Are you dreaming of a holiday at sea but not sure if Virgin Voyages is the right fit for you?
Same, to be honest.
As I write this blog post, I’m also trying to figure out whether Virgin Voyages is right for me. Because with so many cruise lines offering wildly different experiences, choosing the “perfect” one can start to feel like a full-time admin job. And unfortunately, nobody is paying me in cocktails for that.
Virgin Voyages is one of the most recognisable new-ish names in cruising. It arrived with a very different energy from the traditional cruise lines. No kids. No main dining room. No cruise director shouting bingo announcements over the speakers. And yes, there’s even a tattoo studio onboard.
It’s bold, modern, a little bit cheeky, and very clearly trying not to be your nan’s cruise ship.
But does that mean it’s right for everyone?
Absolutely not.
So, let’s break down what makes Virgin Voyages different, what has changed recently, and whether it might actually be the right cruise line for you.
The 2026 Virgin Voyages Update
Before we get into the vibes, there are a couple of important 2026 things worth knowing.
Virgin Voyages now has a fare structure called VoyageFair Choices, which affects what’s included depending on the fare you book. This mainly applies to Sea Terrace cabins and below, with different options offering different levels of flexibility, Wi-Fi, dining reservation access, and extras like Bar Tab credit.
Also, service gratuities are now shown separately. Virgin still isn’t a cruise line where you’re expected to tip every time you order a drink or go for dinner, but the daily service gratuity is now a visible charge rather than being quietly bundled into the fare.
So while Virgin still includes more than many mainstream cruise lines, it’s not quite as simple as saying “everything is included.”
And honestly? That matters. Because nothing kills the holiday mood faster than thinking you’ve budgeted perfectly, only for your invoice to pop up like a jump scare.
1. Adults-Only Atmosphere
One of the biggest things that sets Virgin Voyages apart is its adults-only policy. Everyone onboard must be 18 or over, which makes this a great option if you’re looking for a child-free cruise holiday.
No kids in the pool. No toddlers sprinting through the buffet. No teens looking deeply unimpressed while their parents try to make them enjoy Europe.
Just adults.
This is a huge part of Virgin Voyages’ brand, so I really cannot see this changing any time soon.
If you want a more grown-up atmosphere, this could be a massive selling point. But if you’re travelling with children, Virgin Voyages will not be the cruise line for you. They won’t even be allowed to board.
Would I like this?
Yes. I think I’m at the point in my life where I don’t have children, and I don’t really holiday with people who do. So an adults-only cruise line definitely appeals to me.
There’s something very appealing about a ship where the loudest thing on deck is probably a DJ set, not a child discovering they hate sunscreen.
What you might like instead: Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line
2. The Vibe: Chic, Edgy, And A Bit Out There
Virgin Voyages has gone for a very different look and feel compared with traditional cruising. The ships feel modern, stylish, and a little bit rebellious.
The design is contemporary. The entertainment is less “West End tribute night” and more immersive, quirky, and late-night. There are parties, drag performers, pop-up moments, and shows that definitely do not feel like something your average cruise director from 2008 would have approved.
And yes, Virgin Voyages has a tattoo studio onboard called Squid Ink.
A tattoo studio.
On a cruise ship.
Honestly, wtf. But also, kind of iconic?
If you enjoy a trendy atmosphere with a bit of personality, Virgin could really appeal to you. But if you prefer a more traditional, relaxed, conservative cruise experience, the Virgin vibe might feel like a lot.
Would I like this?
I’m not sure. Potentially?
I love the idea of something chic and contemporary, and I definitely appreciate a cruise line that isn’t trying to serve the same beige entertainment formula over and over again.
But I’m also a little bit reserved. Surprisingly, I am not that social. I know, shocking. A blogger with a phone in his hand at all times who also wants everyone to leave him alone? Groundbreaking.
So I think I’d enjoy the design and the energy, but I might also need to hide in a quiet corner with a book after approximately 47 minutes.
What you might like instead: Cunard, Azamara, Holland America Line
3. Dining: No Traditional Buffets, Just Restaurant-Style Eating
Virgin Voyages does dining differently.
There is no traditional cruise buffet and no massive main dining room where everyone eats at the same time. Instead, Virgin has a collection of restaurants and eateries included in the fare.
You’ll find options like steak, Korean BBQ, Mexican, Italian, vegetarian-forward dining, casual food hall-style options, and more experimental tasting menus.
The Galley is probably the closest thing to a buffet, but it works more like a food hall than the usual “grab a plate and enter the chaos” cruise buffet setup.
Most dining is included, which is a huge plus. However, it’s worth knowing that some premium menu items and dinner shows can cost extra.
So no, it’s not a completely “eat absolutely everything with zero extras ever” situation. But compared with many mainstream cruise lines, Virgin’s included dining setup is very strong.
Would I like this?
Yes, I think so.
I tend to avoid buffets because they get crowded, and there’s only so many times I can watch someone use the bread tongs incorrectly before my soul leaves my body.
