Virgin Voyages has shaken up the cruise world with its fresh, adults-only approach. With stylish ships, innovative dining, and a party-meets-relaxation vibe, it feels a world away from the more traditional cruise lines.
But while the brand prides itself on offering something different, choosing the right cabin is just as important here as it is on any other ship.
After all, no sailor wants their chic getaway spoiled by a cabin that’s too noisy, too dark, or simply not worth the premium price tag.
That’s why I’ve studied the deck plans, scoured sailor reviews and trawled cruise forums to highlight the Virgin Voyages cabins you might want to steer clear of.
Quirks of Virgin Voyages Cabins
Before we dive into which cabins to avoid, it’s worth pointing out a few quirks that make Virgin Voyages staterooms a little different to those you might be used to.
A or Z?
On Virgin Voyages ships, cabins on the port and starboard sides share the same numbers – the only difference is that one ends with an A and the other with a Z.
So, if you’re swapping cabin tips with fellow sailors, make sure you’ve got the right letter or you could end up knocking on the wrong door.
(There are some inside cabins that are in the centre of the ship – those get the letter M, which I assume stands for ‘middle’, not for ‘meh’.)
Numbers run ‘backwards’
On most cruise ships, cabin numbers get higher as you head from front to back. Virgin Voyages flips that on its head.
The lowest cabin numbers are towards the back of the ship, and they increase as you walk forward. It takes a little getting used to, but once you know, you know.
Still, you have to wonder why they’ve done this. Just to be different?
Convertible Seabed
Almost all standard cabins feature Virgin’s quirky ‘Seabed’ – a bed that transforms into a sofa during the day.
In theory, it gives you more living space, but not everyone likes the idea of the mattress doubling as a sofa space. It’s a bit of a Marmite feature among sailors.
Typically it’ll be left as a bed configuration throughout your voyage, and you won’t even know it exists as a sofa, unless you request that it is changed during the day.
Tech-heavy controls
Cabins come with a tablet-style control system for lights, curtains, TV and even ordering amenities.
It’s fun and very “Virgin,” but if you’re not particularly techy, it can feel fiddly at first compared to the good old-fashioned light switch.
Virgin Voyages Cabin Overview
Before we dive into the specific cabins you’ll want to avoid, let’s take a look at each cabin option on the ships and what you can expect.
The good news, when it comes to understanding the good and bad cabins, is that the four ships in the Virgin Voyages fleet are almost identical. This makes it easier to give broad advice that applies to all of the ships.
Still, there are also some tips that apply not just to the Virgin Voyages fleet, but also to any cruise ship in the world. There are some cabins that you’ll always want to avoid, regardless of cruise line.
So to make things even easier for you, I’ve put together a handy cabin checklist which you can use when you book your next Virgin Voyages cruise, or any cruise for that matter.
These are the cabin types you can get on a Virgin Voyages ship..
Insider Cabins
Insider cabins are the most affordable way to sail with Virgin Voyages.
They don’t have a window or balcony, but they’re modern, stylishly designed, and surprisingly comfortable for the price. Perfect if you’re planning to spend most of your time enjoying the ship, with your cabin as a cosy retreat at the end of the day.
| Category | Room | Max. Guests | Average Size (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IN | The Insider | 2-3 | 105-177 |
| I1 | Solo Insider | 1 | 105 |
| I4 | Social Insider | 4 | 177 |
The Solo Insider is tailored for single travellers, offering all the essentials without the need to pay extra for double occupancy.
The Social Insider is a fun option for groups of friends, sleeping up to four guests with twin beds and two pull-down bunks.
It’s more compact than other layouts, but great value if you don’t mind sharing.
Sea View Cabins
Sea View cabins are a step up from the Insider category, with a large porthole window that brings in natural light and gives you a glimpse of the ocean as you sail.
They’re a great middle ground if you want something brighter and airier without stretching to the cost of a balcony.
| Category | Room | Max. Guests | Average Size (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| VW | The Sea View | 2-3 | 130-190 |
| V1 | Solo Sea View | 1 | 130 |
The Solo Sea View offers the same outside view in a cabin designed just for one, giving solo travellers a light-filled space without paying a supplement for a double room.
