Who is Virgin Voyages Really For? A First-Timer’s Honest Review

When Virgin Voyages first launched, it made waves for all the right reasons. An adults-only cruise line with no buffets, no kids, and no rigid dress codes sounded like a dream for travelers like Josh and me who enjoy cruising but sometimes want something different from the traditional cruise experience.

After hearing so many mixed opinions, we decided to see for ourselves. We sailed with Virgin Voyages for the first time on the Scarlet Lady, visiting Roatán, Costa Maya, and Bimini. We spent a night before the cruise at the InterContinental Miami, which turned out to be the perfect pre-cruise stay.

In this post, I am sharing an honest review of our experience, what makes Virgin Voyages unique, and who I think will love it (and who might not).

Our Pre-Cruise Stay: InterContinental Miami

We flew into Miami the day before embarkation, which I always recommend. Even if your flight is on time, it is so much less stressful to arrive early and have a relaxed evening before your cruise begins.

We stayed at the InterContinental Miami, located right on Biscayne Bay and less than 15 minutes from the cruise port. The location was perfect. The hotel overlooks the water, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an upscale but comfortable atmosphere. We enjoyed dinner at a nearby Peruvian restaurant (um… yum!), then took a short walk along the waterfront before heading back to rest.

If you plan to cruise from Miami, this is one of my top recommendations for a pre-cruise hotel. You can book through Expedia or TripAdvisor. Both usually have competitive rates and flexible cancellation options.

First Impressions of Virgin Voyages

From the moment we stepped onto the ship, it was clear that Virgin Voyages does things differently. The vibe is modern, a little edgy, and a lot more relaxed than most cruise lines. There are no loud announcements, no photographers pushing you into poses, and no formal nights.

Instead of traditional cruise trappings, you get mood lighting, trendy music, and a casual but elevated atmosphere. The décor feels more like a boutique hotel than a floating resort.

One of the first things we noticed was the age range. Although Virgin markets itself as a youthful, high-energy brand, the actual guest demographic was much more diverse. On our sailing, we met people in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and plenty of folks in their 50s and 60s. The common thread was attitude, not age. 

What Sets Virgin Voyages Apart

Virgin Voyages is not trying to be like the traditional cruise lines you may know. Here are the key differences that stood out to us.

1. All Dining Venues Are Included

On Virgin Voyages, every restaurant is included in your fare. There are no main dining rooms, no buffets, and no assigned seating times. Instead, you have more than 20 unique dining experiences to choose from, each with its own style and menu.

Some of our favorites were:

• The Wake, which offers elevated surf and turf with beautiful ocean views.

• Pink Agave, a vibrant Mexican restaurant with modern takes on traditional dishes.

• Extra Virgin, a cozy Italian restaurant where the handmade pasta was among the best I have ever had on a ship.

• The Test Kitchen, a tasting-menu-style experience that changes regularly and feels more like a chef’s table event.

Each restaurant has its own ambiance, and every meal we had was excellent. Reservations are made through the Virgin Voyages app, and I recommend booking as soon as your window opens.

The lack of buffet dining was a breath of fresh air. Instead, The Galley functions like an upscale food hall with multiple made-to-order stations. You can sit down, scan a QR code, and have your food delivered right to your table.

2. The Adults-Only Atmosphere

No kids. None. Not one.

As much as I love seeing families enjoying their vacations, it was wonderful to be on a ship that caters only to adults. The atmosphere felt more relaxed, and the pools and lounges stayed calm throughout the day. The lack of children running through hallways or splashing in the pool made it feel like a true getaway.

This adults-only policy also allows Virgin Voyages to lean into a more playful, cheeky style. Some shows have mature humor, and the overall vibe is a bit more grown-up and less “theme park.”

3. No Nickel-and-Diming

Virgin Voyages includes almost everything in the fare. Your meals, basic drinks (including filtered water, coffee, tea, and juices), Wi-Fi, fitness classes, and gratuities are all covered.

