Curious about Virgin Voyages? Here’s my honest review from a first-time cruiser turned convert — from Rockstar Suites and drag bingo to champagne at The Beach Club in Bimini, here’s everything you need to know before you sail. Discover why this adults-only cruise line delivers serious style, standout dining, and zero buffet chaos.
Why I Finally Tried a Cruise (and What Changed My Mind)
Before I became a travel advisor, I had never been on a cruise. Why? Because they scared the heck out of me. If I go to a hotel and don’t like it, I can leave and check into another one.
Cruises aren’t like that. Once you’re out to sea, like it or not, that cabin is your hotel room for the duration. I’d always wanted to take my family on an Alaskan cruise, but that felt like a big, expensive roll of the dice. As I believe is my professional duty, I took one for the team. I convinced my sister to join me for a “mini” cruise – she’s easier to experiment on than my husband and kids – and we did five days on Virgin Voyages in the Caribbean.
Turns out cruising isn’t just for retirees. It’s actually way more fun than we expected, and it’s a surprisingly relaxing way to cover a lot of new destinations.
Here’s what we learned…
Choosing the Right Cabin on Virgin Voyages
When I was putting together the cruise proposal for my sister, I knew we’d want as much space as possible. One of the great things about Virgin is that 86% of their cabins have balconies, so those are very accessible. We were looking at the Extended Sea Terrace room, which they convert from a sleeping room into a living room during the day.
But, when I explored the amenities of Rockstar Suites, I knew we wanted to go for it.
What is a Lock-It-In Rate?
There are two categories of the suites – Rockstar and Mega Rockstar. My sister and I are bougie travelers, but we’re not THAT bougie. We chose to do a Lock it In Rate – essentially, we got a huge discount on a Rock Start Suite by giving up the right to choose our stateroom. Virgin assigned us to a Suite about ten days before the cruise. It made sense because the Lock-It-In rate was about $2,500 than entry-level (aka “cheapest” suite – the Seriously Suite, and the amenities are great: a fully stocked in-room bar, no waiting lines, access to a private sundeck, daily hosted cocktail parties, and, my personal favorite, a RockStar Agent who was available to help us with every reservation, excursion, and question.
It was dreamy. We got assigned a Seriously Suite and it was perfect for us. It felt like a reasonably sized hotel room and the bathroom was HUGE – which was crucial for two sisters traveling together 😉.
Sea Days on the Valiant Lady: Fun, Relaxation, and a Little Drag Bingo
Our itinerary had two days at sea, and two days in port. I was worried we might get bored during the sea days – but, wow – does Virgin make it so fun. My sister would wake up early, put in a couple miles on the walking track, lift weights in the gym, and then play some pickleball. Around that time, I would get out of bed…
We competed in a trivia contest (and came in 2nd!), got crushed in a jigsaw puzzle competition, went to Drag Bingo, spent a lovely evening painting a Caribbean scene while sipping on some wine, and saw a fantastic show every night. My personal highlights were the Tequila Tasting + Lotteria (Mexican Bingo), and our many experiences with The Diva – the inimitable Ms. Cordelia Facade.
The Happenings Cast: The Heart of the Ship’s Fun
Many of the activities are hosted by the Valiant Lady’s Happenings Cast – a team of about a dozen incredibly fun and funny people who all work together to make everyone feel included and special.
We did not try out the spa, but I put that at the top of my list for my next cruise (yep, I’ve already been on a second one. The lengths I go to for my lovely readers…). You can read all about that one here.
Virgin Voyages Dining Review: The Best Meals at Sea
One of my favorite things about the cruise (aside from the fact that it’s adults only – which is incredible) was the dining. Virgin includes all dining – there are no buffets, and no crowded mass dining rooms. Every restaurant would be considered “specialty dining” on other cruise lines. The restaurants are each unique, beautifully designed, and have incredible menus. We did not have a single bad meal.
Restaurants You’ll Love — From Gunbae to The Wake
The first night we went to Gunbae – the Teppanyaki restaurant. It was the perfect way to start the cruise because we got seated with a bunch of other fun people and made friends. My personal favorite was The Wake – an elegant steak and seafood restaurant. A friend told me to make sure to go to the Wake for a dinner AND a breakfast. And wow, am I so glad I followed his advice. The Wake’s got a version of a hashbrown that I’m still dreaming about.