Sea Terrace Cabins
Sea Terrace cabins are Virgin Voyages’ most popular choice, giving you a private balcony complete with the line’s signature red hammock.
They strike a nice balance between comfort and price, making them a favourite for many sailors.
| Category | Room | Max. Guests | Average Size Including Balcony (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| TR | The Sea Terrace | 2-3 | 225 |
| TS | Sea Terrace – (Slightly) Smaller Balcony | 2 | 191 |
| TL | Ltd View Sea Terrace | 2-4 | 225 |
| TC | Central Sea Terrace | 2-3 | 225 |
| XL | XL Sea Terrace | 2-3 | 265 |
The standard Sea Terrace offers a good-sized balcony with space to relax in your hammock while watching the waves roll by.
The Sea Terrace – (Slightly) Smaller Balcony does exactly what the name suggests, although you might argue that Virgin Voyages are being a little cheekier calling it “slightly” smaller.
The balcony is noticeably more compact, with no room for chairs, but you do get two hammocks instead of one – a quirky twist that some guests love. Note that these rooms only debuted on the new Brilliant Lady.
The Ltd View Sea Terrace gives you the same indoor space but with views partially blocked by the ship’s lifeboats.
The Central Sea Terrace is all about location, placing you in the heart of the ship for easy access to restaurants, bars and entertainment.
The XL Sea Terrace is a little larger overall, with the extra space mostly going to the bathroom rather than the balcony.
RockStar Quarters (Suites)
RockStar Quarters take Virgin Voyages’ suite experience up a notch, blending bold design with exclusive perks that make you feel like, well, a rock star.
All RockStar sailors get access to Richard’s Rooftop, a private sundeck and bar just for suite guests, plus a curated in-room bar with the first round of drinks on the house.
You’ll also enjoy priority booking for restaurants, events and shore experiences, along with the support of RockStar Agents who can help with everything from dinner reservations to party invites.
| Category | Room | Max. Guests | Average Size Including Balcony (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAP | Sweet Aft Suite – Pretty Big Terrace | 2-3 | 416-418 |
| SAE | Sweet Aft Suite – Even Bigger Terrace | 2 | 459-504 |
| SAB | Sweet Aft Suite – Biggest Terrace | 2 | 557-661 |
| SS | Seriously Suite | 2 | 352 |
| SCP | Cheeky Corner Suite – Pretty Big Terrace | 2 | 615-617 |
| SCE | Cheeky Corner Suite – Even Bigger Terrace | 2 | 660-710 |
| SCB | Cheeky Corner Suite – Biggest Terrace | 2 | 753-847 |
| SB | Brilliant Suite | 4 | 482 |
The Sweet Aft Suites are a real favourite, located right at the back of the ship with sweeping wake views. There are three versions – each with a bigger terrace than the last – so you can choose just how much outdoor space you want.
The Seriously Suite is the most straightforward RockStar option, with plenty of room indoors and a terrace for lounging. It’s a great entry point into the RockStar lifestyle.
The Cheeky Corner Suites are positioned at the ship’s corners, giving you unique angled views from the balcony. Like the Sweet Afts, they come in three different sizes, with terraces that range from spacious to sprawling.
The Brilliant Suite is a bright, airy space with generous indoor and outdoor areas, perfect if you want the full RockStar treatment without going all the way to the Mega RockStar level.
Mega RockStar Quarters (Suites)
Mega RockStar Quarters are Virgin Voyages’ top-tier suites, designed to be the ultimate indulgence at sea.
They include everything you’d get at RockStar level, plus a long list of extras that take the experience to another level.
Sailors in these suites enjoy a daily bar tab to spend anywhere on the ship, unlimited spa access, and even private transfers or free parking before and after your voyage.
Your in-room bar is completely bottomless, WiFi is included throughout your trip, and of course, you’ll still have priority bookings and the support of RockStar Agents whenever you need them.
These are the largest and most lavish cabins on the ship, with expansive terraces, stylish living areas, and standout design touches that make them feel more like a private apartment than a cruise suite.
