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Scarlet lady.

Miami (USA)

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Brilliant lady.

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Rejuvenation meets exhilaration

From getting pampered to popping champagne, what’s happening on our adults only cruise ships., michelin-starred chef-curated menus in 20+ eateries., so many reasons to raise a glass…or two., immersive productions to jaw-dropping experiences., go from vitamin a to sea with wellness your way., luxury suites bring you the lifestyle you deserve., go from chic to sleep in your plush retreat., just the facts and ship stats, cabins & suites, 86% feature a sea terrace hammock, max. sailors, population of clinton, nj, crew members, from all over the world — just like the un, about 23 miles per hour, 155 richard bransons, 86,982 london buses.

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SAILING TO NET ZERO

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Virgin Voyages

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Virgin Voyages fleet

Brilliant lady, resilient lady, valiant lady, scarlet lady, review of virgin voyages.

Virgin Voyages (formerly "Virgin Cruises", VirginVoyages.com) is a new cruise line company headquartered in Plantation (Florida USA). Virgin Voyages was created as a joint venture between Virgin Group Ltd (British multinational holding company) and Bain Capital LP (multi-asset investment company), with the latter having a majority (51%) shareholding. The establishment of Virgin Cruises was announced by Virgin Group on December 4, 2014. The new cruise line is scheduled to start operations in 2020.

Company History

Bain Capital (1984-founded) is based in Boston (Massachusetts USA) and specializes in private equity, venture capital, credit, public equity, life sciences and real estate, with assets (under management in FY2018) ~USD 105 billion. Virgin Group Ltd (1970-founded by Richard Branson and Nik Powell) is based in London (England UK) and specializes in global investments and branding through numerous fully- or partially-owned subsidiary companies in businesses like travel (cruises, hotels, tours, airlines, trains), hospitality, health, banking, retail, communications, entertainment, publishing, charity.

Virgin Group's best-known brands are Virgin Holidays, Virgin Voyages, Virgin Megastores, Virgin Hotels, Virgin Care, Virgin Trains USA (Brightline), and Virgin Airlines (Australia, Atlantic, Connect, and Galactic/spaceflights).

Virgin Voyages operates a fleet of four fully-owned cruise vessels constructed by the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri SpA (at Sestri Ponente shipyard/ Genoa ).

In FY2018, Fincantieri reported revenue of EUR 5,4 billion. Currently ranked Europe's largest shipbuilding company, Fincantieri has 8 shipyards (all in Italy), in 2013 acquired VARD (Norway-based company with 9 shipyards) and in 2018 purchased 50% of STX France (Chantiers de l'Atlantique Shipyard in St Nazaire ). Fincantieri builds both commercial and naval ships.

In 2020, Virgin Cruises officially started operations (from Miami Florida USA ) with the 2800-passenger Scarlet Lady . Three more sisterships were inaugurated in the following years - Valiant Lady (2021), Resilient Lady (2022) and Brilliant Lady (2024).

The announcement (initially for 3 ships) was made on June 23, 2015, in Miami, during a press conference (media event "making waves") for Virgin Group's new cruise travel brand. For the event, Richard Branson arrived on a helicopter, landing near Miami's Museum Park. He announced that the total building cost for the 3 ships is USD 2,13 billion (US$710M per unit). The announcement for the 4th ship was made on October 31, 2018, with order value ~EUR 700 million.

The company's current President and CEO is Nirmal Saverimuttu (1979-born in Zambian, raised in Australia), who in September 2023 succeeded Thomas Michael McAlpin (1959-born American). McAlpin joined DCL-Disney Cruise Line in 1995 (as VP of Finance, Business Development & Shore Travel Operations) overseeing the construction of the first Disney ships ( Magic /1998 and Wonder /1999) and the development of Walt Disney's private Bahamian island Castaway Cay . In 2004, he became DCL's President. Prior to heading Virgin Cruises, McAlpin served as CEO of The World Residences at Sea (in the period 2009-2014). Following his retirement from CEO and President, Tom McAlpin continued to serve Virgin Voyages as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Earlier in 2016, Virgin settled US$300M lawsuits filed by Colin Veitch (former NCL-Norwegian CEO), who claimed Virgin had stolen his ideas and moved on with the cruise line concept without him.

Tom McAlpin commented that the company is not to be considered a big player in the cruising industry, but rather "a small boutique line that will offer different experiences". McAlpin and Branson hinted that those experiences might take some cues from other successful Virgin ventures, like Virgin Hotels. The hotel chain is popular for offering free WiFi, minibar drinks at street prices, privacy doors allowing guests to go on about their business while room service brings requests, pet-friendly amenities with no weight or size restrictions.

In October 2016, "Virgin Cruises" was rebranded as "Virgin Voyages". At the time it was first announced, the company's founder Branson said his goal was to create a brand cruising experience that is more likely to appeal to millennials and other people who don't normally take cruise ship vacations.

In regard to onboard gratuities, the company has "No Tipping" policy, which means all gratuities are included in the base cruise fares. Also included in basic fares are beverages, all eateries, group fitness classes. The company also doesn't charge penalties or change fees. Customers are able to hold staterooms for 24 hours with no money down once they've placed a 20% non-refundable deposit. They also have a 7-day grace period allowing them to change bookings for any reason. Cruise departure date and names on bookings can be changed without fees or penalties. Shortly before opening the bookings on Scarlet Lady (Feb 14, 2019), Virgin announced all-inclusive deal policy by which cruises are sold "by cabin price". Fares are also inclusive of dining (shipwide / 20 options, some 24-hour), unlimited WiFi, all fitness classes. Cabin pricing only varies by the number of occupants. For 5-day itineraries, fares start from ~USD 250 pp per day (excluding taxes-fees).

Virgin Cruises' "non-commissionable policy" allows travel agents to earn across customer's entire transaction, including on add-ons (hotels, flights, travel insurance, spa treatments, tours/excursions, premium packages, onboard credits, taxes, fees). Travel agents receive 16% base commission on the transaction (increased from 10% by the expanded "Brilliant To Do Business With" program). "Red Hot Bonus" program additionally offers annually paid revenue up to 6% (in case certain production thresholds are met) in addition to 10% commission on everything sold prior the cruise (excepting taxes and fees).

Company changes 2019 (pre-inauguration)

In early-April 2019, Virgin Voyages signed an exclusive 7-year partnership deal with OSW (OneSpaWorld Holdings Ltd) - a provider of health-and-wellness services and products on cruise vessels and in destination resorts worldwide. OSW provides all the wellness staff, services and products onboard Virgin ships, including yoga and gym trainers, massages, medispa treatments, salon (manicure-pedicure-hairdresser) services. Each ship has a 29-person OSW-employed professional staff. The served facilities include Crow's Nest (outdoor yoga studio), Redemption Spa, Dry-Dock (blowout bar), B-Complex (Fitness Center).

In April 2019, Virgin and Intelligentsia Coffee signed a deal to provide Intelligentsia coffee (Virgin Voyages Blend) and made-to-order beverages at all venues, including the specialty coffee bars ("Ministry of Ground" and "Ministry of Ground Too") served by expert baristas.

In June 2019, Virgin expanded the list of RockStar Suite-only perks with RockStar Agents (dedicated butlers per stateroom), specially dedicated hair and makeup crew (upon request), complimentary laundry service, complimentary Thermal Suite access (Redemption Spa), all-inclusive premium drinks (in all shipboard eateries and bars), personalized bottomless in-room bar (free of charge), option to curate in-port activities.

In late-October 2019 was approved the agreement for Brightline Miami to be rebranded "Virgin Trains" and Virgin Group to build a train station (Virgin Trains PortMiami) at the cruise port. The new station serves high-speed trains and connects PortMiami directly with the USA's intercity railway system and Orlando International Airport.

On November 12, 2019, Richard Branson announced that the second Virgin ship ( Valiant Lady ) will be seasonally homeported in Sydney (NSW Australia) . Branson was in Sydney to launch a partnership between Virgin Australia Airlines and Virgin Voyages and promote affordable Australian and Caribbean fly-cruise deals on Scarlet Lady.

On December 13, 2019, was officially released the "Ship No. 1" perfume (aka "the fragrance of Scarlet Lady"). The sea lavender-based perfume was created by Air Aroma - a company specializing in scent marketing and fragrance systems (diffusers, Aropromo sale scenting devices). Virgin's Ship No. 1 is infused throughout Scarlet Lady. The perfume can be also purchased (only online - via ItSmellsLikeShip.com) for USD 50 per bottle. All net proceeds from these sales go to Ocean Unite (non-profit foundation of 30+ political leaders and business tycoons).

On December 19, 2019, was announced the "Sailor Loot" (OBC/onboard credit) program. These promotions offer OBC (per cabin) for shipboard spending during the current voyage. The OBC is based on the stateroom category and ranges from US$ 100 (interior and oceanview) to US$200 (balcony) and up to US$ 400 (suites).

Now each Virgin cruise ship offers 50+ activities and events. The onboard programming features live performances (by the company's Hapenings Cast) and is managed by Richard Kilman (Virgin's VP of Entertainment).

Company changes 2024

In February Steven Worling (Senior Director of Infrastructure & Security) announced that Virgin Voyages would roll out fleetwide an improved connectivity (Internet/Wi-Fi package) with SES Cruise mPOWERED + Starlink PRO (satellite service), with onboard connectivity 1,5 Gbps (max per ship). The Internet is provided via MEO and LEO satellites (Medium Earth Orbit and Low Earth Orbit). Shipboard Wi-Fi access is unlimited and for multiple devices per guest.

Company changes 2023

In February, Virgin replaced Harding UK (Bristol-based global travel retail business) with Starboard Cruise Services (Doral Florida-based company). As of 2023, Starboard was contracted by 11 cruise lines and operated on 90+ ships worldwide.

