Virgin Voyages has shaken up the cruise world in a big way – banishing buffets, ditching dress codes, and creating an adults-only cruise experience that feels more like a boutique hotel at sea.
With its bold red design, edgy entertainment, and focus on dining and wellbeing, it’s a very different kind of cruise line. Some people absolutely love it. Others find it’s not quite their vibe.
But which Virgin Voyages ship is actually the best?
To find out, I compared real guest reviews and ranked the ships from best to worst based on their average scores. What surprised me most is just how high the scores were across the board – even the lowest-ranked ship still scored over 4 out of 5.
Before we get into the rankings, here’s how I put it all together.
How I Gathered the Data
I love Virgin Voyages as a concept, but I haven’t sailed on every single ship (yet). To keep things fair, I didn’t use my own opinions at all.
Instead, I collected genuine guest review scores from three major independent cruise review websites – Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com and TripAdvisor – and calculated an overall average score for each ship. These are large sites, with enough reviews that one or two unhappy sailings don’t skew the results.
One important thing to note – Virgin Voyages’ ships tend to score very highly in general. The gap between first and last place is much smaller than with many other cruise lines, which means this is more about “best of the best” rather than good versus bad.
With that in mind, let’s start with the highest-rated ship in the fleet.
The Best Virgin Voyages Ships By Reviews
1. Resilient Lady
Resilient Lady comes out as the best-rated ship in the Virgin Voyages fleet.
Guests consistently praise the modern design, relaxed resort-style atmosphere and high-quality food. Restaurants like Test Kitchen and Extra Virgin get regular mentions for being a real step up from traditional cruise dining.
Service is another strong point. Reviews highlight friendly, helpful crew and a fun, sociable onboard vibe. Activities and hosted events are especially well received on longer sailings, where keeping sea days interesting matters most.
That said, not everything is perfect. Some guests report frustrations with the Virgin Voyages app, which can make booking restaurants tricky – but this isn’t a ship complaint really, despite it dragging the score down.
However, more relevant criticisms were that popular venues like The Wake often have long waitlists. A few reviews also mention chaotic shore excursions and the ship’s layout being slightly confusing.
Overall though, Resilient Lady clearly delivers on what people expect from Virgin – stylish, fun, and different – which explains her standout score.
2. Brilliant Lady
Brilliant Lady ranks as one of the best-reviewed Virgin Voyages ships, although it’s important to add a caveat here – she’s still very new, so her overall rating is based on a much smaller number of reviews than her sister ships. That means her position in the rankings could shift as more guests sail and leave feedback.
That said, early reviews are largely very positive, particularly when it comes to food and dining. Guests love the restaurant-style approach with no traditional main dining room, rotating between venues like Test Kitchen, Extra Virgin and the Galley.
Many describe the food as a real step up from mainstream cruise lines, including strong options for vegans and health-conscious travellers.
Cabins also receive good feedback for their modern tech, clever storage and standout features like the famous balcony hammock. Embarkation is often described as smooth, and many guests praise cabin stewards and frontline staff for being friendly and attentive.
However, the reviews aren’t universally glowing. Several guests describe inconsistent service, particularly in bars and dining venues, and frustrations with the restaurant reservation system.
A handful of long-time Virgin fans feel the experience has become more “watered down” compared to earlier sailings, with entertainment and soft furnishings occasionally described as underwhelming.
Overall, Brilliant Lady is clearly impressing many early cruisers, but her ranking should be seen as provisional for now – as more guests sail, we’ll get a clearer picture of where she truly sits within the Virgin Voyages fleet.
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3. Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady sits comfortably in the middle of the Virgin Voyages rankings and is often described as the ship that really defines the “Virgin difference”.
Many guests love the adults-only atmosphere, unusual itineraries and the feeling that this is a very different kind of cruise.
Reviews regularly praise the food, with lots of sailors saying the restaurant-style dining feels more like eating out in a city than being on a traditional ship. The Galley concept, in particular, is popular for its variety and relaxed feel.
Service is frequently highlighted as a strong point, especially cabin stewards and activity hosts, and the ship itself is widely viewed as modern, clean and well maintained despite not being the newest in the fleet.
First-time Virgin cruisers often say this ship “reset their expectations” of cruising and left them wanting to book another sailing straight away.
As with all Virgin ships, it isn’t for everyone. Some guests don’t love the ‘phone-first experience’, and others feel cabins and storage can be a little tight, especially for longer sailings. Drink prices and the lack of traditional drinks packages are another recurring talking point.
Overall though, Scarlet Lady scores well for doing exactly what Virgin promises – stylish, adults-only cruising with a modern twist and a strong focus on food and experiences rather than formalities.
4. Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady rounds out the Virgin Voyages fleet rankings, but still delivers a very strong experience overall and scores well compared to most mainstream cruise lines.
Guests regularly praise the modern cabins, touch-screen controls, mood lighting and the tech-forward feel of the ship. The adults-only environment is a huge plus for many, with several reviewers saying it’s the first cruise where they’ve truly been able to switch off and relax.
Food divides opinion more here than on the other ships. Many guests say the restaurants offer some of the best-tasting food they’ve had at sea, especially venues like The Wake and Extra Virgin, while others found the menus repetitive or struggled to get reservations, making it harder to enjoy the dining fully.
Service reviews are mixed. A lot of guests mention friendly, helpful crew and smooth embarkation, particularly for guests with accessibility needs, but a smaller number felt the atmosphere was less warm than they expected.
Other common feedback includes frustrations with the Virgin Voyages app, limited pool and hot tub space, and occasional chaos at busy ports.
Overall, Valiant Lady tends to appeal most to guests who want a relaxed, adults-only cruise with a modern, non-traditional feel, and who are happy to embrace Virgin’s app-based, flexible style of cruising.
The Scores
Like I’ve said, there’s very little between the ships in this list – they all scored very well in reviews! Here’s a full breakdown including the overall average:
Ship
Cruiseline.com Score
Cruisecritic.com Score
Trip Advisor Score
Overall Average Score
Resilient Lady
4.6
4.2
4.31
4.34
Brilliant Lady
4.5
4
4.25
4.28
Scarlet Lady
4.4
4
4.23
4.21
Valiant Lady
4.3
4
4.20
4.13
The Bottom Line
Virgin Voyages is one of the most consistently high-scoring cruise lines when it comes to guest reviews, and the small differences between ships reflect that. Across the fleet, the themes are clear – modern design, standout food, stylish adults-only spaces and a very different approach to cruising compared to traditional lines.
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Resilient Lady tends to win over guests looking for the most polished overall experience, while Brilliant Lady shows huge promise despite being very new and still finding her feet. Scarlet Lady appeals to those who love Virgin’s bold, alternative style, and Valiant Lady is a solid choice for travellers who want a relaxed, tech-forward and child-free holiday at sea.
