Virgin Voyages’ Sea Terrace cabins blend modern design, comfort, and outdoor living with the iconic red hammock overlooking the sea.

One of the things that stood out to me most about Virgin Voyages was how intentionally different the entire experience felt from traditional cruising. From the moment I stepped onboard Scarlet Lady, it was clear this wasn’t designed to be just another cruise vacation. The adults-only atmosphere creates a more relaxed, sophisticated environment, and the ship feels more like a boutique hotel at sea than a floating resort packed with crowds and constant announcements.

The private balcony hammock quickly becomes a favorite spot for reading, relaxing, and taking in the views between ports.

Dining was easily one of the highlights of the voyage. Instead of relying on buffets and large main dining rooms, Virgin Voyages offers a collection of unique restaurants that are included in the cruise fare. The quality, variety, and presentation of the food consistently exceeded my expectations. Travelers who enjoy trying different restaurants and experiencing food as part of their vacation will find tremendous value here.

Another aspect I appreciated was how much is included in the fare. Wi-Fi, gratuities, fitness classes, specialty dining, entertainment, and basic beverages are already covered, which creates a much more transparent vacation experience. Rather than constantly reaching for your wallet, you can focus on enjoying the ship, the destinations, and the overall experience.

The upper decks provide sweeping views of the ship, the sea, and the energetic atmosphere that makes Virgin Voyages unique.

I particularly recommend Virgin Voyages for couples, empty nesters, solo travelers, friend groups, and travelers who have cruised before and are looking for something more modern. Those who appreciate great food, stylish design, wellness, nightlife, and an adults-only atmosphere will likely find Virgin Voyages to be one of the most refreshing cruise experiences available today.

One of my biggest recommendations is to book dining reservations as early as possible, especially for popular venues and shorter sailings, where availability can fill quickly. I also recommend downloading and familiarizing yourself with the Virgin Voyages app before embarkation, as it plays an important role in managing reservations, activities, and onboard planning.

Travelers should keep an eye on promotions that include Sailor Loot and Bar Tab, as these can add significant value to the overall experience. While many cruise lines rely heavily on upselling once you're onboard, Virgin Voyages includes many amenities in the fare, making it easier to budget for your trip.

If you're considering your first Virgin Voyages sailing, I generally recommend approaching it with an open mind rather than comparing it to traditional cruise lines. Virgin has created a completely different experience that appeals to travelers looking for exceptional dining, a more relaxed atmosphere, modern entertainment, and an adults-only environment. Those are often the travelers who end up becoming the biggest fans of the brand.

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