be with Virgin.

[@sylviaplaggemars8570]

We just got off our 5 night cruise and absolutely loved it and think it’s the best cruise company around. Sad that it will be not sailing in Australia anymore. But thankful I was able to experience the cruise line and a cheeky corner suite

[@travelwithdebandnick]

Im so excited about our cruise on resilent lady in December here in Australia :) it can't come quick enough hehe ❤❤

[@autobotdiva9268]

Looks so fun

[@brendaprice3713]

We go in December. Our first cruise ever and we chose Virgin because of the no kids policy. Looking forward to this!!

[@Cruzelycom]

Hope you saw my comments on how no kids makes things different. I just thought it meant no kids running around, but they are able to change a lot about the cruise when you don't have to consider children.

[@brendaprice3713]

@@Cruzelycom I have watched so many videos about Virgin and am really excited for this cruise. We are in our mid 50’s, but open minded and out going. I watched your video and enjoyed it very much.

[@lostlion3532]

I love that when you book a Virgin Voyages cruise, the price you see is all that you pay! Of course, you have to pay the drinks separately. Their food is the absolute best and it never feels crowded. I believe that Virgin is the best cruise line. Customer service too is the best in the cruising industry. I am booked on 2 more cruises next year can't wait!

[@davidlaw689]

Richard ? Richard Branson ... is that you ?

[@dianeflowers3339]

We are going in December. This is my first cruise on Virgin and I am very excited.

[@RojoFisherman]

Which ship and which date we are going December 3

[@dianeflowers3339]

@@RojoFisherman December 10th, Valiant Lady

[@josephpiskac2781]

I want one of these cruises!

[@pdallen5801]

There’s been a few cruise travel vloggers who’ve done VV videos in the past year, but I like to get different perspectives.

[@donlepard7614]

Thanks, cruise daddy!

[@Wow.69]

How could you say you are not trendy or cool. You are a perfect 👍 and would definitely fit in anywhere

[@faleciahenry9646]

Yippee, for the little things!

[@ScottLara]

Ty!!! Sailing on Nov 1st!!!

[@Cruzelycom]

I think you'll have a blast. There was a lot that I wish other lines would implement on their trips.

[@tongueking]

I loved the food on the ship everything that I had was delicious, beautiful and included , I loved the wristbands didn't have to make sure that I picked up my room card, I didn't care about the crowded pools I relaxed other places and watched the folks at the pool. I hated the fact the I missed one of the shows (my fault) book early, I also hated the food at the beach club I think they tried to get to exotic I hope they changed the menu.

[@sak_5]

Awesome tip about the Loyalty matching! I submitted my Celebrity status already. Thanks!

[@Cruzelycom]

Nice!

[@LoveLiveCruise]

I disembarked my first VV cruise in December, but it will not my last VV cruise. My only dislike was standing for shows. As I’m not a party animal, I’m not sure the short cruises are my cup of tea. However I will happily do another repositioning cruise with VV. I wonder if some of the other cruise companies will take on board all the things VV does well. Such as included speciality dining instead of a main dining. Included real ice cream, included soft drinks, included 0:09 gratuities and basic wifi.

[@kathryncashner3294]

Yes, on Scarlet Night you are asked to wear something red BUT there is no requirement that you do so. If you choose to wear red, it can be as simple as a red headband or pocket square or as elaborate as a red sequin tux or ball gown--totally YOUR choice. There is no dress code, anywhere, any time. You can wear shorts and a t-shirt to ANY restaurant if that is your choice.

[@Cruzelycom]

I didn't even have a red sock. Packed literally nothing red and wish I had.

[@taffyalusa4642]

I find it so rude going to a nice restaurant in a baseball hat and flip flops (saw on valiant lady) last week. Put a nice shirt on and shower.