In March was announced an expansion of onboard entertainment fleetwide. The announcement mentioned new cabaret and game shows, new parties (80s Party, We Fancy), and more live music (by the hosted in The Red Room and The Manor program Festival Stage Acts/comedy shows rotating every 2 to 4 weeks). The list of new productions includes three fleetwide game shows (Duel Reality, Untitled DanceShowPartyThing, Miss Behave), the cabaret show Lola’s Library (fleetwide), as well as 3 new productions debuting on Resilient Lady (Persephone, Mind Mangler, Another Rose/Supper Club Series).

In April Virgin signed a partnership deal with WPT/World Poker Tour (2002-founded, internationally televised gaming and entertainment brand). The premium poker experience is offered on Scarlet Lady during all 4-5-night Caribbean itineraries. The ship's new WPT at Sea Poker Room is fitted with 8 poker tables and served by professional dealers. The new gaming venue hosts beginner training sessions, as well as cash games and WPT Prize Package poker tournaments with buy-ins between US$80-320. The US$320 buy-in WPT Prize tournament is held once per cruise. The prize (US$5000) can be used on any future voyage or WPT tournament.

In September, Nirmal Saverimuttu succeeded Michael McAlpin as the company's President and CEO. Along with the new appointment was announced a capital raise of USD 550 million (~EUR 512M/~GBP 440M) with funds managed by Ares Management's Private Equity Group. As of 2023, Ares had ~US$49,2 billion of AUM/assets under management.

In October 2023, Michelle Bentubo was appointed COO/Chief Operating Officer. In 2016-2023 she served the company as VP of Technology & Operations. Previously, she has held executive positions at Walt Disney World (Director of Experience Development), DCL-Disney Cruise Line (Director of Disney's Magical Express) and Bank of America (SVP Technology/2013-16).

In November 2023, Peter Hunt was appointed CFO/Chief Financial Officer. He previously served as CFO for Service King Collision Repair (1976-founded automotive company) and before that was in the leadership team of Virgin America Inc (2004-founded/2018-merged with Alaska Airlines).

Company changes 2022

In March 2022 was announced a partnership with Jennifer Lynn Lopez (1969-born American actress and singer) via her brand company "JLo Beauty and Lifestyle LLC". Jennifer Lopez joined Virgin Voyages as an investor and chief of entertainment/advisor/lifestyle officer. As part of the partnership, fleetwide was introduced "JLo Beauty" (onboard shop) selling the superstar's products at sea for the first time. In June 2023, she was appointed as Virgin's Chief Celebrations Officer.

In September 2022 debuted Virgin's loyalty program "The Sailing Club" by which repeat customers are provided with two main complimentary perks - "Deep Blue Extras" (premium WiFi, invitations to onboard cocktail parties, laundry services) and "Red Hot Booking Bonus Months" (discounted booking with additional OBC/onboard credit).

In September 2022 Virgin partnered with RSB/Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (an independent global membership organization). Virgin also signed long-term agreements with three providers of waste-based sustainable fuels (Argent Energy, GoodFuels, Twelve) to supply the fleet's bunker fuels.

Company changes 2021

In mid-November 2021 was announced an investment in Virgin Voyages by Patricof & Co (1969-founded by Alan Patricof, specializing in venture capital investments). The company is part of Apax Partners LLP (London UK-based equity firm) that also includes Multinational Management Group (1972-founded) and Saunders Karp & Megrue (1988-founded).

In December 2021 was announced the partnership with the House Spirits Distillery () for the fleetwide presence of the brand "Aviation American Gin" (aka Aviation Gin/alcohol volume 42%, produced in Portland Oregon since 2006). Signature cocktails (based on the Aviation Gin) available for ordering at each Virgin ship include "The Double Agent at SIP", "Razzle Dazzle's Electric Fizz", "Stella's Groove at The Manor", "Gunbae's French 75".

Company changes 2020

On April 1, 2020, the company launched its "Jet Transfers Direct to Ship" service. The exclusive "fly-cruise" deal is for RockStar Suite passengers only, allowing them to arrive and depart the boat via chartered or private aircraft. The planes land at The Runway - a top-deck open space (Deck 17 aft) surrounded by a raised Jogging Track.

Virgin cruise ships

On June 23, 2015, Virgin announced it had signed a Letter of Intent with Fincantieri (shipbuilder based in Trieste Italy ) for the construction of 3 ships scheduled for deliveries in 2020-2021-2022 (entering service in 15-month increments).

The shipbuilding order was officially finalized on December 21, 2016. The boats are of the so-called "Lady-class", mid-sized (volume 110000 GT-tons), max passenger capacity 2860 (1410 cabins/90% with balconies), 1150 crew-staff.

The shipbuilding contract was valued at ~EUR 2 billion. The first unit's construction (Scarlet Lady) started with the steel-cutting on March 22, 2017. For the vessel design and construction, Virgin contracted the marine architecture and naval design companies "Roman and Williams" (NYC), Concrete Amsterdam, Tom Dixon's Design Research Studio (London UK), Gem Srl (Italy), Softroom (London UK), WORKac (NYC), Knibb Design, HL Studio (UK), HKS Architects (Dallas USA), PearsonLloyd (London UK).

The first ship's ( Scarlet Lady ) keel-laying ceremony was held on October 31, 2017, and attended by Sir Richard Branson, Tom McAlpin, and Boy George (UK singer, songwriter, fashion designer) who performed as superstar DJ. During the ceremony were also revealed the ship design and hull art of the future Virgin "Lady Ships".

The next image shows the ship's stern (aft) and the signature funnel shape - designed to be a major part of its exterior design. The aft of the superstructure also shows the Promenade Deck and 7 decks of cabin balconies towering above.

Each boat has 86% balcony staterooms and 93% oceanview (outside) cabins. These newbuilds greatly differ from other passenger liners (as design) and target younger and more adventurous travellers (called "sailors").

Virgin's ships are adults-only (passengers under 18 yo/teenagers and kids are not allowed) and Bahamas- flagged (registered in Nassau ).

Dining on Virgin Voyages ships is ticket price-inclusive - no extra charges are applied to any of the 20-plus onboard dining options. The cruise company doesn't believe in "paying more for great food", so it ditched traditional surcharges levied in specialty restaurants. All eateries offer "exceptional made-to-order eats" - complimentary.

As part of the company's sustainable travel policy, Virgin banned single-use plastics and there is no buffet food on the ships. All shipboard food is made-to-order - to reduce waste and lower energy consumption and emissions. Savings are reinvested into fresh (locally sourced) top-quality products, exotic ingredients, highly trained staff, and clean technologies. In April 2019 was signed a partnership with Emerald Brand to supply the fleet with "Tree-Free" (disposable) paper products, including facial-bath tissues, paper towels, napkins, hot cups. Those are made from 60-100% Tree-Free materials via technologies that use by-products of agricultural crops usually wasted or burned.

The company doesn't follow any traditional cruise dining concepts. Virgin ships don't have a main dining room, buffet restaurant, dress code (formal wear policy), assigned dining times or seating. All these concepts were replaced with intimate (boutique hotel-type) eateries offering 20+ dining options - all of which are included in cruise fares.

Virgin ships' signature facilities and venues include:

• Athletic Club (training center) is an outdoor gym area with a boxing ring and gym club equipment) located top-deck aft. Part of the Sports Deck is also the raised jogging track (Runway track, red-white colored), sundeck with open-air lounge (furnished with double daybeds and semi-circular loungers), triple netting area (overlooking below decks), 10 private cabanas (cushioned bed, low table, 2 lounge chairs), beverage service (from the outdoor Sports Bar), foosball tables, swimming pool, showers.
• MyBeast is an outdoor playground / poolside gym area.
• The Crow's Nest (aft sundeck) offers 360-degree views and is furnished with loungers and mats colored in Virgin's signature red. Here are also hosted sunrise and sunset outdoor yoga classes.
• The B Complex in an indoor fitness center with Technogym ARTIS equipment, floor-ceiling windows and separate rooms (studios) for cycling, yoga, cardio and spinning classes.
• Gym and Tonic Bar serves cold-pressed fresh juices.
• Pink Agave is a Mexican restaurant with porthole windows, metallic lighting fixtures, large tables, an elongated curved area (intimate seating with 2-seat tables), separate bar (in the Lobby), private dining room (can be booked for parties and other private events).
• The Manor is ship's 2-deck high Disco Nightclub with a large dance floor.
• The Dock is an outdoor lounge (aft on Deck 7) with cushioned wooden furniture (loungers, deckchairs, daybeds).
• Test Kitchen restaurant features lab-like design (metallic furniture, beakers, test tubes),
• Richard's Rooftop is a top-deck VIP area (Suite passengers-only sundeck) furnished with daybeds, deckchairs, circular loungers, large umbrellas, colored crystals.
• Redemption is the ship's Spa complex (on Deck 5) consisting of a Reception, Mud Room, Salt Room, Hydrotherapy Pool, cold plunge pool, Jacuzzi, Thermal Suite (indoor spa with porthole windows, plunge pool and Jacuzzi), treatment rooms (for massages and treatments) with quartz-mattress beds, Dry Dock Salon (hairdressing services), Stubble and Groom (barbershop), Blow Dry Bar, Male pedicure Spa, Mani-pedi Spa. At night, the wellness complex transforms into a dancing lounge with live DJ music.
• Razzle Dazzle is the vegan-vegetarian restaurant. Part of Razzle Dazzle is Red Bar - juice bar for fresh-squeezed juices and tonics, as well as crafted cocktails from a menu that varies every night. In two days per voyage, at Razzle Dazzle are hosted Drag Brunches featuring live entertainment by "sassy drag queens".

