VIRGIN VOYAGES SAIL

Why We Keep Recommending Virgin Voyages

As travel advisors, we’ve sailed on a lot of cruise lines over the years — and Virgin Voyages genuinely feels different.

One of our favorite memories? Surprisingly bumping into Richard Branson himself onboard one sailing. That pretty much sums up the vibe: modern, unexpected, relaxed luxury without the stiffness.

Virgin Voyages is adults-only, designed for travelers who want an elevated experience without feeling like they accidentally boarded a floating retirement home. The crowd tends to be ages 30–60, social, stylish, and there to actually enjoy life.

The ships are smaller and more boutique than the mega-resort cruise ships, which makes everything feel more personal. The staff onboard are some of the most caring and attentive we’ve experienced at sea. You feel welcomed, not processed.

And the fun starts immediately. Sail away begins with a complimentary champagne toast as the ship leaves port. That first night also kicks off with Virgin’s famous Pajama Party — one of the most unexpectedly fun events onboard. Picture music, dancing under the stars, cozy pajamas, and everyone immediately letting loose and getting into vacation mode.

And the fun starts immediately. Sail away begins with a complimentary champagne toast as the ship leaves port. Then there’s one of Virgin’s coolest little features: “Shake for Champagne.” If you have the app installed, you literally shake your phone anywhere on the ship and champagne gets delivered to you. Pool deck? Cabin? Hidden lounge? Champagne appears.

Another reason clients love it? No constant nickel-and-diming. Specialty restaurants are included. WiFi is included. Fitness classes are included. Pre-pay for your "Sailor Loot" (bar tab) and Virgin Voyages adds some extra to make it more fun. You can actually relax without pulling out your wallet every five minutes.

Most cabins are Sea Terrace staterooms, complete with Virgin’s signature handmade red hammocks on the balcony — honestly one of our favorite places onboard to unwind. The beds are cleverly designed to convert into lounge-style couches during the day, giving the cabins a more open, boutique-hotel feel rather than a traditional cruise cabin.

And after you discover Deck 6 aft, you may never want to leave. It’s one of the coziest hidden gems on the ship, filled with oversized daybeds, comfortable lounge chairs, expansive ocean views, ocean breeze and full bar & food service. Perfect for a quiet morning coffee, sunset cocktails, or simply escaping with a book and the sound of the sea.

The dining is easily some of the best food at sea. No giant buffet chaos — instead, beautifully designed restaurants with made-to-order meals and incredible variety.

And then there’s Scarlet Night — Virgin’s iconic onboard celebration around the pool deck at night. Think music, performances, dancing, glowing lights, and an entire ship dressed in red celebrating the voyage together. Yes, you’ll probably want to wear scarlet… but honestly, just showing up is half the fun.

Virgin Voyages sails incredible itineraries throughout Europe and the Caribbean, and 2026 brings exciting new Alaska sailings to the lineup.

If you’ve been curious about cruising but wanted something more modern, stylish, and adult-focused, this is the cruise line we can’t stop talking about.

PRIME MERIDIAN TRAVEL would love to help you experience it for yourself.