A large cruise ship, prepared with an essential cruise packing list, docked at a port under a clear blue sky.

Virgin Voyages Cruise Review: True Pros and Cons To Know

Are you considering booking a Greek cruise soon? If so, our Virgin Voyages cruise review is what you need. Continue on to decide whether Virgin Voyages is the cruise line for you.

Cruising with Virgin Voyages offers a different take on sea travel. With over 10 years of cruising experience, I have sailed with many brands, and Virgin Voyages stood out for its unique approach and adult-only atmosphere. 

The ships are more than cruise liners; they’re like floating boutique hotels with a social scene. From modern cabins to various dining options, the experience is crafted for your enjoyment. Whether you prefer lounging by the main pool or indulging in gourmet meals, there’s something for every taste.

Why Choose Virgin Voyages Cruise Review

Choosing a cruise can be a big decision. Virgin Voyages offers a fresh approach to cruising. Their focus is on fun, relaxation, and memorable experiences. You will sail on their Lady Ships, known for cutting-edge design and decor.

The Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady was the first ship to set the trend. It offers exciting features and activities. These include world-class dining, engaging shows, and relaxing spa treatments. Every corner of this perfect place at sea invites you to explore.

Thanks to their sustainable practices, you can enjoy luxury and eco-friendly voyages. Every detail of a Virgin cruise is crafted with care.

List of activities on board:

  • Dining: Diverse options, from casual bites to gourmet meals
  • Entertainment: Live music, theater, and parties
  • Wellness: Yoga, fitness rooms, and mindfulness

The ship’s design creates a cruise experience like no other. From chic cabins to unique public spaces, Virgin ships feel modern and inviting. You can relax or join in the lively social scene. 

A Virgin Voyages cruise ship anchors in clear blue water, a picturesque coastal town in the backgroundโ€”a perfect sight to inspire your cruise packing list.

Virgin Voyages Price

When booking your Virgin Voyages cruise, you’ll notice that the cruise fare is designed to be all-inclusive. Your meals, basic beverages, gratuities, and Wi-Fi are included. It’s nice not having to worry about every little extra charge.

Hereโ€™s a quick look at what could come with additional cost:

  • Specialty dining experiences
  • Spa treatments
  • Shore excursions
  • Alcoholic beverages

The base cruise price offers good value, considering all the included amenities.

Youโ€™ll also want to watch any promotions that can provide even more bang for your buck. Deals might include onboard credits or discounts for early bookings.

On our Greece cruise, we had onboard credits that covered more than our bar bills.

You can conveniently use your credit card whenever you purchase on the ship. This adds ease but can lead to overspending if youโ€™re not careful.

Some experiences have an extra cost and can add up quicker than expected. Itโ€™s helpful to set a budget before you board so you can enjoy your trip without surprise expenses.

With some planning, you can have an incredible cruise experience without stretching your wallet too much! We found it comparable to other cruise lines, and the Resilient Lady offered our desired itinerary.

An Adults-Only Cruise Line

Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line, which means no kids running around. This lets you truly relax and enjoy your cruise without the hustle and bustle kids often bring.

The atmosphere onboard is more refined, with activities and entertainment tailored for adults. You can indulge in sophisticated dining, rejuvenating spa treatments, or exciting nightlife. There’s a focus on creating a laid-back yet fun experience.

Here’s a quick look at some features:

  • Dining: Restaurants cater to adult tastes with diverse menus. No buffetsโ€”every meal is crafted to offer something special and unique.
  • Entertainment: Everything is designed for adult enjoyment, from live shows to themed parties. Thereโ€™s always something fun and engaging for you to experience.
  • Relaxation: The ship offers serene spots to unwind, like the luxurious spa or the quiet lounge areas, perfect for recharging.

The dress code is casual but stylish, making you comfortable without sacrificing elegance. Pack your favorite outfits for fine dining evenings, and donโ€™t forget to bring swimwear for the pool!

Adults-only voyages also mean youโ€™ll meet fellow travelers there for similar reasonsโ€”to relax and have fun without the stress of family activities. This makes it easy to make new friends or enjoy time with your partner in calm surroundings.

Resilient Lady Mediterranean Itinerary

When you cruise with Virgin Voyages, get ready for exciting travel destinations. The Greece itinerary offers a mix of stunning islands and cultures, providing memorable experiences and beautiful sights.