Via the Sailor App (when your phone is shaken), a secret Champagne button allows you to order Moet-Chandon Champagne (Brut Imperial, 750 ml bottle) delivered in an ice bucket and with two glasses. The service is called "Shake for Champagne" and provided anywhere on the ship. The premium wine can be also enjoyed at The Sip - the ship's wine lounge (Virgin's champagne house).- where also is available traditional British Afternoon Tea service.

Virgin cruise passengers are offered complimentary water (filtered and sparkling) at all onboard bars and restaurants. Throughout the ship, there are also complimentary water stations.

Virgin ships' hull art designs are Mermaid-themed (by different artists) and Inspired by traditional figureheads mounted on the bows of historic wooden ships. The designs symbolize the vessels' feminine spirit.

Ship technology

One of the cruise ships' features is the advanced clean energy system provided by the Swedish company Climeon Ocean. The new technology allows reducing CO2 emissions by converting the generated by diesel engines' heat into electricity for shipboard use. Each of the newbuilds has 6 such Climeon units, saving ~5400 tons of carbon dioxide annually. The ship's waste processing system is provided by Scanship.

On April 30, 2018, Virgin Voyages signed with Wartsila (marine technologies Finnish corporation / former shipbuilder) a 10-year "Optimised Maintenance Agreement" giving the corporation extensive and exclusive responsibility of the fleet's technical maintenance. Wartsila's "Dynamic Maintenance Planning" system allows maintenance works to be scheduled based on remotely (real-time) monitored and analyzed vessel performance data. This allows extending service intervals (when onboard equipment doesn't require maintenance).

The Virgin-Wartsila deal includes Remote Operational Support Services, Specific Fuel Oil Consumption, spare parts, engines technical advisory services, comprehensive technical support, personnel training. Wartsila-made ship equipment includes 46F diesel engines, Hybrid Scrubber System, SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction/exhaust gas cleaning) and NACOS Platinum series (navigation and automation control systems).

• Each Virgin ship is powered by two 8-cylinder plus two 12-cylinder "Wartsila 46F" marine diesel engines. Wartsila's Hybrid Scrubber System operates in both open and closed-loop and uses seawater to remove SOx from the ship's exhaust. It also significantly reduces NOx emissions.
• Propulsion is based on ABB Azipod XO system (electric drive motors with off-hull submerged azimuth thrusters / 360--degree rotating propellers). These units provide best maneuverability (allowing in-port navigation without tug assistance) and minimal vibrations/noise. By placing the propulsion units outside the hull, the Azipod system frees up space for more lower-deck staterooms.
• ABB Ability technology is based on a network using real-time data transferred to remote centres monitoring and analyzing the propulsion system data and also offering remote technical support.
• In July 2017, was announced that Wartsila (marine technologies Finnish corporation / former shipbuilder) is the provider of vessels' power plants. Among Wartsila's core products are large diesel engines for cruise ships and ferries .

In April 2019 was contracted V-Ships Leisure USA (ship management company) which is part of V-Group Ltd (vessel management and support services provider, industry's first with a dedicated cruise ship division). V-Ships Leisure is responsible for Virgin ships' technical support/management and crew sourcing.

Virgin cruise line's staff and crew uniforms were designed by Gareth Pugh and manufactured by Cintas Corporation (via the "Design Collective by Cintas" division).

• Cintas Corporation (1929-founded, based in Cincinnati, Ohio USA) specializes in businesses products (both for rental and direct purchase) and services, including uniforms, mats, water coolers, cleaning/restroom supplies (chemicals, mops, microfiber towels, disinfectant sprays, hand sanitizers), first aid/safety products, fire extinguishers (also testing and repairs), employee courses (safety, training, compliance). In 2020, Cintas had 40,000+ employees and total revenue USD 7,09 billion (~EUR 6,12B / ~GBP 5,21B).
• Virgin Voyages Crew apparel collection is based on sustainable fabrics and garments specifically designed according to job functions, body types and climates. Unlike the traditional cruise ship uniforms, Virgin's lack the officers' epaulettes (ornamental shoulder pieces that designate his/her rank), as well as ties and waistcoats.

The project was led by Gareth Pugh (British fashion designer) and supervised by Dee Cooper (Virgin Voyages' SVP Design and Customer Experience).

Next image shows one of the initial (train-like) Virgin ship designs.

Virgin cruise bookings on Scarlet Lady were opened on February 5, 2019 (for customers with pre-sale deposits) and on February 14 (for the general public). Beginning February 5, 2019, at FirstMates.com (dedicated website), the cruise company offers all booking tools and information for travel agents (called "First Mates"), including downloadable and digital materials, interactive learning and more. For February 6th was planned the learning campaign "Cabin Fever" on Scarlet Lady staterooms as they went on sale. The website allows travel agents to make bookings on inaugural cruise season 2020 deals (from February 14) and to contact company's Sailor Services (from February 5) in case they have customers with pre-sale deposits.

Bookings for Valiant Lady cruises (Mediterranean 2021) opened on December 19, 2019.

In February 2020 was announced "The Band" - smart wearable technology to be introduced on Scarlet Lady (April 1). The device is made from recycled marine plastic (sustainability initiative) and developed via partnership with The Bionic Company. The lightweight device (RFID wristband) is mailed to all passengers and is complimentary (keepsake). The Band is activated upon boarding the ship and used for onboard purchases and payments (beverages, Casino gaming), booking tours, cabin access (room key), room service ordering (points guest's current location), VIP pass (for Richard's Rooftop).

Virgin's private island resort "Bimini Beach Club" (Bahamas)

The liner Scarlet Lady is the first cruise ship to stop at "Bimini Beach Club" (Virgin Group's private island resort in Bimini Bahamas ). The exclusive destination allows Virgin's Sailors to enjoy world-class entertainment from a rotating cast of DJs led by Mark Ronson. Virgin's Bimini Beach Club offers premium food with locally sourced ingredients and traditional Bahamian favourites like banana leaf-wrapped queen snapper, conch and mango salad, Bahamian rum cake. The complex has 6 bars, outdoor lounge areas with hammock groves, beach loungers, watersport activities, (optional/at extra cost) private poolside and beach-side cabanas for rent.

RockStar Suite passengers benefit from complimentary food service, exclusive bar and outdoor terrace lounge, VIP beach cabanas. The 7-mile (11-km) long island offers extraordinary activities like boating, snorkeling, wreck diving. The partially sunk wreck of SS Sapona (concrete-hulled steamship that ran aground in 1926) is located just a few miles off the island's southern coast.

Virgin's private resort is located on North Bimini Island and at a short bus transfer from the docking pier. It was built via partnership with Resorts World Bimini. This is a 750-acres (3 km2 / 1,2 mi2) beachfront resort-casino-marina-hotel complex operated by Genting Group (Malaysia-based multinational corporation). North Bimini is approx 68 km (42 mi) east of Miami .

Resort's building cost is USD 220 million. Virgin's Bimini Beach Club overlooks the sea and features a large lagoon-style swimming pool. The "resort experience" also features morning open-air exercises (yoga and meditation), afternoon DJ poolside parties, night beach bonfires and live musical performances.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Virgin Voyages postponed the cruise brand's in March 2020 inauguration (Scarlet Lady ship's Showcase Tour / media event in PortMiami) for July 15th (4-day "Richard's Birthday Bash"), with the maiden voyage departing on August 7th from Miami. The ship's originally planned inauguration was for March 29th, 2020 (3-day "Sneak-A-Peek Cruise").

All the scheduled between March 26-August 7th (a total of 29) departures were canceled. In mid-May 2020 were canceled 15 additional departures (through October 15). The 4-night "Richard Branson's 70th Birthday Cruise" (originally planned for July 15, 2020) was rescheduled for July 14, 2021. In late-September 2020 were canceled all Scarlet Lady's November itineraries, and in late-October - the remaining (December 2020) departures. The brand's inauguration was rescheduled for 2021 (January 3, then for May 9). In mid-December were cancelled more itineraries.

The brand's inauguration was rescheduled for August 6, 2021 (Scarlet Lady's Maiden Voyage from Portsmouth England). Valiant Lady's inaugural cruise program was also postponed (Maiden Voyage rescheduled from Nov 14, 2021, to March 18, 2022) and revised.

All affected bookings were provided with the option to cancel with a 125% refund (100% monetary refund) plus 25% in FCC (future cruise credit) or rebook with 200% refund in FCC. As a promo offer, all bookings made by June 30, 2020, received up to USD 500 per person in OBC (onboard credit). A full (100%) monetary refund was optional for cancellations made between May 21-December 31, 2020.

All rebookings made with the 200% FCC were fully refunded (200%) and additionally received 25% in FCC (to be used on another booking). Virgin Voyages also introduced the "Smooth Sailing Program" which allows for itineraries in 2020 (through December 16) the final payment dates to be moved to 60 days (previously 120 days) prior departure. Smooth Sailing also allows cancellations up to 48 hours (prior departure) with receiving a full (100%) refund in FCC.

Itinerary of Virgin Voyages

In 2016, Virgin cruise line's itinerary program was not detailed yet, but Branson mentioned one destination that was on the list - the Caribbean. When asked about Cuba being a potential port destination, he immediately replied "Yes!". This also meant roundtrip departures from a Florida port.

In 2017 was announced that the first Virgin cruise ship ( Scarlet Lady ) will be initially homeported in PortMiami for 7-day Caribbean itineraries departing on Sundays. During the inaugural season 2020-2021, the liner was scheduled to visit Cuba. The company's decision was influenced by conducted customer and travel agency research in the UK and North America. All Virgin cruises to Cuba had to offer an overnight stay in Havana , allowing passengers ("sailors") to explore the country's capital and its unique nightlife.

