All photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages
You’ve probably heard of an adults-only resort, but have you heard of adults-only cruise ships? Virgin Voyages, a hot new adults-only cruise line, is not like any other ocean cruise out there.
What’s different about Virgin Voyages, other than the obvious: you must be at least 18 to sail on one of these ships?
Virgin Ships & Itineraries
Virgin Voyages currently has just two ships in operation, with a third launching May 2023 and a fourth in December 2024. The ships are identical, as every Virgin ship will be. Virgin wants you to sail for the destinations, not for the individual ship amenities.
The Scarlet Lady does 4- and 5-night Caribbean sailings from Miami; the Valiant Lady does 6- through 8-night Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona.
Onboard, 80% of the cabins have balconies. There are a few inside cabins, a few oceanview cabins, and several suites. All balconies include a hammock. Cabins are versatile and colorful; bathrooms include a rain shower.
There are some solo cabins just for singles, so you don’t have to pay double the price if you’re a single traveler. And single travelers are common and welcome onboard the Virgin ships.
Virgin Voyage's private island
Each Caribbean cruise stops at the Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin’s private island, where your food, Wifi, activities, and gratuities are all included.
The island has a lagoon-style pool, hammocks, and bars, with quiet as well as active areas, which include DJ’s and pool parties.
What’s Included Onboard
Speaking of gratuities, they’re included in the cruise price! No additional add-on for gratuities.
WiFi, shows, group workouts, and non-alcoholic beverages are also included. Group workouts include yoga, meditation, cycling, and HIIT classes.
If you want to pre-pay for some alcoholic drinks, Virgin gives you the opportunity to do that.
All food onboard is included, and there are no buffets. That’s right: no specialty dining upcharges for restaurants; everything is included. There are a few specialty upcharged items on the menus, but there are so many amazing choices available, you never have to order something with an upcharge if you don’t want to.
Restaurants
Virgin Voyages has over 20 eateries onboard, with food prepared by Michelin-starred chefs. You’ll wish these restaurants were located somewhere on land after trying them at sea!
Some of the favorites are:
- The Wake: serves steak & seafood, plus brunch in the mornings
- Razzle Dazzle: vegetarian and vegan options—you won’t believe how good they are! Serves breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- Test Kitchen: a 6-course tasting experience. The menu gives you one ingredient from each course, but you have no idea how it’s going to be prepared! You have to trust the chef to delight your taste buds.
- Gunbae: fresh-cooked Korean BBQ
- Pink Agave: fresh Mexican
- Extra Virgin: Italian, with handmade pasta and homemade gelato for dessert
- The Dock and The Dock House: outside and inside versions of casual snacks and dining
- Lick Me Till…Ice Cream: delicious ice cream flavors
Dress code
You know how most cruises have a “dress code” for dinner, and one or two formal nights? Virgin ships have no enforced formalwear or dress codes for dinner. You can wear your shorts and a T-shirt, or you can decide to dress for dinner, and you’ll fit right in.
Afraid of leaving the kids at home? Over 60% of Virgin cruisers have kids at home, so you’ll be in great company! I love their current slogan: Instead of “Kids Sail Free,” like a lot of cruise ship companies offer, Virgin’s slogan is “Sail Kid Free.”
They often have some great booking promotions going on, so contact me for details and I’ll give you the best pricing out there!
Let me know if you’re interested in booking a Virgin Voyages cruise. They call it a “yacht-inspired boutique hotel at sea.” You won’t regret spending some time on board a Virgin cruise!
All photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages
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