The Wi-Fi worked well throughout our sailing, though if you plan to stream or work remotely, I still recommend using a reliable VPN for security. NordVPN is my go-to for travel.

There are still extras you can purchase, such as premium coffee drinks, specialty cocktails, and shore excursions, but the overall approach feels much more inclusive.

4. Fitness and Wellness

Unlike many cruise lines where fitness options feel like an afterthought, Virgin Voyages makes wellness part of the experience. There are free classes every day, from yoga and spin to HIIT workouts. The outdoor running track circles the ship, and there is even a dedicated outdoor gym space.

For spa lovers, Redemption Spa offers massages, facials, and a thermal suite with saunas, steam rooms, and plunge pools. It was beautiful, though it does come at an extra cost.

5. The Entertainment

The entertainment on Virgin Voyages is unconventional. Instead of Broadway-style shows, you get immersive performances, interactive games, and themed parties.

One night, we attended It’s a Ship Show, a dinner theater experience with comedy, acrobatics, and audience participation. Another evening, we wandered into a pop-up event in the roundabout where dancers led a spontaneous flash mob.

The Scarlet Night Party is the signature event of every sailing. Everyone dresses in red and fills the ship’s outdoor spaces for dancing, live music, and a high-energy celebration that ends with a splash in the pool.

If you like structured entertainment, you might miss the traditional shows. But if you enjoy surprises and energy, you will probably love it.

Our Ports of Call: Roatán, Costa Maya, and Bimini

Our itinerary took us to three distinct destinations, each with its own personality.

Roatán, Honduras

Roatán is lush, green, and surrounded by coral reefs. We booked a snorkeling and beach excursion through Get Your Guide, and it was the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. The water was crystal clear, and the local guides were wonderful.

Costa Maya, Mexico

Costa Maya has grown into a lively cruise port with shopping, bars, and easy access to Mayan ruins. We opted for a quieter day, booking a small-group beach escape through Viator. The highlight was sipping fresh coconut water under a palm tree while watching the waves roll in.

Bimini, Bahamas

Bimini was our final stop and one of my favorites. Virgin Voyages has its own private beach club here, complete with loungers, DJ sets, and oceanfront pools. It feels like a luxury resort but with plenty of space to relax away from the music if you prefer quiet.

We spent most of the day lounging near the water and swimming before heading back to the ship for sunset.

Who Will Love Virgin Voyages

After a week on board, I think Virgin Voyages is a great fit for travelers who want something fresh, social, and upscale without the formality of traditional cruising.

You will probably love Virgin Voyages if you:

• Prefer boutique hotels over mega resorts

• Enjoy great food and dining flexibility

• Like modern design and a more adult atmosphere

• Value wellness, live music, and spontaneous fun

• Want to avoid kids’ clubs, buffets, and formal dress codes

It is also an ideal option for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a social but not overly wild experience.

Who Might Not Love Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is not for everyone.

You might not love it if you:

• Prefer traditional cruising with structured entertainment and formal nights

• Enjoy large production shows and classic cruise games

• Like buffets or quick grab-and-go options

• Are traveling with children or teens under 18

If your idea of the perfect cruise involves early dinners, captain’s galas, and familiar routines, you might find Virgin Voyages too casual.

Final Thoughts: Who Is Virgin Voyages Really For?

After sailing with multiple cruise lines over the years, I can honestly say Virgin Voyages is one of the most unique experiences we have had at sea. The food, design, and adults-only focus make it stand out in a crowded market.

Is it perfect? No cruise is. But if you appreciate thoughtful design, top-notch dining, and a relaxed vibe that still feels special, this could easily become your new favorite cruise line.

We will absolutely sail Virgin again. Next time, we might try a Mediterranean itinerary and use a few of our favorite travel tools to make the trip even easier, like Airalo eSIMs for staying connected abroad and Priority Pass for airport lounge access before embarkation.

If you are looking for a vacation that combines style, inclusivity, and fun with a grown-up feel, Virgin Voyages is for you.