• 5-day "Mayan Sol" itinerary visits Havana (overnight) and Costa Maya (Mexico) . In Mexico, shore excursions include scuba diving (coral reefs) and Mayan ruins.
• 5-day "Dominican Daze" itinerary visits Havana (overnight) and Puerto Plata (Dominicana) where shore tours include trekking, surfing, shopping.

The second Virgin ship ( Valiant Lady ) is homeported in Miami during 2022-2023 winter season.

On November 28, 2018, Richard Branson and Tom McAlpin announced in Miami the company's plans to build a new (Virgin-exclusive) cruise terminal in PortMiami. "Virgin Voyages Terminal" is sized 100,000 ft2 (9300 m2) and is on the seaport's northwest side.

Virgin Voyages passengers benefit from an impressive variety of cruises to choose from in the inaugural 2020 season of the line's new build . The 4- or 5-night "Havana After Dark" itineraries allow Sailors to explore the Cuban culture and include an overnight stay in Cuba's capital city.

• The 5-night "Mayan Sol" itinerary visits Costa Maya Mexico . The Mayan ruins are just a short distance from the port and colorful coral reefs lie just off-shore. Virgin Voyages partnered with ITM Group for the land tours.
• The 5-night "Dominican Daze" itinerary visits Puerto Plata . On the island are offered trekking, surfing and handicraft shopping tours.

All Virgin Caribbean cruises depart from homeport Miami Florida . Virgin ships are also seasonally deployed in Europe (via Transatlantic crossings), with planned visits to several major Mediterranean and UK ports (including Dover and Liverpool ).

However, following the 2019s (June 5 issued) US Government restrictions on USA to Cuba travel, Virgin Voyages revised all scheduled itineraries to exclude Havana . The new itineraries offer late-night call port departures (including a midnight departure) on all revised Caribbean voyages.

• 5-night "Riviera Maya" itinerary visits Playa Del Carmen (across Cozumel Island), with opportunities to explore archaeological and ecological sites or touring the neighbouring Tulum (walled Mayan city).
• 4-night "Fire and Sunset Soirees" (short-breaks) visit Key West Florida (sunset departure) and Bimini Bahamas (with a late-night beach bonfire party and midnight departure). The line's sailors can experience the cultural paradise of Key West, paired with an exclusive late-night beach bonfire soiree. The artistic fire installation draws inspiration from the fireball sculptures on Branson's Necker Island.
• 7-night itineraries (for 2020 Xmas holidays) include the themed cruises "Holidaze and Nights" and "New Year's Ahoy" visiting Puerto Plata Dominicana with Bimini Bahamas and San Juan Puerto Rico.

All Virgin Caribbean cruises visit Bimini Bahamas as a private island destination.

In April 2022 was announced that in winter 2023-2024, Resilient Lady will be deployed in Australia and New Zealand (Virgin brand's debut in the region). With homeporting in Melbourne , the roundtrip itineraries ranged between 2-14 nights. Some voyages also visited ports in Tasmania (Hobart, Burnie).

Valiant Lady's inaugural cruises 2022

Virgin's second ship ( Valiant Lady ) starts its inaugural season (2022/Maiden Voyage departs March 18th) with roundtrips leaving from Portsmouth England .

• 3-night "Long Weekender" to Zeebrugge Belgium
• 11-night "Coast the Canary Islands, Spain and Portugal"/UK to Iberia
• 12-night "Late Nights in Portugal and Spain"/UK to Iberia

Follows a Western Mediterranean deployment (May thru October 2022) based on homeporting in Barcelona and 7-day roundtrips (Sunday departures) visiting large port cities in France, Italy and Spain. Valiant Lady's Caribbean program is based on homeporting in Miami Florida USA and includes 2-week Transatlantic crossings on repositioning between Europe and USA (RepositionCruises.com).

• 8-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries (Miami roundtrips) are priced from USD 188 per night and visit Puerto Plata (Dominicana) , San Juan (Puerto Rico) , St Croix Island (USVI) and Bimini (Bahamas) .
• 6-night Western Caribbean itineraries (roundtrips from Miami) visit Roatan Island (Honduras) , Costa Maya (Mexico) and Bimini. Fares start at USD 192 per night.
• Special ( Christmas and New Year's ) itineraries and Atlantic Ocean crossings/relocation voyages are priced from USD 102 per night.

In the Caribbean, Virgin boats are homeported in Miami and all itineraries visit Bimini Bahamas as a private island destination.

Resilient Lady's inaugural cruises 2022

Virgin's third ship ( Resilient Lady ) starts its inaugural season (2022/Maiden Voyage departs August 14th) with roundtrips leaving from Piraeus-Athens (Greece) .

• The 7-day roundtrip "Greek Island Glow" itinerary visits the Greek islands Santorini, Rhodes, Crete (Chania) and Mykonos.
• The 7-day roundtrip "Adriatic Sea and Greek Gems" itinerary visits Croatia (Dubrovnik), Montenegro (Kotor), and Greece (Kerkyra/Corfu Island, and Argostoli/Kefalonia Island).
• The "Greek Isles" program (scheduled between August 14 - October 23) ends with the 11-day Transatlantic crossing from Europe to the Caribbean (from Lisbon to San Juan/departure November 1st).

The inaugural Caribbean season 2022-2023 (Nov 12 - April 15) is based on homeporting in San Juan Puerto Rico and 7-day roundtrips.

• The "Southeastern Caribbean Isles" itinerary visits Tortola Island BVI (Road Town), Guadeloupe (Pointe-a-Pitre), Barbados (Bridgetown), St Lucia (Castries) and Antigua (St Johns).
• The "Sunsets In The Lesser Antilles" itinerary visits St Kitts (Basseterre), Martinique (Fort-de-France), Curacao (Willemstad) and Aruba (Oranjestad).

In 2023-2024 (December-March), Resilient Lady was deployed in Australia. The program included three relocation itineraries from Europe to Asia and Australia (RepositionCruises.com) - 14-day from Athens to Dubai (Oct 22), 15-day from Dubai to Singapore (Nov 5) and 15-day from Singapore to Sydney NSW (Nov 20).

Itineraries 2024-2025

Virgin's 2024-2025 (April) schedule lists 19 maiden/new ports and 27 different itineraries in the UK, Australia/NZ, and the Caribbean. Among these are the "Seachange Series" (ship relocation voyages) providing extended sea travel opportunities.

Resilient Lady is homeported in Piraeus-Athens Greece (May through July 2024) for Aegean and Adriatic itineraries. In the summer (August through September 2024) Resilient Lady visits Bordeaux ,  La Coruna , and  Bilbao on the relocation voyage to England.

On February 26, 2024, Virgin Voyages canceled Resilient Lady's 2024-2025 Australian program, citing security concerns (due to the Red Sea war crisis) impacting the ship's scheduled repositioning voyages through the Suez Canal (between Europe and Australia/RepositionCruises.com). Virgin also announced that Resilient Lady (after completing the Mediterranean season on October 20th/2024) will be deployed in the Caribbean and homeported in San Juan (Puerto Rico) offering 7-8-10-11-night roundtrips to St Maarten, St Vincent, Colombia, and Dominica.

Valiant Lady (from  PortMiami  and  San Juan Puerto Rico ) offers Caribbean roundtrips (winter 2023-2024) and in April 2024.

Scarlet Lady in summer 2024 is deployed in the Mediterranean and has scheduled two repositioning voyages - from Barcelona to Civitavecchia-Rome, and a Transatlantic crossing to Miami for a new Caribbean deployement.

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Meet Virgin Voyages' second ship – Valiant Lady

Virgin Voyages ’ second ship, is getting ready to set sail in spring 2022. And the cruise line has just revealed the mermaid design on the side of its brand new ship.

Who is Valiant Lady?

The mermaid represents the beautiful tension between strength and vulnerability – a woman who is unafraid of her own power and never backs down. She was created by artist Hillary Wilson . Hillary wanted to convey the balance between the two and drew a mermaid who is confidently moving forward toward her dreams.

Hillary’s background is in classical art and medical drawing, allowing her to draw inspiration from both sides: one that’s more creative and less exact, and the other which is extremely precise. This results in a mermaid that looks like a real woman, a work of art that celebrates the human form in all its glory.

Hillary says that she’s inspired by the diversity of people in the world that she has an opportunity to paint. That’s what drives and inspires her creative process. She told Virgin Voyages: “The breadth of people that live and exist in the world – I feel so lucky that I get to experience them and create art from them. How lucky are we to get to paint all these kinds of people? To rejoice in all the kinds of people that exist and all the ways you can draw them.”

Virgin Voyages always knew it wanted an inclusive group of mermaids to reflect and celebrate diversity and Hillary knew that was important for the brand. She said that she generally tends to draw her subjects as Black, if not otherwise specified, noting that “you don’t need permission to make someone Black.” Virgin Voyages is purposefully trying to be more inclusive and make sure that its models, brand logos and depictions of people aren’t predominantly white. It wants to reflect the real, beautiful world that we all live in – allowing more than just white people to take up space, seeing only themselves and their stories represented.

What does Valiant Lady have to offer?

Valiant Lady offers sailors curated itineraries featuring longer port stays and overnighters in some of Europe’s most idyllic islands and effervescent cities, allowing Sailors to experience destinations how they want, when they want.

It gets even better... When it comes to additional costs, Virgin Voyages has you covered - all food, soft drinks, group fitness classes, entertainment and Wi-Fi are all included. All tips and port taxes are also covered.

With menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, the responsibly sourced food makes it easy to strike a balance. From their first-to-sea Korean BBQ and elegant steakhouse to the 24/7 diner, Virgin Voyages take food , and the experience around it, seriously.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virgin (@virgin)

This is your holiday and they’ve made it a point to ensure that you get a healthy dose of Vitamin Sea… This means there are no kids on board. From workout classes and gym facilities to luxe spa treatments, the adults-only voyage gives you plenty of chances to relax, rejuvenate, and restore. And if you want to sit back and do nothing, fresh-pressed juices served poolside will make “nothing” feel like everything .

