Virgin Voyages

Richard Branson’s Virgin Group announced Virgin Voyages in 2014 with investment from Bain Capital, aiming to design a cruise line for travelers who would never have considered a cruise. The first ship, Scarlet Lady, finally welcomed guests in 2021 after pandemic delays, and the line set out to reinvent the format: no kids, no buffet, no main dining room and no nickel-and-diming in restaurants.

The fleet is four near-identical Lady Ships: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady, each carrying around 2,700 guests (Virgin calls them “Sailors”). Interiors were created by boutique hotel designers, with a sleek, nightclub-meets-yacht look, and cabins use smart tablets for lighting and service requests.

Ships rotate between Miami and San Juan for the Caribbean and Bahamas, Barcelona and Athens for the Mediterranean, and newer North American seasons, including the line’s first West Coast and Alaska sailings from Los Angeles and Seattle in 2026. Caribbean cruises typically include a day at The Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin’s private beach club in the Bahamas.

Virgin Voyages is adults-only, design-forward and playful. Guests range from their late 20s to their 60s and beyond, including couples, friend groups, LGBTQ+ travelers and solo cruisers. There is no formal night and no dress code beyond resort casual; the signature event is Scarlet Night, when many Sailors wear red for a ship-wide party. Ships are mid-to-large but feel intimate thanks to their layout and the absence of kids. Expect an upbeat soundtrack, a strong wellness program with free group classes, a tattoo parlor and late nights in The Manor club. Those seeking a hushed, traditional cruise or formal service may find it too loud and casual.

Every restaurant is included. Highlights include The Wake (steak and seafood), Pink Agave (Mexican), Razzle Dazzle (playful American with vegetarian options), Extra Virgin (Italian with fresh pasta), Gunbae (Korean barbecue, played as a social table) and Test Kitchen (an experimental tasting menu). The Galley food hall replaces a buffet with counters serving sushi, tacos, burgers and more, and there’s late-night pizza. Reserve dinners through the app before you sail, since popular venues fill.

Shows are original and immersive rather than Broadway revivals, staged in The Red Room, a theater that reconfigures for each show, and around the ship. Expect cabaret, comedy, dance and drag-hosted events, plus Scarlet Night, a ship-wide themed party. The Manor is a late-night club, and bars range from cocktail labs to a rooftop pool scene. Daytime includes free fitness classes, a running track, a tattoo studio and lectures.

Cabins are compact but clever, with tablets controlling lights and blinds. Sea Terrace cabins have a balcony with a hammock, and RockStar suites, from Rockstar Quarters to large Mega RockStar suites, come with a personal RockStar Agent, a private rooftop lounge called Richard’s Rooftop and priority perks. Solo cabins are available on all ships.

Water, soft drinks, coffee, tea and juices are included. Alcohol costs extra, with prepaid Bar Tab credit offered instead of traditional unlimited drink packages, often with a bonus amount added. Cocktail prices are in line with a city bar.

Gratuities are included in the fare, so there is no daily service charge for crew. Extra tips are optional and not expected.

The Virgin Voyages Sailing Club, introduced in late 2025, rewards repeat Sailors after their first eligible voyage, with perks increasing as you sail more. Members can also earn Virgin Red points across the wider Virgin group.