Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages
Richard Branson certainly knows how to shake up an industry and give it a modern, fun and playful spin. Virgin Voyages is no exception. Virgin’s adults-only cruises offer a fresh experience. They’re known to convert even the most cruise-allergic travelers.
Whether sailing along the Mediterranean and exploring Europe, traversing to Alaska or embarking on a transatlantic grand tour, we’re obsessed with Virgin Voyages. Top-notch amenities, stellar service and great food are only a few reasons why — but there are a lot more.
As cruise experts, we’re here to answer all your questions on Virgin Voyages. Book your Virgin cruise with Fora and you’ll unlock personalized support and recommendations, plus access to great amenities and perks — all at the same price as booking on your own.
Read on for our full Virgin adults-only cruise guide. When you’re ready to set sail, connect with Fora to book your Virgin Voyages adults-only cruise.
What makes Virgin Voyages adults only? Are all Virgin Voyages adults only?
Image courtesy of Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is the only major cruise line that’s exclusively for adults: You have to be at least 18 to embark on a Virgin cruise. (And yes, all Virgin Voyages shore excursions are adults only as well.)
Virgin Voyages’ cruises forgo the traditional cruise ship formula
Unlike ordinary cruises that devote a significant amount of deck space to kid-friendly playrooms and amenities, Virgin Voyages dedicates all its space to adults. The overall aesthetic is more contemporary and cool: tasteful splashes of red, moody lighting, stylish gourmet restaurants.
Fora’s Cruise Lead Cameron Tempest loves Virgin’s signature modern, relaxing decor, as well as its diverse array of spaces.
“There are plenty of places on board to find a quiet corner to relax, as well as enjoy live music, games and entertainment,” she said. “One of my favorite places is the Dockhouse, a bar and lounge which makes you feel like you stepped into someplace in the Mediterranean.”
Better yet, all that space normally reserved for kiddos has been put toward luxe amenities: a sumptuous spa, a well-equipped gym, a wrap-around running track, a yoga pavilion… A Virgin adult-only cruise is a non-stop party; a cheeky sense of play is omnipresent.
In other words: Virgin Voyages’ adults-only cruises are perfect for adults who want a break — something without rules and without kids.
(If you’re looking for a family-friendly cruise, consider sailing with Royal Caribbean or Disney instead.)
Can 18-year-olds drink on Virgin adult-only cruises?
While 18+ Sailors (what Virgin Voyages passengers are called) can enjoy alcoholic beverages on international waters, they are not allowed to bring alcohol aboard ships departing from the United States. This is the same criteria that applies to all major cruise lines.
Are Virgin Voyages ships old or new?
Virgin Voyages launched during the pandemic, so all their ships, including the Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady, are brand new — a refreshing experience compared to many other cruise line’s aging fleets.
What’s more, the cruise line has recently announced the launch of its Brilliant Lady ship, scheduled to set sail in 2025. (This new ship is the fourth and final Virgin Voyages cruise in their lady fleet, which also includes the Scarlet Lady, the Valiant Lady and the Resilient Lady.) Ticket sales opened up in May 2024. Your Fora Advisor can help you snag a spot, determine your ideal itinerary and select the best stateroom to maximize your cruise experience.
But to get a taste, Brilliant Lady’s itineraries include five- to thirteen-day voyages out of New York and to Bermuda or Canada, seven- to 12-night Caribbean cruises out of Miami, a 16-night cruise that traverses the Panamá Canal and numerous itinerary options that sail along the coasts of California and Mexico.
How do I decide what Virgin Voyages cruise is right for me?
We recommend starting with the list of destinations and departure points (like Miami, Florida in the US) and each cruise itinerary’s length. Some options run through the weekend, while others are a bit longer.
Plan your Virgin adults-only cruise with Fora and your advisor can be a great resource for narrowing down your options.
7 things that make Virgin Voyages adults-only cruises different
Fora co-founder Henley Vazquez with advisors on our Virgin Voyages FAM
During our Virgin Voyages scouting trip, our travel advisors experienced the excitement firsthand. Here are all the things that felt different from other cruises.
1. A kids-free getaway at sea doesn’t mean adults aren’t encouraged to be playful
From whimsical cocktails, like an Old Fashioned served in a popcorn bucket, to tablet-controlled cabins — including neon light presets like “Zen,” “hungover” and “get it on” — Virgin Voyages adults-only cruises are far from somber, and the brand never takes itself too seriously.
These cruises are a blast, with tons of playful touches spread throughout. Entertainment is participatory, too. For example, at Gunbae, the Korean BBQ restaurant onboard the Scarlet Lady, your waiter will teach you games during dinner.
The overall vibe feels very much like a wedding party at sea (in the best way). Don’t be surprised if you end up dancing in the pool by the end of the night (in fact, our co-founder did).
Pro tip: shake your cruise app (which is used for just about everything) anywhere on the ship and Champagne will be delivered to you.
2. Guests receive a wearable instead of a key card
In line with Virgin Voyages’ commitment to using technology in innovative and fun ways, guests are given a wearable band instead of easy-to-lose keycards. We found the experience to be exceptionally convenient, especially since the band doubles as your credit card (it’s linked to your room and you can track bills and receipts on the shipboard app).
After our own experience, our travel advisors joked that we missed the convenience of the wristbands (they definitely make splitting checks at a restaurant way easier).
3. Travelers can get a tattoo at sea
There’s no other cruise line where you can live out your old-timey sailor dreams by getting a (real) tattoo at sea. Virgin Voyages partnered with World Famous Tattoo Ink to create Squid Ink, the first and only shipboard tattoo parlor.