Valiant Lady’s routes

Can’t wait to get on board Valiant Lady and set sail to somewhere fabulous? Here are some of the itineraries on offer on Virgin Voyages’ second ship:

Coast the Canary Islands, Spain, & Portugal – an 11-night voyage setting sail from Portsmouth, UK, with stops in La Coruña, Funchal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lisbon.

Long Weekender in Zeebrugge – a three-night cruise from Portsmouth, UK, to Zeebrugge (Bruges), with time to explore the historic seaside town.

Late Nights in Portugal and Spain – a one-way, 12-night sailing from Portsmouth, UK, to Valiant Lady’s homeport in Barcelona, stopping in La Coruña, Lisbon, Cádiz, Gibraltar, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca along the way. 

The Irresistible Med – a seven-night voyage from Barcelona, sampling the Med and its islands, visiting Toulon, Marina di Carrara, Ajaccio, Cagliari, and Ibiza.

French Daze & Ibiza Nights – a seven-night cruise from Barcelona, experiencing French glamour in Marseille and Monte Carlo, before partying the night away in Ibiza.

Spanish Obsession – a seven-night voyage from Barcelona to experience a selection of Spanish delights, including Palma de Mallorca, Gibraltar, Málaga, and Ibiza.

Visit Virgin Voyages to find out more and book your first voyage with Valiant Lady now.

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Virgin Voyages launched a cruise designed for Gen Z - here's one 25-year-old's verdict

Oct 18, 2021 • 6 min read

Virgin Voyages cruise from Miami to Nassau and Bimini Beach in the Bahamas ©Getty Images

Making waves with its very direct approach to onboarding the next generation of cruisers, Virgin Voyages has finally launched its first of four ships in the US earlier this month. 

As someone squarely in their target demo, a novice cruiser under the age of 25, I accepted Virgin Voyages' invitation to be among the first to check out the new Scarlet Lady. The cruise was one of their new standard routes, four nights from Miami to Nassau and Bimini Beach in the Bahamas ; markedly different from the standard 7-10 night Caribbean trips you'll find on other cruise lines. 

What I found onboard was surprising and gave me definitive answers to the questions many travelers are pondering: Can Virgin Voyages actually bridge the generation gap and be considered cool?

Who is sailing on Virgin Voyages? 

18+ and fully vaccinated? Welcome aboard! Virgin Voyages adults-only scene changes up the attitude and energy of everyone onboard, giving the whole experience an exclusive, club vibe. The ship doesn't lack for anything you'd find on your standard cruise, with plenty of uniquely themed bars (a dozen to be exact), two pools, plenty of hot tubs and a nightclub as cool as any I've seen on more solid ground. The guests on my sailing were from all walks of life and notably younger. 

Will I have to wear a mask on board? 

It's really up to you regarding masks on board as masks are recommended but not required. Walking around the ship, you'd see about one in every 50 people onboard wore masks and all the staff is masked at all times. Though with a sweeping vaccine mandate for all passengers and crew as well as thorough testing prior to boarding from every port, Virgin is hoping to significantly reduce the risk of onboard outbreaks. At this point, a full vaccine mandate is not possible on cruises that include children, which makes Virgin Voyages among the safest travel experiences you can have now.

The new, affordable spring break destination

As soon as the Scarlet Lady departs US waters the drinking age becomes 18 and the ship is ready to party. The pricing for this cruise line is done a bit differently, charging for cabins that have the capacity for up to 3 passengers (or 'sailors' as the line refers to its passengers). With rates that hover around $1,300 per cabin for 4-5 night trips, Virgin is poised to become the perfect upscale yet affordable vacation for a friends group looking to experience some new destinations. 

What are the cabins like? Will I feel comfortable? 

For my stay, I was booked in the Sea Terrace cabin, which is their standard balcony cabin.  Although the bathroom was a little small, I appreciated the extra space in the stylish room. The cabin is high-tech and low-touch with a tablet that centralizes all the controls in the room including the lights, AC, the TV and the window shades. The mood of the cabin changes with a quick swipe as lighting presets add a playful touch with one designed for social media photoshoots and another for hangovers, maybe the most useful feature I found on this party ship. 

My favorite cabin feature? The red hammock on the terrace, perfect for lounging, watching the sea roll by. 

Will I be able to post easily on Instagram while onboard? 

Given that the ship was basically built for social media, Virgin was smart to make WiFi available and free to all guests. Premium and higher-speed WiFi packages are also available for a fee. The highest speed available is $40 for the whole voyage if purchased on the first day. While your social media channels will load perfectly with the free package, and posting is a breeze, working may be a challenge. Most video call services are either blocked by the cruise line or use up too much bandwidth to work as they would on land. Hopefully, you’re not working on vacation, but if you need to make that one important client video call, you may be in trouble.

What's the food like? 

Virgin really excels at atmosphere and the dining experiences at the all-inclusive onboard restaurants are distinct, unique and sexy. Favorites included the fresh Mexican fare at Pink Agave, and Gunbae, a Korean BBQ experience where you’re able to cook some of your own food. Each restaurant also features “Treat Yourself” options for an additional charge, think lobster, steak and oysters. The included food options, however, never left me wanting more. 

Will I have to bring my wallet around the ship to tip? 

There’s no need to tip when you go out to dinner or drinks onboard or at their private beach club (more on that later). This means even when you purchase an alcoholic beverage, you won’t need to add an extra tip and it won’t be automatically added to your account, as it would be on other cruise lines. I wanted to see what would happen if I tried to give my bartender a cash tip one night and they declined to take it. Use your discretion here.

The Beach Club at Bimini: the line's private island oasis

Expect classy, Vegas pool party vibes at Virgin Voyages' exclusive The Beach Club at Bimini, a destination on most of its voyages. The emphasis here is on fun, not necessarily relaxing. The music is loud, drinks are prominent and the free WiFi around the pool ensures easy access to social media. The music is great and goes beyond standard Top 40 hits and Caribbean beats. Plan to stay later into the night for the sunset bonfire, the perfect way to toast a day in paradise. 

Yes, you really can get a tattoo on the ship

That's right, they have a tattoo parlor onboard, Squid Ink, and it's real. Be sure to book ahead as the first and only chance to get your ink at sea fills up fast. 

The shows are actually fun

Every live performance I saw was fun and fully immersive. With at least one live performance nightly in the ship’s theater, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to catch them all.

The highlight for me was the ship's “Untitled Dance Party Show Thing”. The one-of-a-kind variety show makes the audience the spectacle as the space transforms into a dance club. The young crowd went wild for it and so did I; it may be one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen.

What's the overall vibe on the ship? 

Entertainment and performance is the star of the show aboard the Scarlet Lady.  Live entertainment seemingly pops up around every corner of the ship. 

Because of this atmosphere, there is no cruise director, instead, there is a “Happenings” cast made up of several personalities including “the Artist," “the Dancer,” “the Gamer” and more. They pop up throughout your journey and lead to fun and highly interactive experiences.

The Bottom Line

Virgin Voyages is offering a lot to differentiate them from some of the players in the industry, but at the end of the day, it is still a cruise. A very cool cruise though, worth the trip.

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Too hip or just right? Here's what it was really like sailing on Virgin Voyages for the first time

With a nighttime show called "Never Sleep Alone" that awards golden condoms to participants, an onboard tattoo parlor and in-room music and lighting settings with options like "get it on" and "hangover mode," adults-only Virgin Voyages clearly caters to a kid-free crowd. Still, I had no idea what to expect as I stepped onto Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady .

Leading up to its maiden voyage in 2021, Virgin Voyages marketed itself as the cruise line for vacationers who otherwise weren't interested in traditional cruising. It aimed to appeal to those who were young and hip, wanted to party and craved an atmosphere without little kids running around.

Up until recently, I'd only ever sailed with Disney Cruise Line — and with my kids in tow. However, the Virgin Voyages concept has intrigued me since it launched.

Could Richard Branson's edgy Virgin Voyages truly be a perfect match for trips without kids? Or, would I feel completely out of place and overwhelmed by the rock star attitude featured throughout the cruise line's ships?

There was only one way to satisfy my curiosity — I booked a sailing on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady.

Would the four-night cruise from Miami , with stops in both Key West, Florida, and Bimini, Bahamas, impress me enough to consider Virgin Voyages for future trips? Here's what I took away from the experience — and whether I'd cruise with Virgin Voyages again.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

There's a surprisingly diverse crowd on board

Like many people, I went into my cruise expecting most passengers (or "sailors," as the line calls them) to be millennials based on the flashy marketing I've seen from the line. Much to my surprise, though, there was a fair mix of people on my sailing.

Sure, there were millennials in their late 20s, 30s and even early 40s — including me, as I fall within the oldest bracket for that generation — but for every 27-year-old on board, there was also someone close to 70 years old like the cruise line's founder, Richard Branson.

Last year, Tom McAlpin, the president and CEO of Virgin Voyages, told TPG's resident cruise expert Gene Sloan that on early sailings of Scarlet Lady, the average passenger age was in the 50s, with plenty on board in their 60s and 70s. Based on my trip, I'd say that is still a pretty accurate representation.

After a few days on board, it became clear that what passengers had in common wasn't the age listed in their passports but rather the shared desire to have a good time. For the most part, my fellow cruisers were a diverse, inclusive and vibrant group of vacationers who were all eager to strike up conversations with others, regardless of age.

Related: First look: 10 things I love about Virgin Voyages' new Valiant Lady cruise ship

The adult-oriented persona isn't as extreme as you might expect

While there is a "Scarlet Night" celebration featuring lots of red lights and sailors donning their best scarlet-colored attire, the atmosphere on board is far from what you'll find in Amsterdam's Red Light District.

