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Introducing Brilliant Lady

On Sale now

Virgin Voyages launches an exciting new chapter with longer sailings and enhanced onboard experiences. From September 2025, Brilliant Lady kicks off her inaugural season, starting in New York and journeying to Miami via the Carolina's, then crossing through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles by April 2026. In May 2026, she'll explore the wonders of Alaska from Seattle, promising an unforgettable American adventure.

Get your Vitamin Sea

Welcome aboard Virgin Voyages, where sailors will enjoy the glamour of a boutique hotel on the ocean blended with unmistakable Virgin style and service. A sophisticated yet relaxed Adults Only experience free of formality, where the ordinary turns into extraordinary… because at Virgin, everyone deserves to feel like a RockStar. 

Book today and receive a complimentary upgrade from a Sea View cabin to a Sea Terrace cabin, plus 80% off the cost of the 2nd sailor!

To find out more call our Sales team on  0344 472 9646

Eligible sail dates apply.

All Sailors must be at least 18 years old.

Virgin Voyages itineraries

Cruise into the caribbean with scarlet lady and valiant lady.

Virgin Voyages' maiden ship Scarlet Lady and Valiant lady offers four to eight-night itineraries, all setting sail from Miami and taking Sailors to the beautiful island of Bimini, Bahamas where you can bask in the sun at The Beach Club – one of many ports to conquer.

Why not add a few extra nights before or after your cruise - speak to an expert

3 night Miami and 6 night Western Caribbean Charm

Miami • Roatán • Costa Maya • Beach Club at Bimini • Miami

Set sail on an epic journey to experience the history and culture of Costa Maya.

3 night Miami and 8 night Eastern Caribbean Antilles

Miami • Puerto Plata • San Juan • St Croix • Beach Club at Bimini • Miami

Set sail on an epic journey to the beautiful beaches at Key West.

3 night Miami and 4 night Fire and Sunset Soirées

Miami • Key West • Beach Club at Bimini • Miami

3 night Miami and 5 night Riviera Maya

Miami • Cozumel - Playa del Carmen • Beach Club at Bimini • Miami

Set sail on an epic journey from vibrant Miami to Mexico.

3 night Miami and 5 night Mayan Sol

Miami • Costa Maya • Beach Club at Bimini • Miami

Sail from Miami to the shores of Costa Maya.

3 night Miami and 5 night Dominican Daze

Miami • Puerto Plata • Beach Club at Bimini • Miami

Bon Voyage! To the shores of the Dominican Republic.

And there's even more to come

Virgin Voyages have now released their 2024 Caribbean sailings, and here at Virgin Atlantic Holidays, we have your cruise, return flights and pre and post stays in Florida covered…

Fancy something a little bit closer?

Check out Virgin Voyages Mediterranean itineries

7 night irresistible Med

Barcelona • Toulon • Marina di Carrara • Civitavecchia (Rome) • Ibiza • Barcelona

Uncover the mysteries of the Med and its captivating coasts as you sail from Barcelona to the French Riviera and Italy.

3 night Portsmouth to Zeebrugge

Portsmouth • Zeebrugge • Portsmouth

Medieval streets and Belgian eats meet on this voyage linking two historic ports.

Want to know more?

Why not make an appointment in one of our stores  click here . we even offer virtual appointments click here .,  or you can speak to one of our experts by calling   0344 472 9646, expect the unexpected.

A voyage like no other

Say goodbye to buffet restaurants, dress codes and fixed dining times and say hello to a holiday on your terms, featuring over $600 of value included as standard with simple, transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

Stylish interiors

Featuring spaces designed by some of the top names in contemporary interiors, Virgin Voyages offers a sanctuary at sea for the 18+ traveller, with modern, yacht-inspired aesthetics, and clever cabin technology that makes for more than just a space to live (or sleep).

More for your money

All food is included - from refined dining to relaxed casual, any and all of the 20+ eateries onboard (as well as tips, essential drinks, unlimited WiFi, and group workouts) are free for Sailors to enjoy. And there's not a buffet in sight!

Inspiring entertainment

Swapping classic Broadway productions for exhilarating, contemporary and immersive entertainment, Sailors have the opportunity to choose from a festival-like lineup of shows and happenings developed by the world’s most-talked-about producers, directors, choreographers and artists. 

Wellness at sea

Expect a Virgin-style makeover to cruise spa and fitness programming. Whether Sailors are into high-intensity workouts, deep breaths in search of nirvana, or if they pay for a gym membership but never use it – Virgin Voyages provide spaces to care for themselves in whichever way works best for them. 

