What to Pack for a Virgin Voyages Cruise

With each cruise line having vastly different dress codes, one question we get asked a lot by our customers is What to pack for a Virgin Voyages Cruise.

At its heart, Virgin Voyage is just like every other cruise, so make sure you have clothes for exploring the amazing ports you will be visiting, relaxing on the ship, and enjoying the fantastic nightlife onboard

However, there are a few specific things that you may want to be aware of to make the most of your Virgin Voyages Cruise.

Remember to Pack your Passport and Documents

I know it sounds obvious, but be sure to remember things like any local currency you may need and your travel documents. For all Brits travelling, you will need a passport on all Virgin Voyages cruises, but for American residents, you can now travel with Virgin passport-free, without the need for a passport on close loop sailings, but you would be best to connect with Sailor Services, or a US-based First Mate (Travel Agent) to check that.

What documents do I need to board Virgin Voyages?

Virgin Voyages do not issue any boarding passes or boarding documents. Everything you need will be arranged in the app which will show your boarding time, Virgin are very particular about this, so unless you have VIP boarding for being a Rockstar, the Sailing Club, or the Splash or Romance Package, it isn’t worth trying to get on the ship early as you will not be allowed to board any earlier than the time on the app.

Virgin don’t issue any luggage tags either, these are taken care of at the cruise terminal as you check-in. When you arrive at the terminal you can always drop your luggage off before your boarding time, just head to the Bag Drop at the cruise terminal, and your luggage tags will be written for you at that time.

Can I take alcohol onto Virgin Voyages?

Virgin Voyages allow sailors to take two bottles of wine onboard with them to enjoy in their cabin; these have to be no larger than 750ml. This can be sparking wine if you would like, but they only officially allow wine, no beer.

This has to be taken onto the ship with you in your carry-on; if it’s in your hold bag, Virgin may confiscate it till the end of the voyage. There is a small chiller fridge in your cabin for keeping drinks cold, note it’s not a fridge, so medication that needs to be chilled may not be suitable, but it does a decent job keeping drinks cool.

You can always request glassware and ice from your cabin host, just ask them if you see them in the corridor, or request it via the app/tablet in your cabin.

You can only bring these on during embarkation; if you bring any more on at port, Virgin will hold that until the end of the Voyage.

Packing for your first day on Virgin Voyages

Typically on day one, you will drop your cases at the terminal with Virgin Voyages, who will later that day drop your cases at your cabin, note that, this could be anytime before 9 pm. It’s rare, but it can happen, so it’s important to make sure you have everything you need for your first few hours when you get onboard.

If you plan to make the most of the pool or hot tubs, perhaps pack a pool bag to carry with you so you have what you need to make use of the pool. Virgin supplies pool towels, so you don’t need to worry about them, but make sure you have sunscreen, a water bottle, and any pool wear on you.

Equally, make sure you also carry on anything you want for those first few hours. If you want to relax and read, take some photos, or need any medication, make sure it’s on you in case your luggage takes the long road to your cabin.

We have had it twice where our bag went on its own adventure on the first day, and we had to call Sailor Services to identify our suitcase like it was a missing child, usually, it’s down to the luggage tag falling off, or the handwriting not being eligible, but ship happens, so make sure you have a plan.

We make casual dinner plans for the first night, Razzle Dazzle is often our night one plan, as it’s the most casual, and can often be the fastest for meal service, meaning we can get in and out, and have time to change for PJ party.

Bring your refillable water bottle with you on Virgin Voyages

Fitting in with Virgin Voyages Epic Sea Change program, they have removed all single-use plastic from the sailor areas, so you won’t be able to get bottled water to carry around the ship or to take off when you head into port.

So ensure you have a reusable water bottle and fill it up at the many water refill stations across the ship.

You will get two carafes of water in your cabin, which are also refilled during the day, and you can request whether you want still or sparkling.