[@kathryncashner3294]

@@taffyalusa4642 Again, on VV it is your choice. Yes, I usually put on dressy black pants and a nice top when I go to dinner, but choosing to is different than a dress code that denies entrance if I don't choose to dress up. My dress clothes are all knit (so no ironing needed) and take very little suitcase room. They wouldn't pass muster for formal night on some lines, but could go to almost any shoreside event that wasn't strictly formal.

[@taffyalusa4642]

@@kathryncashner3294 I get the choice thing, but sat in the Wake restaurant with slobs who haven't even showered or changed from a shore excursion is gross. There were quite a few. It just bothers me that people have no respect for themselves or others. We all feel better when we polish up. There should be some basic code, no hats or flip flops. Or We Welcome casual/ smart attire.

[@JPsnr]

​@@taffyalusa4642omg... entitled first world neuroses....

[@darrenmacinnis1931]

We just returned from our first VV cruise. It was simply the best cruise we have ever been on. We booked our next cruise on VV for next spring. All ages, inclusive, great food and no kids!

[@davidtavakoli5858]

Wow! Such great information! I have been on the fence about Virgin, but this video has really clarified a lot! Although I think the ships are still ugly, the info provided here has peaked my interest. LOL!

[@janiscreatesjohnson6630]

I love all the Adulting on Virgin Voyage ships . Welcomed change !

[@Steve_in_NJ]

This cruise line may be worth checking out as we abhor those water slides and roller coaster cruise ships! Oh, and the commercial during the break was.... Virgin Voyages! Talk about product placement! As we are foodies, and NOT the Hollywood Model-types, we would enjoy the ship anyway and this may be a better deal for us than that Walmart-crowd Margaritaville ship!!

[@user-hc3ln1xx6u]

SOLD!!!

[@redic3408]

Wish Virgin still had the Match at Sea program - would of love to give them a try with all those extra incentives.

[@MJinFlorida]

Does Virgin offer comparable cruise deals to land based casino loyalty offers? (Like Carnival does)

[@CynthiaBAllTravel]

I went in December 2022 and I didn't read the memo about red Scarlet Night party. I still had a time🎉

[@HaveEditsWillTravel]

This is a great review! I know my husband would hate having to book anything in advance (he's so go-with-the-flow), that may be the only downside here.

[@alswonderland]

You almost always can show up and get a table at the restaurants. If one is full just go to another

[@johnfarmer1691]

good

[@TamaeyGottuso]

The Status Match Loyalty Perk no longer available as of 12/31/23 per Virgin, just an FYI. Such a bummer!

[@Nolenletsplay]

We literally had the same experience. Love everything about it. Except the Scarlet Night because we packed no red clothes 😂😂

[@traceykelly2603]

And they did not have anything red in the shops😢

[@gregjohnson7270]

Thanks for the video, I've never been on a cruise because my Ex didn't want to be around nonstop food. So. I appreciated your insights and when I do take a crusie, I'll look at Virgin first.

[@sialee5926]

How is it determined who deboards the ship first, after a cruise ship docks, when going as a group of 50 ppl!

[@trisholishable]

Thank you for this. I am going on the Scarlet Lady out of Miami in April. I am worried about the "adults only" status because I am not particularly wild. I am relatively more conservative . But seeing your video is more reassuring.

[@Cruzelycom]

Yes, it's not Hedonism. There's some risque shows, but it's not like there are naked people walking around or anything.

[@danfulk960]

We're going next week 12-17......See you maybe ? LOL Have fun !!

[@alswonderland]

Adult only doesn’t mean swinging or naked bathing, It’s just geared towards adults without having to have kids in mind

[@Honolulu-Blue]

Got a VV commercial while watching this. You're welcome, Tanner.

[@Cruzelycom]

Ha! KZbin knows...

[@Ultra-Collector]

Do you go solo?

