Sailing Virgin Voyages: A Guide for Your First Time

Pre and post cruise stays:

If you have a day or two ahead of your cruise out of Miami, I highly recommend staying in South Beach at Esme Hotel, 1 Hotel South Beach or The Betsy. They are close to the beach and a short distance from amazing shopping on Washington Avenue and Lincoln Road. If you want to stay close to port, The Intercontinental Miami is always a great option for sailors. Whatever you do, do not fly on the day of the cruise.

About Virgin Voyages:

Virgin Voyages is hot right now, and they are doing things a bit differently than the main-stream lines. When sailors are looking to book a cruise with Virgin Voyages, they will need to consider a few important options.

Where to stay:

Virgin has four cabin categories: Rockstar Suites, Sea Terrace, Sea View and Insider.

Rockstar Suites and Mega Rockstar Suites are the largest cabins onboard. With spacious bathrooms and sitting areas, a huge balcony, and plenty of extra Rockstar perks like customizable in-room bars, priority event seating, priority boarding and Richard’s Rooftop access. Rockstar Suites can fit up to 4 Sailors.

Sea Terrace, XL Sea Terrace, Central Sea Terrace and Limited View Sea Terrace can fit 1–4 Sailors and all have a balcony and a king bed that can be split to two twins. To fit four, there is an extra twin and a Pullman hideaway bed. The Limited View Sea Terrace will have a full or partial view of the lifeboats.

Sea View has a porthole window and can fit up to three sailors.

Insider, Solo Insider and Social Insider can fit 1–4 sailors. They are on the inside of the ship and do not have a window. The Social Insider is the only Insider room that can fit up to 4 with two lower beds and two pullman hideaways.

Where to eat and drink:

Almost everything is included in the cruise fare with Virgin. This means all 20+ eateries, including these amazing specialty options, are bookable on your VV app 45 days from sailing:

• The Wake: Steak and seafood

• Razzle Dazzle: Classic American comfort food

• Pink Agave: Upscale Mexican fare

• Gunbae: Lively Korean barbeque

• Extra Virgin: Fresh Italian cuisine

• The Test Kitchen: Chef-driven tasting menus

Places to eat and drink; Test Kitchen

You can also access room service “ship eats”, quick bites in The Galley, ice cream, pizza, sushi and more!

There are also plenty of options for drinks on board. You can find your favorites in spots like:

• On The Rocks: Sexy cocktail bar

• Sip: High tea and champagne lounge

• The Aquatic Club: Cheeky pool bar

• The Dock & Dock House: Mezze lounge and bar on Deck 7 aft. If you know, you know!

Important to know: VV does not have a drink package. Sailors can pre-pay "Bar Tab" ahead of their cruise and will get an extra bump on top from VV.

Example: pre-pay $300 and get $50. VV will deduct from your pre-paid bar tab when you buy drinks and specialty coffees and juices while on board.

Pro tip: It's always best to pre-pay. You don't get the extra bump if you purchase on board. You can bring two bottles of wine on board in your carry-on, if you want.

What to do:

There are many unique events and shows on board the Virgin ships. It is important to know that most Virgin Voyages shows, events and onboard offerings are only bookable once you are onboard and connected to the ship's wifi. This includes the dinner shows, fun events like the Grog Walk, spa appointments, group fitness and tattoos.

A few of the fan favorite things to do on board are:

• Scarlet Night: Starts as a show and ends with a pool party!

• Festival Stage Acts: Comedians, magicians and specialty artists to keep you entertained

• PJ Party: Dancing on the deck to a sweet 90s mix in your jammies — who wouldn’t want to do that?

• Private karaoke rooms: Like a dream come true — belt away, my friend!

• Shows: Immersive theater, creative circus performances, cabaret, dance shows and headline shows like Duel Reality and Persephone.

• Onboard Music and DJ’s: Virgin has the best playlists in the industry!

Onboard; Scarlet Night

What to bring:

Virgin has several themed parties that you should be prepared for. The PJ Party and Scarlet Night are two of the most well-known:

• PJ Party: Bring your favorite PJs because there is a theme party where everyone wears PJs and dances into the night.

• Scarlet Night: Pack your red outfit for this epic night packed with special performances, amazing music and a killer pool party.

• Also: Ensure you pack your travel documents, a reusable water bottle, liquid IV, walking shoes, a small pack for port days, sunscreen, pool necessities and medications you need while you are away.

After debarkation:

If you have time before your flight, I highly recommend the Miami Walking Food Tour of Little Havana through VV. It’s a wonderful way to get a feel and a taste for the culture and the delicious food. The tour guide will pick you up at the port on debarkation day and will bring you to the airport after the tour. Great for people with late flights out of Miami.

I would recommend Virgin Voyages for adults over 18 looking for a kid-free cruising option. Virgin in great for solo travelers, couples vacations, work retreats, group celebrations, retirement parties and 21st birthdays.

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