4. Virgin Voyages cruises place an emphasis on wellness (without sacrificing fun)
Virgin Voyages’ adults-only cruises are much more than party boats — not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Wellness is a focus on Virgin ships, and you’ll find plenty of related amenities that you typically won’t find on other cruise ships, like free yoga sessions, fitness classes and more. (Virgin’s B-Complex houses a gym, cycling studio and versatile fitness studio. Cameron shared that the gym itself is beautiful, and has everything you could want for a successful session.)
But don’t worry, no one’s expecting you to compete in the Olympics — this is all for fun. Whether it’s your first time trying HIIT, you’re an avid cycler or you’re bona-fide gym rat, Virgin Voyages has you covered.
Wellness extends beyond the ship, too. Try SUP yoga (stand-up-paddleboard yoga; it’s as hard as it sounds) at Virgin’s Bimini Beach Club in the Bahamas. Embark on hikes on locations around the world. Virgin makes getting active convenient and fun (and there’s also totally no pressure if you want to lounge the day away by the pool; that’s wellness, too).
Then there’s the spa, Redemption. Chill out in the Thermal Suite, which houses a mud room, steam room, salt room, sauna and hot-and-cold contrast pools. Or, opt for a massage or facial. There are also nail and hair salons onboard.
5. There’s no buffet-style dining — Virgin Voyages is all about an elevated & restaurant-style dining culture
If you’re looking for great food-inspired travel at sea, Virgin adult-only cruises is where it’s at.
Most cruise lines include buffet-style meals in the ticket price, plus there’s an upcharge for “specialty dining” options. It’s not a bad system, but it may leave a little to be desired for travelers hoping to indulge in elevated dining without having to spend more.
Virgin Voyages, however, goes all in on restaurant-style dining options. You won’t find any buffet dining halls (or single-use plastics) on the Scarlet Lady or her sister ships, but you will find 20+ eateries with cuisine from all corners of the globe. Most offer table service (with a server, menus — the whole nine yards), but there are also single-serve and self-serve options (think pizza to go, smoothies, fresh-pressed juices and premade sandwiches and snacks). Cameron recommends the Wake delicious steak and seafood in an elegant atmosphere, and Pink Agave for upscale Mexican food paired with fun music.
Vegetarians and those with gluten allergies will also be happy to know that Virgin Voyages is very accommodating. Best of all: all the food is included in Virgin’s ticket price.
While alcoholic beverages are not included, the prices are still pretty reasonable: $6-7 for beer, $10 for basic cocktails and $11 for most wines (tip included). But you also have the option to pre-purchase a Bar Tab ranging from $100 to $300. Your Bar Tab credit covers any premium drink (fancy mocktails, specialty coffee, alcoholic beverages), and you can even use it to spot a companion’s drink. Your Fora Advisor can help you to book the best package that helps you get the most bang for your buck.
6. The rooms are stylish & spacious
Virgin Voyages’ rooms are well designed in terms of convenience and style. Even standard rooms sport a fun theme with modern touches, like remote-controlled curtains, thermostats and neon lights.
One of Cameron’s favorite in-room amenities is the aforementioned mood lighting. You control everything via touchscreen, and can even play music to accompany the vibe you’re after.
Terrace rooms are especially stellar — they’re equipped with hammocks and ocean views — but the RockStar Quarters are the crème de la crème of cabins on Virgin Voyages adults-only cruises. There are a few different styles available, including the Massive Suite, which features a private outdoor hot tub and terrace, a spacious lounge area and a music room stocked with guitars (because why not).
Guests who stay in RockStar Quarters also earn special perks, like access to the private sundeck and ‘round-the-clock concierge service.
7. Virgin Voyages adult cruises’ nightlife and entertainment are top-notch (from an onboard casino to a cruise-ship arcade, they’ve got it all)
Entertainment on a Virgin Voyages adults-only cruise is in a class of its own, with themed nights, nonstop parties and an array of attractions.
While you’ll still find some familiar cruise-ship tropes, like an onboard casino and a slate of exciting shows, Virgin has made a concerted effort to distinguish itself with interactive performances and spaces created by world-class directors, choreographers and producers.
There's something for everyone, from Bingo-With-a-Twist to UNTITLED DANCESHOW PARTYTHING (ask your Fora Advisor) as well as live music acts throughout the ship at all hours.
A Virgin Voyages cruise is great for solo travel, group travel & everything in-between
Ultimately, a Virgin Voyages adults-only cruise is an exceptional experience for all types of travelers, especially the young at heart. The whole experience is reminiscent of the best of Las Vegas (check out the coolest hotels in Vegas), but in a concentrated, ocean-bound package.
That goes whether you’re embarking with a group or on your own. In fact, on the first night, there’s a solo traveler meet-up so you can connect with other solo adventurers.
Regardless, your first Virgin Voyages cruise will likely not be your last. And after you sail on your first ship, you’re automatically accepted into Virgin’s Sailing Club, meaning your stay is leveled up even further on any subsequent trips.
Book your Virgin Voyages adults-only cruise with Fora to unlock exciting extras
To get the most out of your Virgin Voyages adults-only cruise, and for intel on the best cabins, shows or eateries, book your cruise with Fora.
Your Virgin Voyages travel agent — a.k.a. Fora Advisor — will give you the lowdown on everything, from which ship and destination (Spain, the Greek islands, San Juan...) fits your travel style to the best cabins and more. (Read more about the benefits of booking with a cruise travel agent.) Plus, your advisor can unlock all sorts of fun extras whenever possible, including onboard credits and exclusive rates.