Virgin Voyages

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. 

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. 

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.

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.