6 Ways Virgin Voyages Is NOT a Normal Cruise

I heard that Virgin Voyages was pretty different from other cruises. But I wasn’t aware of quite how different it would be, until I took a week-long cruise in Northern Europe.

When tycoon Richard Branson first started visualising his cruise line, jotted down some notes on a piece of paper. This is what he wrote…

So how many of these visions became a reality? Well, all of them, actually (although a recent update has changed a couple of them)!

But this list alone doesn’t cover all the reasons why Virgin Voyages feels nothing like the cruises you’re used to.

So if you’d like to learn more, then read on and I’ll tell you all the things that I found to be completely different to what I’m used to as a frequent cruiser…

Note: I was invited onboard Scarlet Lady for a press trip. As always, all of my opinions are my own and the cruise line has no control over the content I produce.

1. It’s Adults Only, But Not Just For Retirees

Virgin Voyages is strictly 18+.

While some other lines like P&O Cruises and Marella have adults-only ships, those are the oldest and smallest ships in the fleet and they attract a 50+ crowd who are arguably more interested in the destinations they visit than the ships themselves.

There are a couple of luxury cruise lines that are completely adults only. For example, Saga Cruises has a minimum age of 50 to sail. The minimum age to sail on a Viking cruise is 18, but you usually won’t find anyone under 50 onboard.

Virgin Voyages, on the other hand, is buzzing with people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The result is a lively, party-style atmosphere with zero kids in sight, which makes it a very different experience from the usual adults-only cruise.

And yes, you can party on a family cruise too. But anyone who has to collect their kids from the club at 10pm probably isn’t going to party as hard as they would if their kids are at home with the grandparents.

Each ship has a dedicated nightclub. This isn’t just a lounge with a dancefloor, it’s a proper nightclub, and one of the best I’ve been to on land or sea.

For those aged 18, 19 or 20, Virgin Voyages is an excellent choice. It’s actually one of the only cruise lines that will allow people in that age bracket to cruise out of the United States without their parents.

And 18-year-olds can drink alcohol in international waters too, something that the other American cruise lines restrict to over 21s.

2. So Much Is Included!

Okay so you might look at the price of a Virgin Voyages cruise and think: “Wooooah, that’s more than I’m used to”.

BUT, there are some things you need to consider.

Firstly, Virgin Voyages displays the CABIN price, not the per person price on the website. And I actually prefer that.

Okay, so you’ve halved it to per person, but it still looks high? Now’s when you need to think about all the things that Virgin Voyages includes and how much they would cost if you were to pay for them separately.

I have a full guide to what’s included in a Virgin Voyages cruise, but for now, here’s a little list for you…

• Multiple award-winning speciality restaurants
• All soft drinks and water
• Ice cream
• WiFi
• Group fitness classes
• Name and date changes (within set time periods)

I recommend taking advantage of all the included extras – especially the workout classes. I did a bungee workout class and it was SO much fun!

3. There’s No Main Dining Room and No Buffet!

A ship with no MDR and no buffet is certainly unusual, but I love the way that Virgin Voyages does dining!

Each ship has six signature restaurants:

• The Wake (steak and seafood)
• Lucy Lotus by Razzle Dazzle (Asian)
• Extra Virgin (Italian)
• Gunbae (Korean BBQ)
• Pink Agave (Mexican)
• Test Kitchen (experimental dining)

The food here is incredible. Each one feels like something you’d pay at least $50 for on any other cruise, yet these are all included in your cruise fare.

I’d advise booking your dining times on the app as soon as bookings open (look out for an email).

Dining is from 5.45pm until 9.45pm. If only the very early and very late times are left, then try again as soon as you get on the ship as more slots open up. The restaurants also offer walk-ins, subject to availability.

On Scarlet Lady, we were also able to eat at Lolz Supper Club. Located in The Manor (which is usually a nightclub), this comedy and dinner combo is well worth attending if you get the chance to.

Instead of a buffet, you’ll find The Galley, which is a stylish food court. Here there are outlets serving burgers, sushi, salads, Asian food, desserts and all-day brunch. It’s open around the clock.

And as if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a pizza restaurant (you can eat in or get takeaway in a box), an American Diner and an ice cream parlour – all included of course

4. The Ship Feels Like a Boutique Hotel

Virgin ships don’t actually feel like cruise ships at all, once you step onboard. The design is modern and relaxed, more like a boutique hotel. Spaces are filled with trendy furniture, neon lighting, hammocks on balconies and quirky art installations.

There are no dress codes, so you can wear trainers and shorts to dinner if you like, or go all out with a ball gown or something more flamboyant. It’s a place where you can completely be yourself without worrying about formality, which is refreshing if you’ve ever felt restricted on more traditional cruise lines.

Many of the cruise ship traditions are gone too. There are no captain’s galas, no announcements, no formal portrait photographers waiting to grab you on the way to dinner, and no set dining times with the same tablemates every night.

Instead, you can eat where you like, when you like, and the whole experience feels much more spontaneous.

Even the entertainment is different. Rather than West End-style theatre shows, you’ll find immersive events like Scarlet Night where the entire ship becomes a giant themed party.

There are pop-up performances in unexpected places, intimate comedy nights, drag shows and live music scattered around the ship. It feels less like following a rigid schedule and more like stumbling across something exciting every time you walk into a new space.

5. There’s A Super Social Vibe

The layout of Virgin Voyages ship is designed to be social, with seating areas and restaurants that make it easy to chat to the people next to you without forcing it.

That means it’s really easy to meet new friends, and I found people to be much more open and chatty compared to other cruises I’ve taken.

There are also regular solo-traveller meetups, making this one of the friendliest cruise lines for people travelling alone.

Scarlet Night (where everyone dresses in red) and the PJ Party (where everyone wears nightwear!) are both excellent opportunities to mingle with fellow cruisers.

I came home with more new friends than I usually do from a week at sea, which says a lot about how the atmosphere is created on board.

6. Tech That Actually Works

Virgin Voyages has some really clever technology.

Each cabin has a tablet that controls everything from the lights and curtains to the TV, room service and even reporting maintenance issues.

Instead of a cruise card, you get a bracelet, which makes it impossible to lose your key when you’re out and about. I love this technology and I wish that more cruise lines had it. It certainly beats stuffing your cruise card down your bra!

The Virgin Voyages app is also excellent. There’s a printed daily schedule if you want it, but everything is on the app. You can favourite the activities you want to do and get reminders when they’re starting.

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t believe I waited this long to try Virgin Voyages. It’s fun, modern, great value and unlike any cruise I’ve ever taken.

The ticket price can look a little high at first, but that’s because so much is included! On other cruises, you could easily end up paying £500 per person more for things like WiFi and speciality dining – but these are all included on Virgin Voyages.

If you’re thinking of booking, I would say go for it. Just don’t expect anything traditional, because this is a cruise line that really does things differently. And I love that.

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