There isn’t really a “bad” choice in the fleet. The best ship for you comes down to whether Virgin’s style of cruising matches what you enjoy most – informal dining, app-based planning, and a more hotel-like experience at sea.
But what do you think? Do you agree with the rankings, or do you have a favourite Virgin Voyages ship?
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:
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.
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.
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)
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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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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.
Virgin Voyages has shaken up the cruise world with its modern ships, adult-only experience, and no-nonsense pricing. But one area that’s gone a little under the radar is its loyalty programme: The Sailing Club.
Unlike some cruise line schemes that feel like they require spreadsheets to track, Virgin’s version is refreshingly simple. You don’t need to chase points, calculate cruise nights, or worry about how much you spent on board.
And there’s some very interesting news for anyone who is losing patience with their existing cruise line’s loyalty program (*cough* Carnival *cough*), and is considering a switch…
The Sailing Club Explained
Most cruise lines offer a loyalty programme, and on paper, they’re fairly similar: return guests earn benefits that get better over time.
The differences come down to how you qualify – and how much you need to cruise to unlock the good stuff.
Many lines use a nights-at-sea model. That means the longer your cruises, the more credit you earn. Some even add in multipliers based on cabin category or onboard spending.
On the more extreme end, reaching top-tier status with a mainstream line like Royal Caribbean or Princess could require 500–700 nights at sea.
Virgin Voyages has taken a simpler route: you earn status based on the number of completed voyages, not how long they are or how much you spend.
A 7-night cruise counts the same as a 14-night one, so you’re not penalised for picking shorter trips.
Here’s the key point: to reach Virgin’s highest loyalty tier, you only need five completed cruises. Depending on which itineraries you choose, that could be as little as 30–35 nights total, which is a fraction of what’s required on other lines.
The system is also binary: a cruise either counts, or it doesn’t. So you don’t need to track fine print about how many points a particular voyage earns or whether you’ve hit an earnings threshold. Just book, sail, and repeat.
Just like the cruise line as a whole, it’s a system that bucks some of the old trends and seeks to give cruisers “sailors” a simpler, better option.
Your First Step into Loyalty
Every sailor who completes an eligible cruise with Virgin Voyages is automatically entered into The Sailing Club as a ‘Joined Club’ member.
There’s no enrolment form to fill out or app to download – your status is tied to your profile as soon as you’ve finished your first sailing.
At this level, the perks are light but not meaningless.
Joined Club members receive early access to selected promotions, occasional exclusive offers, and a quarterly newsletter with sailing updates, future itineraries, and behind-the-scenes news.
Think of it as a gentle nod that you’re now part of the club – the benefits truly begin to stack up on your third voyage.
Blue Extras – Enhanced Perks on Your 3rd and 4th Voyages
After you’ve completed two eligible voyages, Blue Extras kick in on your third and fourth.
These are the stepping-stone perks designed to give returning sailors a smoother, slightly more pampered experience.
Cocktail Welcome Event
Blue Extras guests are invited to a private cocktail event onboard – a relaxed, informal gathering where you can mingle with crew and fellow return sailors over drinks.
It’s not a black-tie affair, but it’s a nice social touch that reinforces the “welcome back” vibe.
Dedicated Sailor Services Support
You’ll have access to a priority line at Sailor Services for both onboard and shore-based needs.
Whether you’re trying to change a shore excursion, book a spa treatment, or resolve a cabin issue, you’ll be able to do it more quickly with staff dedicated to helping returning sailors.
One Complimentary Laundry Bag per Voyage
A practical perk: one standard bag of laundry is included with your sailing.
It’s a good way to freshen up your essentials mid-trip, especially useful on longer voyages or if you’re packing light.
One Speciality Coffee Per Day
Blue Extras also includes one speciality coffee per day from onboard cafés.
These aren’t just basic brewed cups – we’re talking lattes, flat whites, iced macchiatos, and the like.
If you’re used to paying extra for decent coffee at sea, this perk is a nice everyday upgrade.
Deep Blue Extras – Top-Tier Perks from Your 5th Voyage Onward
Once you’ve completed four full-fare cruises with Virgin Voyages, you unlock Deep Blue Extras for your next cruise.
Like most (but not all) cruise line loyalty programs, once you reach Deep Blue Extras then it’s permanent, at least for now. It applies to all future cruises once earned – and the perks take a meaningful step up.
£100 Bar Tab Bonus
You’ll receive a complimentary £100 bar tab to spend on each Deep Blue voyage.
That can go a long way, given that so much is already included in the cruise fare. Whether it’s cocktails, Champagne, or that bottle of rosé you’ve had your eye on, it’s yours to spend as you wish.
Unlimited Premium WiFi
Unlike the standard onboard WiFi, Deep Blue sailors get unlimited access to the fastest tier of internet available, suitable for streaming, video calls, and staying connected without rationing megabytes.
Priority Boarding
Deep Blue status gives you access to priority embarkation, so you’ll be among the first on board – with more time to settle in, grab a bite, or head straight for a poolside cocktail.
Oh, and it applies for all of your cabinmates too, regardless of their status. Yay!
Two Speciality Coffees Per Day
The daily caffeine allowance doubles at this tier.
You’ll receive two included speciality coffees per day – great if you want a morning latte and an afternoon iced mocha without thinking twice about it.
Enhanced Laundry and Pressing
You’ll also receive a more generous laundry benefit: two pressed garments, one specialty-cleaned item (like dry cleaning or a delicate fabric), and a standard laundry bag per cruise.
This is especially handy for longer itineraries or for those travelling light and repeating outfits.
Legacy Loyalty: Sea‑Blazers and Sea‑Rovers
Virgin Voyages’ Sailing Club is not their first loyalty program. It’s a more recent revamp – and so the cruise line has made sure to also recognise its earliest cruisers with legacy status.
These categories are fixed and not open to new members, but if you sailed during the programme’s early years, you may already qualify.
Sea‑Blazers (that’s anyone who sailed with the cruise line in 2021) and Sea‑Rovers (those with at least two cruises in 2022 or 2023) automatically receive Deep Blue Extras through the end of 2025 or 2026, respectively.
In addition to the standard Deep Blue perks, they receive boosted bar tab bonuses: £125 (Sea‑Blazers) or £100 (Sea‑Rovers) when purchasing a £300 bar tab.
Status Match – Start with Perks Right Away
If you’ve earned status with another cruise line, Virgin offers a generous status match programme that lets you start your Virgin journey with perks already unlocked.
Cruisers with elite status on lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, and even Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold can qualify for Blue Extras immediately – meaning you won’t need to wait until your third cruise to enjoy better coffee, laundry, or priority service.
The match is currently offered through 31 October 2025, though that date could be extended. No guarantees though – so don’t hang about if you’re considering trying Virgin. One cruise is all you need to lock-in your matched status.