Virgin Voyages only sell Reef safe sunscreen

Also part of the Epic Sea Change program, Virgin Voyages only sell Reef safe sunscreen onboard, so if you forget yours, you can purchase some onboard.

But to ensure you are also doing your part to not damage the marine life where Virgins Lady ships sail, ensure your sunscreen is also marine and reef safe.

What items are prohibited by Virgin Voyages?

Virgin Voyages is a pretty relaxed cruise line, however, it’s important to be aware of the items that are commonly banned onboard to ensure a smooth boarding process.

Prohibited items include illegal drugs and prohibited substances (including CBD), firearms, ammunition and replicas, explosives, flammable items and open flames, and knives and sharp objects.

Additionally, sports and recreational goods, self-defence items, hand and power tools, disabling or dangerous chemicals, alcoholic beverages and single-use plastic are also not allowed.

Can I take my drone onboard Virgin Voyages?

Like most cruise lines, the official line is no, you cannot take your drone with you onboard Virgin Voyages. That said, we have travelled multiple times onboard Virgin with our drone and never had any issues. We work with the security team so they are happy we aren’t flying whilst on the ship.

Typically, when we get on board, Virgin will ask to hold one key part of the drone whilst we are onboard, usually the controller, or the drone itself. We are given a ticket to show they are holding the drone, and then when we head into port, we can collect the drone to fly when on land. Then we just hand it back to the security team as we get back onboard.

As long as people are following the rules and not flying whilst the ship i sailing, or over the ship, I’m sure Virgin will continue to be relaxed about this. However it’s important to state that officially, they do state that drones are not allowed, so please don’t go on board with “Magical Traveller said…” the official rule is no to drones, so just work with the security team and I’m sure it will be fine.

What Electrical Items can I take on Virgin Voyages?

You can bring small electronics like smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, and e-readers. Hair dryers and straighteners are also allowed, as the cabins are equipped with suitable power outlets.

However, certain electrical items are strictly prohibited for safety reasons. These include irons, heated rollers, and any devices with an exposed heating element.

Additionally, appliances like coffee makers, blenders, and any kitchen equipment are not permitted onboard. Ensuring your luggage adheres to these guidelines will help you avoid any disruptions during your embarkation.

Need to know what plug sockets can be found onboard Virgin Voyages? Check out our handy guide:-

What Electric Outlets and Sockets Are in a Virgin Voyages Cabin | Virgin Voyages Plug Sockets Guide

Be sure to pack deck shoes for the pool area.

If you are planning to enjoy the pool area onboard, be sure to plan some pool shoes you can wear around the pool area. In the Caribbean sun, especially the pool deck, can become extremely hot. Flipflops will be perfect for slipping on and off, but it doesn’t matter much as long as you have something to wear when moving between sun longer, pool, bar or the restroom.

Are there any Dress Codes on Virgin Voyages?

First things first, there is no dress code onboard Virgin Voyages. Usually, most lines will say they have “resort casual”, which can vary, so it is never really helpful.

But Virgin refer to their dress code as “Come as you are”, which is equally vague however, it has come about under the belief that everyone is unique and different and loves to express themselves in different ways when on holiday.

Some love to dress up and get fancy, others like to relax and keep it casual, and the idea of being “fancy” in boat shoes and a polo shirt (for men, at least) is so tired now.

Instead, you can dress up however you want onboard. Sailings from Miami tend to have a more Miami fashion vibe onboard. Mediterranean sailings tend to be more European casual inspired due to the longer voyages and more port-intensive sailings.

Do Restaurants on Virgin Voyages have a Dress Code

Same as the ship, there isn’t a dress code in the dining rooms. Most people dress up, but that could be anything from a tee shirt and shorts to evening and club attire. The only rule is that you must wear clothes; what you choose to wear is up to you.

Read our full Virgin Voyages Dining Guide here

Do I need Cash when onboard Virgin Voyages?

