CruisesCruise Line

Virgin Voyages

by Donna Heiderstadt

When Richard Branson — travel and lifestyle entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Atlantic Airlines, Virgin Hotels, Virgin Galactic, and more — said he was launching a cruise line, everyone knew to expect something different. And Virgin Voyages certainly is. The adults-only cruise line broke with tradition when 2,770-guest Scarlet Lady began its inaugural season in the Caribbean in October 2021 with onboard amenities that include a tattoo parlor and a resident drag queen but no main dining room or buffet restaurant. Guests are called Sailors and the cruise director has been replaced by a vivacious Happenings staff who are charged with making sure everyone has a great time. While the energy is youthful, a Virgin voyage is all about attitude rather than age.

The line’s second ship, Valiant Lady, debuted in spring 2022, while its third ship, Resilient Lady, was launched in summer 2023 in Greece and the Adriatic and then headed to Australia for the winter. The fleet’s fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, was delayed in late 2023 with its launch date still to be announced. Aboard these identical sister “Lady Ships” the vibe is unapologetically energetic as Virgin seeks to attract a new generation of cruisers while also offering an alternative for Gen Xers and Boomers looking for a something non-traditional. The formula: Modern luxury that’s accessible but also clubby in a beyond-the-velvet-rope kind of way.

Ships

Scarlet Lady

Valiant Lady

Resilient Lady

Brilliant Lady

What We Love

Innovative Design: Virgin’s ships, with their sculpted silver-gray hulls and sleek silhouettes, look like billionaires’ super yachts on steroids. Interiors, meanwhile, embrace moody modernity with distinctive décor and late-night lounge lighting, while the top suites show off the talents of renowned British interior designer Tom Dixon. Plus, what’s not to love about the hand-woven hammocks on the cabin and suite terraces?

Restaurants with Global Influences: Virgin calls its culinary contributors “a Michelin-starred chef collective” and foodies onboard will find 20-plus eateries offering not only staples such as steaks and Italian and Mexican cuisine, but also innovations like Korean barbeque, veggie-forward dining, and classic carnival eats. Don’t miss a dinner at Test Kitchen, where the food is as delicious as it is innovative.

Entertainment That Thinks Outside the Box: Referred to as “Events & Gigs,” Virgin’s unorthodox onboard entertainment ranges from energetic, acrobatic productions in the Red Room to hilarious drag-queen-hosted “game shows” like the Miss Behave Show and Bingo with the Diva. Those seeking a less edgy evening at sea can take a seat in one of the lounges and enjoy music by an array of guest musicians, from solo indie artists to rock cover bands.

Best Known For

A Glam, Rockstar Vibe: Branson, who first made his fortune in the music industry, brings more than a touch of rebellious excess to all his endeavors and Scarlet Lady’s accommodations and public spaces definitely have a London-meets-West-Hollywood decadence. The top suites are even referred to as Rockstar Quarters. Guests will also find a record (as in vinyl) shop and the first tattoo studio at sea.

Signature Bold Colors: Expect a splash of scarlet – Virgin’s signature color – or two or three or, okay, a lot, around the pool, in the hallways, and in the cabins. But with the flip of a switch, you can also opt for mood-matching in-cabin lighting to help induce calm or excite passion.

Who It's Good For

Millennials, Gen Xers, & Young-at-Heart Types: A Virgin Voyages cruise is a high-energy experience that’s as much about onboard fun as it is about the ports of call. You’ll find guests of all ages — but it helps to have a youthful spirit.

Friends Seeking to Celebrate: With flexible cabins and suites able to accommodate one, two, three, or four guests, Virgin’s ships are ideal for friend-cations, birthday celebrations, or bachelor/bachelorette parties.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Cabins are Non-Traditional: The beds in most cabins, when in a twin configuration, are set at a 90-degree angle rather than being parallel. Bathrooms are a bit tight space-wise (there’s very little storage, too), but the showers are dreamy. Meanwhile, guests able to afford top-tier Mega Rockstar Quarters can enjoy an outdoor Peak-a-View shower.

Richard’s Rooftop is VIP Only: You’ll have to splurge on a Rockstar Quarters for access to the exclusive hot tubs and cocktail hours, featuring unlimited pours of Champagne on the Richard’s Rooftop sundeck.