It doesn’t apply to the lower tiers of many cruise line loyalty programs, though.
Here’s a list of the eligible members:
Azamara Circle (for Explorer, Discoverer, Discover Plus and Discover Platinum members)
Carnival Cruise Line’s VIFP Club (for Platinum and Diamond members)
Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club (for Captain’s Club, Elite, Elite Plus and Zenith members)
Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club (for Silver, Gold, Platinum and Pearl members)
Holland America’s Mariner Society (for 3-Star, 4-Star and 5-Star Mariner members)
Oceania Club (for Gold, Platinum, Diamond and President’s Circle members)
P&O Peninsular Club (for Mediterranean Tier, Caribbean Tier, Baltic Tier and Ligurian Tier members)
Princess Cruises’ Captain’s Circle (for Platinum and Elite members)
Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society (for Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club members)
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (for Gold members)
Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer (for Gold, Platinum and Beyond members)
Windstar Cruises’ Yacht Club (for One Star, Two Star, Three Star and Four Star members)
How many cruises to status match?
This varies a lot depending on the cruise line that you already have loyalty status with.
I was able to join the Virgin Sailing Club at Blue Extras Level using my Silver Disney Castaway Club status. You only need ONE Disney cruise to qualify for that, so don’t think that you always need a lot of cruises to quality.
However, my Atlantic Tier status with P&O Cruises wasn’t enough. I’ve done eight cruises with P&O, but you would need 101 nights at sea with the cruise line to quality for the Mediterranean Tier and be able to status match with Virgin!
A Few Things to Note
To qualify for Sailing Club status, your voyages must be full-fare bookings.
That means discounted Access Key sailings, gifted trips, or certain heavily reduced promotional offers do not count towards your total.
Always check the fare conditions when booking if you’re tracking your loyalty progress.
Perks are typically applied about 30 days after a cruise ends, so if you’re booking back-to-back voyages to trigger a new tier, allow time for the system to catch up.
At the time of writing, The Sailing Club runs through the end of 2026, and Virgin has hinted that more benefits – or even additional tiers – could be introduced in future.
So bear that in mind. Things could change. However it’s now a great time to get yourself into sailing with Virgin Voyages if you want to become a member of The Sailing Club – especially if you’re switching from another cruise line.
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Final Thoughts
The Sailing Club may not be the flashiest loyalty programme in cruising, but it’s quietly one of the fairest.
You don’t need to sail for months on end to unlock perks, and the benefits – especially at the Deep Blue level – are genuinely useful. $100 of bar tab credit? Sign me up.
If you enjoy Virgin’s relaxed, adult-first take on cruising, it won’t take long to feel rewarded for sticking with them. Just five voyages gets you through the door – and the welcome drink is already waiting.
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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.
Are you booking a cruise with Virgin Voyages from Miami, Florida? You’ll need to know which port terminal you are sailing from, and where can you park nearby if you’re driving.
I’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Miami for your Virgin Voyages cruise.
Where does Virgin Voyages sail from in Miami?
Virgin Voyages sails from Terminal V at the Port of Miami. This is Virgin Voyages’ own terminal, named for the cruise line, and it’s the closest terminal to mainland Miami.
However, due to the road directions, that doesn’t mean it’s the first one you’ll get to when driving to the port. Other terminals are first on the one-way system.
The full Virgin Voyages Miami port address is:
Terminal V, 718 N Cruise Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132.
To be clear, the name ‘Terminal V’ is because it’s Virgin’s cruise port. It’s not a numbered system using Roman numerals.
Terminal V is one of the newest at the Port of Miami, having opened in February 2022. It’s a very modern space that makes you feel like you’re on vacation from the second you arrive in the building.
The company Arquitectonica designed the terminal to reflect the Virgin Voyages ships as well as the Miami surroundings, blending both into a uniquely styled building.
Where is the port for Virgin Voyages in Miami?
Terminal V for Virgin Voyages cruises is situated on Dodge Island. This is an artificial island connected to mainland Miami by Port Boulevard Bridge. As you arrive on Dodge Island, Terminal V is directly on your left, but you’ll need to follow the road system to get to it.
Here it is on a map:
It’s also possible to get to the port via Watson Island, adjacent to the port island. A lot of sat nav systems may take you this way, since you arrive on the island on the correct side for the terminal.
If you’re flying into Miami Airport, the cruise port is in a really convenient location only ten miles away. The drive is along major roads, so it only takes an average of 17 minutes in either direction.
If you’re driving, put the directions into your navigation system for Parking Garage G. This will take you where you need to go, unless you decide to park elsewhere.
Where To Park For A Virgin Voyages Cruise From Miami
If you want to drive to the terminal for your Virgin Voyages cruise, book your cruise parking in advance to guarantee yourself a space. There are a few good options that you can choose from, including official parking at the site.
The most convenient option for parking at the Port of Miami is… to park at the Port of Miami! Each cruise terminal has its own parking garage, which you can drive straight up to.
Parking Garage G is the one you want for Terminal V. Then you’re at the port and ready to begin embarkation. It also means that, at the end of your cruise, it’s easy to get back to your car with all your luggage.
However, it is the most expensive option. Rates can vary, but you should expect to pay around $22 per day. For a seven-day cruise, that’s over $150, so it’s important to budget for it.
Still, a lot of people prefer this choice because it is so convenient, and takes away some of the stress of getting to the port. Plus, crime rates are extremely low, because the only people who visit the garages tend to be cruise passengers.
Safe Cruise Parking is an independent parking lot with a gate. It is monitored by security 24/7, so you can leave your vehicle without worrying about it. It’s situated around two and a half miles from the terminal, so it’s a little far. But there’s a free shuttle taking you there every 30 minutes, and the shuttle will also bring you back on disembarkation day.
Prices start from around $10 per day before tax, so expect to pay closer to $90 for a week-long cruise.
That’s a pretty hefty saving compared to the parking at the port, especially since the shuttle is free. You just need to decide if the convenience of parking at the port is worth an extra $60 or so.
Premier Cruise Parking is a parking garage situated a couple of miles from the Port of Miami. It’s an enclosed garage, so is a good choice if you don’t want to return to your car and burn yourself on the seat due to the blazing Miami sun.
Rates are reasonable, starting from around $11 per day before tax, so approximately $100 for a week-long stay. That’s still a lot cheaper than parking at the terminal, so if you want to save money, this is a solid option. Plus, a free shuttle will take you to and from the cruise port.
WeParkIn Miami is another parking garage situated in Downtown Miami that provides alternative parking, and is one of the closest options to the port. However, with the free shuttle you don’t really notice the difference between this and the garages/lots that are a mile farther out – the travel distance is very similar.
Prices are again very reasonable, from around $10 per day before tax, so around $90 per week on average. However, prices do vary by date, so WeParkIn may be more expensive at certain times of the year due to high demand.
