Virgin Voyages Tips for First-Time Cruisers
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Virgin Voyages isn’t your typical cruise line — and that’s exactly why it has quickly become one of my favorites. If you’re sailing with Virgin for the first time, here’s what to expect (and how to make the most of it).
If you want to see how I save big on my Virgin Voyages trips, check out Save on Resilient Lady Virgin Voyages.
1. It’s Adults‑Only — and That Changes Everything
No kids. No splash zones. No character breakfasts. Virgin Voyages is 18+ and designed for grown‑up fun — think elevated dining, late‑night shows, and a wellness‑meets‑party vibe.
Pro tip: If you're used to family cruising, this will feel like a boutique hotel at sea.
2. No Buffets, No Main Dining Room — Just 20+ Included Eateries
Virgin ditches the traditional cruise dining model. Instead, you’ll find 20+ included restaurants — from Korean BBQ to vegetarian tasting menus. Instead of a buffet, they have The Galley, which feels like a food‑hall with ramen, sushi, salads, sandwiches, and more. And yes… it’s all actually delicious.
Don’t miss:
Travel hack: Book dining reservations in the app as soon as they open (usually 45 days before sailing).
Want the full breakdown? Read my Virgin Voyages Restaurants Guide.
3. Entertainment Is Edgy, Immersive, and Sometimes Wild
Forget Broadway‑style revues. Virgin’s shows are immersive, cheeky, and often interactive. Think drag brunches, acrobatics, and dance parties that start at midnight.
First‑timer tip: Don’t skip Duel Reality — it’s Romeo & Juliet meets Cirque du Soleil.
4. No Drink Package — But There Is a Bar Tab Hack
Virgin doesn’t do traditional drink packages. Instead, you prepay a Bar Tab. If you load $300, they’ll give you a $50 bonus. Drinks are reasonably priced, and you can add your Bar Tab up to 48 hours before departure.
Not sure how much to buy? Here’s my full review → Virgin Voyages Drink Package Bar Tab
Credit card tip: This is a great place to use cards that earn bonus points on dining and travel.
5. The Cabins Are Smart — and Surprisingly Fun
Your Sea Terrace cabin comes with a hammock on the balcony and a tablet that controls lights, curtains, and mood settings. The hammock quickly became my favorite place to hang out — perfect for a nap or reading with ocean views.
First‑timer tip: Use Zen Mode at night for ambient lighting and white noise.
6. Embrace the Wellness Vibe
From sunrise yoga to the Redemption Spa’s thermal suite, Virgin leans into wellness. There’s even a tattoo studio onboard.
I booked a specialty massage that included a 3‑hour pass to the thermal spa. I stayed the entire time — highly recommend.
Hack it: Book spa treatments on port days for discounts.
Check out my Redemption Spa review
7. Download the Virgin Voyages App Before You Board
The app is your key to everything: boarding pass, restaurant reservations, show tickets, and messaging.
Pro tip: If you didn’t get the dining reservations you wanted, jump on the Wi‑Fi as soon as you board. New reservations usually appear. I’ve done this and got everything we wanted.
8. Don’t Miss Scarlet Night
This is Virgin’s signature party night — everyone wears red, the ship transforms, and the pool becomes a dance floor.
First‑timer tip: Pack something red and be ready to stay up late.
9. What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)
Virgin is casual‑chic. No formal nights, no dress codes. But you’ll want:
Red outfit for Scarlet Night
Workout gear for fitness classes
Swimsuits and cover‑ups
Portable charger
Refillable water bottle
My Cruise Essentials:
I pack magnetic hooks, a portable fan, packing cubes, motion sickness bands, and a refillable water bottle for every cruise. These make a huge difference.
You’ve got your cruise booked — now it’s time to pack like a pro. I rounded up my favorite real‑woman swimwear picks for 2026 that actually fit, flatter, and feel amazing from pool deck to port day. Think resort‑ready styles, bold colors, and pieces that make you feel confident on every Virgin Voyage.
👉 Read the full guide: Best Cruise Swimwear for Real Women 2026
Final Thoughts
Virgin Voyages is perfect for travelers who love boutique hotels, foodie experiences, and a little edge with their ocean views. I’ve traveled with my husband, son, sister, and friends on Virgin Voyages — and every single one of us agreed it was amazing.
Want to learn more about Virgin Voyages? Visit my First Mates link and check out my Virgin Voyages Cruise Guide.
More Cruise Tips & Travel Hacks
About the Author
Julie Davis is the creator of No Point Left Behind, where she helps travelers stretch their dollars (and points!) without sacrificing the fun. She’s an Amazon Influencer, travel‑hacking strategist, and cruise‑loving mom who has sailed Virgin Voyages with her husband, son, sister, and friends — and still can’t pick a favorite restaurant onboard.
Julie specializes in real‑life, approachable travel tips that make cruising easier, smarter, and more affordable. Whether she’s breaking down dining on Virgin Voyages, stacking deals for a last‑minute getaway, or sharing the exact strategies her family uses to travel for less, her goal is simple: Travel smarter. Spend less. Make every trip count.
