Virgin Voyages is the "Adults Only" ocean cruise line that you may, or may not, have heard much about. If you have, you may have seen some marketing that mentions "Sail the Virgin Way." I have to admit...the hype really is worth it. It's a really fun, and relaxing, cruise vacation whether you do a short getaway or a longer voyage. Virgin does it a little differently than the others...and that's not a bad thing!
Not traveling with your kids onboard (or anyone else's kids onboard) was really a game changer. It truly made the whole experience feel different...more relaxed, less rushed to get here or there, no meeting the demands of the kids, no long buffet lines or running for pizza. Well, you could run for the pizza if you'd like (It's some of the BEST at sea), but it will be because YOU want it not because your kids are demanding it.
Not traveling with your kids onboard (or anyone else's kids onboard) was really a game changer. It truly made the whole experience feel different...more relaxed, less rushed to get here or there, no meeting the demands of the kids, no long buffet lines or running for pizza. Well, you could run for the pizza if you'd like (It's some of the BEST at sea), but it will be because YOU want it not because your kids are demanding it.
Okay, can we stop for a moment and talk about the complimentary bubbly for sail away?!
I've never seen a cruise line walking around the pool decks with trays of champagne for the taking to celebrate the start of a vacation before. If anyone was celebrating the start to my vacation, it was "me" purchasing the cocktail to signal the start to sailing away from everyday life for a few days. It certainly was not the crew walking around with trays saying, "Champagne? Please take one, and get ready to celebrate the start of your vacation!"
Nice touch, Virgin Voyages...nice touch.
I've never seen a cruise line walking around the pool decks with trays of champagne for the taking to celebrate the start of a vacation before. If anyone was celebrating the start to my vacation, it was "me" purchasing the cocktail to signal the start to sailing away from everyday life for a few days. It certainly was not the crew walking around with trays saying, "Champagne? Please take one, and get ready to celebrate the start of your vacation!"
Nice touch, Virgin Voyages...nice touch.
Let's talk about the overall vibe of our Virgin Voyages cruise.
Yes, you hear what ALL is included with the price of a Virgin Voyages cruise...sodas, essential beverages, ALL dining (which are specialty level dining experiences), no buffets, all entertainment, basic Wi-Fi, fitness classes (including the forever popular bungee class and 80's workout class...both of which are good for lots of laughs, but that also counts towards your workout, right?), deck parties and more, but what I found to be the most enjoyable was how relaxed everyone was from the crew to the guests. This continued throughout the whole sailing. Everyone was friendly, looked up and spoke to new people in the hallways, elevators and at dinner. We made new friends that we walked around in Puerto Plata with and fun dinner friends we ran into again later on (lots of laughs with those two).
After we returned home I kept thinking about what was it "exactly" that made it feel soo different...more relaxed (because we all know a cruise in general is a good time). Then, it finally occurred to me what it was. It's the fact that when you remove the distraction of focusing on moving "your family" from point A to point B...the game really does change. You look up and notice others that are around you and speak...as in have a real conversation. You aren't soo focused on your kids trying to get them to the pool, youth areas, to feed them... whatever it may be. That might sound like a small thing, but in the overarching grand scheme, it really had a big impact on the whole cruise overall.
Let's talk about what "Sail the Virgin Way" really means.
Who is Virgin Voyages Good For:
Personally, I think it's a great option for everyone, but here's a good breakdown list.
KICKOFF TO SUMMER SALE!
Free Balcony + Up to $300 Credit from Iconic Gateways
*LA, NYC, Miami & Seattle
+ You can stack this offer with 70% Off 2nd Sailor, but HURRY because it Sails Away June 18th!
Up to $400 Onboard CreditShout it from the rooftops: until June 30th, Sailors get up to an extra $400 onboard credit on Mediterranean itineraries in 2026 (and most 2027 voyages).
Stack this credit with 70% off your 2nd Sailor and a free balcony upgrade that gives you a Sea Terrace cabin for the price of a Sea View. Book today before this onboard credit sails away!
Free balcony upgrades are back!
Wake up to better views — and a better deal. Book your voyage and you'll enjoy a free balcony upgrade and 70% off your 2nd Sailor. That's a reason to say yes, and a reason to reach out today.
WEST COAST RESIDENT RATES
Up to 15% off in Extra Savings
Do you live in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, or California? If so, you're eligible for up to an extra 15% off your voyage fare on select voyages.