If you’re looking for the most luxurious way to experience Virgin Voyages, the Mega RockStar Quarters are it.
| Category | Room | Max. Guests | Average Size Including Balcony (sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SG | Gorgeous Suite | 4 | 570 |
| SP | Posh Suite | 4 | 833 |
| SF | Fab Suite | 4 | 950 |
| SM | Massive Suite | 4 | 2,150 |
The Gorgeous Suite lives up to its name with stunning sea views from its oversized terrace. It’s the most intimate of the Mega RockStar options, but still comes with all the same high-level perks and that all-important bottomless bar.
The Posh Suite delivers sleek style and plenty of space, with a large terrace that’s great for sunbathing or evening cocktails. It’s a glamorous option for those who want something indulgent without going quite as over the top.
The Fab Suite is all about that indoor-outdoor lifestyle, with a spacious wraparound terrace that’s perfect for entertaining. It’s a little smaller than the Massive, but still has more than enough wow factor.
The Massive Suite is the headline act – literally named because of its sheer size. It comes with a huge terrace complete with outdoor dining, lounge areas, and even your own music room stocked with guitars and an amp. It’s designed to feel like a true rock star’s crash pad.
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Virgin Voyages Cabins to Avoid
There aren’t really any awful cabins on Virgin Voyages – the ships are brand new, beautifully designed and every stateroom feels modern and stylish.
But as with any cruise ship, some cabins have quirks that might not suit everyone. It really depends on your own priorities – whether you’re a light sleeper, want the best view, or simply don’t want to spend half your holiday walking from one end of the ship to the other.
With that in mind, here are a few Virgin Voyages cabins you might want to think twice about:
1. Ltd View Sea Terrace
These cabins still give you Virgin’s trademark hammock and outdoor space, but the view can be quite heavily obscured by lifeboats and equipment.
If you mainly want a balcony to relax and read in the hammock, they’re fine. But if you love watching the horizon and the sea, you’ll probably feel short-changed and you might want to consider booking something better.
2. Sea Terrace – (Slightly) Smaller Balcony
The name makes it sound like a minor compromise, but these balconies are noticeably smaller – really too tight to fit chairs.
On top of that, they also have an obstructed view, so it’s a bit of a double whammy.
The upside is that you do get two hammocks instead of one, which can be handy if you’re sailing as a couple and usually end up arguing over who gets it.
3. Deck 8 Cabins
Many sailors mention noise in these cabins thanks to what’s happening one deck below.
Deck 7 is home to several busy venues, and the music and activity there can sometimes be heard in the cabins directly above.
It’s not constant, but if you’re a light sleeper, you may prefer a higher deck. It’s definitely noticeable as a lot of past guests recommend avoiding this deck altogether.
4. Deck 14 Cabins
On the flip side, being right under Deck 15 means you’ll sometimes hear the pool deck above.
It’s not just the guests either – some people have reported hearing the crew working on cleaning the pool deck as early as 3 am. That’s quite the early morning wake-up call.
Party nights can be particularly lively, and during the day the overhang can leave your balcony more shaded than sunny.
Not ideal if you’re hoping to soak up the rays.
5. Deck 15 Cabins Near Pool Deck Doors
There aren’t many cabins up here, but if you’re right next to one of the shared doors leading to the pool deck, expect plenty of opening and closing (and sometimes slamming) as people come and go.
It can get a little wearing over the course of the day, so maybe avoid the cabins directly next to these doors.
6. Solo Insiders (Low Beds)
These are a great budget-friendly way to travel solo, but space is limited and the beds are set low to the ground.
That means you can’t slide a suitcase underneath, and if you have mobility issues, climbing in and out isn’t the easiest.
7. Social Insiders
Designed for groups of up to four, these are compact to say the least.
With twin beds and bunks, there isn’t much room left over to relax.
If you’re all planning to spend your time out enjoying the ship and just need somewhere to sleep and shower, they’re fine. But don’t expect elbow room.
8. Triangular Sea View Cabins
Some Solo and Standard Sea View cabins have a triangular layout, which can look roomy on the deck plans.
In practice, though, the odd shape means floor space is limited in the main living area.
Some guests aren’t bothered, but others find it less practical than the square layouts.
9. Sea Terrace Cabins Without Hammocks
Not every Sea Terrace has Virgin’s iconic red hammock.
Some have metal-fronted balconies instead, which not only block the view when you’re sitting down but also don’t allow for a hammock.
