Why Virgin Voyages is the Perfect Adults-Only Getaway

The joy of an adults-only cruise

One of the things that sets Virgin Voyages apart is its adults-only policy. The ship is strictly 18+, which means the entire experience is curated with grown-ups in mind. From upscale dining and creative cocktails to spa days and sultry evening shows, everything strikes the right balance between elevated and playful. We saw couples, friend groups, and multigenerational families with adult children all having a blast, basking in the joy of a vacation without screaming kids (we love them, we just sometimes want some adult time, too).

The restaurants? Way better than I expected.

I’ll be honest: I didn't go on this cruise for the food. But Virgin Voyages takes a “restaurants instead of dining halls” approach, and it really elevates the entire experience. From Italian classics at Extra Virgin to Mexican cuisine at Pink Agave, every meal felt like a night out. Even my vegetarian bestie found plenty of delicious dishes to rave about. Does it rival five-star restaurants in NYC or Miami? No. Is it on par with some of the best all-inclusives I’ve visited, like Unico 20°87° in Maya Riviera? Absolutely.

The cocktails deserve a big cheers

Yes, the food is great—but the drinks? Even better. Every bar on the ship has a creative menu, from botanical-infused cocktails to zero-proof creations that are just as thoughtful. I loved that Virgin doesn’t pressure you into buying an overpriced drink package. Instead, they offer a “bar tab” system, where you prepay what you want and spend it as you go. It’s a refreshing model that felt… well, grown up.

Scarlet Night: A floating party in red

One night of each Voyage, the ship transforms for Scarlet Night—and it’s not something you want to miss. Everyone wears red, the lighting changes, there are spontaneous performances all over the ship, and it ends with a massive dance party under the stars. We snagged a cozy seat at Sip, the ship’s champagne bar, and watched it all unfold with bubbly in hand. It was theatrical, glamorous, and just the right amount of wild.

The staff truly seem to love what they do

Every single staff member we met was upbeat and personable, and they all went out of their way to make sure we were having a great time. Whether they were pouring cocktails, hosting bingo, or just welcoming us back from a day at port, they brought genuine energy to every interaction. Virgin has a great reputation for how they treat their crew, and you can really feel it in the vibe on board.

Entertainment that’s actually… entertaining

From drag queen bingo (equal parts hilarious and fabulous) to an impressive acrobatic show, the entertainment on board was fresh and fun. Even our sea days flew by with a packed schedule of interactive performances, pop-up games, and live music. Even though we didn’t win big at bingo, we still had a great time.

The Wake: My favorite spot on the ship

Tucked away at the back of the ship, The Wake became my happy place. It’s a tapas bar with my favorite food onboard (trust me, order the shrimp). The views are spectacular—especially at sunset or when sailing away from port. Whether we were enjoying cocktails, gabbing over apps, or just curling up on a lounger with a good book, The Wake was my go-to for every mood.

Turks & Caicos and Bimini Beach

This itinerary featured a stop in Turks and Caicos, where we hopped on a boat for some crystal-clear water snorkeling and then strolled along the beach to a little restaurant for jerk chicken tacos that I’m still dreaming about. The next day was all about pure relaxation at Virgin’s Beach Club at Bimini, a private stretch of sand with daybeds, DJ sets, and plenty of spots to lounge with an Aperol spritz in hand. The island vibes were strong, and so was the sunburn, but it was well worth it.

Fitness and wellness (even if you just admire it from afar)

I meant to wake up for sunrise yoga. I even packed my yoga pants… but I never quite made it. Even so, we chatted with other guests who enjoyed classes like HIIT, spinning, bungee workouts, and more, all set in beautifully designed studios with ocean views. There’s also a full spa and thermal suite for when recovery is more your speed.

Free Wi-Fi

Virgin includes complimentary Wi-Fi, and it actually worked. I could check emails, post Instagram stories from the hammock, and stay connected without paying a dime. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference.

The hammock. Oh, the hammock.

Every balcony stateroom on Valiant Lady has a red handwoven hammock, and I am trying to figure out how I could install one on my back deck. I started every morning there, latte in hand, watching the waves roll by. It was peaceful, private, and pure joy. Honestly? That hammock may have been the best seat on the ship.

Virgin Voyages is a cruise line for people who think they don’t like cruises, or frequent cruisers who want to try something new. If you’re craving a quick Caribbean getaway with your partner, friends, or a solo recharge, I’d love to help you get on board. Bonus: Through our partnership with Virgin, I can add up to $400 in onboard credit to your booking. That means more margaritas, adventures, and spa treatments!

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