NORTHEAST RESIDENT RATES
Up to 15% off in extra savings
Our Northeast Resident Rate offers a limited-time discount to Sailors from NY, NJ, and CT: up to 15% off in extra savings (on top of any currently running offers). Jump on our newest lady ship, Brilliant Lady and plan a winter Caribbean voyage from Miami or San Juan.
SOLO SAVINGS
Solo Sailors Save
If you're a solo Sailor, now’s your chance to save on solo cabins. With our exclusive offers for solo Sailors, you can enjoy extra savings on your voyage fare when you choose Virgin Voyages for your solo journey.
BOOK EARLY, SAVE MORE
Pay in full and save 10%It always pays to plan ahead – literally. Our Pay in Full promotion is now evergreen, so when you book at least 365 days in advance of your voyage, and pay in full, you can look forward to an additional 10% off your voyage fare. That means more money for Bar Tab, Shore Things, and spa days. Not to mention the pre-voyage peace of mind of knowing that your epic vacation is all set and ready to go.
Yes, you hear what ALL is included with the price of a Virgin Voyages cruise...sodas, essential beverages, ALL dining (which are specialty level dining experiences), no buffets, all entertainment, basic Wi-Fi, fitness classes (including the forever popular bungee class and 80's workout class...both of which are good for lots of laughs, but that also counts towards your workout, right?), deck parties and more, but what I found to be the most enjoyable was how relaxed everyone was from the crew to the guests. This continued throughout the whole sailing. Everyone was friendly, looked up and spoke to new people in the hallways, elevators and at dinner. We made new friends that we walked around in Puerto Plata with and fun dinner friends we ran into again later on (lots of laughs with those two).
After we returned home I kept thinking about what was it "exactly" that made it feel soo different...more relaxed (because we all know a cruise in general is a good time). Then, it finally occurred to me what it was. It's the fact that when you remove the distraction of focusing on moving "your family" from point A to point B...the game really does change. You look up and notice others that are around you and speak...as in have a real conversation. You aren't soo focused on your kids trying to get them to the pool, youth areas, to feed them... whatever it may be. That might sound like a small thing, but in the overarching grand scheme, it really had a big impact on the whole cruise overall.
Let's talk about what "Sail the Virgin Way" really means.
- Was it wild and crazy...NO.
- Do you have to participate in all the parties and entertainment if you don't want to...NO.
- It also means NO photographers wanting to snap your picture all the time.
- NO ship-wide announcements...unless there is an emergency like medical situation etc.
- Take a walk on the jogging track or grab one of the empty Jacuzzis on the athletic deck at night and watch the stars in the night sky while listening the sound of the waves off the side of the ship. Then go to bed if that is what you'd like to do. It's YOUR voyage. Do as you'd like.
- The bottom line-do whatever you would like to do, but just remember the ice cream/gelato shop closes by 10 PM SHARP, so get it before then because they will NOT bend the rules!
- Get a Sea Terrace room because that red hammock swing is not to be missed out on. Great ocean views, and a great spot to nap.
- The Band - NO Ship Cards here to keep up with. You are given The Band at check-in, which is a smart RFID wearable bracelet (Don't worry, it's adjustable.) that you wear throughout your cruise, and this unlocks your room door, tap to charge for purchases made onboard, tap to use your Bar Tab credit and tap when getting on/off the ship in ports of call. It was super comfortable, waterproof, and I never took it off the whole cruise.
- Some of the BEST food at sea with every brunch and dinner happening in a separate smaller, specialty-type restaurant that you will pay extra for on any other line.
- The Galley (casual dining option...think your lido deck buffet restaurant only not a buffet) has 24hr breakfast, all made fresh to order food options, sodas, beer & wine etc on tap and an always fresh made-to-order salad station...score!
- Very relaxed vibe across the whole ship, which made for a great opportunity to relax and recharge before returning back to daily life.
- YOU get to be the kid again...eat the hot dogs and wings, sweets and gelato or the sushi bento boxes, poke bowls, Mediterranean options on the back deck...and whatever else you desire. Honestly, there are soo many options we couldn't get to them all.
- Play the complimentary vintage arcade games we grew up with, play shuffleboard on the sanded tables, sing karaoke with your friends and dance the night away in The Manor or at the PJ Party and Scarlet Night on the pool deck. Do whatever it is that YOU want to do!
