If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience at sea, The Wake, Virgin Voyages’ elegant steak and seafood restaurant, is a must-visit. In this post, I look at everything you need to know about The Wake and why it is one of Virgin Voyages most sought-after dining spots onboard!
Whenever I talk about my cruises with Virgin Voyages, the food is usually the first thing I mention. Virgin burst onto the cruise scene in 2020 with a mission to redefine cruising and they’ve certainly done that with their dining experience.
One of the most in demand restaurants onboard, The Wake offers fabulous food, stunning views, and an effortlessly cool atmosphere. So it’s no surprise it is one of Virgin Voyages most popular restaurants.
I’ve managed to eat here five times over my two Virgin Voyages cruises – and experienced breakfast, brunch and dinner – and it never disappointed. If you are cruising with Virgin Voyages, trust me, this is one dining experience you don’t want to miss.
At a Glance
Not got time to hang around? No worries, here’s the low down on The Wake…
- Its a steak and seafood restaurant
- Offers stunning wake views – see what they did with the name?!
- Serves fabulous food
- Has a laid back but sophisticated atmosphere
- Is open for breakfast, brunch (between 8am – 6.30am on disembarkation day – and 1.00pm) and dinner
- Is included in your cruise fare but does serve a few items at an additional cost
What is The Wake?
The Wake is Virgin Voyages’ elegant steak and seafood restaurant that offers a dining experience as breathtaking as its views. Located at the aft (back) of the ship, guests are treated to spectacular views of the ship’s wake (hence the name!) through its windows.
Before reaching the dining area you are greeted by a grand entrance with a sweeping staircase leading down into the restaurant. Once inside, the warm wood panneling and plush cream seating gives the feel of a high-end restaurant. You can easily forget you are actually on a cruise ship.
Tip: It is one of the best spots on the ship at any time of the day or night but if you want an extra special experience, book for around sunset.
Open for breakfast, brunch and dinner, The Wake is available on all Virgin Voyages ships.
What does The Wake serve?
The Wake’s menu includes perfectly cooked steaks, indulgent seafood dishes and classic sides. Whether you are a carnivore, a seafood fan or just like good food you’ll find it here.
Dishes are made to order and are beautifully presented. The best bit is it is all included in your cruise fare apart from a couple of options that have an extra charge. On most other cruise ships (at least the ones I have been on), The Wake would be the equivalent of a specialty restaurant.
Breakfast and Brunch
Brunch is a relaxed but refined affair at The Wake. With its laid back atmosphere and mouthwatering menu, it is the perfect spot on the ship to spend a leisurely morning. The menu includes many breakfast classics and a few surprises.
Starters
- Clam Chowder
- Fennel & Citrus salad
- Wedge Salad
- Poached Shrimp
I’ve had both the clam chowder and wedge salad a couple of times and both were delicious and not too filling. Gotta save space for the main course after all! The Clam Chowder comes with a bit of theatrical flair too with it poured into your bowl in front of you at the table.
Mains
- Egg in a hole
- Brioche French Toast
- Steak & Eggs
There is also a choice of Benedicts,
- Avocado
- Soft-shell crab
- The Wake which comes with crispy pork belly, sauteed spinach and bone marrow hollandaise
I’ve had the avocado benedict a few times and it is very tasty.
Desserts
If you still have any room after all that there are plenty of desserts on offer (yes for breakfast/brunch – well you are on holiday!).
- The Wake
- Meyer Lemon Cheescake
- Baked Alaska
- Apple Tatin
- Coconut ‘Panna Cotta’
I’m not really a dessert person but I’ve had the coconut ‘panna cotta’ a few times and it was pretty good.
Dinner
Dinner in The Wake is an event. As soon as you descend the stunning staircase you know you are in for a treat. Whether you are dining with your partner or friends, it is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Dishes on offer include premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood and indulgent sides, all which rival any high-end steakhouse you find on land.
Starters
- Clam Chowder
- Corn Custard & Black Bean Salad
- Wedge Salad (pictured below)
- Hamachi Crudo
- Roasted Bone Marrow
Mains
You have a choice of meats from the grill. All cooked to perfection. I’ve had the Filet Mignon twice and I’d definitely recommend it.