Greece ports with one stop at Bodrum, Turkey.

For this review, we were on the Resilient Lady to explore the beauty of Greece with Virgin Voyages. Our journey began in Athens, where we visited ancient landmarks like the Acropolis before boarding. Once we set sail for the other Greek islands, our itinerary was Santorini, which has famous sunsets and stunning views; Rhodes; Bodrum; Turkey; and Mykonos, known for its beaches and nightlife. During the cruise, we tasted delicious Greek cuisine, shopped, sunbathed, and experienced local culture.

Our Virgin Top 15 things to know about sailing with Virgin Voyages

Explore what makes a Virgin Voyages cruise special and some areas that can improve to enhance your experience.

Top 15 Things We Liked About Virgin Voyages

1. Adults-Only Atmosphere: We loved the serene ambiance of cruising without children.

2. All-Day Breakfast: The extensive breakfast selection throughout the day was fantastic.

3. Soda Machines: Having access to soda machines, particularly with Diet Coke, was a highlight.

4. Private Balcony Hammocks: Rooms feature private balconies with red hammocks, perfect for relaxation.

5. Spacious Closet: The closet was generously sized, and we appreciated using baskets for storage space.

6. Glass Shower Door: The glass shower door was a welcome upgrade from the traditional shower curtain.

7. Champagne On Demand: The ability to order champagne whenever we wanted was a delightful luxury.

8. Grab & Go Stations: The convenient Grab & Go service stations were great for quick meals, though better location information would have been helpful.

9. Wristbands: We preferred the wristbands over traditional ship cards despite some minor issues with them staying tight.

10. Social Club Snacks: The Social Club offered various snacks, including Swedish fish and gummies. The area with the board games was a personal favorite.

11. The Dock Area: Cozy seating areas, some shaded from the sun, made The Dock a favorite spot.

12. Outdoor Spaces: The modern and beautiful outdoor areas provided plenty of places to relax or party.

13. Greece Itinerary: The itinerary offered a perfect mix of port days and sea days.

14. Public Spaces: The ship’s interiors were modern and elegant, with numerous areas to unwind or celebrate.

15. Included Tips: We appreciated that tips were included in our pricing.

Top 15 things that we did not enjoy on the Virgin Voyages Cruise

1. Poor Communication: There were no announcements over the speakers, leaving us uninformed about departure times, return times, and activity schedules.

2. Inefficient App: The Virgin Voyages app was cumbersome and required multiple clicks to access helpful information. A daily schedule on the opening page would have been much more convenient.

3. Bed and Couch Issues: The room had a queen bed instead of a king, and the couch setup was awkward.

4. Unappealing Drinks: We found it challenging to use our bar tab credits on drinks as they were not appealing. We missed having a specialty drink bar. Most of the bar areas were small.

5. Inconsistent Bar Hours: Bar hours were confusing and not easily found in the app, making planning difficult.

6. Small Karaoke Section: The karaoke area was too small for its popularity, and we only discovered the private karaoke rooms at the end of the cruise. Getting to the bar area was also impossible, and there wasnโ€™t waitstaff.

7. Unfriendly Staff: The crew members were less friendly than other cruise lines, possibly due to the included tips, which affected the overall service quality.

8. Overly Elaborate Entertainment: The performance art was too elaborate; we would have preferred more varied entertainment options.

9. Bland Hallways: The hallways lacked any interesting decor. Decorating cabin doors was discouraged.

10. Restaurant Information: It was challenging to determine which restaurants were open and what they were serving. Make sure to make restaurant reservations to avoid the dining hall.

11. Limited Late-Night Menu: The menu options after lunch and dinner hours were minimal and became repetitive. We ended up missing the buffet.

12.ย Subpar Spa Services: The selection of spa services was disappointing, as we usually enjoy a spa day during sea days. On this cruise, we skipped our traditional spa day.

13. No Robes: There were no robes provided in the room.

14. Small Showers/Bathrooms: The showers and bathrooms were tiny, even by cruise ship standards. 

15. Storage Issues: Suitcases did not fit under the bed, causing storage problems. The bed area design was impractical for a cruise ship.

Embarkation/Disembarkation

Embarkation:ย The boarding process went smoothly and efficiently, with friendly staff guiding you through each step, ensuring a stress-free start to your cruise. It did not seem long before we were boarding the ship from the time that we entered the embarkation center.

