New to Virgin Voyages? Here are my top tips from two cruises that will help you make the most of your first sailing.
Thinking about booking your first Virgin Voyages cruise, or already have one lined up? Either way, you’re in for something a little different.
Virgin Voyages isn’t like other cruise lines. Forget buffets, stuffy dining rooms and strict dress codes. Instead, think adults only, incredible food, and a modern, laid back vibe that makes everything feel more relaxed, and a lot more fun.
I’ve sailed with Virgin Voyages twice now, once on Valiant Lady and again on Resilient Lady. Both cruises left a big impression. Out of all the lines I’ve tried, Virgin Voyages is the one I find myself talking about long after I’ve come home.
To help you get the most out of your first sailing, here are the tips I wish I’d known before my first cruise.
These are the things that genuinely made a difference on my cruises, and the ones I’d recommend knowing before you go.
Virgin Voyages tips at a glance
Not got time to read the whole post? Here’s a quick rundown of my top tips for first-time Virgin Voyages cruisers.
- Download and set up the app before you sail
- Book dining as soon as reservations open
- Understand the Bar Tab (Virgin’s version of a drinks package)
- Don’t miss Scarlet Night (pack something red!)
- Make time for brunch at The Wake
- Try a fitness class (they’re included)
- No dress codes, pack what you love
- Solo travellers, go to the meet-up
- Spend Sailor Loot wisely (Virgin’s onboard credit)
- Forget key cards, you’ll get a wearable band
- Cabins are a bit quirky
- Try Gunbae for the experience
- Spend time at the Beach Club at Bimini
1. Download the app before you sail
The Virgin Voyages app helps you get organised before your cruise and make the most of your time onboard.
Before your cruise you can use it to:
- Complete online check-in
- Upload your travel documents and a security photo
- Book dining once reservations open
- Book fitness classes in advance
- Choose your boarding time
Once you’re onboard, you’ll use the app for pretty much everything. You can:
- Reserve dining and extra classes
- Check the daily schedule for shows and events
- Chat with fellow sailors (especially handy if you’re travelling in a group)
- Shake for Champagne (yes, it’s actually a thing)
Wi-Fi is included too, so you don’t need to worry about paying extra while using it.
Tip: The app can sometimes be a bit glitchy, so if it’s not working properly, don’t panic — logging out and back in usually fixes it. If not, head to Sailor Services and they’ll sort it quickly.
2. Book your dining early
With over 20 eateries onboard, you really are spoiled for choice. But the most popular restaurants — like The Wake and Extra Virgin — do book up quickly.
Reservations open in the Virgin Voyages App 45 days before sailing (or 60 days if you’re staying in a RockStar suite), so it’s worth setting a reminder and booking as early as you can.
Tip: Don’t panic if you miss out. More tables are released once you’re onboard, and it’s always worth asking directly at the restaurant.
I’ve done two Virgin cruises now and still managed to eat everywhere I wanted — even on a trip where I didn’t book anything in advance.
Read more: I’ve shared a full breakdown of all the restaurants in my Virgin Voyages dining guide.
3. Understand the Bar Tab
Virgin Voyages doesn’t have a traditional drinks package. Instead, you can pre-purchase a Bar Tab, which is basically onboard credit to spend on drinks. You can use it for cocktails, wine, smoothies and speciality coffee, and it’s easy to share with friends if you’re travelling together.
Virgin often runs promotions where you get bonus credit when you buy a Bar Tab before you sail, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for these.
Read more: How the Virgin Voyages Bar Tab works and whether it’s actually worth it.
4. Don’t miss brunch at The Wake
The Wake is one of Virgin’s most popular restaurants, and brunch here is an experience in itself.
Think steak and eggs, indulgent French toast and a few surprises along the way. My favourite is the avocado benedict, and I’d definitely recommend giving it a try.
It’s all included in your fare, so it’s well worth making time to eat here at least once during your cruise.
Read more: Why The Wake is one of the most popular restaurants onboard.
5. Try Gunbae for the experience
Gunbae is Virgin’s Korean BBQ restaurant, and it’s so much more than just a meal.
Expect drinking games, shared tables and plenty of laughter from the moment you sit down.