If you want the cheapest parking possible, one of the best options is the JetPort Park and Ride Center situated close to Miami International Airport. You’ll pay around $9 per day before tax, so a seven-day cruise normally comes in at around $75. That’s half the price of what you’d pay if you parked at the terminal.
Just a heads up: there is a shuttle service to and from JetPort that only takes ten minutes, but it has a limit of four passengers per booking. If you’re travelling with a larger party, you may prefer to drop off your fellow travellers and luggage at the port, then drive back to JetPort yourself to park and get the shuttle.
Final word
The Virgin Voyages Terminal V is really easy to get to, but you can shop around if you want to get a cheaper deal than parking right at the terminal itself.
Shuttle buses from the other parking garages are free and quick, but a lot of people prefer to pay the extra and park right at the terminal for convenience. They are both good options, so it’s up to you.
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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.
Virgin Voyages is not the same as every other cruise line. There are a lot of things they like to do differently, including their dress code.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the dress code for your Virgin Voyages sailing, and let you know what else you might want to pack.
What is the dress code on Virgin Voyages?
There is no formal dress code for Virgin Voyages, other than not turning up to restaurants in a bathing suit or flip-flops. Guests are encouraged to wear whatever they feel comfortable in, provided it is a full outfit with shoes.
This is very different from a number of cruise lines. Some will put a smart casual dress code in place for restaurants, asking you to avoid wearing T-shirts and shorts to sit-down meals. Of course, many cruise lines don’t enforce it, but most guests feel obliged to follow it.
Virgin Voyages’ own policy is that “your casual threads are probably nice enough to pass for dinner in any eatery.” So you’re encouraged to wear whatever you wish in the restaurants.
The only request is to turn up in a full outfit with some form of shoes on. Don’t walk into the restaurants straight from the pool, while you’re dripping wet and either barefooted or wearing flip-flops.
This policy is the same on all four ships in the fleet: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady.
There is no formal night on Virgin Voyages. Guests are welcome to wear their casual clothing to restaurants on every night of their cruise. There are some themed nights, but these are optional. The theme applies to the parties after dinner, rather than the restaurants themselves.
If you’re intimidated by the formality of cruises, you don’t need to be. Most cruise lines these days are very relaxed. There are always restaurants and bars you can go to where the dress code is not being followed.
Virgin Voyages takes this one step further, by getting rid of formal nights altogether. There’s no pressure at all to avoid parts of the ship if you want to stay in your casual clothing. You can wear what you like (within reason) on every night of the cruise.
Do people dress up on Virgin Voyages?
A lot of people still choose to dress up on their Virgin Voyages cruises. Instead of formal suits and dresses, it tends to be what you’d wear to dinner on a typical vacation or a nightclub outfit: smart casual, with a splash of colour to impress.
Some people do go all-out, but more for the themed nights and not just for dinner. So trust me, you can wear any casual outfit and you won’t stand out.
Theme nights
Instead of formal nights, Virgin Voyages has themed nights. These are advertised as taking place on every sailing, but if you book a short cruise, they may not be available.
You can check in advance by downloading the Sailor App before you sail. This will show you the entertainment schedule for your cruise.
Pyjama Party
Typically held on the first night of a cruise, the pyjama party is exactly how it sounds. Get out onto the pool deck and dance around in your cosiest PJs!
Don’t take your best set – you’re likely to get hot and sweaty under the evening sun as you dance around, so you don’t want to spoil them. Maybe pack an extra set just for the PJ night.
To be clear: this is a full-blown party, not a ‘typical’ pyjama party where you relax and watch movies. Don’t come expecting a quiet event!
Scarlet Night
Scarlet Night is the big night on your cruise. It’s often held on the second-last night, but that can vary, so check the Sailor App for details when you’ve booked.
This is all about wearing red. Either a full red outfit or just a splash of red will do. And don’t worry if you don’t own anything red – you’ll still be allowed to join the party!
Check out this video to see what you can expect on Scarlet Night…
Secret Party
Sometimes, Virgin Voyages hosts secret parties that are invite-only. There’s not a lot of detail about these online, as they’re very hush-hush!
The way to get an invite is to be noticed by the crew. If you like the idea of an exclusive event, take your most striking outfits and make sure you’re the life of the party.
Other outfits to pack for a Virgin Voyages cruise
Here’s a quick checklist of some other outfits to remember for your Virgin Voyages cruise.
Swimwear
Many people want to look their best during the day on a Virgin Voyages cruise, so don’t forget your chic swimwear. Again, wear what makes you comfortable, but a lot of people like to dress to impress.
80s workout gear
Virgin Voyages sailings have a lot of fitness classes that you can sign up for. So if you’re interested, pack your gym gear. A fun one is the retro 80s workout. Some people bring their own 80s workout outfit especially for this, so feel free to join in.
No swimwear?
At The Perch on your Virgin ship, topless sunbathing is permitted. If you don’t want tan lines, this is the place to go!
Final word
You don’t need to worry about a formal dress code for Virgin Voyages. But there is still a checklist of things to pack, including something red and your PJs for those fun-packed party nights.
Overall, Virgin Voyages is a relaxed cruise line where adults can let their hair down. If for you that involves glamming up, then go for it. But if you just want to wear a nice T-shirt and jeans, that’s totally fine too.
You should also consider other things like the weather, the destinations you’re visiting and the activities you plan to do on board. For more info, be sure to check out my Ultimate Guide To What To Wear On A Cruise.
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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.
Virgin Voyages offers some fantastic cruises for adults, with a lot of extras included in the fare that you pay. But is it an all-inclusive cruise line, or are there some things you’ll still need to pay for?
In this guide I’ll take you through everything that’s included, and what’s not included, when you book a Virgin Voyages cruise.
Everything that’s included with Virgin Voyages
On a cruise with Virgin Voyages, you’ll get your accommodation, your food, soft drinks and simple hot drinks, entertainment and WiFi included, and tips are covered by your fare as well. There are very few extras that you need to pay for on a Virgin Voyages cruise.
It’s not quite all-inclusive though, and while some food and drink is covered, not everything is.
1. Food
Almost all of the food on a Virgin Voyages cruise is included when you pay your cruise fare. This includes all of the speciality restaurants on board – there’s no cover charge no matter where you choose to dine. However, some items may have an extra cost.
On most standard and even premium cruise lines, you’ll have a selection of restaurants that are free, and then speciality restaurants where you’ll pay a set cover charge for dining at the venue. But that’s not the case with Virgin Voyages.
Instead, all of the dining options are included, and then each menu will have some premium items that you can choose or add to your meal if you want to. But you absolutely don’t have to.
So for example, when dining at Extra Virgin you can choose your starter, main course and dessert from almost anything on the menu, but if you want to make your meal a little more special, you can add some fresh truffles to your dish for $15.