- Herb Roasted Chicken
- Hanger Steak
- Filet Mignon
- New York Strip
- New Zealand Lamb Chops (pictured below)
- Tomahawk Steak – ($75 extra charge)
Sauces
- American-style steak sauce
- Tarragon salsa verde
- Romesco
- Bone marrow bearnaise
While the steaks are the star of the show, there are some plenty of seafood options available too.
- Crispy Polenta
- Shrimp and Grits
- Pan Roasted Atlantic Salmon
- Salt Baked Dorade
I’ve had the salmon once, it was lovely and a great choice if you don’t fancy the options from the grill.
If you really want to splash out and make it a night to remember, there are some seafood platters under the banner of ‘Treat Yourself Dishes’. These come at an extra charge but having seen one of my dining companions try one, you definitely get a lot for your money. There are two options available.
Petit Plateau ($45) – lobster, poached shrimp, steamed mussels, snow crab claws, clams
Grand Plateau ($85) – lobster, oyster, crawfish, poached shrimp, steamed mussels, snow crab claws, Alaskan king crab legs
Oysters are also available separately – half a dozen ($20) or a dozen ($40)
Of course, no dinner is complete without some sides. The Wake serves a range of vegetables (and fries!) that are the perfect accompaniment.
Sides
- Brown butter roasted wild mushrooms
- Green asparagus & guindilla sauce
- Creamed spinach
- French fries
- Twice-baked potato and caramelized onions
I can vouch for the mushrooms, spinach and the fries!
Dessert
- The Wake
- Meyer Lemon Cheescake
- Baked Alaska
- Apple Tatin
- Coconut ‘Panna Cotta’
Is there a dress code at The Wake?
No, Virgin Voyages doesn’t have a dress code as such, preferring a more relaxed approach with their ‘come as you are’ philosophy. So, no packing worries for this type of cruise. However, as one of the ship’s more up-scale restaurants you might want to make a bit of an effort. From what I’ve seen people do generally opt to dress up a bit for an evening meal here.
Is The Wake really the most popular restaurant onboard?
While other restaurants onboard, such as Pink Agave and Gunbae and Extra Virgin, have their dedicated fans, from my experience The Wake has always been the most popular on the cruises I have done with Virgin. Bookings go very quickly, both advance and onboard bookings. It was also always pretty full when I visited.
Why is it so popular?
Some of the reasons it is so popular include…
- The amazing views – its location at the aft offers the best view from any of the restaurants onboard. Whether you are visiting for brunch or dinner, you are guaranteed a mesmerising ocean backdrop to accompany your meal
- It’s delicious food – the quality of the food rivals the best steak and seafood restaurants on land
- The sophisticated atmosphere – as one of the more elegant restaurants onboard, it has an understated luxury vibe.
Should you book in advance?
Yes, if possible! As The Wake is so popular, I’d highly recommend making a reservation via the Virgin Voyages app before you sail.
If you are a RockStar or MegaRockStar, reservations open 60 days before departure, while for the rest of us sailors reservations open at 45 days before sailing. Visit their dining FAQ for more information.
However, if you miss out don’t worry too much, only a small percentage of the seating capacity is available for booking in advance. More availability will open up once onboard and they also reserve room for walk-ins.
On my last Virgin Voyages cruise, I didn’t have any restaurants booked in advance and still managed to get into The Wake three times so don’t despair too much if you aren’t quick enough of the mark for advance bookings. You still have the chance to dine there.
Tip: Don’t forget to look up at the amazing ceiling while you are dining.
The Last Word
If you are a fan of steak or seafood then The Wake should be at the top of your list when dining on Virgin Voyages. From fabulous food to amazing views, each visit leaves a lasting impression.
I’d recommend you try both brunch and dinner to get the full experience. Your Instagram feed will probably thank you too!
Have you dined at The Wake? Let me know below and let’s talk steak, seafood and spectacular sea views. What was your favourite meal.
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