I also loved the Indulge Food Hall onboard Norwegian Viva, so the idea of a more casual, modern, food hall-style experience really appeals to me.
I like having options. I like not being locked into the same table every night. And I like the idea of not having to pay extra every time I want food that feels a bit more interesting.
What you might like instead: Honestly, most other cruise lines if you love a proper buffet. Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, and Norwegian all offer more traditional buffet-style dining.
4. Wellness And Fitness Are A Big Part Of The Brand
Virgin Voyages puts a lot of emphasis on wellness and fitness.
There are modern gyms, outdoor training spaces, group fitness classes, yoga, spin, HIIT-style classes, and plenty of spaces designed around feeling a bit more active.
It’s not just “there’s a gym somewhere on Deck 12, good luck finding it.”
Fitness feels like part of the overall Virgin experience.
That said, you do not need to be a gym person to enjoy Virgin Voyages. You can absolutely board the ship, eat steak, drink margaritas, and simply admire the yoga people from a safe distance.
Which, personally, feels more my level.
Would I like this?
Hmm. Maybe?
I’m not really a gym person because I get intimidated, but I do want to improve my fitness. So maybe a cruise line with a slightly more modern and casual approach to wellness could help.
Or maybe I’d pack gym clothes, take them on a lovely holiday, and bring them home completely untouched.
Both outcomes feel equally possible.
What you might like instead: Most cruise lines have gyms and wellness areas, but Virgin leans into it more than many mainstream lines. Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises could also work if you want something stylish but a bit less “cool people doing sunrise yoga.”
5. What’s Included: More Inclusive, But Not Fully All-Inclusive
One of Virgin Voyages’ biggest selling points is that quite a lot is included in the fare.
You usually get dining, Wi-Fi, entertainment, group fitness classes, and essential drinks included. Essential drinks generally means things like still and sparkling water, soft drinks, drip coffee, teas, and non-pressed juices.
This is great if you hate being charged extra for every tiny thing.
However, Virgin Voyages is not fully all-inclusive.
Alcohol costs extra. Speciality coffees cost extra. Spa treatments cost extra. Shore excursions cost extra. Some premium dining items and dinner shows cost extra. And as mentioned earlier, service gratuities are now shown as a separate charge.
So while Virgin is more inclusive than many cruise lines, it is not the same as booking a luxury cruise where nearly everything is wrapped into one upfront price.
Would I like this?
Honestly? I’m not sure.
I know Virgin’s included offering is good. But I personally like knowing exactly what I’m paying. I like being able to say, “Right, that’s the cruise, the drinks, the Wi-Fi, the gratuities, done.”
The way Virgin handles drinks through Bar Tab throws me off a bit.
A Bar Tab is basically prepaid drinks credit. You buy it before you sail, and then use it onboard for premium drinks, including alcohol and speciality coffees. Sometimes Virgin adds bonus credit depending on the promotion.
But it is not an unlimited drinks package.
And that’s where I struggle.
I know I could buy a Bar Tab in advance, but I think I’d still be mentally tracking every cocktail like a tiny accountant in flip-flops. I’d rather pay around £300 for a drinks package and then emotionally move on with my life.
What you might like instead: Norwegian Cruise Line’s More At Sea package, Celebrity Cruises’ All Included fares, or a luxury cruise line where more is wrapped into the upfront price.
6. Destinations: Not Just The Caribbean And Med Anymore
Virgin Voyages is probably best known for its Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries.
You’ve got Miami sailings, Bimini Beach Club in the Bahamas, Greek island routes, Spain, Italy, and those very Instagrammable European summer itineraries.
But Virgin’s destination map has been expanding.
For 2026, Virgin Voyages has added more variety, including sailings linked to places like Los Angeles, Vancouver, Alaska, and the Panama Canal. So it’s no longer fair to say that Virgin is only for Caribbean beach days and Mediterranean city-hopping.
That said, the overall vibe still feels very Virgin. Even when the itinerary is more classic, the onboard experience is not going to suddenly turn into Cunard with red carpets and ballroom etiquette.
Would I like this?
Yes, but I don’t think the itineraries feel wildly different from what other cruise lines are doing.
The Caribbean and Mediterranean routes are appealing, but they’re not totally unique. Lots of major cruise lines have strong itineraries in those regions, and many have their own private island or beach club-style experiences too.
Virgin’s Beach Club at Bimini looks gorgeous, but Royal Caribbean, MSC, Carnival, and Norwegian all have their own versions of private island or resort-style cruise days.
So for me, the itinerary alone probably wouldn’t be the reason I booked Virgin. It would need to be the whole package: ship, food, price, and vibe.
What you might like instead: Royal Caribbean for private island energy, MSC Cruises for Ocean Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line for Great Stirrup Cay, or Princess Cruises for more traditional destination-focused itineraries.
7. Virgin Is Great For Social Travellers
Virgin Voyages feels like it was designed with social travellers in mind.