All of the ships have over 20 dining options so you’ve plenty of choices without paying extra, just make sure you book in advance to secure a table. And the late-night snack bar is open 24/7 for pizza and noodles and that’s included too.
Room service has a small charge
On a Virgin Voyages cruise, there’s a $5 delivery fee for room service, but then items are either included as normal or cost the same as they would elsewhere on the ship. This means all foods are free, as are soft drinks, water and basic tea or coffee. You just need to pay the $5 delivery every time you order.
Having breakfast in bed is, therefore, a great choice on a Virgin Voyages cruise because you’re only paying a small fee, the food is completely included.
The room service menu isn’t as extensive as you’d get in a restaurant but there are still lots of choices, and a lot of options for lighter bites during the rest of the day too.
2. Drinks
Soft drinks are included on a Virgin Voyages cruise – but alcoholic drinks and many speciality drinks are not. There is no option for a drinks package either, although you can save money by pre-loading a bar tab before you cruise.
The prices of drinks on a Virgin Voyages cruise are similar to many of the American cruise lines – you’ll pay around $5 to $8 for a beer, between $12 and $17 for a cocktail, and anywhere from $7 up to $22 for a glass of wine.
Speciality coffees aren’t too bad though – usually between $3 and $5. Hot chocolate is $4 which is a little more expensive than you’d maybe pay on other cruise lines.
Instead of a drinks package, Virgin Voyages lets you prepay for a bar tab, and will then give you bonus money. For every $300 that you pre-load onto your bar tab, you get a free $50.
It’s not as good as having your drinks included, but it’s still better than being forced to pay full price without any kind of special offer.
Other free drinks
A selection of ‘basic bevvies’ are included for free, including filtered still and sparkling water, soft drinks, fruit juices and simple teas and drip coffees. Any other drinks on the ship need to be paid for, although these basic bevvies are free when you order room service (and pay the delivery charge).
This is great value, compared to other cruise lines. While most cruise lines will offer free water, and maybe tea, coffee and juices during breakfast or from the buffet, you’ll normally have to pay for them. And soft drinks are definitely not included as standard.
At best you might usually get a soda drinks package for around $8-12 per day, so if you’re someone who doesn’t drink alcohol and you’re happy sticking to sodas and the basic teas and coffees that are included, Virgin Voyages’ cruise fares are great value.
3. Entertainment
A Virgin Voyages cruise includes almost all of your entertainment at no extra cost, including live shows, parties and DJ sets. The only experiences that have an additional cost are the Another Rose acrobatics spectacular on Resilient Lady, and some eating and drinking classes held at different times across the fleet.
All of the shows on Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, and those planned for Brilliant Lady, will be free. Another Rose is a special attraction on Resilient Lady and so there is an entry fee, though it hasn’t been disclosed how much that’ll be yet.
On pretty much any cruise line, the live shows are included so the fact that most are included with Virgin Voyages isn’t anything particularly noteworthy.
However, Virgin Voyages does work with more renowned DJs for party nights, and so the live events tend to be a little more premium and spectacular. As such, you are still getting more value for your fare.
4. Gratuities
Unlike on most cruise lines, tips are included in your fare when you book a Virgin Voyages cruise. There’s no expectation to pay additional daily gratuities or even to tip crew members individually for good service.
Crew members working for Virgin Voyages are paid a higher salary than on other cruise lines and so don’t need to be tipped. They’re really well looked after – they get more perks than crew on other cruise lines as well, and work hard to offer a high level of service.
Sometimes they’ll even turn down a tip!
5. WiFi
WiFi is included as standard on a Virgin Voyages cruise, which is a nice advantage over many other cruise lines. There is the option to upgrade to Premium WiFi if you want to do more intensive tasks such as streaming movies and music during your cruise.
Basic WiFi is free to all guests and is designed for simple web browsing, or checking emails and messages. It’s not very fast and you’re likely to be frustrated if you were expecting cable-type speeds, but that’s a common problem with cruise ship WiFi.
The upgrade to Premium internet varies in cost – a one-day pass is often $15 but you can usually get a Premium Voyage pass for your entire cruise for a lower price, sometimes with a discounted rate.
That’s still really affordable compared to many other cruise lines.
6. Bimini Beach Club
Access to the Bimini Beach Club is included with Virgin Voyages, but if you want a cabana then you’ll need to pay extra. The Bimini Beach Club operates as a sort of private destination for all guests on the cruise ship, but you’ll have to pay for drinks while you’re there.
Bimini is a popular cruise port for all cruise lines, but the Bimini Beach Club is only open to Virgin Voyages guests while a Virgin ship is in port. It’s an upmarket resort with six bars and direct access to the beach, as well as a pool if you’d prefer a freshwater dip.
The food is free while you’re at Bimini Beach Club but drinks have to be paid for and cabanas cost $350 per day to hire.
As we’ve established, there are a lot of things included with Virgin Voyages, but it’s not a completely all-inclusive cruise line.
Here’s a quick rundown of everything you’ll need to pay extra for (if you want it):
Premium menu items in all restaurants
Alcoholic drinks, speciality teas and coffees and pressed juices
Premium WiFi access
Select entertainment shows and classes
Shore excursions
Spa treatments
Apart from the drinks that you buy, the highest costs on the ship are the shore excursions and the spa treatments. Excursion costs vary by port and what the activity is, and spa treatments start at around $175 for a facial and go up to around $400 for a 125-minute full-body treatment.
None of these are essential though – if you’re happy drinking soft drinks, you don’t mind exploring ports on your own without an arranged excursion and you don’t need shore excursions then you can cruise without paying a penny extra.
Overall, is it good value? Yes and no…
I’ve established that a Virgin Voyages cruise includes a lot more than many other cruise lines do, but is it good value? That depends on what you want from a cruise and how much you’re paying in order to get everything included.
There aren’t too many cruise lines that offer the same style of cruising as Virgin Voyages, but let’s take a look at how they compare against Celebrity Cruises – another premium, contemporary cruise line.
Virgin Voyages
Celebrity Cruises
7-night Caribbean cruise, Balcony Cabin
Approximately $3,000 total
Approximately $2,600 total
Speciality restaurants included?
Yes, except premium items
$45-75 per person, per meal
Soft drinks
Included
$30 per person, per day for non-alcoholic drinks package
Tips
Included
$17.50 per person, per day
Basic WiFi Cost
Included
$15 per device, per day
While a Celebrity Cruise appears to be cheaper upfront, if you pay for 2 speciality dining visits and buy a soft drinks package and the basic WiFi, your total cost would actually be closer to $3,600 – more than what you’d pay with Virgin Voyages.
So yes – for the style of cruising and everything that’s included, I think it’s fair to say it’s good value.
