Virgin Voyages Cruise Tips & Tricks
🌊 Virgin Cruise: Before You Go 🌊
Thinking about sailing with Virgin Voyages—or already booked and counting down the days? I put together everything I wish I had known before my first sailing. From can’t-miss restaurants and entertainment to what to pack and how to make the most of your time onboard, this guide has you covered. Whether you're still deciding or getting ready to board, I hope it helps you plan an unforgettable, stress-free escape at sea!
🍽 Dining Tips & My Favorite Eats
One of the absolute highlights of Virgin Voyages is the food—it’s seriously next-level. Every restaurant is included in your fare (no upcharges!), and the variety, quality, and creativity are phenomenal. These were my favorites, and I’ve included a few personal ordering tips:
👉 Important dining tip: You’ll want to make your dinner and brunch reservations as soon as they open in the app—45 days before your sailing. Popular restaurants like The Wake, Pink Agave, and Extra Virgin book up quickly, especially for prime times. If you don’t get the exact time you want, don’t worry—it’s still possible to snag better times once you’re onboard. I recommend checking the app often for openings, especially after you board.
Now, here are my personal dining favorites:
Extra Virgin – A cozy, elevated Italian eatery with house-made pastas and an impressive wine list. Don’t skip the Oxtail Agnolotti—it’s rich, savory, and unforgettable. I also loved the Carbonara.
Pink Agave – A moody, upscale Mexican restaurant that’s perfect for a date night. The guacamole is a must—be sure to ask for extra pomegranate seeds for that perfect sweet crunch. I highly recommend the achiote-smoked pork—it’s incredibly flavorful and tender.
The Wake – A classic steakhouse with panoramic ocean views. This was my top pick for dinner (and brunch too!). The Wedge Salad with their signature sauce and crispy bacon is amazing, and the porterhouse rolls are a 10/10. I loved the Filet Mignon with a side of mushrooms, and I mixed the green sauce with the American sauce—so good. If you want something lighter, go for the salmon with asparagus and spinach. And definitely get the twice-baked potato—it’s comfort food perfection.
The Test Kitchen – An experimental tasting menu concept that’s both interactive and adventurous. I tried Menu A and had a blast—it’s great if you’re open to trying new things. The menus rotate, and there are three versions to experience.
Razzle Dazzle – A vibrant spot with a strong focus on plant-based dishes, but meat-eaters will find plenty to love too. I highly recommend the Old Bay wings, Nashville hot cauliflower, brown butter carrots, and the ‘V’ fried chicken. Also, the brunch is fantastic—the candied bacon is unforgettable! (Yes—brunch needs a reservation too!)
This is also a great place to pre-game before a late dinner. They usually have plenty of availability, so if you didn’t score the reservation time you wanted somewhere else, you can pop in here for a snack before heading to your main dinner spot. I found it to be a super easy, no-stress option when I needed a pre-dinner bite.
Gunbae – A lively Korean BBQ experience where you grill at the table and play drinking games with your tablemates (yes, really!). I don’t drink alcohol so they also offer nonalcoholic options so you can still play the games. It’s a communal dining setup, so you’ll be seated with other guests. I was surprised by how much everyone loved the seafood corn dogs (I know it sounds weird!), and the crispy chicken was super flavorful. The Kalbi-marinated beef with their dipping sauce was something I could eat by the truckload.
The Galley – Virgin’s version of a chic food hall, with options like sushi, tacos, noodle bowls, burgers, and all-day breakfast. I found myself eating here almost every day for breakfast and lunch—it’s fast, fresh, and so good. The desserts are a hidden gem, and after a show or after every meal 🤪, I loved grabbing a cup of mint tea with cream at night and a midnight snack.
The Dock House – A laid-back Mediterranean-inspired lounge with ocean views and breezy vibes. This is the perfect place for a relaxed snack or light lunch. They offer small plates all day and from 3–5 PM, they serve special Mediterranean-style bites. I loved sitting out here in the afternoon with a view and a few nibbles.
The Pizza Place – Open late and always made fresh. They serve build-your-own pizzas and creative menu picks. Whether you want a classic Margherita or something more adventurous, it’s the perfect spot for a quick lunch or post-party snack.
Lick Me Till Ice Cream – Yes, that’s the real name, and it’s just as fun as it sounds. This playful spot offers rotating flavors of artisanal ice cream and vegan sorbet. I loved popping in for a sweet treat in the afternoon or after dinner.
The Social Club – A nostalgic, diner-style lounge with carnival snacks like hot dogs, pretzels, and popcorn, plus classic arcade games, board games, and air hockey. It’s a great casual spot to hang out or grab a fun snack between activities.
❤️ Don’t Miss Scarlet Night + PJ Party
One of the most iconic nights on the ship is Scarlet Night. Almost everyone dresses in red, and the vibe is electric. Some people go glam with gowns or suits, and others stay casual—there’s no dress code, so you can wear whatever feels fun to you. I definitely recommend wearing red if you want to fully join in the festivities. The night ends with a wild pool party and then midnight dancing at The Manor (the glitter tunnel entrance alone is worth it!).