It’s one of the most social experiences onboard, and a great way to meet people if you’re travelling solo or just fancy something a bit different.
6. Spend your Sailor Loot wisely
Instead of the usual “onboard credit”, Virgin Voyages calls it Sailor Loot. It works in exactly the same way, it’s simply money you can spend onboard, just with a more fun name.
You can use it for things like drinks, spa treatments or extra-cost dining, so if you have some it’s worth thinking ahead about how you want to spend it.
Sailor Loot is often included as part of a booking promotion, so it’s always worth checking what’s included before you sail.
7. Embrace Scarlet Night
Virgin Voyages have ditched traditional “formal night” and replaced it with Scarlet Night, a ship-wide celebration where red is the colour of the night.
You can go all out in a red outfit, or just add a splash of colour with a bag, lipstick or scarf.
On my first Virgin cruise I went subtle with a red handbag, and on my second I wore a black shirt with red polka dots, both worked perfectly.
The main thing is just to join in if you want to and enjoy the atmosphere.
8. Try a fitness class (really)
Even if you’re not usually a gym person, Virgin Voyages’ included fitness classes are well worth trying. From sunrise yoga to a retro VHS-style workout, there’s something a bit more fun than your usual cruise gym.
I also loved jogging on the ship’s red running track, the views definitely distracted me from the exercise.
And if you’d rather just lounge by the pool instead, that’s completely fine too.
9. Spend time at the Beach Club at Bimini
If your cruise calls at Beach Club at Bimini, don’t miss it. This is Virgin Voyages’ private beach club, and it’s one of the highlights of the whole itinerary.
Think white sand, DJ sets and a pool that quickly becomes the centre of the party as the day goes on.
Food is included here too, and you can even use your Bar Tab ashore, which makes the whole experience feel really seamless.
10. Forget about packing formal wear
Virgin Voyages has a relaxed “come as you are” approach to dressing. There are no formal nights and no strict dress codes, which makes packing so much easier.
You’ll see everything from sundresses and sandals to sequins and heels, so you can really wear whatever feels like you.
Pack what makes you feel comfortable, with maybe a splash of red for Scarlet Night.
Read more: My guide to the Virgin Voyages dress code and what to pack.
11. Forget key cards, you’ll get a band instead
Virgin Voyages doesn’t use the usual plastic key cards you’ll find on other cruise lines. Instead, you’re given a wearable band when you check in.
It acts as your cabin key, onboard charge card and ID for getting on and off the ship, so there’s no need to keep track of anything extra.
I found it much easier than carrying a card. You just pop it on your wrist and forget about it, and it feels a bit more fun than the standard cruise card.
Read more: My full Virgin Voyages cruise review and what it’s really like onboard
12. Cabins are a bit quirky
Virgin Voyages’ cabins come with some fun (and slightly quirky) touches. Things like the mood lighting and tablet controls can take a minute to get used to, but it’s worth having a play around with the settings.
You can also ask your cabin host to convert the bed into a sofa during the day, which makes the room feel much more spacious.
13. If you’re cruising solo, go to the meet-up
Virgin Voyages is getting much better at catering for solo travellers. On my first cruise, there wasn’t really anything organised, which was a bit disappointing.
By my second sailing, they’d introduced a solo meet-up in The Sip Lounge on the first evening, along with a hosted dinner table each night for anyone who wanted to eat together.
If you’re travelling solo, it’s definitely worth going along. It’s an easy way to meet people early on, and you can dip in and out as much, or as little, as you like.
Read more: My Virgin Voyages Solo Insider cabin review
The last word
A cruise with Virgin Voyages really does feel different from the moment you step onboard. It’s relaxed, stylish, and full of those little touches you don’t tend to find elsewhere.
If you want to make the most of it, it’s worth going in with a bit of a plan. Booking your dining early, getting familiar with the app, and understanding how things like the Bar Tab work can make a huge difference once you’re onboard.
By the end of your sailing, you’ll understand exactly why Virgin Voyages has shaken things up in the cruise world. I’ve done two Virgin cruises so far, and both times I’ve come home really impressed with the whole experience. I’m already thinking about booking a third!