Why cruise with Virgin Voyages?

Not wanting to get shipped off with a boat-load of children? While we cater for the young at heart, Virgin Voyages offer strictly adult-only cruises. Sure, the little ones would probably love life at sea, but we want you to discover your inner child – not have to look after one.

The cabins on Virgin Voyages Lady Ships stand out for their flexible furnishings, upgraded bathrooms, and sensory mood lighting, creating comfy quarters that are way more than just a place to crash. Award-winning Walter Knoll, who’s designed thoughtful and sustainable furniture for over 150 years, is responsible for specially engineering and handcrafting our transformative Seabed in Germany. Sailors can enjoy their cabin in two distinct ways, as a place to revel or a place to relax.  A luxurious loungey space transforms into an expansive bedroom with a queen size bed in one swift movement. The transformation can be executed by the sailor or by one of our crew.

Booking any suite unlocks access to Richard's Rooftop; an exclusive sun deck where elegance meets exuberance. A lavish, elaborate and members-only outdoor space for RockStar Quarters Sailors to bask under the sun or have a drink under the stars. Think VIP Rockstar service, chilled vibes, cool tunes, sophisticated loungers and being surrounded by dichroic glass casting stunning rainbow reflections through the rooftop. 

If you thought cruise food was buffets and queues – think again. Virgin Voyages have ditched buffets and pre-set dining times to bring Sailors made-to-order food and leisurely brunches from 20+ unique eateries. All the food is  included  - meaning no exclusive spots you have to pay to get into.  From Korean BBQ, pizza shops, Mediterranean mezze and Mexican restaurants through to a legendary drag queen brunch, Virgin Voyages’ 24-hour food and beverage service is always made to order with a wide selection of restaurants and dining.

No more single-use plastics is just the start of Virgin Voyages’ commitment to sustainable sailing. Newly-built, state-of-the-art and eco-friendly cruise ships use cutting-edge technology so you can concentrate on leaving your footprints in the sand and not on the planet.

Still not impressed? Virgin Voyages use Azipod propulsion technology to reduce fuel consumption by 15 per cent and has partnered with Swedish cleantech experts, Climeon, to convert heat from ship engines back into electricity, helping reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

To complement artist Toby Tinsley’s revolutionary ship design, Virgin Voyages partnered with world-renowned interior designer Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio; New York’s Roman and Williams (The Ace Hotel and the Standard Highline); Concrete Amsterdam (Citizen M and Hotel Zoku), and Softroom in London to reimagine the modern luxury cruise experience.

From the VIP rooftop, club lounge and sky rooms, which use dichroic rainbow-effect glass, through to the world’s first onboard tattoo parlour – Virgin Voyages ships boast theatrical spaces with a sense of drama and fun throughout.

The ‘Vitamin Sea’ ethos not only focuses on the wellbeing of the ocean but also that of its sailors. With a selection of onboard programmes, including sunrise and sunset yoga sessions, you’ll find more than enough things to help you detox (and retox).

If the idea of letting those abs go without a plank for a few days is enough to make you walk one, take a step inside Athletic Club. Resembling a 1920s New York sports club, sailors can hit the outdoor training zone, boxing ring and gym, or head outside to set PBs on The Runway running track.

Not quite your idea of relaxation? No problem. Redemption, the ship’s spa, will transport you to an underwater cave complete hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, cold plunge pools, quartz beds and rejuvenating treatments.

From the glamourous Wake restaurant, with its high-end surf ‘n’ turf, through to Razzle Dazzle, the vegan/vegetarian restaurant and juice bar - with over 20 restaurant and dining options on board, Virgin Voyages ships cater for all tastes.

If you’re wanting to brush up on your culinary classics, The Test Kitchen is one not to miss. Foodies will love the cooking classes, mixology school and coffee labs – not to mention midnight feasts and late-night lock ins!

For a more chilled beach-club vibe, check out The Dock, serving Mediterranean small plates, salads, dips and mezzes or head to The Galley, modelled on food halls and featuring shops and food carts.

As the sun sets, you’ll probably be looking for something livelier to keep you entertained into the small hours. Signature nightclub The Manor takes inspiration from one of our original Virgin Music recording studios – make sure to pack your dancing shoes.

Finally, what better way to commemorate your time on board than by heading to Squid Ink, where tattoo artist Lou Rubino Jr has hand-picked two resident tattooists to make sure those memories never fade.

