The Wake on Virgin Voyages : Menu, Experience, and What to Order
If you’re sailing with Virgin Voyages, The Wake is one of the most talked‑about restaurants on the ship — and for good reason. It’s moody, romantic, and feels like a modern steakhouse with a splash of old‑school glamour. We’ve eaten here on multiple sailings (brunch and dinner), and each time we walked away with new favorites, a few surprises, and a clear list of what’s worth ordering.
This review covers everything you need to know before booking: the menu, the best dishes, what to skip, how hard it is to get a reservation, and whether The Wake truly lives up to the hype. Get the full scoop in my Virgin Voyages Restaurant Guide — every restaurant, menu highlights, and my honest reviews.
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⭐ Quick Take: The Wake on Virgin Voyages
Best for: Steak lovers, brunch fans, date‑night vibes
Don’t miss: The French toast, filet, shrimp cocktail, and Wake cocktail
Vibe: Upscale, moody, and perfect for photos
Cost: Included — no upcharge
Reservations: Required (book early in the app)
Our verdict: A must‑do for brunch, and a solid pick for dinner if you love steakhouse classics
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Why It’s Called “The Wake”
The name isn’t just clever branding—it’s literal. The Wake offers panoramic views of the ship’s wake as you dine, especially if you score a window seat. It’s one of the few spots onboard where you can enjoy a meal with a dramatic ocean backdrop, making it a go-to for romantic dinners and special occasions.
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🥂 The Wake Vibe: Moody, Romantic, and Perfect for Date Night
The Wake is one of the most beautifully designed restaurants on Virgin Voyages. Think dark wood, gold accents, sweeping staircase, and a view of the ship’s wake (hence the name). It feels elevated without being stuffy — very Virgin.
If you want a restaurant that feels like a night out, this is it. This is my husband and son’s favorite place to dine on Virgin Voyages.
Brunch or Dinner? Do Both.
Brunch at The Wake is a fan favorite, especially for those who love bottomless cocktails (yes, $35 gets you unlimited Bloody Marys or mimosas). I’ll be honest, I am not a big breakfast/brunch person. I have done the Brunch on Virgin Voyages, but skip it on most voyages.
Dinner is where The Wake truly shines in my world. Think:
Roasted bone marrow with toast points
New Zealand lamb chops
Hanger steak with rich sauces
Baked Alaska
The menu is a modern spin on traditional steakhouse fare, with seafood options and vegetarian-friendly sides that round out the experience.
On my most recent sailing, November 2025, I was able to get reservations for the Wake 2'x’s on our 6-day cruise. I planned to get my favorite meal and then on the 2nd night try something new. Well, that didn’t happen. I got almost the same thing both nights. So here is my favorite meal at the wake that I get cruise after cruise:
🥩 The Wake Dinner Review
Dinner at The Wake feels like a classic steakhouse with a modern twist.
What We Loved
Filet: Tender, flavorful, and consistently cooked well.
Clam Chowder: One of the better appetizers on the ship.
Wake Dessert: A must for chocolate lovers
What We’d Skip
Some sides are hit‑or‑miss depending on the sailing.
If you’re not a steak person, the dinner menu may feel limited.
Dinner Verdict:
A solid, elevated dinner — especially if you love steakhouse classics.
⏱️ Do You Need Reservations for The Wake?
Yes — and they go fast. Book as soon as dining opens in the Virgin Voyages app. Brunch is especially competitive.
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Full Review of Our Dinner
Parker House Rolls
All meals at the Wake start with Parker House rolls.
Parker House Rolls
Clam Chowder
I always start my meal with Clam Chowder. The bowl arrives dry, and they finish it with the cream in front of you. I love the presentation on this. Clam Chowder is a personal favorite on and off Virgin Voyages. I have tried to order something else, but I love it so much. I haven’t tried another appetizer on my 5 visits to The Wake.
Clam Chowder
Filet Mignon
I cruise often. I have never had a bad steak on Virgin Voyages. My Filet Mignon arrived at the perfect temperature and was delicious. I also have it with caramelized onion twice-baked potatoes. Everything looks amazing here, and I wish I could branch out, but this is one of my perfect meals, so I get the same thing every time.
Don’t skip the potatoes
The Wake Dessert
My goal for our final night was to make it to dessert. My husband and I ended up sharing this one. A decadent dark chocolate tart with silky ganache, paired with hazelnuts! It was the perfect finale for our amazing dining on Virgin Voyages.
💡 Tips for Eating at The Wake
Book brunch first — it’s the standout meal.
Ask for a window table if you want wake views.
Don’t skip the French toast (even if you “don’t like sweet breakfast”).
Dinner is best for steak lovers; brunch is best for everyone.
❤️ Would We Eat at The Wake Again?
Absolutely — especially for brunch. The Wake is one of the most consistent, elevated dining experiences on Virgin Voyages, and it’s perfect for a date night or a slow, indulgent sea‑day brunch.
❓ FAQ: The Wake on Virgin Voyages
Is The Wake included on Virgin Voyages? Yes — brunch and dinner are included with no upcharge.
Is The Wake good for brunch? It’s one of the most popular brunch spots on the ship and a must‑do.
Do you need reservations? Yes. Book early in the app.
What should you order? French toast, filet, shrimp cocktail, and the Wake cocktail.
Is The Wake good for groups? It’s better for couples or small groups — the vibe is more intimate.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sipping a Bloody Mary at brunch or slicing into a perfectly cooked steak at sunset, The Wake is a must-visit for anyone who loves luxury without the upcharge. It’s proof that Virgin Voyages knows how to blend style, substance, and sea views.
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⭐ About the Author — Lazy Girl Travel Smarter: Virgin Voyages Edition
Julie Davis is the creator of NoPointLeftBehind.net, a retiree‑friendly, cruise‑obsessed travel blog dedicated to helping everyday travelers unlock luxury experiences using points, strategy, and a little Lazy Girl magic. She’s sailed Virgin Voyages multiple times, eaten her way through every restaurant onboard, and believes The Wake’s staircase deserves its own award.
As a full‑time travel hacker, Julie has paid cash for exactly one flight since 2019 — everything else has been booked on points. She travels 12–15 times per year with her sons, her best friend, her parents (the blog’s unofficial mascots), and occasionally her husband Brandon. Her mission is simple: make smarter travel feel effortless, approachable, and fun — especially for retirees, beginners, and anyone who wants luxury without the luxury price tag.
When she’s not cruising, she’s building her Lazy Girl Travel Smarter series, sipping iced coffee, and teaching travelers how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable adventures.