Disembarkation: Disembarkation is equally well-organized, with clear instructions and assistance to make your departure seamless. We carried our luggage off the ship and had no issues or slowdowns. A friend was doing a back-to-back cruise, and it was just as easy for her to exit the ship and return later in the day.

Restaurant Descriptions & Reviews

The Wake: An elegant dining experience featuring classic steakhouse and seafood dishes, It offers stunning ocean views and wonderful service, making it perfect for a special evening. We celebrated our friend’s 50th Birthday here.

Pink Agave: This Mexican restaurant serves bold flavors and creative cocktails in a lively atmosphere. The tacos and mezcal selection are standout features.

Test Kitchen: A unique, experimental dining experience where chefs push culinary boundaries. Expect innovative dishes and a menu that changes regularly, offering something new and exciting each visit. On the second leg of my friend’s back to back she dined here and loved it. She highly recommends it.

Razzle Dazzle: Razzle Dazzle offers a menu catering to vegans and meat lovers. The brunch here is particularly popular, with inventive dishes and fun twists on classics.

Gunbae Korean BBQ: Gunbae offers a lively, interactive dining experience where guests cook marinated meats and veggies on built-in grills at communal tables. Enjoy fun drinking games, Korean spirits, and a livelyt atmosphere, making it a memorable meal at sea. This was one of group’s favorites.

Extra Virgin: An Italian trattoria that serves handmade pasta and authentic Italian flavors. The wine list is extensive, and the tiramisu is a must-try.

Lick Me Till Ice Creamย is an ice cream shop withย creative flavors and toppings. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with something fun and delicious. We enjoyed having a special treat on sea days. We only wished it was open later in the evening.

The Social Club: A lively venue that offers a mix of entertainment, including live music and comedy shows. It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy a cocktail while being entertained. Just beware that it gets crowded, so arrive early for seats.

Final Thoughts on Virgin Voyages Cruise Review

Our overall takeaway was that being different is not always better. The reason why other ships do the things they do is that it makes sense and provides a more enjoyable experience. 

Virgin Voyages offers adults-only cruises featuring modern cabins, all-inclusive fares, diverse dining options, live entertainment, wellness activities, and eco-friendly practices. The cruise line is known for its social atmosphere, unique itineraries, and lack of buffets or traditional dining halls. Prices include gratuities, Wi-Fi, and basic drinks, with optional upgrades available.

Virgin Voyages Cruise Review: FAQ

What amenities can you expect on a Virgin Voyages cruise?

Virgin Voyages offers a range of amenities designed for comfort and fun. Youโ€™ll find unique cabins, several pools, and fitness centers. Thereโ€™s also free Wi-Fi and multiple bars and lounges. Unlike some cruise lines, they focus on a more adult-centric vibe so you won’t find any kids on board.

How does the dining experience on Virgin Voyages compare to other cruise lines?

Dining is an adventure with multiple restaurant choices. Unlike traditional dining rooms on some cruise ships, Virgin Voyages features individual restaurants with diverse menus. From steak to vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone. Travelers often compare the dining favorably to other lines, enjoying the no-set dining times. Make dinner reservations in advance.

What types of entertainment are offered on board Virgin Voyages ships?

Entertainment on Virgin Voyages includes live music, shows, and themed parties. There are also unique experiences like drag brunches. You wonโ€™t find traditional Broadway-style shows here; expect more interactive and modern performances. Each ship has its schedule, ensuring variety.

Are there any hidden fees or charges to be aware of when booking with Virgin Voyages?

Most essentials are included, but it’s wise to ask your travel agent about any potential extra costs. Specialty services like spa treatments or exclusive excursions may come with added fees. Compared with lines like Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages tries to minimize surprises.

What are the differences between the various Virgin Voyage ships, such as the Resilient Lady and the Valiant Lady?

Each ship offers different itineraries and styles. The Resilient Lady may go to other destinations than the Valiant Lady. Subtle design differences and unique onboard activities also set them apart. Be sure to check individual ship offerings when planning your trip.

What are passengers saying about their experiences on Virgin Voyages?

Passengers will appreciate the unique adult-focused atmosphere. Reviews often highlight the standout cuisine and modern ship designs. Many feel that the personalized service creates a relaxed vibe. While some note occasional inconsistencies, most travelers have enjoyed their journeys and recommend trying this new cruise experience for a fresh perspective in the cruise industry.