No, Virgin Voyages is a cashless ship, so you do not need to carry any cash with you when onboard. Virgin Voyages also includes all the tips for you in the voyage fare, so you don’t need to carry any cash for tips. The crew frequently talk to us about how well paid they are compared to other lines, and that is mainly because their pay already factors in for the gratuities other lines don’t include in the price you pay when booking.

We are aware there is a big cultural difference in the attitude towards tipping culture between America and then Europe/Australia, you may still need to tip people like the luggage porters in Miami, but onboard at least, note that it’s not required, and service isn’t any better or worse if you decide to tip extra or not.

That’s not to say you may not want to have some cash on you for when you are in port, but when onboard, there are no requirements to carry any cash. You can read our handy guide on how your onboard account works here:- Guide to Sailor Loot and Bar Tab

Make sure you pack some workout gear

Virgin Voyages places a big importance on the Retox, Detox mentality. So whilst there are plenty of ways to indulge and party the night away, they also have a fantastic fitness and wellbeing program, with group workout classes included as standard in your cruise fare, and plenty of spaces across the ship to get in an extra workout, make sure you have something packed for the gym, or for the spa if you want to make the most of the detox lifestyle.

Are there any themed parties onboard Virgin Voyages?

Virgin Voyages have several themed parties onboard their ships. While there is no formal dress code for any of these parties, many sailors have opted to get into the spirit of these parties and dress up.

What is the dress code for Scarlet Night onboard Virgin Voyages?

Scarlet Night is the main party onboard Virgin Voyages. Whilst there is no official requirement to dress up, Virgin Voyages does ask that you dress with a “Splash of Red” to get into the spirit of the festivities.

So whilst there is no need to dress up any particular way, most sailors wear their best red outfits to the party.

Sailors can be found to wear outfits from every spectrum for Scarlet Night, you can choose to keep it casual with shorts or jeans, with a red top, or you can go all out in a sequined, fringed, bedazzled little number. As the ships are sailing more and more, Scarlet Night outfits have become more and more extravagant.

You can read our full guide on the Virgin Voyages Dress code here:-

Is there a dress code on Virgin Voyages?

Virgin Voyages Dress code for PJ Party

The PJ party usually happens on the first night of your Voyage and has gotten bigger the more Virgin has been sailing.

The event is usually held on deck 16 aft in the Athletic Club overlooking the back of the ship. Many people have chosen to dress up in their PJs for this party and dance the night away to the best 90s/00s hits.

Again, you can go as casual or as fancy as you like. I wore my Sonic the Hedgehog PJs, and Phil wore a silk twin set. We have seen people wearing anything between, including onesies; it really is as simple as wearing your PJs.

Virgin Voyages Dress Code for Klub Rubiks

Klub Rubiks is a new themed party/club evening in The Manor onboard Resilient Lady. This 80’s themed party has already been a hit with sailors, and more and more are choosing to put together 80’s inspired outfits for the evening.

You can then tie your outfits into VHS workout when that happens on the ship.

You can enjoy Klub Rubiks onboard Resilient Lady

Virgin Voyages Dress Code for We Fancy

We Fancy is another themed party/club night in The Manor; again, it’s not an official dress-coded event, but sailors have taken it upon themselves to get into the mood and wear something gold or metallic to join in on the fun vibe created by the happenings cast in The Manor on these evenings.

This show is currently happening on Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady

Virgin Voyages Another Rose Dress Code

New to Resilient Lady is a new dinner show, Another Rose. Whilst there is no requirement to dress up for this event, it may be fun to wear something inspired by the show. The show has a prominent rose theme, taken from the name, but flowers and florals feature in the costumes and decor.

You can also get the perfect photo opportunity as you leave The Manor as it’s dressed for this special event.

Download our Free Virgin Voyages Packing Checklist

We have created a free downloadable packing check list with all the key items to help you pack for your Virgin Voyages Cruise. It also includes reminders for all the themed parties, your carry on wine allowance, as well as whats prohibited by Virgin Voyages.