Virgin Voyages: What to Expect as a First-Timer

Virgin Voyages is not a typical cruise line. I say that as someone who holds their top advisor certification—Gold FirstMate—and has spent years following the brand. The reaction I get most often from first-timers after they return? "It's a unique experience, definitely different from most cruise lines." Almost always said with a huge smile.

Here's what you need to know before you sail.

Adults Only — Actually

Every Virgin Voyages ship is 18+, full stop. No exceptions, no supervised kids' clubs, no "family section" of the pool. This isn't just a marketing angle—it genuinely shapes the atmosphere onboard. The vibe is closer to a boutique hotel than a floating theme park. Quieter pools. Bar conversations that don't get cut short. Dinners without a soundtrack of arcade games two rooms over.

If you've ever been on a major cruise line and thought I wish it were a little more like a grown-up vacation, Virgin was designed for exactly that feeling.

No Buffets. Seriously.

There's no main buffet on Virgin Voyages ships. In its place: over 20 restaurant concepts per ship, all of which are included in your fare. From a Korean BBQ spot to a Japanese small plates bar to a late-night diner, every meal is a unique restaurant experience. You can absolutely eat casually—The Galley is their version of a food hall and it's excellent—but you're never standing in a fluorescent-lit room spooning lukewarm pasta onto a tray.

I always encourage clients to make their restaurant reservations before sailing. Reservations open at different times based on the fare you select. If you book with Trip Jig, we will always recommend the Essential or Premium tier fare. The best tables fill up fast and the earlier dining reservations window is well worth it.

Drinks, WiFi, and Specialty Dining — All Included

Virgin's base fare includes: all non-premium beverages (think unlimited soft drinks, water and coffee), basic WiFi, fitness classes, exciting entertainment put on by their diverse "Happenings Cast", and six specialty full service restaurants. This is a meaningful difference from most mainstream cruise lines where these things are sold as add-ons that can add hundreds of dollars to your total. With Virgin, what you pay is mostly what you pay—which makes budgeting genuinely easier.

No Formal Nights or "Dress Codes"

There's nothing on Virgin that resembles a dress code enforcement situation. The onboard vibe ranges from casual to fashionably dressed depending on the venue and the night. You can absolutely get dressed up—there are plenty of occasions to do it (Scarlet Night anyone?)—but you'll never feel out of place in a nice pair of jeans. You can even wear your sandals to your steakhouse dinner at The Wake!

The Clientele Is Younger and More Diverse

If prior cruise experiences have left you surrounded by the same narrow demographic, Virgin will feel refreshingly different. The ships skew toward the 30s–50s crowd, but the actual mix onboard is genuinely diverse across age, background, and identity. Virgin has been an openly LGBTQ+ welcoming brand since launch—not as a campaign, but as a core part of how they operate. My husband and I have made lifelong friends on board and they have "The Diva", a drag queen as a permanent member of the happenings cast on every ship!

Is It Right for You?

Virgin Voyages is a strong fit if you:

• Want a cruise that doesn't feel like a cruise
• Value good food and drink without constant upselling
• Prefer an adults-only environment with entertainment that fits any traveler
• Are curious about Caribbean or Mediterranean itineraries on a smaller ship
• Want an experience that's genuinely inclusive

It's probably not the right fit if you're traveling with kids, if you want a massive ship with a water park, or if you need that "unlimited" drinks plan.

As a Gold FirstMate, I can walk you through the ships, the current itineraries, and the cabin categories worth booking. If you're considering Virgin for the first time, let's talk—there's a lot to get right, and I love this part of my job.