And don’t forget—Virgin also hosts a PJ Party night! Yes, a pajama dance party at sea. You can totally wear your PJs to dinner, to the shows, and straight into the club after. I wore fun silk pajamas because it felt playful and comfy, but you can wear any pajamas you want—cute, cozy, silly, whatever fits your vibe. It’s all about having fun and not taking yourself too seriously.
Entertainment 🎭🎶
Entertainment is edgy, bold, and totally different than your usual cruise fare. You’ll want to reserve paid shows on the Virgin Voyages app once onboard (or as soon as your booking allows), but there are plenty of free shows also! Each ship offers different shows, so depending on your itinerary, you might see totally unique performances from what I experienced. That’s part of what makes Virgin so exciting!
Some must-sees:
• The Manor -This glittery nightclub is the place to be after dark, especially after Scarlet Night. The mirror tunnel entrance is iconic—don’t forget to grab a photo!
There’s also live music throughout the ship, pop-up performances, and interactive moments you’ll stumble into when you least expect them. Keep your eyes on the app and around the ship—you never know what kind of spontaneous entertainment you’ll run into!
💆♀️ Spa Time? Treat Yo-Self
Virgin’s Redemption Spa is absolutely worth a visit—it’s not just relaxing, it’s an experience. I booked a pass to the thermal suite and had the best time. It includes access to:
• mud room
• salt room
• sauna
• steam room
• hot and cold plunge pools
• heated marble hammam benches
It felt like an entire afternoon at a luxury wellness retreat. I highly recommend it—especially on a sea day or when you want a break from the sun.
Pro tip: If you’re interested in a treatment like a massage, facial, or redemption spa, book it for a port day or the evening of a port day—they often offer discounts then! You can reserve spa services through the app before your trip or onboard, but it was easy for me to book a time once on the ship.
📶 Wi-Fi & In-Room Entertainment
Virgin includes basic Wi-Fi in your cruise fare, and I personally didn’t feel the need to upgrade to the faster package. The standard Wi-Fi was just fine for checking the app, messaging, social media, and light browsing.
And here’s the best part—Virgin’s in-room TV options are actually amazing. You’re not stuck watching obscure sports or looping cruise ads. They offer tons of TV shows and movies, including newer titles and binge-worthy series. It was such a nice surprise and perfect for winding down after a long day.
Packing Tips 🎒
Have you started packing yet? Here’s a helpful checklist to get you going:
Documents & Must-Haves
✅ Passport
✅ Completed check-in and Port Arrival Questionnaire on the app
✅ Travel insurance info
✅ Credit card + cash for tips or shopping at ports
✅ Meds, motion sickness remedies, and a few over-the-counter items just in case
✅ Phone, charger, and a portable charger—Virgin uses their app for everything onboard
Clothing Tips 👗
• Daywear: Light, breezy outfits, swimsuits (bring 1 per day if you can), and coverups
• Evenings: Cute dinner outfits—think resort chic, not formal wear. Virgin doesn’t do formal nights unless you want to dress up!
• Scarlet Night outfit: Anything red, from casual to couture
• PJ Night outfit: silk pjs, onesie, SpongeBob attire…it’s up to you!
• Light jacket: It can get chilly indoors or at night on deck
• Shoes: Flip-flops, sandals, sneakers for excursions, and something dressy
Extras You’ll Love
No lanyard necessary! Virgin uses wristbands, a SeaBand, instead of keycards!
Reusable water bottle (especially love this for the airport)
Sunscreen
Hat & sunglasses
Magnetic hooks (the walls are magnetic!)
White noise machine if you’re a light sleeper
Dry erase board – Fun way to leave notes on your door if you’re sailing with friends or family.
Snorkel mask or goggles – If you’re heading to a beach port, it’s worth bringing your own.
🛑 What NOT to Pack
Virgin doesn’t allow:
• Irons or steamers
• Surge protectors
• Candles or incense
• Power strips with extension cords
• Anything with heating elements
⚓️ Extras I Book Ahead (and You Should Too!)
Shore Things – Virgin’s excursions often sell out early. I like booking beach days or unique cultural experiences in advance.
Spa Appointments – I usually book these for embarkation day or port days (they’re cheaper!).
Bar Tab – Virgin doesn’t do traditional drink packages. Instead, you pre-load a Bar Tab, and they often add bonus credit when you do. Totally worth it if you plan to have a few drinks each day.
Photo Packages – The onboard photographers are great. I prefer buying a package instead of paying per photo.
Treat yourself! – Think mani/pedi, blowout, or even a wellness class. You can reserve those early in the app too.
Final Reminder
Pack a small carry-on(I use this backpack) with essentials (meds, sunscreen, swimsuit, documents) since your luggage may take a few hours to arrive in your room on embarkation day.
You’re going to fall in love with the Virgin Voyages vibe! I know you’ll love your Virgin Voyages cruise as much as I did. Bon voyage! 🚢✨