[@Dreamville18]

As someone who has never been on a cruise all the “differences” won’t feel like differences lol

[@Stephanie-vx4zi]

That pokey pool is enough for me NOT to book from Miami. My vacation = relaxing around the pools. WHOPPING MISTAKE for a cruise ship. Viva is the same. No way I would choose either for a sunny itenary. Only cold destinations 🤣. I don't like that you have to book dining venues THAT ARE INCLUDED...NCL have vast included alternative dining areas and yet you don't need to book. It's silly they made it that way. It ought to be book once onboard. It's more fair then. As you almost missed out from not knowing that you had to book BEFORE you boarded. It could potentially ruin your entire experience.

[@traceykelly2603]

Correct on the booking of restaurants. Not a positive element😢

[@jessestortini2453]

It was a lot of fun. Anything goes. There were a lot of gays on my ship and straight swinging couples. Four days went too fast.

[@anettez.8779]

For me food is very important on a cruise. Unfortunately I did not like the food on Virgin. It was disappointing, particularly the special restaurants. I canceled my reservations after half of the trip, it was not worth going there.

[@SCRooster9]

Any Swingin’💋

[@Cruzelycom]

Not by me, although I did see one cabin with an upside-down pineapple on it.

[@lucasterradostuff]

Very informative, but please learn about frame rates. The choppy sections of video are hard to watch.

[@fortysaginaw1512]

Everybody I talked to who took a Virgin Cruise said it was more "BORING" mentioning that scarlet Virgin Cruise. They had more fun on a Carnival Cruise as an adult.

[@alswonderland]

I think they didn’t look hard enough for entertainment. Sailor services could’ve helped them find stuff to do, what’s going on, etc. The only thing that Carnival had that I missed on Virgin is a piano bar. I do think the pool is too small, you can’t really swim in it.

[@rsotojr]

Are there a lot of swingers there?

[@Cruzelycom]

You saw that article too? Dunno about that, I'm too ugly to get invited :)

[@SuperPretty718]

I want to go as a solo traveler is it worth it ?

[@Cruzelycom]

I liked it a lot and sailed solo. There are definitely cheaper cruise lines, but if you have the cash, it is pretty nice.

[@cynthiacantey1315]

I sailed last year on Virgin solo. Best time I ever had on a cruise, and I sailed a lot. Met a lot of nice people of all ages. I'm 65, and I was not the oldest passenger. I booked another 3 cruises on Virgin.

[@traceykelly2603]

Virgin arranged "meet ups" with other solo cruisers. We even had a private magic show. I liked the attention given to solos.

[@janellet573]

Definitely worth it- they have many meetups/activities especially for solo cruisers

[@chrystallimon]

I am Gold Castaway with Disney. Does anyone know if I could match that up? Will I bored on Virgin? Doesn't seem like much to do.

[@alswonderland]

No, and if you were bored go to sailor services and they’ll tell you what’s going on/point you in the right direction

[@monica85297]

I heard there are no drinks packages 😢

[@Cruzelycom]

No, just a "Bar Tab" and they usually offer specials where they add on to what you fund the account with. Drinks are also cheap for a cruise (paid $9 and no gratuity for a mojito.)

[@greenbrown7776]

Based on a number of videos I've seen, the main knock on Virgin is the small pool and pool area and the relative lack of sea views. And I'm not a big fan of having my nose glued to an app and booking everything in a rush before the trip even starts. Serendipity is almost gone out of travel now.

[@alswonderland]

You really do not need a reservation for the restaurants. If one doesn’t have seats for you just go to another and they will. They only allow a certain amount of reservations to be booked before boarding so they leave a lot of timeslots open for booking once you’re on the boat. As far as entertainment goes just book those when you get on the boat .

[@greenbrown7776]

@@alswonderland / Thanks for the info. I'd be down with booking one or two high-priority things. Otherwise, I'll pass. I've only taken one cruise. 1980. Best I recall, you just went anywhere you wanted when you wanted minus the dinner. That was a certain time each night.