There are communal spaces, group fitness classes, events, parties, and plenty of places where you can meet people if that’s your thing.
It also has a strong reputation among solo travellers, especially because the whole ship feels a bit more open and less rigid than traditional cruising.
There’s no fixed dining table. No assigned dinner companions. No awkward “so where are you from?” conversation with strangers every single night unless you actively want that.
But the energy is still social.
If you love meeting new people, chatting over cocktails, joining events, and saying yes to random plans, Virgin could be brilliant.
If your ideal cruise is disappearing into your own little bubble, it might feel a touch intense.
Would I like this?
Probably not.
I’m not the most social person, and generally, I enjoy staying in my own bubble with a book, headphones, or my partner.
For me, a cruise is a place to escape the world. I like people-watching. I like a nice bar. I like a show. But I don’t necessarily want to be pulled into a group activity where someone is trying to make me “loosen up.”
I am loose enough, thank you. I’m on holiday.
What you might like instead: You can find social spaces on almost any cruise line, but Virgin is especially good if you want a more open, adult, mingle-friendly atmosphere. If you want quieter luxury, Azamara, Celebrity Cruises, or Cunard might suit you better.
8. LGBTQIA+ Inclusive
Cruising can be very inclusive, depending on the cruise line, ship, itinerary, and crowd.
But let’s be honest, not every cruise environment feels the same.
Some cruise lines can feel more traditional or conservative, and while that doesn’t automatically mean unwelcoming, it can sometimes affect how comfortable you feel being fully yourself.
Virgin Voyages is very loud and proud about being inclusive. LGBTQIA+ travellers are not treated like an afterthought, and that makes a difference.
It’s not just “everyone is welcome” in tiny text at the bottom of a policy page. It feels much more woven into the brand.
Would I like this?
Yes.
I’ve personally never felt judged or like I had to hide my sexuality on a cruise, but it is still great to see a cruise line express that inclusivity so openly.
Sometimes it’s nice to know you’re not just tolerated. You’re actually welcome.
What you might like instead: Honestly, if LGBTQIA+ inclusivity bothers you, maybe just close this tab and go to another blog.
What Makes Me Apprehensive About Virgin Voyages?
There are a few things that still make me hesitate.
Firstly, Virgin Voyages can be expensive. Not always, but often enough that I notice.
When the price is right, I can absolutely see the appeal. But if I’m comparing it against other cruise lines, especially ones where I can package drinks, Wi-Fi, and extras more clearly, Virgin can feel harder to budget for.
Secondly, the drinks setup doesn’t fully work for my brain.
I understand the Bar Tab. I understand why some people like it. I understand that not everyone wants an unlimited drinks package.
But personally, I prefer knowing the total cost upfront. I’d rather buy a drinks package and not think about it again than keep mentally checking how much credit I have left.
Because once I start doing maths on holiday, the holiday has taken a dark turn.
Thirdly, the pools on Virgin ships look quite small compared with some of the big mainstream cruise ships.
Pools are a big part of the outdoor cruise experience for me. I like having different pool areas to choose from. On Royal Caribbean ships, for example, there can be several pools and different deck vibes. If one area is too loud, too busy, or too “someone is filming a TikTok next to my sun lounger,” you can usually move somewhere else.
Virgin’s outdoor areas look stylish, but I do wonder if the main pool scene would feel a bit cramped on a sea day.
I think I’d only book Virgin Voyages if the price was really good, the itinerary was tempting, or I was travelling with a group of people who really wanted that more social, adult-only atmosphere.
Is Virgin Voyages Right For You?
Virgin Voyages could be perfect if you want an adults-only cruise with a modern, stylish atmosphere.
It’s especially appealing if you like the idea of no kids, included dining, a more relaxed approach to restaurants, strong nightlife, fitness classes, LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, and a ship that feels very different from traditional cruising.
It could be a great fit if you:
- Want an adults-only cruise
- Prefer modern ships with a trendier atmosphere
- Like restaurant-style dining more than buffets
- Enjoy nightlife, parties, and social spaces
- Want a more inclusive base fare than many mainstream cruise lines
- Appreciate LGBTQIA+ friendly travel spaces
- Don’t need a traditional cruise experience
- Like the idea of cruising without fixed dining times or formal nights
However, Virgin might not be right for you if you want a traditional cruise experience, large pool decks, a classic main dining room, family-friendly facilities, set dining times, or a simple unlimited drinks package.
At the end of the day, choosing the right cruise line is about knowing what kind of traveller you are.
Virgin Voyages is stylish, adult, cheeky, and very sure of itself. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone, and I actually respect that.
Would I try it?
Yes, for the right price.
Would I be slightly nervous that I’m not cool enough?
Also yes.
But maybe that’s the point. Virgin Voyages feels like the cruise line you book when you want to try something a bit different, even if part of you is still clinging to the comfort of a traditional buffet and a drinks package you can emotionally understand.