Scarlett Lady Cruise ship on the sea
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Are Virgin Voyages worth it?

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All about cruising with Virgin

Are Virgin Voyages worth it? Well, that depends on what you are looking for.

Are you looking for a cruising holiday which includes all your meals, has plenty of entertainment and is adults-only? Yes? Well, then cruising with Virgin Voyages may just be the ticked for you!

Are Virgin Voyages worth it?

Let me start by saying as a fully qualified First Mate I may be a little biased. Because believe me even just completing the training on these amazing cruises really shows the level of difference that goes into these cruises above others.

As a Travel Agent I’m privy to all sorts of training and behind-the-scenes knowledge from travel suppliers, some blow me away and make me want to pack a bag and some not so much…

Virgin Voyages? If it weren’t for my extreme motion sickness I would be out there on the seas on one of the four Ladies relaxing in my hammock on the balcony.

Key Facts about Virgin Voyages

  • Virgin Voyages is a cruise line known for its unique approach to cruising, emphasizing adult-only experiences.
  • The fleet features modern ships designed with a focus on sustainability and comfort
  • Onboard activities include a variety of entertainment options, dining experiences, and wellness programs.
  • Virgin Voyages aims to provide a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere for its guests, with an emphasis on high-quality service.
  • The cruise line offers a range of itineraries to popular destinations, making it a popular choice for travellers seeking adventure and relaxation at sea.

The Ships

Currently, there is a fleet of four cruise ships, or ladies, each with different homeports and internaries. The ships are all pretty similar although the Brilliant Lady is a little smaller for tighter locations. There is also some variation on the menus on board depending on the location.

The ships are…

  • Scarlet Lady (2021)
  • Valiant Lady (2022)
  • Resilient Lady (2023)
  • Brilliant Lady (Sep 2025)

Adults only

The cruises are all adult-only cruises meaning there are no large kids clubs on board but more space and flexibility in dining options and entertaining options.

But there is still plenty of fun to be had including

  • Themed events and nights such as PJ parties, VHS workouts and Scarlet night.
  • Over 20 restaurants and eateries including late-night pizza. All included.
  • A social club with board games and video games.
  • Bars and Karaoke.
  • A High Street of shops
  • Lots of wellness opportunities including a Spa, hairdressers and barbers
  • Casinos.
  • Even a tattoo parlour.

Sustainability is important

Sustainability is important to Virgin Voyages, who aim to be Net Zero by 2050, particularly as cruising has a reputation for being bad for the environment.

They plan to achieve this by

  • Using marine-safe fuel
  • Capturing engine heat to make energy using a clever contraption called Climeon.
  • Ban on single-use plastics. All drinks are served in glasses or in refillable bottles.
  • Water purification. 100% of the water used on board is ocean water.

What is included in a Virgin Voyage?

Lots of things are included in your cruise which is one of the key factors that makes Virgin Voyages worth it in comparison to other cruise companies.

Included in your Voyage is

  • Dining at 20+ eateries
  • Tips
  • WiFi
  • Group fitness classes/Access to fitness equipment
  • Essential drinks including water, basic coffee/tea, some sodas
  • Shows and Entertainment

A lot of these aren’t included with other cruise lines and, once you are on the boat, can really increase your spend.

Pre-Voyage Bookables

Pre-Voyage Bookables are your extras which aren’t included

  • Bar Tab-this is for fresh juice, mocktails, barista coffees and alcohol. Buy a bar tab pre-voyage for extra credit.
  • Shore things (or excursions in layman’s terms)
  • Celebration packages and more

Top tips for Virgin Voyages

  • Go for the balcony room! Each balcony room has its own red hammock for that perfect moment of relaxation in the sea breeze.
  • If you are cautious about sea sickness a middle-of-the-boat room (for less movement) with fresh air access is key.
  • Book your shore thing and key restaurant meals in advance to secure what you want. Example menus can be seen online.

Virgin Voyages App and Band

Download the app to keep up to date with booking information, reservations and more. This will then be connected to a special band you wear once aboard. You can add all your passport details, relevant health checks and credit card details in advance to your app to make check-in a breeze.

Calling all sailors! Your app will also contain all your port and destination guides as well as alert times for bookings.

Your wearable band is your own private GPS. Giving you access to rooms and prebooked suites/areas. Keep it as a memento or recycle it.

You can also use it to make onboard purchases with your Bar Tab or Credit card. Don’t worry if you lose as no one else can use it as a selfie links the band to you. You can even use the app to ‘Shake for Champagne’. But if you are under 21 it will even stop you from purchasing in American ports!

Sailor Loot

Sailor Loot is sometimes included with packages or available to pre-purchase. It’s basically another way of saying on-board credit. Sailor loot can be used for drinks, in the casino (but not cashed out) or for activities and shopping on board.

Current Offers

There are plenty of offers to consider when booking your Virgin Voyage and its worth keeping an eye to see what appeals to you.

For example, there is currently a top offer on Bar Tab. This a prepaid amount booked via your agent or app to buy non-included drinks (speciality drinks and alcohol). One of the great things about Virgin Voyages is that the prices onboard aren’t extortionate or bumped up to get you spending.

Bar Tab Offer

How much you buy + How much Virgin adds on

  • $200 + $25
  • 300 + 50
  • 500 + 100
  • 750 + 175

Booking a Virgin Voyage

If you want to book a Virgin Voyage then please get in touch for more details.

Complete my form for travel enquiries or have a look at Virgin Voyages yourself through my personalised link.

I love to travel and pick up a tshirt from every magic location I visit! Suffering from a chronic illness travel isn't always too accessible but when I travel I always look for travel with extra magic!

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