The deck plans don’t highlight these cabins, so if the hammock is important to you, it’s best to ask when booking.
I did find this list, but it might be out of date, as there was talk of Virgin Voyages adding more hammocks since. Note that this applies to both A and Z cabins:
9366, 9370, 9374, 10354, 10358, 10362, 10366, 10370, 11286, 11346, 11350, 11354, 11358, 11362, 11366, 11368, 12338, 12342, 12346, 12350, 12354
Some of these have a hanging egg chair instead, but not all do.
10. Cabins Near Crew Doors
A few guests have mentioned noise from crew service doors – particularly banging in the early hours as staff move equipment around.
These aren’t marked on the deck plans, so if you’re sensitive to noise, it can be worth asking your agent or Virgin to double-check your cabin’s location.
The ones I’ve seen mentioned are 11198A and 12102A.
11. Connecting Cabins (Unless Using Both)
Brilliant if you’re travelling as a family (with siblings or other older family members – remember that Virgin Voyages is adults-only) or group and want the extra space, but if you’re only booking one side, the connecting door isn’t as soundproof as a regular wall.
You might find yourself overhearing your neighbours. And on an adults-only cruise that could mean hearing some things you don’t want to hear.
12. Cabins Worst For Seasickness
Like any ship, the spots where you’ll feel motion the most are right at the front or back on the higher decks.
If you’re prone to seasickness, try to stick to a midship cabin on a lower deck.
Having a window or balcony helps too, as being able to see the horizon can really ease queasiness.
Read more: The Worst Spot On A Cruise Ship For People Who Get Seasick
The Best Cabins to Book
While some cabins have quirks that won’t suit everyone, Virgin Voyages also has plenty of staterooms and suites that really shine.
1. Cabins Near Aft Elevators
Many sailors swear by these cabins thanks to their location.
The aft elevators are noticeably quieter and less busy than the mid-ship or forward banks, which means less waiting around and an easier time getting where you want to go.
It’s a small detail that can make a big difference to how smooth your days feel on board.
2. Seriously Suites
Among the RockStar Quarters, the Seriously Suite is a real sweet spot.
It’s spacious, comfortable and comes with all the RockStar perks – like Richard’s Rooftop access and a stocked in-room bar – but without the eye-watering price tag of the bigger suites.
For many cruisers, it’s the perfect balance of luxury and value.
3. Slightly Larger Sea Terraces
There are a small number of Sea Terrace cabins that have a slightly larger terrace than others, just because of their location on the ship. It’s where the ship extends outwards, and across the fleet it’s the cabins ending “102”.
It might look like the 106 cabins are equally spacious on the terrace but not really. It’s that small extension on the 102 cabins that gives you a great view out to sea but also towards the aft, and is a great bargain since they aren’t more expensive than regular Sea Terrace options.
Guarantee Cabins
When booking with Virgin Voyages, you’ll sometimes see the option of a “Lock It In” or guarantee cabin. This means you choose the category – Insider, Sea View, Sea Terrace or even a suite – but you don’t pick the exact location. Virgin assigns your room closer to sailing, and in return you usually pay a lower fare.
It’s a great way to save money if you’re flexible and not too worried about being near a certain venue or on a particular deck. Occasionally you might even get a pleasant surprise with an upgrade to a slightly better location.
The trade-off is that you have no control – so if avoiding noise, seasickness, or obstructed views is important to you, it’s probably worth paying extra to select your own stateroom.
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Final Word
Virgin Voyages’ ships are still relatively new, and while this guide covers a lot of what we know about the cabins, there’s always more to learn as more sailors share their experiences.
Every cruiser has different priorities – whether that’s price, location, or simply having the best balcony view – so it’s always worth doing a little extra research before you book. Checking out recent reviews, studying the deck plans, or watching cabin tour videos can give you extra confidence in your choice.
It’s also well worth looking for photos from past guests who’ve stayed in the exact cabin you’re considering. Seeing it “in real life” can help you decide if it’s the right fit.
Hopefully this guide has given you a solid starting point for choosing the best cabin on Virgin Voyages – but a little extra digging will always pay off when it comes to picking the perfect stateroom for your holiday.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
