Halloween at Sea: Virgin Voyages Style

Halloween: Virgin style

Halloween on land is fun, but Halloween at sea aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady, is absolutely electric!

My husband and I set sail from Miami on this five-night Halloween cruise, ready for an adults-only getaway. From the moment you step onboard, it’s clear Virgin Voyages isn’t your typical cruise line. First-time and long-time cruisers were all in awe. It’s bold, a little rebellious, and knows exactly how to turn a vacation into an experience you’ll be telling stories about for years.

Virgin Voyages doesn’t just sprinkle a little Halloween décor around—Valiant Lady is transformed into a full-blown floating costume party. Guest adorned costumes throughout the cruise, and there were contests for best DIY, group, and over-the-top looks.

There was free-flowing Halloween candy and treats at the candy counter all day, bartenders crafting spooky-themed cocktails, and we found magicians, comedians, and musicians popping up everywhere to keep the energy high. Everywhere you turn, there’s another quirky surprise waiting—because on Virgin, the unexpected is part of the fun.

The main event, Scarlet (Fright) Night, kicked off around 9 pm, with the Happenings Cast setting the tone for an immersive evening. The ship came alive with pop-up performances, acrobatics, and live music that led right into the pool-deck party! Picture hundreds of sailors dancing in and around the pool under red lights in a sea of costumes and red! This party is iconic for a reason, going late into the night with a DJ-fueled after-party. The only rule is: wear red, dance late, and embrace the spooky-glam chaos.

Entertainment that pushes the envelope

Valiant Lady’s entertainment is edgy, cheeky, and unlike anything you’ll find on a mainstream cruise. We went from an interactive dance party to an acrobatic dance duel, to drag queen-hosted trivia and shows, to the most hilarious, nerdy stand-up comedians.

The pajama party on the first night really sets the tone, and Scarlet Night cannot be missed, with live music everywhere, late-night dancing, and performances around the ship. There’s always something going on. It’s the kind of scene where no one is a stranger and you are making friends everywhere.

The Sea Terrace

Our Sea Terrace cabin was the perfect mix of sleek tech and cozy retreat. A tablet controlled everything, including lights, curtains, room service, and daily schedules, all without getting out of bed. We loved the customizable lighting (there’s even a “purple haze” mood lighting that felt right for setting the Halloween vibe). The bathroom was roomy with a fantastic shower, and the storage was so well-designed that our suitcases slid right under the bed.

But the real star? The hammock on our terrace. It became my spot—morning coffee in the breeze, or late at night curled up with the throw blanket watching the moonlight dance on the water. That hammock, blanket, and ocean sounds were pure bliss.

A foodie’s paradise with zero buffets

One of my favorite parts of sailing with Virgin is that every restaurant is included, with no stuffy dining rooms, and no buffets. The specialty restaurants are mouthwatering with fantastic menus. The Galley has so many different food stations, and it’s all made-to-order! Don’t worry though, if you’re in a hurry, they have amazing grab-and-go items prepared daily.

Some of my favorites:

• Razzle Dazzle for inventive vegetarian dishes and a killer brunch menu.

• The Dock for Mediterranean bites and a sun-soaked lounge where time just slows down.

• Lick Me Till Ice Cream, the cheeky name alone makes you smile, but the small-batch ice cream is seriously good.

• The Social Club with their candy counter, hot pretzels, and popcorn, because we are all adults here, and we can eat dessert before dinner whenever we want!

The drinks were impressive, too! We tried lots of cocktails and mocktails and many of their bars, beer at The Draught House, and specialty coffees from The Grounds Club.

And yes, the Shake For Champagne with your phone is totally worth it to have that VIP moment where a bottle of Moët is hand-delivered to you anywhere onboard. It never gets old!

Ports & play

The private Beach Club at Bimini was every bit the luxury beach escape you could imagine, with palm-fringed pools, turquoise waters, private cabanas you can rent, DJs, and an amazing Caribbean-style lunch.

In Cozumel, we skipped the crowded spots and booked a Shore Thing that took us to a remote beach and lighthouse, soaking in the quiet beauty of the coast.

Why this cruise felt different

Virgin Voyages doesn’t just remove the kids—it removes the rules you didn’t know were holding you back. The vibe is relaxed yet elevated, the design is modern and unapologetically bold, and the experiences feel like they’re made for travelers who want a little more spark in their vacations. It’s luxury without being uptight, fun without being chaotic, and just edgy enough to keep you wondering what’s next.

If you want a cruise where you can lounge in a hammock one minute, dance in costume under the stars the next, and eat your way through incredible dining spots without the added bill at the end, this Halloween sailing on Valiant Lady delivers.

This was such a fun trip, whether or not you experience their standard itineraries or their Halloween itinerary! It’s definitely a different-style cruise experience—Virgin Voyages really leans in to their edgy vibe that stands out among the rest of the cruise industry.

There is something for everyone on their ships, whether you like to party all night, prefer to lounge peacefully with a drink while reading a good book, or you’re a foodie who wants to try every restaurant onboard. This is the perfect cruise for honeymooners, couples, friends, and group trips, really anyone looking to take to the sea.

Virgin always includes...

• All 20+ eateries

• Essential drinks: soda, tea, drip coffee, and more

• Wi-Fi

• Gratuities

• Group workouts

• Shows and entertainment

Pro tip

Purchase your bar tab prior to your cruise for additional savings. If you or someone in your group doesn’t drink alcohol, you will love the extensive options of beer, wine, and mocktails offered everywhere onboard. Every bar and restaurant has an alcohol-free section on their menu. The mocktails and beer were delicious.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruise page.