Virgin Atlantic Holidays is the only place where you can book the full Virgin Voyages package – Virgin Atlantic flights, hotels and your Virgin Voyage cruise – all in one place.

Call us on 0344 472 9646 to book your Virgin Voyages adventure

Virgin Voyages Wave 2024 Offer Terms and Conditions Updated: December 14, 2023 1. Offer Terms. These terms and conditions detail our “Wave 2024” Offer. Qualified bookings will get a certain percentage off a booking for a second person traveling in company, plus a free “Bar Tab,” that is a $600, $300, $200, or $100 bar credit, depending on the length of voyage. ● Buy One, Get a Discount for a Second Co-traveller: ○ “Buy One Fare Get a Second Fare 70% off.” Under the ”WAVE 2024” Offer through January 2024, Virgin Voyages will provide a total discount of 35% off both Sailor 1 and Sailor 2 retail (base) voyage fares when two (2) Sailors book a voyage to sail together in an Eligible Cabin (see section 2.1 for Eligible Cabins). This offer will be marketed as a “buy one fare get a second fare 70% off.”

● Bar Tab. Any voyage lasting fourteen nights or more will receive $600 in a “Bar Tab,” that is, a bar credit, for the cabin. Any voyage lasting between seven and thirteen nights will receive a $300 “Bar Tab” for the cabin. Any voyage lasting five or six nights will receive a $200 “Bar Tab” for the cabin. Any voyage lasting four nights or less will receive a $100 “Bar Tab” for the cabin. The Bar Tab will be added to the lead passenger’s (i.e., “Sailor” in our marketing voice) folio. 2. Eligible Bookings. Eligible bookings are those purchased between 12:01 a.m. EST on 14 December 2023 through 11:59 p.m. EST on 31 January 2024. Eligible voyage dates are those non-charter, open, revenue voyages departing from 16 December 2023 through 02 November 2025 and excluding Australia's Mermaiden Season. The Australia Mermaiden Season on Resilient Lady includes all sailings between 16 December 2023 and 15 March 2024 (inclusive) which are excluded from this Offer. 3. Restrictions/Exclusions. The "Wave 2024” Offer is subject to the following restrictions and exclusions. 3.1. Eligible Cabins, Percentage Off Only cabins in the Sea Terrace Meta Category cabins, The Sea View, Lock It In Rate Sea View, The Insider, and Lock It In Rate insider cabins are eligible for the percentage off in the ”Wave 2024” Offer. The Sea Terrace Meta Category includes the following cabins: XL Sea Terrace, Central Sea Terrace, The Sea Terrace, Ltd View Sea Terrace, and the Lock It In Rate Ltd View Sea Terrace. The Sailors to whom the two bookings apply must travel in the same cabin.

3.2. Eligible Cabins, Bar Tab: Only the XL Sea Terrace, Central Sea Terrace, The Sea Terrace, Ltd View Sea Terrace and cabins in the Rockstar Quarters Meta Category are eligible for the Bar Tab in the “Wave 2024” Offer. The Bar Tab does not apply to the following cabins: The Insider, Sea View, all Lock It In Rate cabins, and Mega Rockstar Quarters. 3.3. Charter voyages are excluded from the “Wave 2024” Offer. 3.4 Interaction with other with the following offers, discounts, or credits: The “Wave 2024” Offer is combinable with the following offers, promotions, discounts, or credits: ● My Next Virgin Voyage Offer ● FL Resident Rate ● Discount and Payment FVCs ● Tour Operators ● Affinity Circles The "Wave 2024” Offer is not combinable with the following offers, promotions, discounts, or credits: ● Incentive and Contracted Circle Programs ● Casino Rates ● Interline Rates, other reduced rate programs, or any other previous offers. 4. Virgin Voyages’ cancellation policies apply. We reserve the right to modify this offer at any time.

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The Complete Guide to Virgin Voyages

After spending seven years in the U.S. Air Force as an Arabic linguist, Carissa is now a freelance writer using points and miles to fund a four-year (and counting!) adventure. She previously worked as a reporter for The Points Guy. Her writing has since been featured in numerous publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and The Balance. When she's not flying, you'll usually find her in a Priority Pass lounge somewhere, sipping tea and cursing slow Wi-Fi.

Giselle M. Cancio is an editor for the travel rewards team at NerdWallet. She has traveled to over 30 states and 20 countries, redeeming points and miles for almost a decade. She has over eight years of experience in journalism and content development across many topics.

