Why Virgin Voyages Might Be the Coolest Cruise You’ve Never Considered

Adults Only Cruising

One of the biggest things that sets Virgin Voyages apart is that the ships are strictly adults only, 18 and up.

That means:

• No kids clubs

• No water slides

• No crowded family buffets

Instead, the vibe is more like a stylish resort at sea. Rooftop lounges, poolside DJs, late-night parties, wellness classes, and quiet spaces to relax with a cocktail and ocean views. It is ideal for couples, honeymooners, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a fun atmosphere without the family cruise chaos.

Imagine a cruise that feels less like a traditional ship and more like a stylish resort at sea, where every detail is designed for adults who want fun, relaxation, and incredible food without the crowds or formalities. That is Virgin Voyages. From their sleek ships and thoughtfully designed cabins to private beaches and inventive dining, this is not your typical cruise experience, it is a completely new way to sail.

The Dining Experience

Most cruise lines have a giant buffet and a few specialty restaurants you have to pay extra for. Virgin flipped that model completely.

Instead of buffets, they have more than 20 restaurants and eateries, and every single one is included in your cruise fare.

Some favorites include:

• A Korean BBQ restaurant

• A modern Italian trattoria

• A steakhouse inspired by classic New York chophouses

• A test kitchen with a constantly changing menu

• A Mexican street-food style taqueria

Because everything is included, you can explore different restaurants every night without worrying about extra charges. It makes the whole experience feel much more like dining around a city than eating at the same cruise buffet every day.

The Bar Tab

Virgin Voyages does drinks differently. There is no traditional unlimited drink package. Instead, all sailors have a Bar Tab.

Here is how it works:

• You preload a certain amount of money for drinks before your cruise

• Virgin often adds bonus credit when you purchase in advance

• The credit can be used for cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffee, smoothies, or fresh juices

• The Bar Tab is shared per cabin, not per person

• *Qualified bookings with Allison Sheffieck Travel will also get complimentary Bar Tab add ons

Basic drinks like soda, coffee, tea, and water are already included in your cruise fare.

A Private Beach Club in the Bahamas

Many Caribbean itineraries stop at Virgin’s private beach club in Bimini, which is a highlight of the cruise.

Instead of a theme-park style island, Virgin created a stylish beach club experience with:

• A white sand beach

• Lagoon-style pools

• Hammocks and daybeds

• Live DJs and poolside music

• Complimentary island-inspired lunch

You can spend the day relaxing with a cocktail in a hammock or dancing at the pool party. Access to the Beach Club and its food is included in your cruise fare.

The Cabins

Virgin rethought cruise cabins to make them feel more like boutique hotel rooms than traditional cruise staterooms.

Most cabins feature:

• Smart mood lighting controlled from a tablet

• Rain showers

• Beds that convert into sofas during the day

• Private terraces with signature red hammocks

About 86 percent of cabins have balconies, which is much higher than many cruise ships.

Cabin Categories and Occupancy

Insider Cabins: Inside rooms with no windows, great value.

Sea View Cabins: Ocean-view rooms with large porthole windows.

Sea Terrace Cabins: The most popular category with private balcony and hammock.

RockStar Suites: Luxury suites with extra space, upgraded amenities, and VIP perks.

Cabins typically accommodate 1 to 4 guests depending on the category. Pull-down beds make extra space possible in balcony cabins, while suites can fit up to 4 people comfortably.

What Is Included

Virgin Voyages fare includes:

• All onboard restaurants

• Non-alcoholic beverages

• Wi-Fi

• Group fitness classes

• Tips and gratuities

• Entertainment and nightlife

• Access to the Beach Club
  

Unlike traditional cruise lines that charge separately for dining, Wi-Fi, and fitness, Virgin keeps it simple and inclusive.

Who Virgin Voyages Is Perfect For

Virgin Voyages is ideal for travelers who want a cruise that feels:

• Modern and stylish

• Social and fun

• Food-focused

• Adults-only

It is perfect for couples, honeymooners, groups of friends, travelers in their 20s to 40s, and anyone who has thought they “don’t like cruises.”

Thinking About Sailing with Virgin Voyages?

With incredible Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries, Virgin Voyages offers a completely different cruise experience. Whether you want a short Caribbean getaway or a longer European voyage, there is something to explore for everyone.

Booking through me costs you nothing extra, and as your travel advisor, I can help you select the perfect cabin and sailing. On qualified bookings, I can also add additional perks like onboard credits, special amenities, or private experiences to make your voyage even more memorable. That means you get my full planning expertise and added value without paying a dime more.

If you have been cruise-curious but hesitant to try one, Virgin Voyages may be the cruise line that changes your mind.

Where Does Virgin Voyages Sail From?

One of the things I love about Virgin Voyages is how easy their departure cities are, whether you want something close to home or a trip that turns into a full vacation before you even board.

In the U.S., most Caribbean sailings depart from:

• Port of Miami which is their main hub and the easiest option for quick getaways

• Brooklyn Cruise Terminal for seasonal sailings

• San Juan Cruise Port for more southern Caribbean itineraries

• Port of Los Angeles for select West Coast sailings

If you’re dreaming of Europe, Virgin has some incredible options that honestly feel like a two-in-one trip:

• Port of Barcelona for Mediterranean itineraries

• Port of Civitavecchia

• Port of Piraeus

• Portsmouth International Port and other seasonal European ports

What I always recommend is turning your cruise into a longer trip by arriving a couple days early. Cities like Barcelona or Athens are destinations on their own, so you can explore, adjust to the time change, and then start your cruise already relaxed.

For a lot of my clients, this is what makes Virgin Voyages so appealing. You are not just booking a cruise, you are building a full travel experience from the moment you land.

Now Sailing to Alaska!

This is one of the newest and most exciting additions for Virgin Voyages.

Starting in 2026, Virgin is launching their first-ever Alaska season, which is a huge shift from their typical warm-weather itineraries.

These sailings will depart from:

• Seattle

• Vancouver

From there, itineraries explore some of Alaska’s most iconic destinations, including glacier cruising and wildlife-filled coastal towns.

What makes this especially interesting is that you are getting the same Virgin experience, just in a completely different setting. Think dramatic scenery, fresh mountain air, and wildlife, paired with elevated dining, stylish design, and an adults-only atmosphere.

For clients who want to experience Alaska but are not drawn to traditional cruise lines, this is such a unique option!

Adventure Awaits!
Let's book that trip!

@allisonsheffieck

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