Virgin Voyages Review: What I Loved, What I Didn’t, and What to Know Before You Book

After two cruises with Virgin Voyages (and a third one already booked — because clearly, I didn’t hate it), I feel like I can finally give an honest review.

Not the influencer version. Not the “everything is amazing” version.

The real version.

Because if you’re anything like me, you want to know:

👉 What’s actually worth it

👉 What’s overhyped

👉 And what you should know before you book

So here it is — the good, the not-so-good, and everything in between.

What Makes Virgin Voyages Different (And Why People Love It)

Virgin Voyages is not your traditional cruise line — and that’s very intentional.

First, it’s adults only, which immediately changes the vibe. No kids, no water slides, no chaos at the buffet (because… there is no buffet).

Instead, you get:

• Over 20 included restaurants (no main dining room)

• Basic Wi-Fi included

• Fitness classes included

• No loudspeaker announcements (honestly, this is underrated)

• A cruise app that actually works

It feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a cruise ship.

The Food: Mostly Amazing… With a Few Exceptions

Let’s talk about the food, because this is where Virgin really shines.

Every restaurant is included, and most meals feel like specialty dining on other cruise lines.

Some highlights:

• The Wake (steakhouse vibes)

• Extra Virgin (Italian — very solid)

• The Dock (Mediterranean, relaxed, one of my favorites)

  
  

Now… let’s talk about the misses.

👉 The pizza...I know people rave about it. I wanted to love it. I did not love it.

Maybe I caught it on a bad night — I’ll report back after cruise #3.

👉 The burgers, Not bad… just not great. And as someone who takes burgers seriously, I expected more.

Pro tip: I’ve heard the room service burger (Ship Eats) is better — testing that next time.

No Buffet — But You Won’t Miss It

Instead of a traditional buffet, Virgin has something closer to an upscale food hall.

Think:

• Made-to-order stations

• Fresh options

• No fighting for scrambled eggs

It’s cleaner, calmer, and honestly… a big upgrade.

Deck 7: My Favorite Place on the Ship

If you take nothing else from this post, take this:

👉 Deck 7 is where you’ll find me 90% of the time

It has:

• The Social Club (games, trivia, arcade — yes, games are free)

• Casual food options

• Indoor + outdoor seating

• A relaxed, hangout vibe

It’s the perfect “do a little of everything” deck.

Bimini Beach Club: Know This Before You Go

If your itinerary includes Bimini, here’s the strategy:

👉 Get there early

• Right pool = party, DJ, dancers

• Left pool = calmer, but still fun

Both are good — just depends on your mood.

Entertainment, Activities, and Vibe

Virgin is… different.

You’ll find:

• Fitness classes

• Outdoor gym equipment

• Swings, seesaws (yes, really)

• Vinyl record listening stations

• Arts, crafts, tea parties

And then at night…

Theme Nights You Shouldn’t Skip

Pajama Party (Night 1)

• Starts at 11 PM (yes, it’s late)

• Ranges from cozy to… not cozy at all

  
  

Scarlet Night

This is a full-ship experience:

• Storyline + performances

• Multiple parties

• Ends with a pool party

There is an afterparty.

Did I make it? No. Absolutely not. This body had a midnight cutoff.

The Casino & Shopping (Proceed with Caution)

The casino is small but nice.

👉 If you gamble, always scan your wristband - your play is tracked, and you might get future cruise offers.

Deck 6 also has:

• Shops

• Jewelry

• Luxury items

Let’s just say… it’s very easy to spend money there.

What’s Included (And Why It Matters)

Virgin Voyages does a really good job here.

Included:

• Dining (almost everything)

• Basic Wi-Fi

• Fitness classes

• Non-alcoholic drinks

  
  

Not included:

• Alcohol (bar tab system instead)

• A few premium menu items

  
  

👉 Instead of drink packages, you prepay a bar tab

Important:

• It’s non-refundable

• Prices are the same whether prepaid or not

So… don’t overestimate your margarita consumption.

Solo Travel on Virgin Voyages

This is one of the best cruise lines for solo travelers.

They offer:

• Solo cabins (limited — book early)

• Social environment without pressure

• Easy-to-meet people vibe

If you book a regular cabin solo, you’ll pay more — so those solo cabins are worth it.

A Quick Note on the Ships

All ships are very similar:

• Scarlet Lady

• Valiant Lady

• Resilient Lady

• Brilliant Lady (newest)

Same layout, same vibe — so once you’ve done one, you’ll feel comfortable on the others.

The Overall Vibe (And Who This Cruise Is For)

Virgin Voyages is:

✔ Modern

✔ Social but not overwhelming

✔ Stylish but still relaxed

✔ Inclusive and welcoming

It’s especially great if you:

• Don’t love traditional cruise structure

• Want flexibility

• Enjoy good food

• Prefer adults-only travel

Is Virgin Voyages Worth It?

Short answer?

👉 Yes… with a few caveats.

You’ll love it if:

• You value experience over tradition

• You like doing things your own way

• You want fewer “nickel and dime” moments

  
  

You might not love it if:

• You prefer structured cruise schedules

• You expect over-the-top luxury in every detail

• You’re very picky about casual food options (still thinking about that pizza…)

  
  

Final Thoughts: Would I Sail Again?

I already am. So that probably answers the question.

Virgin Voyages isn’t perfect — but it’s different in a way that feels refreshing. It’s flexible, modern, and designed for people who want to enjoy the experience without feeling boxed into a schedule.

And if you’re sailing out of Miami like I have every time, do yourself a favor and plan that part just as thoughtfully. Picking the right area to stay the night before can completely change how relaxed (or rushed) your cruise starts. I’ve broken down the best neighborhoods, what to expect, and where I’ve personally stayed in my guide to where to stay in Miami before your cruise.

Because the goal isn’t just a great cruise — it’s a smooth start to the whole trip.