Final word
It’s not easy to compare cruise lines since they all include different things – some you’ll pay for tips, some you won’t, some offer drinks packages and so on.
That’s why it’s always worth looking into what a cruise line gives you, and working out whether it’s good value.
Virgin Voyages may not be all-inclusive but it’s certainly ‘more inclusive’ compared to other cruise lines, and well worth considering if you want a lively adults-only all-inclusive cruise.
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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.
If you book a cruise in the Bahamas, you’ll often find that your itinerary includes a trip to a private island, where only guests from the ship are permitted.
Royal Caribbean has CocoCay and Labadee, Carnival has Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays and so on. But the Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini is a little different – it’s private, but it’s not a secluded resort that’s closed off.
Let’s take you through some Virgin Voyages Bimini Beach Club photos, what the Beaqch Club is, and how to get the most out of your cruise to this unique destination.
The Beach Club resort explained
The Bimini Islands are in the Bahamas. The islands are close to the US coast (about 50 miles from Florida), and are around 110 miles to the west of Nassau, the capital of the country.
The Beach Club is a private resort at Bimini that covers four and a half acres of land. Rather than being a private island, or a private resort that is separated from the rest of the island, it’s just a resort that is open only to select guests. Those guests are free to explore the rest of Bimini if they wish.
The facilities at the Beach Club are shared. Whenever a Virgin Voyages ship is docked in Bimini, the resort is exclusively available for guests of that ship. If there’s no ship in port, then the resort is open to other guests of Resorts World.
With the proximity of the Bimini Islands to the coast of Florida, there are often short-haul ferries that bring guests to the resort on days when a Virgin ship is not docked. So it’s possible to enjoy the Beach Club without being on an ocean cruise.
Activities at the resort
Virgin Voyages’ guests (called sailors) will find a lot to enjoy at the Beach Club. It’s essentially an upmarket beach resort, so the obvious attractions include relaxing on a private beach and grabbing a drink at one of the bars.
There are six bars at the resort in total, each of which has ample comfy seating nearby. Whether you want to sit in a deep-cushioned booth, swing in a wicker chair over the pool or just lie in a hammock, you’ll find plenty of cosy spots to pass the day.
And yes, there is a pool if you would prefer to sit there rather than down on the sand – you have the choice of both.
There’s a shack that rents out water sports equipment too, for any guests who want to try their hand at snorkelling or paddle boarding.
You can also go shipwreck diving. There’s an old World War 1 ship called SS Sapona, that ran aground in the 1920s during a hurricane and has remained stuck since. It’s now filled with wildlife, so it makes for an excellent excursion from the shore.
Virgin Voyages is a cruise line that’s only for adults. The Beach Club reflects that atmosphere, with a vibe that feels similar to an upmarket resort you’d find in Ibiza.
During the day, expect a place of tranquillity and relaxation. This includes optional yoga and meditation sessions on the beach, and a quiet space where you can enjoy self-reflection away from the bustle of the bars.
But at night the party starts, both at the beach and around the pool. With renowned live DJs performing for guests, beach bonfires and more, there’s a lively atmosphere long into the evening.
And you’ll have time to enjoy them, because on a Virgin cruise your ship will stay in dock for longer. Rather than having to get back on board between 3pm and 5pm like you would at most destinations, you can stay at the resort until the evening to see the sunset and experience the party atmosphere.
Food’s free – drinks aren’t
Virgin sailors who head to the Beach Club will be able to enjoy complimentary food, including barbecue options and some tropical salads and fruits. Drinks are not included, and will need to be paid for. You can use your credit card or pay in US dollars.
Unlike with some private resorts, it’s not really convenient to head back to the ship from the Beach Club if you want to return again after lunch. You will have enough time to do so, with the longer stay in port, but it’s a 20-minute journey in each direction on foot. Bus transfers are available, but you may have to wait.
So it’s best to make the most of your time and enjoy the free food at the resort if you can.
Cabana rental – luxurious but pricey
There are cabanas that you can rent at Bimini Beach Club. There are three options: Bimini Beach, Bimini Grove and Bimini Lagoon. All cabanas cost $350 per day, and include a round of drinks as part of the price you pay.
The only difference between the three types of cabana is their location. Bimini Beach cabanas are situated at the beach, Bimini Grove cabanas overlook the hammock groves that are part of the Beach Club, and the Bimini Lagoon cabanas are close to the swimming pool.
Richard’s Retreat for the RockStars
Richard’s Retreat is an area of the Bimini Beach Club that is reserved for guests staying in the RockStar Suites on the ship. These sailors are able to relax in an exclusive terrace area which has loungers, its own bar and private cabanas.
There’s also a dedicated DJ for this ‘retreat within a retreat’. Guests don’t even have to leave if they want a bite to eat, as they can order food for delivery to their cabana.
This area is reserved for RockStar Suite guests only, but there may be occasions when they are not all used. When this happens, the cabanas are released to other guests to book on a first-come first-served basis. So you might be able to snap one up if you’re lucky.
Take a look at this video to learn more about Richard’s Retreat on Bimini.
So Virgin doesn’t own the resort…
The Beach Club at Bimini is owned by Resorts World, which in turn is owned by the Genting Group. Virgin Voyages worked with Resorts World to build the Beach Club, but they are not owners. Instead, they are contractually given exclusive use whenever a ship is in port.
The Genting Group parent company is a huge organisation based in Malaysia. It owns a large number of resorts and casinos around the world, including casinos throughout the UK, Malaysia and the US.
Other cruise lines visit the island but not the resort
Virgin Voyages is not the only cruise line to travel to Bimini, but it is the only cruise line with access to the Beach Club. Other cruise lines that visit Bimini include Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America and Royal Caribbean.
The pier is capable of hosting more than one cruise ship at a time, but it’s rare that you’ll have two ships docked on the same day. There may be ferries bringing casual guests to the island though, so you may not be the only group present on the island at once.
That’s why having access to a resort like the Beach Club is great, as you’re guaranteed a slice of tranquillity away from bigger crowds.
Don’t fancy the resort? Bimini has others!
While Virgin Voyages guests will usually want to make the most of the Bimini Beach Club day pass, there is plenty to see and do on the island for all cruise guests.
There are other resorts that cruise passengers can buy a day pass for. These resorts are similar to the Beach Club, offering comfortable seating areas, private beach access and luxurious pools.
Although these resorts often host parties in the evening, it’s unlikely that your ship will be in port long enough for you to enjoy them. That’s what makes a Virgin Voyages cruise to Bimini that extra bit special. The longer hours in port are ideal if you want to see the island at night, and not feel like you’re rushed.