[@lifeexperience2000]

Booked a Virgin Cruise that included south of France, then 5 days later they omitted Marseille with a day on sea. No refund will be issued. Will not be travelling with them in the future.

[@godlymana]

3:30 have you not watched or done any research whatsoever? You would easily find out about Scarlett night. Silly. Lol

[@ruthadams7133]

I would miss a professional photographer on board

[@AceGoodheart]

All I needed to know was the price. That kept me from boarding.

[@alswonderland]

They have a ton of sales, especially if you book around the holidays it was 30% off

[@jasminegalvin]

So what do you eat if all the restaurants are booked? You have to chance a walk-in or starve? Are there options that never require reservations?

[@cathyromero7222]

there are 20 restaurants on board. only 6 of them need reservations

[@dad675]

thanks. you have really put me off cruise ships for ever. I had my doubts but with all the why's and wherefores' I'd rather hop on a plane or enjoy the drives in the land I call home. What a waste of money.

[@pullcarsmelly8051]

I will be on this ship. You won't be missed.

[@gone4daystravel]

No red at all?!? How you manage that?!? Lol

[@Cruzelycom]

I sacrificed so that you don't have to! (I also literally own zero red in my wardrobe.)

[@gone4daystravel]

@@Cruzelycom lol thanks for the sacrifice. I'm glad that this is the only "mandatory" thing we have to bring. Makes it easier for men to pack...

[@noeljenkins6005]

no walk in all book out

[@KoleMyrick]

Stop telling people the restaurants are full. They only release about 40% of seating before sailing to reserve and when you get on board the rest are released for you to book then. I have been on 7 voyages and never had an issue (not always solo). Facebook groups are full of people panicking about this crap take and it just isn't true.

[@Cruzelycom]

I looked for reservations before the cruise. All full. I looked at reservations once onboard. All full. Occasionally a spot would open up if you kept checking. Then when I went to the restaurants, decidedly not full.

[@thegoldendog7991]

@@Cruzelycom Same on NCL. We cruised that line in March and specialty restaurants were fully reserved very early on. Frustrating because people would book multiple restaurants for the same night and only go to one.

[@robertstw]

Ty definitely not my sort of cruise whatever floats your boat😂

[@R32R38]

Tattoo parlor? So somebody's getting a tattoo just as an unexpected wave hits the ship. Oops!

[@bradenwitt9186]

Been on 2 sailings, it was always packed

[@ladyethyme]

No kids is absolutely a huge plus.

[@riku3716]

Just don't try taking tattoo onboard during a storm.

[@janesmith5184]

Wasnt a good cruise at all just back food not good always cold and scarlet night was cruid w

[@tombrown2075]

single ladies like to party

[@kens805]

It appears to me they're going "over-board" just trying to be different. Yawn. oops, I meant "eccentric"! LOL

[@noeljenkins6005]

US Dollars unly

[@rgruenhaus]

Why are you pushing ADULT ONLY as a NEGATIVE? Just state it and let people decide it's a Positive or a Negative!

[@Cruzelycom]

? I found it to be far from a negative.

[@snoopybluejeans]

Far too many people for me. I prefer a tall ship with a hundred guest aboard.

[@braddavid9173]

We wish Airlines and Hotels would be adults only, there are no parents today

[@meowymeowerton2820]

Try avocado toast lol

[@Cruzelycom]

I'll eat guac by the bucket. Avocado by itself has always seemed bland to me.

[@sandmandealer4640]

Can I smoke weed on this cruise?

[@Cruzelycom]

Nooooope. Unless you go somewhere that it's legal on land and enjoy yourself.

[@tidy]

The best idea was no kids.

[@noname-JS]

They cancelled the Brilliant Lady and kept my money! Don't cruise with Virgin.

[@karisheets2323]

Tanner, real people do not get the same services you got. You cannot book shows before you board! Believe me, you received special treatment!

[@Cruzelycom]

I guarantee you, I did not.