THE WORD-ON-THE-SEA

Real stories from Real Sailors.

Pick up where you left off…

Your vacation awaits — don’t let these voyages sail away.

Have you ever wondered,

is this cruise for me?

Of course it is, and we’ll tell you why. No matter how you like to vacation — there’s something for everyone aboard our lady ships.

From questions from prospective Sailors (with answers from real Sailors!) to behind-the-scenes videos and in-depth reviews, we're letting our Sailors who know us best show you what it's like aboard our lady ships. On top of that, we're excited (and extremely grateful) to share some recent awards from publications, critics, and experts who know travel best.

You asked. Our Sailors answered.

From luxurious inclusions to the best ways to relax on board, see what our Sailors have to say about sailing aboard our exclusively adult voyages.

"My husband and I would choose a Cruise with Virgin every single time."

Everything they include means you aren't constantly reaching into your pocket or worried about your bill at the end. Compared to hotels right now, cruising is the best value.

Lesley C.
49, Florida

"Cruising for sure."

You get to go to exciting places and take your hotel with you, and with Virgin, you get to do it in style. Their private beach club is so cool. I have been spoiled by them forever.

Jacob B.
53, Virginia

"It's a no brainer for my wife and I."

Virgin offers such an incredible vacation and incredible value. The vibe is unmatched. Sitting in the hammock looking out over the ocean as the world sails by is everything. We bought one for our home to create our slice of Virgin Voyages on our patio.

Colton J.
Texas, 36

"No competition!!! Go Virgin."

Tasty food. Check. Top-notch entertainment. Check. Wifi. Check. Gratuities. Check. Exercise classes. Check. Drinks. Check. Friendly service. Check. WE LOVED IT.

Jimmy A.
44, North Carolina

Real Sailors. And real videos to tell their stories.

Your vacation time is precious, so it’s only natural you’d want to see what it’s all about before you book. Take a peek at some Sailor-made videos, sorted by traveler type, to give you an even better idea what it’s like on board.

Show stories from:

Golden views with the most 5-star cruise reviews

With the most 5-star reviews on Tripadvisor, check out what Sailors are loving about sailing aboard our lady ships.

What an amazing cruise concept!

"We loved the ship and everything about it. We tried all the restaurants and it is difficult to select one as a favorite - as all had exciting menus and sooooo good food - freshly made of high-quality ingredients."

Virgin delivers cruising as only Virgin can

"This cruise was literally the best vacation we ever went on. Our cabin was spacious and the crew was amazing. The shows were unique and entertaining. The drinks were delicious and it was awesome every bar had different main cocktails so you could try new things. I highly recommend it!"

What a great time!

"This was my first cruise, and what an amazing time it was! The crew was amazing. The food was amazing! I love the places scattered around the ship to eat. Especially The Galley. Great vibe onboard. You can do as much or as little as you want to."

10/10 would recommend

"Overall everything was an amazing experience; the staff always made sure we were good and super helpful. I would recommend anyone to this cruise line over any other one. I think that you are definitely getting your money’s worth in value, in every aspect of the meaning."

Recent awards and recognition we've been so grateful to receive

Whether it's being celebrated for our Michelin star chef-curated menus or being coined one of the best new cruise lines, lately we've been overwhelmed and humbled by the love we've received from critics and publications around the world.

Condé Nast Traveler - 2022 Readers’ Choice Award

Ranked No. 2 for large ships in the Best Cruise Lines in the World

Travel + Leisure - 2022 World’s Best Award

No. 2 for best mega-ship ocean cruise line

US News & World Report - 2022 Best Cruise Lines Ranking

Virgin Voyages awarded a Gold Badge - Best Cruise Lines for the Money

Cruise Critic US - 2022 Editors’ Picks Awards

Best Dining

Cruise Critic US - 2022 Editors’ Picks Awards

Best Nightlife

Lori A. May, Insider

"I knew I was a fan"

"My first Virgin Voyages cruise impressed me so much, I decided on day one to stay onboard for back-to-back sailings."

Read it on Insider

An adults only playground bringing cruising back in a big way — Megan Ryte on Good Morning America

WATCH THE GMA STORY

What is the age mix onboard?

No matter your age, or how you like to unwind, our exclusive adult ships — and all the places we go — suit Sailors of every age (unless you’re under 18, of course). But don’t take it from us, let our Sailors from all ages tell you about their experiences:

“It’s a really mixed group of ages. I saw all shapes, sizes and ages. There was everything from 20s to 80s. What I was really impressed with is how everybody was thoroughly enjoying themselves.”
Debbie H.
60, New Jersey

“The thing I love about Virgin is how no matter who you are, you’re going to love it. Richard’s Branson had his 72nd birthday onboard. I saw a family celebrating a 21st.”
Lance B.
43, Florida

“I was onboard for my 20th anniversary and felt completely relaxed and welcome. Age is just a number has never been more true. They are all about enjoying life no matter what your number is.”
Olivia O.
52, Florida

What is the dining experience like aboard Virgin Voyages?