The SS Sapona shipwreck can be visited on excursions led by other cruise lines too, and there are companies hiring out water sports equipment as well. The waters around Bimini are exceptionally clear, so it is a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Walkable beaches
You can easily walk to the beach from Bimini cruise port. There are some excellent beaches as soon as you reach the beginning of the pier. The Beach Club for Virgin Voyages’ cruise guests is also within walking distance, although there are bus shuttles to make it easier.
North Bimini island, where the ships dock, is not extremely big so you can see most of the beaches and resorts on foot if you’re comfortable walking. Cruise line excursions that include a resort day pass will often provide transfers too, so you can get to your private beach quickly and set up for the day.
Passport rules for US citizens
US citizens travelling on a cruise to the Bahamas (including Bimini) don’t need a passport, but they do need other forms of ID including a photo ID and usually a birth certificate. It’s often easier to take a passport, since this is the only ID you would need.
Cruise lines generally recommend that you sail with a passport, as it’s easier to rebook any travel if there are delays or cancellations to your itinerary.
Of course, any guests travelling from outside the US need a passport to get into the US before they sail, so a passport to sail to Bimini would again be required.
Final word
Guests sailing to Bimini’s Beach Club with Virgin Voyages will love the exclusive luxury that the resort has to offer. You also have the freedom to wander the rest of Bimini, unlike other private resorts which are often fenced off.
If you’re sailing to Bimini with another cruise line, you won’t be able to attend the Beach Club. However, you may get a day pass to another resort where you can enjoy similar experiences. It’s not quite the same, especially with the late-night parties that Beach Club offers to Virgin sailors, but it’s still a great destination to explore.
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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.
When you book a cruise, you’ll usually make a decision about whether to buy an all-inclusive drinks package or pay for your drinks individually.
But how does this work on Virgin Voyages? I was lucky enough to be one of the first people aboard Scarlet Lady, so in this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about drinking on a Virgin Voyages cruise.
Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer drink packages
Unlike most other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages does not offer a drinks package. You will not find any type of all-inclusive drinks deals on a Virgin Voyages cruise. Instead, you can purchase a ‘Bar Tab’ to cover the cost of drinks.
The Bar Tab explained
With the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab, you select how much money you want to add to it. You can then use this to pay for drinks during your cruise.
You also get bonus credit when you preload your Bar Tab before you cruise:
Add $200, get a free $25 for a total of $225
Add $300, get a free $50 for a total of $350
Add $500, get a free $100 for a total of $600
Add $750, get a free $175 for a total of $925
Add $1,000, get a free $250 for a total of $1,250
While cruise lines generally don’t let people share drinks packages, you can share a Virgin Voyages Bar Tab. You can just buy one for your cabin and use it to buy drinks for whoever you like.
To start your bar tab, just log in to the Virgin Voyages website and head to the My Account section.
The good news is that drinks prices with Virgin Voyages are actually pretty reasonable. There’s also a good selection of soft drinks that are free of charge.
Beers such as Heineken, Amstel Light, Narragansett, and Kalik are all about $6-$7. Basic gin, rum and whisky cocktails are about $10. Wine prices vary of course, but there’s a good selection available for under $11.
This luxury cruise line’s signature drink is Champagne, which is available for just $9 a glass. If you’re feeling fancy, vintage Champagne can cost anywhere up to $1,000 a bottle.
Tips are included in all drinks prices on Virgin Voyages, so the price you see on the menu is the price you pay.
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Some drinks are included already
Virgin Voyages offer ‘basic bevvies’ for free. The included drinks are:
Filtered still and sparkling water
Fruit juices (not pressed)
Fizzy drinks and sodas
Teas and drip coffees
Virgin Voyages drink menus
Here’s what you can expect to see on the drinks menus on Virgin Voyages ships…
Draught Beer (12oz) – $6 to $8
Draught Beer (54oz) – $20 to $29
Can of Beer – $6 to $11
Spirit (single) – $6 to $25
Spirit (half bottle) – $45 to $55
Cocktails – $12 to $17
Bottle of Beer – $6 to $15
Glass of Wine – $7 to $22
Bottle of Wine – $28 to $1445
Glass of Champagne – $9 to $65
Bottle of Champagne – $48 to $445
Shots – $7 to $15
Red Bull – $5
Specialty Coffee – $3 to $5
Specialty Tea – $5
Hot Chocolate – $4
Virgin Voyages Mini Bar menu
The Virgin Voyages mini-bar menu includes not only beers, wines and cocktails, but also a sleep kit and an intimacy kit for when things get steamy!
Shake for Champagne
Champagne drinking is positively encouraged on-board Virgin Voyages’ glamorous ships. So much so, that the Virgin Voyages ‘Sailor app’ includes a ‘Shake for Champagne’ feature.
All you need to do is shake your phone to reveal the secret Champagne delivery button and a bottle of Möet will be delivered to your location anywhere on the ship.
It’s never too early for champagne and there’s always something to toast to while aboard Scarlet Lady. We want our Sailors to enjoy a glamorous holiday and what better way to feel like a RockStar than a sip of bubbly whenever and wherever you want it.
Tom Mcalpin, CEO of Virgin Voyages
Bringing your own drinks on a Virgin cruise
Guests ages 21 or over on Virgin Voyages cruises are allowed to bring two 750ml bottles of wine per cabin. You can’t bring any other alcohol such as beer or spirits, and the wine must be in your carry-on bag, not in your checked luggage.
You can also bring water or soft drinks on board if you wish, however, you really don’t need to as these are included in your cruise fare.
Virgin Voyages has banned single-use plastics from its ships. So, if you must bring your own water or soft drinks, steer clear of plastic bottles and opt for cans or cartons.
Virgin Voyages’ drinking age
Virgin Voyages is one of the few cruise lines with US departures that allows guests aged 18 or over to drink alcohol at sea. As soon as the ship is 12 nautical miles off the coast of the US and in international waters, the bar will be open for those aged 18, 19 and 20 in addition to the adults who are 21 or over.
It used to be the case that the cruise line only allowed 18- to 20-year-olds to cruise on itineraries in Europe, if they were married to another guest, an active member of the military or were sharing a cabin with someone aged over 21.
However, they have since relaxed the rules so under-21s can now cruise by themselves or as a group on all sailings.
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.
Whether you’re looking to spend time by yourself, wanting to make new friends or even looking for romance, there’s a cruise for you.
There are several organised group cruises for singles over 50, usually hosted by travel agencies. But you don’t need to join an organised singles only cruise group trip, there are also lots of cruises that are perfect for single people over 50.
If you’re seeking more information on organised solo traveller cruises, read more about how they work and your best options in my Guide to Solo Cruises.
In general, any cruise is suitable for solo travellers over 50. A cruise is the perfect setting to make new friends with everything already planned out for you. You’ll enjoy delicious food, fantastic destinations and wonderful entertainment. Plus endless opportunities to meet new people means a cruise opens a world of relaxation for those over 50 looking to travel alone.
