The question we get asked often about Virgin Voyages is a simple one: is it actually worth it?

We've sailed all four Virgin ships: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady. Now we're sharing our thoughts based off of our experiences onboard.

Yes, it's adults only

Every Virgin voyage is 18 and over. No exceptions, no kids club, no waterslide deck, no "family week." They check IDs at embarkation and it's always guaranteed.

It draws a wider crowd than you'd expect, too. People of all ages are onboard, for example: couples in their twenties (like us!), couples in their sixties, groups of friends, and parents traveling with their adult children.

No buffet, no formal night, no upselling at every turn

This is where Virgin stops resembling the typical cruises you may be picturing.

There's no buffet. Instead you've got more than twenty spots to dine obaord, and the specialty dining restaurants are included in your fare. No cover charges, no specialty-dining surchargse, no "which package did you buy." You just make a reservation and go.

There's also no formal night and no assigned dining time you're locked into. You eat where you want, when you want, dressed however you're comfortable.

Don't focus on the ship — pick the itinerary

Here's what sailing all four taught us: the ship hardly matters. Virgin kept the experience close to identical across the fleet — the dining, the design, the feel on board are the same from one ship to the next. So the choice that actually matters isn't which ship. It's where it's going.

We recommend choosing based off of the itinerary and ports. That's the advice we give every client, and it's shaped our own favorites — some of the best voyages we've taken were transatlantic crossings, which opened up ports we might never have reached otherwise: Funchal in Madeira, Ponta Delgada in the Azores, Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canaries, and more. Same ship experience you'd get anywhere in the fleet, but the days in port are unforgettable.

What's included, and what isn't

Your fare covers your cabin, the restaurants, WiFi, group fitness classes, and the entertainment onboard.

What sits outside the fare: alcohol (Virgin uses a bar tab you load rather than a drink package, which most people find more flexible), shore excursions, the spa, and daily gratuities.

Where an advisor fits in

Our planning is free to you; we're paid by the cruise line, not by you.

You'll pay the same fare you'd pay booking it yourself. By booking with us, you'll have a gold certified Virgin Voyage First Mate in your corner that has actually sailed every ship in the fleet.

As First Mates & Travel Advisors we keep up with the various promotions, keep an eye out for any price drops that can be applied to your booking, and most times we are able to add additional perks to your sailing - for no extra cost!

Contact us today to book your next cruise 🚢✨

Get in Touch

For vacation quotes and booking assistance, Please e-mail kimberly.james@fora.travel anytime or fill out the form.

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