Smaller Bites: Pizza, The Galley, and More
We also loved the upscale Mexican food at Pink Agave and the elevated Italian food at Extra Virgin. If you’re not in the mood for a full sit-down meal, there are lots of smaller café options – pizza, a diner, etc., and the Galley – Virgin’s take on a food hall. Everything was fresh and the quality of the proteins was top notch.
The Beach Club at Bimini: Virgin’s Private Island Paradise
Virgin has their very own beach club on Bimini in the Bahamas. You can really have any kind of day you want at The Beach Club. Lounge by the lagoon-style pool with a cocktail in hand, join a bumpin’ DJ-led beach party, or escape to one of the shaded daybeds for a midday nap that rivals a spa treatment. The atmosphere shifts as the day goes on — upbeat in the morning, social in the afternoon, and blissfully chill by sunset. We got lucky and met friends invited us to share their cabana. When I close my eyes, I am right back floating in that turquoise water with champagne in hand. 10/10 – no notes.
What Makes Virgin Voyages Different
Adults Only — and Why That Matters
All Virgin Voyages are 18+. I like to vacation with my kids as much as the next person, I just don’t like vacationing with OTHER people’s kids 😉. This is truly an adult vacation, and that was perfect for us.
Dress Code: What to Wear on Scarlet Night
Just because there’s no formal night, doesn’t mean people don’t dress up. We had so much fun planning our outfits for each night. Some people were super casual, and that was fine, but it was quite a thrill to pull out a white fringe dress on a random Tuesday. EVERYONE dresses up for Scarlet Night – that is one helluva party. Throw in a red… something! Or you’ll feel like you’re missing out.
All-Inclusive Perks: Dining, Wi-Fi, Gratuities, and Drinks
Virgin makes it easy to book. All dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and basic beverages are included (that is a real a rarity at sea). It’s one of Virgin’s biggest advantages over traditional cruise lines. You won’t be nickel-and-dimed for lattes, tips, or Wi-Fi passwords here.
Look for the Lock-It-In RockStar Rates
Virgin runs frequent promotions for Lock-It-In RockStar Suites, and they’re worth the splurge if you like your cruising bougie and effortless. Think of it as upgrading from economy to first class: once you experience it, there’s no going back. If you’re sailing as a RockStar, Richard’s Rooftop is the place to be — hosted happy hours, a private sundeck, and hot tubs that feel delightfully off-limits to everyone else (I loved that feature). It’s the perfect pre-dinner perch for a glass of bubbly and a little low-key people watching.
When and Where to Sail with Virgin Voyages
If the Caribbean’s not calling, Virgin’s other itineraries are equally tempting:
Mediterranean and Europe Itineraries
Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona and Athens bring late-night ports, seaside tavernas, and Aperol-spritz sunsets. Transatlantic crossings include creative programming and extra sea days for pure relaxation.
Brilliant Lady and New Alaska Sailings
Australia and New Zealand itineraries (newer to the lineup) mix urban energy with dramatic coastlines. For a shorter taste test, there are 3- and 4-night sailings from Miami — perfect for first-timers. In 2026, Virgin’s newest ship, Brilliant Lady, will be sailing out of LA and will include itineraries to Alaska!
Wherever you go, the vibe stays the same: design-driven, adults-only, and delightfully free of buffet chaos.
Ready to Plan Your Own Virgin Voyage?
Ready to try cruising with a twist? I do the research so you don’t have to — from suites and spa passes to choosing the perfect itinerary. Let’s plan your Virgin Voyages escape today
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Virgin Voyages different from other cruise lines?
Virgin Voyages is adults-only, all-inclusive, and completely free of buffets. Dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and basic beverages are all included, creating a more elevated, modern cruise experience.
2. Is the Lock-It-In RockStar Suite worth it?
Yes — the Lock-It-In rate offers significant savings and access to Rockstar perks like a private sundeck, stocked bar, and concierge-style service. It’s an excellent value for travelers who want a first-class feel without paying top-tier suite prices. I would not recommend doing a Lock-It-In for a regular cabin. Too risky.
3. What should I pack for a Virgin Voyages cruise?
There’s no formal night, but guests love dressing up for themed events like Scarlet Night. Bring something red, a few fun dinner looks, and comfortable daytime outfits for exploring ports or lounging poolside.
4. When is the best time to book a Virgin Voyages cruise?
Virgin Voyages often runs promotions with discounted Lock-It-In Rockstar rates and extra perks. Booking early or during seasonal sales helps you secure the best price and cabin selection.
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