The entertainment we experienced fell somewhere between PG-13 and R, though we admittedly headed to bed by 11 p.m., so perhaps offerings leaned more X-rated as the night went on.

There were a couple of shows that I wouldn't want to see with, say, my parents, such as the previously mentioned "Never Sleep Alone." During that event, participants were awarded golden condoms that granted access to a post-show VIP party. However, those adult activities were easy to spot on the agenda, so you could easily skip them if you wanted a more tame cruise experience.

Beyond the evening entertainment, the vibe was similar to what you'd find in Las Vegas . The pools, restaurants, spa, casino and exercise classes all featured plenty of skimpy outfits and adult-oriented jokes and innuendos, though you could avoid anything that was too outside your comfort zone.

Related: 5 cruise lines to try if you just can't stand being around kids on vacation

Dining options are plentiful (albeit hit or miss)

As far as I'm concerned, cruises are for eating — and Virgin Voyages offers numerous places to dine on Scarlet Lady.

In addition to featuring more than 20 grab-and-go spots and traditional sit-down eateries, there's the large Galley venue with various vendors arranged in a way similar to what you'd find in a food court or buffet.

Given all the options available, there were more places than we could try on our first Virgin Voyages cruise. Still, we sought to sample as much as possible during our four-night sailing.

If you're looking for a traditional sit-down experience, six onboard restaurants accept reservations for dinner: The Wake (which serves steaks and seafood), Razzle Dazzle Restaurant (a contemporary venue with vegetarian and American fare), The Test Kitchen (a laboratory-style eatery), Pink Agave (where gourmet Mexican cuisine is on the menu), Extra Virgin (an Italian-inspired venue) and Gunbae (which specializes in Korean barbecue).

Your cruise price covers dining at all of these spots, plus the quick bite options on the ship. However, some restaurants offer buy-up options labeled as "treat yourself" dishes that cost extra. For example, a half-dozen oysters at The Wake are going to set you back an additional $20, but the steak and clam chowder are 100% included.

Besides the main restaurants, there's the previously mentioned Galley, where you can savor everything from sushi roll bento boxes to 24-hour diner food. It is a hybrid of a grab-and-go and dine-in experience, meaning how you order will vary depending on which station you visit.

Additionally, you'll find casual spots that serve ice cream, pizza, poke bowls and more. You can also order room service; the food is complimentary, but there's a $5 delivery fee.

While I appreciated the array of options at our disposal, I found the quality of the food and service to be hit or miss. Some restaurants I loved so much that I went back a second time; at others, I took a solitary bite of food before deciding to move on.

For example, the tuna poke bowl I excitedly tried at the Sun Club Cafe was patently awful, and the sushi rolls at The Galley were disappointing, reminding me of what I'd find in my Texas grocery store.

Similarly, The Wake was lackluster, to say the least. While some fellow cruisers we met enjoyed the restaurant, it was extremely underwhelming during our visit, serving the worst shrimp and grits I've ever had. Not to mention, the service was slow and seafood options were surprisingly limited for a restaurant that claims to specialize in steak and seafood.

It wasn't all mediocre, though.

Gunbae's Korean fare was not only delicious but served in a setting that was an absolute blast to experience. It really captured how Virgin markets itself by offering staff-led drinking games and communal seating that encourages socializing. We had such a great time there that when we walked into a quiet and sparsely populated restaurant on our last night, we turned around and went back to Gunbae for a repeat experience that was just as memorable as our first visit.

Pink Agave was another standout restaurant. It didn't offer as much of a party vibe as Gunbae, but it still felt lively and served a solid selection of Mexican dishes.

Related: Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The 9 best meals you can have at sea

The cabins are decent but could be improved

Unless you splurge on a pricy RockStar suite , you'll be placed in a cabin that looks modern but otherwise seems fairly standard, other than the fancy mood lighting.

Our Sea Terrace cabin was spotless and stayed true to the modern theme featured throughout the ship, but it wasn't the most comfortable spot on the whole.

While we enjoyed the red outdoor hammock that was shockingly comfortable and not merely a cute, Instagram-worthy gimmick, as well as the selection of in-room movies, which ranged from the original "Top Gun" to newer releases like "Elvis," the rest of the cabin left a lot to be desired.

The bathroom was quite small, to the point where it bordered on being a claustrophobic experience.

The bed was also rather hard and uncomfortable for my personal tastes, so much so that by the last night of our trip, I was ready to return to my more inviting setup at home.

Additionally, unlike Disney Cruise Line, where cabin attendants make it a point to get to know you and your preferences, Virgin Voyages lacked the same personalized service. I never interacted with a person in charge of our cabin, as it would be serviced while we were out (after pushing a button that sent the request to the crew) by a person that, to us, remained nameless and faceless.

Related: Virgin Voyages to debut cruise loyalty program in 2023, with temporary perks available now

The private beach club is top-notch

While other ports of call vary based on the sailing, a constant for Scarlet Lady is a stop at its private beach club in the Bahamas.

Situated on the island of Bimini, this spot was, in a word, fabulous.

Although it's not quite a private island like Royal Caribbean's CocoCay and Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay, that doesn't really matter. You'll feel like you're in an exclusive setting after taking the open-air tram from the ship's dock to the modern, beautiful beach club.

The club offers a couple of large pools, ample lounge chairs and towels, plenty of bars and a picture-perfect beach. A swim-up bar would have been nice, but that's being picky.

During your visit to the club, any drinks you order are charged to the ship, so bar tab credits you have during your cruise will work here, too. The food, which ranged from snapper steamed in a banana leaf to a salad featuring Bahamian mango and macadamia, is included, though some dishes were better than others. I loved mixing the curry, rice and snapper I ordered all together to create a pretty tasty bowl.

On-island entertainment is available as well, though I can't speak to what happened as the afternoon wore on, as we hit our sun quota by midday. However, rumor has it there was a pool float party that occurred after our departure.

Related: Virgin Voyages hopes to draw cruise newbies like me: Here's my first impression from its first sailing

You won't find the usual cruise experience on board

Virgin Voyages does not simply give its amenities and activities quirky names — like "Lick Me Til Ice Cream" for the onboard ice cream shop. The overall experience is a bit different than what you'll come across on traditional cruise lines.

To start, there are no drink packages — and that was a big complaint I heard on the ship from folks who were used to sailing with other lines that offer unlimited drink inclusion options . Instead, Virgin Voyages offers a bar tab that you can load before you sail. Sometimes bar tab credit is also included with the sailing as part of a promotion.

Blessedly, there are no keycards and associated lanyards to keep up with but rather adjustable bracelets that look like friendship bracelets from middle school. Unlike the ones from your childhood, these have built-in technology that opens your cabin door, allows you to charge things to your account and more.

There are also no set dining times, restaurant rotations or dress codes, though you can — and should — make dinner reservations. As a result, you can dine at whichever restaurant you prefer at a time that works for you.

Other than the cabin cleanings, the crew was more noticeable, too. We saw crew members on the basketball courts, eating in The Galley and just generally out and about around the ship even when they didn't appear to be on the clock, which helped create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Additionally, we didn't have to worry about extra tips, taxes or fees. Tips for the crew, spa services and more are factored into your cruise price, so what you see on the menu really is what you can expect to pay.

Another noticeable (and welcome) difference was how laid-back the line was with announcements and disembarking. Outside of a welcome announcement from the captain on the first day, we didn't hear another peep. On the last day, you just had to be off the ship by a respectable 10:45 a.m., so you could still go to a workout class, play some air hockey and have brunch without feeling rushed to depart.

Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly

Bottom line

Despite some underwhelming aspects here and there, such as some design choices we didn't love and a very crowded pool area, we had a great time.

The late-night spicy ramen, social atmosphere and fun ports more than made up for any hiccups. For us, it was like a four-day long party without the hangover.

In fact, we had such a great time that before disembarking Scarlet Lady, we put a $300 deposit down on a future Virgin Voyages sailing so we could receive $900 in discounts and credits the next time around.

It's safe to say that overall, the cruise was absolutely worth it — and one we can't wait to do all over again.

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10+ Virgin Voyages Tips and Things to Know Before You Sail

About to sail on a Virgin Voyages cruise? As we’ve explained before, there is a lot that’s different that you’ll want to know about before you step on board.

Some of the biggest differences — no kids allowed, wi-fi and gratuities included in the fare — are well known and advertised heavily. But there are also a lot of things you may not know before your cruise that are unique to Virgin.

That’s why we’ve created a helpful list of a dozen things that are great tips and things to know for the cruise line. If you’ve never sailed before Virgin, this list can help make you a pro in no time…

Pack Some Red For Your Wardrobe

The signature color on Virgin Voyages is red. You’ll see it everywhere from the logo to the lighting around the ship to the uniforms of some crew members. But one thing you’ll want to do is bring a little red of your own — best if it’s in a snazzy outfit.

One big feature of a Virgin cruise is Scarlet Night. You may have seen ’80s or neon-themed parties on other lines. In a twist, Scarlet Night is where you wear your best red and the ship turns into a red-themed party. There’s red lighting everywhere, entertainers performing around the ship, and everyone is dressed up.

What you don’t want to do is feel out of the loop by leaving your red at home. 

High Status on Another Line? See About a Match

One hard part of creating a new cruise line is getting customers that are loyal to another line to give it a shot. Since cruise lines give perks to customers that have sailed often, getting them to jump to try another is difficult.

To solve this, Virgin Voyages introduced “Experience Match.” If you’re someone with a high status on another line, then Virgin will provide a match that opens up the perks that the cruise line offers its own loyalty program guests. This can include things like bar credit, premium wi-fi, daily coffee credit, and more.

