Quick answer: No, not in the way most people fear. Virgin Voyages is adults-only and the nightlife is genuinely fun, but most days are about good food, sunshine, fitness and relaxing. The party is there if you want it and easy to avoid if you don’t. It isn’t the right fit for families with children, fans of formal nights and big production shows, or anyone who wants an all-inclusive drinks package.
“Isn’t Virgin just a booze cruise?” We get asked this a lot. After 100+ nights across 16 sailings on all four ships, our honest answer is that Virgin has a reputation it doesn’t quite live up to, in a good way. Here’s what it’s actually like, and who we’d steer elsewhere.
Where the party reputation comes from
Virgin has a big personality. It’s adults-only, the brand is cheeky, there’s a late-night club scene, and the signature Scarlet Night party gets plenty of social media attention. Add the Virgin name and its music heritage, and it’s easy to assume the ships are floating Ibiza.
Virgin runs themed parties, and they change. Check the Virgin Voyages app for what’s on your sailing. They’re fun, they’re well produced, and nobody makes you go.
What a typical Virgin day really looks like
On a normal sea day, here’s what we see on board:
- Morning: busy fitness classes, runners on the track, people reading over a long breakfast. See where to eat breakfast on Virgin Voyages.
- Midday: pool time, a long lunch, maybe bottomless brunch (around $35, or $75 with Moët).
- Afternoon: spa, naps, a cocktail on a Sea Terrace, an afternoon show.
- Evening: dinner is the main event, with six included restaurants. Then a show, a drink, live music.
- Late night: the club scene, for those who want it.
The ship has a lively hour or two at night. Most of the day it’s closer to a boutique hotel than a nightclub.
Quiet corners on Virgin Voyages
If you want peace, it’s easy to find. These are our own favourite quiet spots:
- The outdoor area at the back of The Galley, Deck 15. Nice and quiet for breakfast, or for a shady seat later in the day.
- The Perch, Deck 17. It gets overlooked because there’s no bar. It’s used for morning yoga (and some events on Alaska sailings), and the rest of the time it’s a great place to read quietly.
- The outdoor seating along both sides of Deck 7. There are sofas, and you can pick sun or shade depending on which way the ship is facing.
Other calm options:
- Richard’s Rooftop, suite-only on all four ships (Virgin sometimes invites VIPs, but the only guaranteed way in is to book a RockStar suite)
- The spa and thermal suite on a sea day. See spa prices
- Your own Sea Terrace, many with a hammock: read our Sea Terrace guide
Cabin choice matters too. Avoid cabins directly above or below the late-night venues if you’re a light sleeper. In our experience, Deck 8 Central cabins can hear The Roundabout late at night. XL Sea Terraces, right at the front of the ship, are further from The Roundabout, The Galley and the pool, which can suit some people (though some have an egg chair instead of the hammock). Our deck plan guide shows where they are.
Wellness and food-led days
This is the side of Virgin people don’t expect. Group fitness classes are included, from yoga to HIIT, and lots of Sailors start the day at a class. The food is restaurant-led rather than buffet-led, with no main dining room. Many of our happiest days at sea have been built around a workout, a long lunch and an early dinner at The Test Kitchen. Even Virgin’s themed sailings lean this way: we sailed during the Festival of Senses on Brilliant Lady in September 2026, and it was all about food and drink, not a party. See our themed sailings guide.
There are zero-proof cocktails on every bar menu too. On Valiant Lady in August 2026 a zero-proof Loose Cannon was $11 against $15 for the cocktail, so you’re not paying a big premium for skipping alcohol.
Adults-only, but not wild
Virgin is 18+. That means a grown-up atmosphere, not an out-of-control one. Most Sailors we meet are couples, groups of friends and solo travellers, from their late twenties to their seventies. Behaviour is generally good, and the crew are brilliant at keeping the vibe fun but friendly.
Read more in are Virgin Voyages adult-only cruises?
Who would honestly be happier elsewhere
We’d rather you love your holiday than book the wrong ship. Virgin isn’t for everyone.
Families with children
Virgin is adults-only, so it’s a non-starter with under-18s. We’d point families towards Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean, both of which we’ve sailed.
Fans of formal nights
There’s no formal night and no dress code beyond Scarlet Night (wear red if you fancy it). If dressing up for a captain’s gala is part of the magic for you, look at Cunard or Celebrity. See our dress code guide.
Big Broadway-style production shows
Virgin’s entertainment is intimate, immersive and quirky, rather than large-scale musicals. If you want West End-style shows at sea, Royal Caribbean is the better choice. Here’s what Virgin does instead: entertainment guide.
Casino-heavy holidays
Virgin’s ships do have a casino, with the classic table games and slots, but Virgin deliberately keeps it boutique rather than making it a centrepiece of the ship. Serious casino fans tend to prefer the bigger mainstream lines.
All-inclusive drinks seekers
Drinks aren’t included in Virgin’s fare, and there’s no traditional unlimited drinks package. Instead you can pre-load a Bar Tab, which is spent before any onboard credit. If having “everything paid for” matters to you, see is Virgin Voyages all-inclusive? and try our bar tab calculator.
So, will you enjoy Virgin Voyages?
If you like the idea of great food, a relaxed adults-only atmosphere and the option of a party, the answer is probably yes. Read will I enjoy Virgin Voyages? for a deeper look, or take our quiz: which cruise line is right for me?
FAQs
Is Virgin Voyages a party cruise? Not really. There are great parties at night, but most of the day is relaxed, food-led and easy-going.
Is Virgin Voyages good for a quiet holiday? Yes. Our favourite quiet spots are the outdoor area behind The Galley on Deck 15, The Perch on Deck 17 and the sofas along Deck 7. Add the spa and a Sea Terrace cabin and it’s easy to keep things calm.
What is the average age on Virgin Voyages? It varies by sailing. We meet everyone from late twenties to seventies; it’s adults-only, 18 and over.
Does Virgin Voyages have formal nights? No. There’s no formal night. Scarlet Night is the signature party, and red is encouraged but optional.
Are drinks included on Virgin Voyages? No. Drinks are extra, but you can pre-load a Bar Tab before you sail.
Who shouldn’t book Virgin Voyages? Families with children, and anyone who wants formal nights, big production shows, a big casino or an all-inclusive drinks package.
Plan it with us
Not sure Virgin is right for you? Ask us. We’ve sailed Virgin, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Disney, Princess, Cunard and Fred. Olsen, and we’ll tell you honestly which suits you best. Call 07307 602030 or email hello@magical-traveller.com.