Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line owned by Richard Branson's Virgin Group
Virgin Voyages operates ships that carry only passengers 18 and older, which sets it apart from most other cruise lines. The company launched its first ship, Scarlet Lady, in 2020 and has since added Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady to its fleet. All three ships sail from U.S. ports — primarily Miami, New York, and Los Angeles — to destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.
Unlike traditional cruise lines, Virgin Voyages does not use a formal cabin class system. Instead, all staterooms are designed with the same modern aesthetic, and your price depends mainly on location and size rather than tier level. The line also includes certain amenities in the base fare that other cruise lines charge extra for, such as specialty dining venues and fitness classes.
If you are considering a Virgin Voyages cruise, you should understand how pricing works, what is included, how the booking process functions, and what to expect onboard before you commit to a reservation.
Key Takeaways
- Virgin Voyages ships are adults-only (18+) and sail from U.S. ports to Caribbean and Mexico destinations with a focus on a younger demographic and modern atmosphere.
- Most specialty dining, fitness classes, and entertainment are included in your base fare, though premium restaurants and some activities carry additional charges.
- Cabin pricing is based on location and size rather than traditional class tiers, and you can book directly through Virgin Voyages' website or through a travel agent.
- Gratuities are not automatically added to your bill, and you can choose to add them during booking or onboard.
- Virgin Voyages charges per-person daily rates that vary by season and how far in advance you book, similar to other cruise lines.
What is included in your Virgin Voyages fare
Your base cruise fare covers your cabin, most dining venues, entertainment shows, fitness classes, and access to the ship's main pool and deck areas. This means you do not pay extra to attend live music performances, comedy shows, or dance classes. You also have unlimited access to the main dining room and most casual restaurants throughout your cruise.
What you pay extra for includes specialty restaurants (such as Rojo, a Spanish-inspired venue, or Gunpowder Galley, a premium burger restaurant), alcoholic beverages beyond the basic bar selection, spa services, casino play, and some premium fitness offerings like personal training sessions. Some shore excursions and onboard activities also carry separate fees. Virgin Voyages publishes its full pricing structure on its website before you book, so you can see exactly what costs are included and what is not.
How pricing and booking work
Virgin Voyages prices cruises per person per night, and the total cost depends on your cabin type, sailing date, and how far in advance you book. Prices are generally lower for sailings further out and higher as the departure date approaches. The line offers a range of cabin sizes, from studio cabins (the smallest and least expensive) to larger suites with balconies and premium amenities.
You can book a cruise through Virgin Voyages' official website, by phone, or through a travel agent who works with the line. When you book, you will need to provide passenger names, contact information, and payment details. Virgin Voyages typically requires a deposit at booking and the balance due closer to your departure date — the exact timeline appears in your booking confirmation.
The line also offers payment plans that spread your total cost across multiple installments, which can make budgeting easier. You should review the cancellation policy before you book, as it determines how much money you can recover if you need to cancel or change your reservation.
Gratuities and onboard spending
Virgin Voyages does not automatically add gratuities (tips) to your bill the way most cruise lines do. Instead, you have the option to add gratuities when you book or to tip onboard using your cabin key card, which functions as your onboard account. This gives you flexibility to decide whether and how much to tip based on the service you receive.
Your cabin key card is linked to a shipboard account that you can use to pay for specialty dining, beverages, spa services, and other extras. You can pre-load funds onto this account before your cruise or add charges as you go. At the end of your cruise, you settle the account before disembarking.
Cabin types and what to expect onboard
Virgin Voyages offers several cabin categories. Studio cabins are compact, interior rooms designed for solo travelers or couples on a budget. Insider cabins are slightly larger interior staterooms. Oceanview cabins have a window or porthole. Balcony cabins include a private outdoor space. Suites are the largest accommodations and often include perks like priority dining reservations and exclusive lounge access.
All cabins feature modern design with a bed, bathroom, storage, and entertainment systems. The ships themselves emphasize a contemporary, nightlife-focused atmosphere with multiple bars, lounges, and entertainment venues. Daytime activities include fitness classes, trivia, live music, and deck games. Evening entertainment ranges from Broadway-style shows to DJ sets and comedy performances.
The adults-only policy means the atmosphere is geared toward guests without children, which appeals to travelers seeking a more relaxed or party-oriented cruise experience. If you are traveling with children, Virgin Voyages is not the right choice for your family.
Dining options across the fleet
The main dining room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily and is included in your fare. Casual venues like the buffet and poolside grills also come at no extra charge. These spaces offer a variety of cuisines and dietary options, including vegetarian and vegan selections.
Specialty restaurants require an additional per-person charge per visit. These include Rojo (Spanish tapas), Gunpowder Galley (premium burgers), and other themed venues that rotate or vary by ship. You can make reservations for specialty dining when you book or once onboard. If you plan to eat at specialty restaurants multiple times during your cruise, you may want to budget for those costs upfront.
Destinations and sailing schedules
Virgin Voyages currently sails from Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. From Miami, ships typically sail to the Caribbean, including ports like Bimini, Half Moon Cay, and Puerto Plata. From New York, sailings go to Bermuda and Canada (seasonally). From Los Angeles, the line offers sailings to Mexico and the Pacific coast.
Cruise lengths vary from three nights to longer voyages, depending on the itinerary and departure port. You can view current and upcoming sailing dates on Virgin Voyages' website, which also shows pricing for each departure. Booking windows and availability change frequently, so checking the website directly gives you the most current information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a passport for a Virgin Voyages cruise?
It depends on your itinerary. If your cruise visits only U.S. territories (like Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands), you may travel with a Real ID-compliant driver's license. If your cruise visits foreign countries like Mexico or the Bahamas, you will need a valid passport. Check your specific itinerary before booking to confirm what documents you need.
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?
Virgin Voyages does not allow passengers to bring outside alcohol onto the ship. However, you can purchase beverages onboard and charge them to your cabin account. The line offers a variety of drink packages if you want to budget your alcohol spending in advance.
What happens if I need to cancel my cruise?
Cancellation policies vary depending on when you cancel and how far in advance you booked. Generally, cancellations made far in advance result in smaller penalties, while cancellations close to departure may result in loss of your entire deposit or fare. Review the specific policy for your booking in your confirmation email or on the Virgin Voyages website.
Is travel insurance recommended for a Virgin Voyages cruise?
Travel insurance can protect you if you need to cancel due to illness, injury, or other emergencies. While not required, many travelers purchase it to cover their cruise investment. You can buy insurance through Virgin Voyages or through a third-party provider, though policies and coverage vary.
What is the dress code onboard Virgin Voyages?
Virgin Voyages has a relaxed dress code compared to traditional cruise lines. Most venues are casual during the day. Evening dining in the main restaurant typically calls for smart casual (no beachwear or athletic wear), but formal nights do not exist. Specialty restaurants may have their own dress codes, which are noted when you make reservations.