Now you will need to have fairly high status on another cruise line to get a match (for example, Platinum or higher on Carnival) so not everyone will be able to take advantage. But if you can, it’s a no-brainer.

Pay Attention to the Letter on Your Cabin Number

Finding your cabin on the ship can be a little confusing your first time sailing Virgin Voyages due to the numbering convention used.

First, instead of having odd numbered cabins on one side and even numbers on the other, the cruise line uses “A” for rooms on one side of the ship and “Z’ for the other side. Ships in the middle use “M.”

But if you are in room 5266A, there’s another room on the other side of the ship that’s 5266Z. And there could be a mid-ship room that’s 5266M. In other words, you need to pay attention to the entire room number, including the letter at the end.

Otherwise, it could be for some awkward conversations when you’re trying to open up the door to the wrong cabin late at night.

Reservations Are Tricky

When you’re on the ship, you’ll want to be thinking ahead of what you will do. The cruise line uses reservations for its sit-down restaurants and also for some shows. The available spots fill up quickly. If you wait until the day of a show or even just a couple of days before dinner, then you aren’t likely to get a spot.

That’s the bad news. The good news is there are ways to get around not having a reservation.

For shows, often the cruise line has the same performances multiple times during a cruise. So if you don’t see a spot available at first, look at the schedule for later in the cruise on the Virgin Voyages app to see if there are openings at another showtime.

As for restaurants, the cruise line leaves space open for walk-ins. Even if you don’t have a reservation, head down anyway to see if you can get a table. We did this twice during a four-day cruise and were seated immediately both times.

No Announcements, So Pay Attention

If you’re used to traditional cruise lines, one thing that might catch you off-guard is the lack of announcements. There’s no cruise director on the ship, so there’s not someone coming over the intercom every few hours to tell you what’s happening.

This also applies to notifications like when you can leave the ship when docked at a port of call. Instead, you simply need to keep an eye on the time and head down when the ship is scheduled to allow passengers off the ship — or when you see people already debarking.

For those that like having reminders, it can be a bit different. For those who get tired of the interruption of a full-ship announcement, it’s a nice change.

How to Use the Stairwells to Navigate

Many lines have hidden clues in cabin hallways to help you navigate. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line uses the carpet design to point the way forward with fish swimming ahead or arrows pointing forward.

Virgin uses something similar. Look carefully and you’ll notice that the carpet in the stairwell/elevator areas is actually a different color. It’s red at the aft elevators, blue in the middle of the ship, and purple in the forward stairwell.

This way you can have an idea of where on the ship you are even if there are no windows or other clues to get your bearings.

Think of The Beach Club Port Stop as Two Days

If you sail from Miami, then your cruise will include a stop at The Beach Club. This is Virgin Voyages’ private destination on Bimini in The Bahamas. It features a huge pool area, plenty of spots to relax, and a wide stretch of white sand beach and electric blue water.

When you visit, you’ll only spend a day here. However, it can really be thought of as two days. Head out in the morning, and it feels like a relaxing beach resort. There aren’t a ton of people, the music is calm, and you have your run of the place. Lay in a hammock, swim on the beach, take a dip in the pool.

In the afternoon, things change a little. You can still find your place to relax, but the pool party starts up complete with a DJ, dancers from the entertainment team and dozens of inflatable floats. It’s a very different atmosphere.

Be Careful Booking a Room on Deck 8, Mid-Ship

If you are able to book a specific room on your cruise, there’s one spot we’d suggest you avoid at all costs — the middle of the ship on Deck 8.

Most of the time cruise lines are thoughtful about where they place cabins in relation to public spaces, but Virgin Voyages ships were built with a quirk. The Manor is a nightclub on the ship, and it takes up two decks — Decks 6 and 7. That means the roof of the hotspot is the floor of Deck 8 where there are cabins.

We were assigned a cabin here, and the bass from the nightclub reverberated through the walls, straight through the bed and seemingly right into our ear. Finally at about 1:30 a.m. on the first night, we went to the front desk to ask about changing rooms. Thankfully, the staff had another room and we moved immediately.

The better bet is just to avoid this spot on the ship unless you plan to be the one in the nightclub yourself. ( You can see a deck plan here. )

Talk to “Chart Room” Desk for Faster Service

Every ship has a Guest Services desk (on Virgin Voyages it’s called Sailor Services) that can help you with any question you might have on the ship. This can cover anything from having to switch rooms due to being over the nightclub to fixing your onboard account.

However, the lines here — especially at the beginning and end of the cruise — can be long on any ship. That’s why Virgin Voyages also has a second location that many people don’t realize.

If you need help with something, you can also stop by the Chart Room, located on Deck 7.  It’s not heavily advertised, but they are able to help with most questions, giving you a chance to get any issues taken care of without having to wait in line.

Internet Is Included, But Upgrade to Stream Video/Music

One great thing about the cruise is that a lot is included in the fare. This includes gratuities, all food, and wi-fi.

And truth be told, the wi-fi is solid. When we tested the speed, it only came in at 1.5 Mbps, but felt much faster. It also didn’t have issues with slowing down or dropping service as we’ve seen on other lines. The only drawback is that you can’t stream with the basic included wi-fi.

If you want to stream video or music, then you’ll need to upgrade. The cost is $15 per day and you can do it by the day or the entire trip. When we upgraded we reached speeds of around 6 Mbps and had no issues streaming such as buffering or lagging. It did take a few minutes of watching before the picture turned to sharp HD.

There’s no Keycard on Virgin, but The Band

If you’ve sailed other cruise lines, then you know that most have a credit card style room key. You use this to access your cabin, make purchases on the ship, and for disembarking.

Virgin Voyages uses something called The Band. Instead of a plastic card you have a stylish bracelet that you wrap around your wrist and keep on with the anchor clasp. If you don’t want to wear it on your wrist, you could also put it on a lanyard or just keep it in your pocket. It can be a little annoying as it wears a bit loose, but it is also nice not to have to dig into your pocket every time you want to get into the room.

Hot Tubs at the Back of the Ship Rarely Get Full

Want to have your own personal hot tub on the ship? It’s not really yours, but it may as well be.

The pool area on the ship can get crowded and it feels like there isn’t much seating either in the pool or around it. This includes the hot tubs. What we saw, however, was that during the cruise the two hot tubs at the back of the ship were largely forgotten. They were either empty or only had two people in them.

If you’re wanting a spot to relax and watch the sunset, it’s hard to beat this location.

More on Sailing Virgin Voyages:

• What to Expect on Virgin Voyages Compared to Other Cruise Lines (Differences, What to Know, & More)
• Virgin Voyages Live Blog: First Impressions of a Completely Different Cruise Line

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

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Work from sea: Virgin Voyages brings remote friendly summer season pass to second ship

Virgin Voyages is doubling down on its remote work-friendly season pass.

The adults-only cruise line is offering the Summer Season Pass on its Resilient Lady ship, which sails from Athens, Greece. This follows high demand after revealing the offer for Scarlet Lady earlier this month.

Passholders can take back-to-back cruises at a cheaper cost.

“No longer does working from home mean being tied to a desk or home office and eating leftovers for lunch,” Virgin Voyages CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu previously said in a news release when the first pass was launched. “With our latest WiFi upgrades, Virgin Voyages can now offer our Sailors the chance to see the world while working from a daybed at The Dock (outdoor lounge) and sampling Mediterranean mezzes, then hopping off the ship in between calls to make the most of our incredible ports of call.”

What are the terms of Virgin’s Summer Season Pass?

The passes for Resilient Lady are available in three stints of four cruises each:

• June 30-July 28
• July 7-Aug. 4

Destinations include the islands of Santorini and Mykonos, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Bodrum in Turkey, and Kotor, Montenegro, though exact itineraries vary by sailing.

How much does Virgin’s Summer Season Pass cost?

The pass starts at $9,990 for up to two guests, a savings of roughly 30% compared to booking four sailings separately. Passholders will stay in a Central Sea Terrace cabin with a private balcony.

They will also get complimentary wash and fold laundry service, access to Richard’s Rooftop – usually reserved for suite guests – a $10 daily coffee credit per cabin and more.

Can I work from a cruise ship?: We gave it a try

Premium Wi-Fi will be provided at no extra cost, handy for those who need to get work done on board. If you do, Virgin recommends posting up at the “in-cabin desk, your hammock, or in the Grounds Club” coffee bar, according to an FAQ section on its website.

Travelers can fill out an online form to book.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Solo at Sea: How the Cruise Industry Is Adapting to the Surge in Solo Travelers

A s of January 1, Norwegian Cruise Lines boasts more than 1,500 luxurious single-person cabins across its 19 ships. It’s the latest in a trend that’s been building since 2019 – solo traveling on cruise ships. Oceania Cruises and Atlas Ocean Voyages were the first to roll out single accommodations. Princess Cruises' soon to launch Sun Princess will also cater to the solo cruise passenger.

Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Oceania Cruises, and Atlas Ocean Voyages are also adding more solo cabins on new ships debuting through 2024, according to Business Insider .

The recent shift toward solo cruising can be largely attributed to the pandemic. It ignited a desire among many to explore the world independently. Insights gathered by SoloTravelerWorld based on a 2023 survey reveal a notable uptick in the enthusiasm for solo travel, including cruising.

Solo travelers increased their solo travel expenditure in 2023 compared to the year 2022. More than half of the participants intend to embark on two or more journeys in 2024, with most planning trips lasting 2 to 3 weeks or even longer.

In response to the growing trend of solo travel, Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) and other leading cruise companies spearheaded the innovative concept of "Studio" cabins and lounges. These dedicated spaces cater exclusively to solo travelers, shattering the long-standing stereotype that cruising is predominantly a group or couple-centric activity.

This thoughtful initiative not only provides solo travelers with a space tailored to their needs but also fosters a sense of inclusivity and diversity within the cruising industry.