Singles cruises over 50 are very relaxed and friendly – there’s no need to be nervous. There will be lots of events to meet others, and so you don’t need to worry about being too shy.
Here are the best cruise lines to choose from that won’t have you feeling out of place.
The best cruise lines for single people over 50
1. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is targeted at mature cruisers from the UK with activities and entertainment offered on board to reflect this.
The ships are mid-sized, and the daily programmes include painting, dancing, and cooking demonstrations, all of which offer the perfect way to spend time in the company of other people your age.
For single ladies looking to cruise with Fred. Olsen, you needn’t worry about not having a dance partner as each ship has gentlemen hosts in the evenings. There are female dance hosts, too. Each of the three ships in the fleet also offers solo cabins that are perfect for singles and have no single supplement.
2. Azamara
For a spot of luxury, Azamara offers a great onboard experience for international singles over 50. Butler service, fine dining and a great choice of immersive, destination-focused itineraries are just some of the benefits guests can expect with the cruise line.
Azamara’s cruise ships have plenty of lounges, bars and spots to enjoy a coffee alone or mingle with fellow passengers. Shore excursions, while focused on the destinations you visit, are also a great place to form new friendships in an intimate group setting. And, while dining, you can opt for a seat at a larger table in the Discoveries Restaurant, which is a great way to meet fellow foodies and strike up a conversation!
Azamara also offers special singles rates and promotions so be sure to look out for those.
3. Holland America Line
Many senior cruisers recommend Holland America Line as they cater to a mature audience very well. The cruise line offers enrichment programs that are suited to the interests of the over 50s.
For solo travellers seeking a holiday that is unique and offers the chance to spend a long time away from home, Holland America is very popular for bucket-list destinations such as Alaska and Antarctica.
If you’re looking at booking a singles cabin, the newest HAL ships – Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam – each offer a selection of 12 solo cabins. Each of these boasts ocean views and measures up to 172 square feet.
4. Saga Ocean
Saga Ocean cruises have been built to cater exclusively for an audience of people aged 50 and over. In fact, 50 is the minimum age to cruise with this cruise line.
As well as this, Saga is also one of the most solo-friendly lines. Dedicated solo cabins feature on both the ships – Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure – and solo passengers can also attend social events and gatherings strictly for singles only.
As for exploring while ashore, Saga Ocean cruises also offer solo travellers the chance to buddy up on excursions which is an ideal way to meet fellow like-minded travellers.
Saga’s fares may seem high, but they include pretty much everything – including a car to pick you up from home and take you to the port.
5. Cunard
Cunard is a great choice for those seeking a traditional cruise experience while travelling alone. Ballroom dancing, educational lectures and formal dress codes are just some of the features of a Cunard sailing that retired people most enjoy.
A keen dancer travelling alone can enjoy a waltz or two as Cunard has gentlemen hosts who will gladly take the ladies for a spin on the dancefloor in the evenings.
Cruises with Cunard can offer the chance to be entertained by shows inspired by West-End and Broadway theatre and cabaret, alongside speaker programmes which have seen the likes of Sir Michael Parkinson, former royal correspondent Jennie Bond, and politician Martin Bell.
6. Virgin Voyages
If you’re looking for something different, Virgin Voyages is a tongue-in-cheek cruise line that’s strictly adults only.
Fellow foodies, fitness fanatics and cruisers looking to enjoy day-to-evening entertainment will enjoy the lifestyle onboard as well as the chance to let loose with activities including sunrise yoga, 90s Boyband dance classes and a ‘shake for champagne’ novelty on the ship’s app.
The cruise line might not be best for those who shy away from technology or a more modern cruise experience, as the cabin lighting and electricals are all controlled from a tablet and much of the cruise experience is centred around using the cruise line’s app.
However, if you’re young at heart and seeking an energetic, fun and lively atmosphere with no kids on board, Virgin Voyages might just be the option for you!
7. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line was the first line to offer solo cruisers their own cabin option and has won ‘Best Cruise Line for Solo Travellers’ for six years in a row by Porthole Magazine.
The Studio Staterooms available provide solo travellers with exclusive access to the Studio Lounge, only available for other solo guests. This offers complimentary refreshments and a quiet place to relax and hang out with new-found friends.
As well as great accommodation choices for those travelling alone, Norwegian Cruise Line offers chances for solo cruisers to socialise with others as most sailings offer singles meet-ups and bar crawls around the ship.
For those looking to experience a quintessentially British cruise line, P&O Cruises is aimed at a UK audience with familiar touches to make guests feel right at home – great for those travelling alone in particular.
There are two ships in the cruise line’s fleet which are adult-only – Arcadia and Aurora. With British officers, a proper cup of tea (which you can make in your cabin!), pubs to visit and food geared to British tastes you can mingle with fellow singles just as you would at home, except while sailing.
For ballroom dance fans, look out for Strictly Come Dancing-themed cruises with P&O Cruises, perfect for enjoying your interests while aboard and meeting fellow fans!
Ocean cruises aren’t the only option for single cruisers over 50 either. River cruising is fast becoming a great choice for those looking to travel alone. With smaller capacities making it easier to get to know guests on board and ships which dock right into the heart of city centres, river cruises are ideal for solo travellers.
A popular cruise line for solos is Riviera Travel. The cruise line has been offering singles-only river cruises since 2018 which opens the ships up exclusively to solo travellers in all cabin categories without any additional single supplements. Perfect for splashing out on a suite if you’re feeling indulgent!
Useful things to know about cruising solo
If you’ve never cruised solo before, there might be some things you’re unsure of – so it’s worth explaining the basics as to how they work.
Firstly, you won’t be sharing a cabin with anyone if you book solo. Don’t worry about being placed in a cabin with a stranger, that doesn’t happen.
However if you book a cabin intended for two people, you’ll have to pay a single supplement – which might mean paying as much as double the per-person fare.
The cruise line knows it’s losing money by booking one person in a two-person room so you have to make up for the shortfall. That’s why it’s worth looking for single cabins which won’t have that huge supplement attached.
When it comes to dining, it will vary not just by cruise line but by who’s onboard too. You can always get a table on your own if you want, but if you don’t ask for it, you might be placed with other solo travellers in the main dining room instead. Or you might not – but you can always let the maitre d’ know your preferences.
And look out in the day’s planner to see what events and activities are planned for solo passengers. Some will be attended by the crew to help facilitate things but others might just be a venue, and these can get awkward, especially if it’s a bar. You don’t know who’s there to attend the event and who just wants a drink.
To conclude
There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a solo cruise. Whether you want to sail along the river or the ocean; enjoy luxury or experience a more freestyle lifestyle onboard – there’s bound to be one to suit you.
Keeping an eye on solo traveller deals – making the most of reduced or excluded single supplement fees is a great way to save money on your cruise fare.
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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.