- The rooms and the rainfall shower head (I wanted to take it home with me) were really great. We had plenty of room to move around, store our bags etc. I really like how the ambient lighting turns on and the curtains open for you when you enter the room. It's the little things, you know...all in the details.
- Basic Wi-Fi is included, so you can check in with family at home via text and email...and let everyone back home know how much fun you're having. (Sorry...not sorry!)
- Virgin's Bar Tab program was SUPER EASY to use. Add Bar Tab to your reservation/profile before you sail, and use it however you want. Want to buy a round of drinks for your new friends...sure, go ahead and tap your Band to use your Bar Tab credit. All cruise lines should move to this way of doing things.
- Nightly Entertainment - I've not seen anything quite like the entertainment that Virgin offers. There's a good variety from comedy, a variety show in The Manor, headliner stage musicals and acrobatics similar to Cirque du Soleil style. It was all high energy, so you can't help but keep watching. Haha!
- Scarlet Night - No formal nights here, but Scarlet Night is the one evening you dress in red, the ship lights up red all around, hear the legend of the sea, enjoy various entertainment happening around the ship (magicians, jugglers, karaoke singing happening in The Social Club) all before the big deck party starts by the pool later in the evening complete with DJ, dancing and more fun. It's a late night (if you want to participate), but it's okay because you don't have to worry about picking the kids up from the youth area by any certain time here!
- Amazing itineraries - some of the best combinations of Caribbean islands all in one itinerary. I've never seen such a good lineup of islands all in one sailing with other cruise lines. You would have to do multiple trips to cover some of the options that Virgin offers in one trip.
- Virgin Voyages tends to stay later in certain ports of call or overnight in some European ports of call giving you plenty of time to really explore and experience various locations.
- Yes, there is a Drag Queen onboard each of Virgin's four ships, and she was fantastic! However, if that's not your thing, then just don't attend those shows. It's really that easy.
Who is Virgin Voyages Good For:
Personally, I think it's a great option for everyone, but here's a good breakdown list.
- Couples getaway - "Parents Weekend/Week Off"
- Girls Trip - Annual solo girls trip or Bachelorette trip
- Guys Getaway or Bachelor Trip
- Mother-Daughter trip
- Multi-Generation trip (Kids must be 18yrs+ to sail with Virgin Voyages)
- Celebration Trip - Graduation, Milestone Celebration or just because you want to
KICKOFF TO SUMMER SALE!
Free Balcony + Up to $300 Credit from Iconic Gateways
*LA, NYC, Miami & Seattle
+ You can stack this offer with 70% Off 2nd Sailor, but HURRY because it Sails Away June 18th!
Up to $400 Onboard CreditShout it from the rooftops: until June 30th, Sailors get up to an extra $400 onboard credit on Mediterranean itineraries in 2026 (and most 2027 voyages).
Stack this credit with 70% off your 2nd Sailor and a free balcony upgrade that gives you a Sea Terrace cabin for the price of a Sea View. Book today before this onboard credit sails away!
Free balcony upgrades are back!
Wake up to better views — and a better deal. Book your voyage and you'll enjoy a free balcony upgrade and 70% off your 2nd Sailor. That's a reason to say yes, and a reason to reach out today.
- *Sea Terrace availability is limited on these sailings, so the sooner you book, the better.
WEST COAST RESIDENT RATES
Up to 15% off in Extra Savings
Do you live in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, or California? If so, you're eligible for up to an extra 15% off your voyage fare on select voyages.
NORTHEAST RESIDENT RATES
Up to 15% off in extra savings
Our Northeast Resident Rate offers a limited-time discount to Sailors from NY, NJ, and CT: up to 15% off in extra savings (on top of any currently running offers). Jump on our newest lady ship, Brilliant Lady and plan a winter Caribbean voyage from Miami or San Juan.
SOLO SAVINGS
Solo Sailors Save
If you're a solo Sailor, now’s your chance to save on solo cabins. With our exclusive offers for solo Sailors, you can enjoy extra savings on your voyage fare when you choose Virgin Voyages for your solo journey.
BOOK EARLY, SAVE MORE
Pay in full and save 10%It always pays to plan ahead – literally. Our Pay in Full promotion is now evergreen, so when you book at least 365 days in advance of your voyage, and pay in full, you can look forward to an additional 10% off your voyage fare. That means more money for Bar Tab, Shore Things, and spa days. Not to mention the pre-voyage peace of mind of knowing that your epic vacation is all set and ready to go.