Innovative Response to Solo Travelers' Needs

Cruise lines now recognize the value of solo travelers, who historically faced financial penalties and fewer accommodations. This paradigm shift is evident in modern vessels increasingly featuring single cabins that offer the same service and comfort levels as standard accommodations, often without extra fees.

Lines like NCL, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean are introducing larger staterooms for solo travelers, sometimes even waiving the single supplement fees. Riviera Travel, the United Kingdom's largest river cruise provider, offers sole-occupancy cabins without surcharges and dedicates entire ships to solo travel itineraries. These initiatives go beyond accommodation, fostering a vibrant social atmosphere with organized events and activities that appeal to solo travelers.

Solo Cruising: A Growing Trend in the Industry

Solo travel now represents 18% of global travel bookings, reflecting a significant market segment that cruise lines cannot afford to ignore. Chantelle from Flannels or Flipflops encapsulates the solo cruising experience: "Going on a cruise by myself was great for some me-time, doing things when I wanted, and it also got me to meet new people, which was a fun step outside my usual comfort zone."

NCL, a leading name in solo cruiser accommodations, plans to add nearly 1,000 solo cabins across its 19-ship fleet by 2024. Similarly, Oceania and Celebrity Cruises have introduced solo cabins on certain ships and sailings. According to AARP , more than one-fifth of passengers on some itineraries travel solo, encouraging cruise lines to tailor activities and dining options for unaccompanied guests.

Cruise lines host welcome receptions, special dinners, group chats, and shore excursions, allowing independent travelers to intermingle. Norwegian, MSC, and Royal Caribbean provide private solo lounges to encourage connection.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite these positive developments, challenges remain, particularly in pricing. Solo travelers often pay a premium for single occupancy. However, some cruise lines adjust their pricing strategies to make solo cruising more accessible, offering special promotions, priced-right solo cabins, and eliminating single supplements for solo cruisers on select voyages. The era of solo cruising has arrived as travelers seek "me time" and new connections on their terms.

The cruise industry's journey toward solo traveler accommodation signifies an evolution in diverse need recognition for modern travelers. Changes also reflect a shift toward personalized and inclusive travel experiences. As cruise lines adjust and adapt their services to cater to solo travelers, such changes present new opportunities for enhanced customer satisfaction, potentially fostering mutually beneficial relationships between travelers and industry leaders.

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Three cruise passengers jump ship during a port stop in British Virgin Islands

• March 25, 2024

Mystery surrounds the whereabouts of three cruise ship guests who failed to return to their ship after a shore visit in the British Virgin Islands earlier this month.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the BVI Department of Immigration seek information from the public to locate the three Colombian nationals.

Public Advisory Issued in BVI

Earlier this week, Jean Carlo Ospina Cano, Pamela Mesa Escobar, and Yesica Yojana Marin Ramirez went ashore at Tortola but didn’t return to the Norwegian Sky cruise ship . The ship eventually departed and is currently on its next cruise.

A guest sailing on Sky during the event sent a tip line inquiry, leading us to contact NCL for validation.

The Norwegian Sky is sailing a series of Caribbean cruises out of La Romana, Dominican Republic. The three missing guests were on a 14-night sailing trip called to numerous ports, including Aruba, Curacao, Barbados, and St. Kitts.

The British Virgin Islands is a safe destination with a relatively low crime rate.

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Here’s the ‘ridiculous’ rule on cruise ships that travelers are blasting as a ‘rip-off’.

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When it comes to drinking on board a cruise ship , there is a rule that has even the most dedicated cruisers scratching their heads, claiming it is a “rip-off.”

Drink packages are a common offering on cruises, allowing guests to pay upfront to have the cost of alcoholic drinks at bars and restaurants on board the ship covered.

But there is often a catch – and it can be a terribly frustrating one.

If one person wants to purchase the drinks package, everyone in the same stateroom has to, despite the packages being charged per person, per day and strictly not allowed to be shared.

Australian couple Christine and Dave Russell, who have been going on multiple cruises a year for the past decade, found out how pesky the rule was when Ms. Russell decided to stop drinking 12 months ago.

It meant on three Carnival cruises , Mr. Russell had to miss out on purchasing the drinks package because Ms. Russell would have been forced to pay $111 ($72 USD) a day.

“When you times that by two and only one person drinks, it’s a lot of money,” she told news.com.au.

“I’m not going to drink $100 a day in soft drink. I don’t generally drink soft drink anyway, I only ever drink water.”

Ms. Russell described the rule as “frustrating” and “annoying.”

Carnival’s policy is that its “Cheers!” drinks package, including up to 15 alcoholic drinks a day and other non-alcoholic beverages, must be purchased by each adult assigned to the same stateroom.

No sharing is permitted.

News.com.au reached out to a number of major cruise lines that sail in Australia with similar conditions – including Carnival Cruise Line, P & O Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean – and not one could give a reason.

Carnival Australia, which is the parent company of seven cruise brands in Australia and New Zealand, including Carnival, P & O, Cunard and Princess, instead said it took its Responsible Service of Alcohol seriously and drink packages were optional.

“Our beverage packages are completely optional, and guests have the freedom to purchase beverages individually at competitive prices, allowing them to customise their cruise experience according to their personal preferences,” a Carnival Australia spokesperson said.

“Our beverage package conditions align with general industry standards which have been in place for many years, and mirror other hospitality industries when opting for a set menu or drinks package.

“Guests who are pregnant or don’t drink alcohol do not have to buy a beverages package, and we offer a wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages.”

Adam Glezer of  Consumer Champion , who advocates for Australian customers with issues in the travel industry, told news.com.au the rule was “unreasonable” and “a profit making exercise.”

While he believes drink packages on cruises are a brilliant idea, he said cruise companies should not be pressuring people to buy them if they don’t want to.

Mr. Glezer, who is a cruiser himself, said it was “disappointing but not surprising” the cruise companies had failed to give a reason for the rule.

“They haven’t given a reason because there’s no explanation that would paint them in a decent light,” he said.

“I’m fighting for this to be changed because a drinks package should be optional per individual.”

“If someone drinks, they should be able to purchase the drinks package without others in the cabin being obliged to purchase the same package.”

“I’ve met a number of people that have been quite annoyed by the situation.”

He believes a cruise company who decides to buck tradition and “get rid of the ridiculous rule will have an edge on their opposition.”

Virgin Voyages and Disney Cruise Line, which had their first seasons in Australia this summer, have both ditched traditional drink packages.

Virgin instead allows guests to pre-pay their “Bar Tab” and get bonus on-board credit for doing so.

It promotes its offering as being different to other cruise brands, with “no restrictive drink packages with unreasonable rules here”.

Disney’s deals include packages of bottled wine and a refillable beer mug offering, where guests receive a 21 oz glass mug and can refill it for the cost of a 16 oz beer at any bar on the ship that serves draft beer.

Royal Caribbean has a slightly different take on the traditional rule that the same drink package must be purchased by those staying together.

If a guest within the stateroom does not drink alcohol then a ‘Refreshment Package’ must be purchased, including soft drinks, coffees, tea, juices and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Travelers have shared mixed reactions to cruise drink packages online, with some warning it is not worth it and others explaining how they got their money’s worth.

One Australian TikTok user, who goes by the handle “jasmintiexo,” created a detailed breakdown of every drink she ordered on a eight day Royal Caribbean cruise.

It showed she was able to get $US1151.50 (about $1760) worth of drinks for $US520 (about $795).

See how major cruise brands in Australia apply the rule on drink packages below.

Carnival Cruise Line

If purchasing the “Cheers!” alcoholic drinks package each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase it too, starting at $111($72 USD) per person, per day.

There is a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks a day.

If the drinks package is part of an offer you have received from Carnival, then it is applicable to the 1st and 2nd adults in the cabin only; if the 2nd passenger is not 18 years of age, then the “Bottomless Bubbles” package (soft drink and juice) will be assigned at $7.50 (about $5 USD) per day.

Carnival Cruise Line told news.com.au: “If one of the guests sailing together chooses not to purchase a package, they always have the option to enjoy beverages ala carte.”

Celebrity Cruises

Guests must purchase the same drink package for all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom. Packages may not be shared.

A non-alcoholic drink package will be added instead for teens 13 to 17 years old, pregnant guests, and recovering alcoholics or guests with a medical issue that does not allow them to consume alcohol.

Alcoholic drink packages start at $US89 ($136) per person, per day.

Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the same drinks option.

Sharing is not permitted.

On a five to 14 night cruise, the “Beers, Wines and Spirits” package starts at $US72 ($110) per person, per day.

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P & O Cruises

If two or more guests aged over 18 years are sharing a cabin all guests must purchase the same drinks package.

There is a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks a day. Sharing drink packages is not allowed.

Alcoholic drink packages start at $99 ($65 USD) per person, per day.

Princess Cruises

The requirement for alcoholic drink packages to be purchased by more than one guest is not included in the updated terms and conditions.

However in its FAQ, Princess Cruises states third and fourth guests in the same stateroom are not required to purchase or be defaulted to the selected package of first and second guests in a stateroom, implying the first two guests must purchase the same package.

Alcoholic drinks are limited to 15 beverages a day and must not be shared.

The alcoholic drink packages start at $110 ($72 USD) per person, per day.

Royal Caribbean

If purchasing the “Deluxe Beverage Package” it is required that it is purchased by all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom.

Packages cannot be shared.

If a guest within the stateroom does not drink alcohol then a “Refreshment Package” must be purchased.

This includes soft drinks, coffees, tea, juices and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Prices can change depending on the sailing.

The alcoholic drinks package is said to cost between $US56 ($86) to $US105 ($161) per person, per day, and the “Refreshment Package” costs $US29 ($44) per person, per day (both excluding gratuity).

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