From truffle gnocchi with affogato for dessert at Extra Virgin and perfectly-zested hamachi crudo at The Wake, to meat-grilling accoutrements at our first-to-sea Korean BBQ spot, Gunbae — our 20+ unique eateries with menus designed by a Michelin-starred chef collective use fresh ingredients to create made-to-order (and always-included) food. Never stuffy and always welcoming, no matter your craving or your vibe, there’s a restaurant on board that will suit you. But we’ll let our Sailors tell you more:

“I’ve been on around 70 cruises on over 15 different cruise lines, and the food on Virgin is probably my favorite out of all of them. From The Wake (steak and seafood) to Extra Virgin (Italian) to the Galley, I’ve never had a bad meal onboard. For lunch, I highly recommend eating at The Dock, one of my favorite parts of the ship. Another small detail that I love is that you can get 24/7 breakfast in the Galley. If you want an omelet at 10 pm, you can get an omelet at 10 pm.”
Cruise Fever “7 reasons to take a cruise on Virgin Voyages”

What does Always Included Luxury mean?

With luxurious inclusions on every single one of our cruises, you’ll always get exceptional value when voyaging with us. It’s something we’ve coined Always Included Luxury — which means that on every single cruise, we include dining at our 20+ eateries, entertainment, gratuities, wifi, unlimited fitness classes, still and sparkling water in your voyage fare. See what our Sailors have to say about their choice between the two:

"My husband and I would choose a cruise with Virgin every single time. Everything they include means you aren’t constantly reaching into your pocket or worried about your bill at the end. Compared to hotels right now, cruising is the best value."
Lesley C.
49, Florida

"I like to call sailing with Virgin ‘Much More Inclusive’. I feel like some resorts trick you with inclusions but there are caveats. Same as some other cruise lines. Whereas Virgin is upfront. The dining is the best at sea. The crew is second to none."
Mim M.
72, Nevada

What did you enjoy the most?

We offer a casually luxurious premium sailing experience. With no dress codes, no nickel and diming, and so much to do, see, and be a part of aboard our exclusively adult ships — we could tell you exactly what you’ll enjoy the most, but instead, we think the Sailors who have done it all can tell you best:

“I was blown away by the service.They call us RockStars, but their crew treat everyone so well. Every detail was handled. I wish I had this kind of service everywhere. Booked another two already.”
Andy G.
59, Georgia

“I’ve been on dozens of cruisers with other companies, but now I’m a Virgin fan for life. The food is outstanding. The best I’ve had on a cruise.”
Margie S.
67, Florida
Sea-Blazer

“There are cruises and there are voyages. I get what the difference is now. Virgin spoiled me and my wife on our anniversary. My friends asked me what made it great? I just told them it was everything.”
Ian F.
63, Sydney, AUS

What does “Exclusively Adult” mean?

We’ve swapped kids menus for Michelin star chef curated menus, because while children are one of life’s great joys, we believe absence makes the heart grow fonder. That’s why, despite the fact that our ships are a playground for your inner child, we’ve chosen to curate a casually luxurious adults-only cruise experience — which means you have to be 18 and up to sail with us. While we can tell you all about what that means for our onboard experiences, let our Sailors give you their intel as well.

How much of a party ship is it?

While we love an epic party, our seafaring getaways are incredibly relaxing and serene experiences as well — curated purposefully for you to have the kind of vacation that suits your vibe. But we’ll let our Sailors tell you more:

“It’s up to you. I was out exploring all day on the Mediterranean cruise then at night would be in bed early so I was ready for the next day. The room and bed are really comfortable so I woke up ready to go again. I'm sailing in the Caribbean next.”
Chris M
30, Florida

“A very relaxing trip for me. Spa in the mornings. Daybed and a cocktail at the Dock area in the afternoons. One night I fell asleep in my hammock to the sound of the ocean. Take me back now please.”
Taryn A
64, Florida

“I’ve been on lots of cruises, and this was my favorite by far. The ship is stunning. The crew are second to none. I love their attitude-not-age approach. As for the parties, yes, they have epic ones. But if you just want to have a break, this ship offers it all.”
Michael J
33, New York

Where can I read more?

Vacation time is limited, so we know how important it is to make sure you choose the right experience for your time off. Fortunately, we’ve been lucky to be featured in a number of publications who wrote about their own experiences and opinions about being on board. Have a look at the articles below and get an even better idea of what it’s like to sail with us:

Cruise Fever - 7 Reasons to take a Cruise on Virgin Voyages
Buzzfeed - Here’s what it’s like to travel through Europe by cruise ship
Yahoo! Lifestyle - What to Eat Aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady
Travel + Leisure - I Took a Virgin Voyages Cruise With My Sister — and It Was the Ultimate Girls Trip
Cosmopolitan - I Just Came Back From a Virgin Voyages Vacation, and I’m a Cruise Person Now?
Fortune - Inside Virgin Voyages, the cruise ships that want to make sea travel cool again
Ocean Home - Virgin Voyages Converts Cruising Skeptics with Fine Dining, Unique Entertainment and Plenty of Glamour
Condé Nast Traveler - This High-Energy Korean Barbecue Restaurant Is Virgin Voyages’ Hottest Table
Fodor's - For the Haters, This Could Change Your Mind About Cruises
Bloomberg - Branson’s Virgin Voyages Courts First-Time Cruisers, Cures Inhibition
NY Post - Inside Virgin’s new Scarlet Lady cruise ship with a tattoo parlor
BuzzFeed - Here's What It's Like Inside A Swanky, Adults-Only Cruise Ship
Maxim Inside the Scarlet Lady - Virgin Voyages' Stylish Luxury Cruise Ship
Insider - My first Virgin Voyages cruise impressed me so much, I decided on day one to stay onboard for back-to-back sailings.

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