She has juggled many roles in her career: writer, editor, social media manager, producer, on-camera host, videographer and photographer. She has been published in several media outlets and was selected to report from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

She frequents national parks and is on her way to checking all 30 Major League Baseball parks off her list. When she's not on a plane or planning her next trip, she's crafting, reading, playing board games, watching sports or trying new recipes.

She is based in Miami.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

About Virgin Voyages cruises

Virgin voyages cabins, virgin voyages cruise prices, how many ships does virgin voyages have, what’s included, virgin voyages loyalty program: sailing club.

Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line with various destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Australia and more.

Virgin Voyages says it is a luxury-inclusive experience. This means passengers won’t pay more for Wi-Fi, gratuities, soda or specialty restaurants. Here's a look at Virgin Voyages, what the cruise line offers and other details about this newcomer.

Here’s a quick overview of a few key features of Virgin Voyages cruises.

Cabin types: Virgin Voyages cruise ships feature up to five types of cabin: Insider rooms, Sea View rooms, Sea Terrace rooms, RockStar Quarters and Mega RockStar Quarters.

Main U.S. routes: Virgin Voyages main U.S. routes head to the Caribbean and leave from Miami. 

Loyalty program: Virgin Voyages has a Sailing Club with two levels of status based on when you’ve cruised with the line. 

Virgin Voyages cruise destinations

Generally, Virgin Voyages sails throughout the Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean, Australia and New Zealand. Its longest trips max out at 16 nights and often include repositioning from one port to another. Its shortest journeys are a quick two nights, though you’ll also find four-night adventures.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

Cabins range from 105 square feet to 2,167 square feet. The cheapest cabin is the Insider Cabin, while the Mega RockStar Quarters Cabin is the cruise line's most luxurious option, which comes with several added perks.

Insider Cabin : Ranges from 105-177 square feet, insider cabins are the most basic rooms on the ship. There are no windows.

Sea View Cabin : Ranges from 130-190 square feet and includes either a window seat or a porthole window.

Sea Terrace Cabin : Ranges from 185-225 square feet and includes a balcony generally with a built-in terrace hammock.

RockStar Quarters Suite : Ranges from 352-857 square feet and includes a balcony with a hammock, table and loungers. This cabin also includes a curated in-room bar, priority access to bookings, and a large marble bathroom.

Mega RockStar Quarters Suite : The largest available room on the ship, these range from 570-2,167 square feet. Added amenities include bottomless in-room bar, priority access, daily spa access, premium Wi-Fi and more.

As with most cruise lines, the cost of a cruise depends upon when you’re traveling. You’ll find the most expensive cruises during periods of high demand such as summer and spring break.

For bookings open from March 2024 to October 2025, the five-night Dominican Daze sailing out of Miami ranges from around $1,700 to $2,500 plus taxes and fees for an interior cabin. The seven-night French Daze and Ibiza nights sailing out of Barcelona ranges from around $2,100 to $2,500 plus taxes and fees for an interior cabin.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Because Virgin Voyages is new, it has three ships in its fleet: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady.

The oldest ship, Scarlet Lady, started sailing in 2021. As far as the onboard experience goes, they’re pretty similar. Each ship has more than 20 eateries (reservations are required for some), provides live entertainment and has plenty of locations to grab a drink.

What is the newest Virgin Voyages ship?

The newest (and fourth) Virgin Voyages ship, the Brilliant Lady, will have a home port in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Although originally expected to launch in early 2024, it was delayed with no date set for the new first voyage.

All meals, including specialty dining.

Gratuities, including service at restaurants and housekeeping.

Wi-Fi, though premium Wi-Fi is available for a fee.

Fitness classes.

Soda, juice, coffee, tea.

Live entertainment, including shows and other events.

Gym and pool access.

Beach access on eligible sailings. 

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Sailing Club levels

The Sailing Club levels are Sea-Blazers and Sea-Rovers.

Sea-Blazers

How to earn: Sea-Blazers earned status by sailing once during 2021. 

Best benefits: Deep Blue Extras through 2024, extra $125 for every $300 bar tab purchased for life. 

How to earn: Sea-Rovers earned status by sailing twice between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2023. 

Best benefits: Deep Blue Extras through 2024.

For those who missed those dates, the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club will announce new ways to join at some point in 2024.

Deep Blue Extras

If you're a Sea-Blazer or a Sea-Rover, you're entitled to perks called Deep Blue Extras. This includes expedited boarding, a $100 bar tab credit, unlimited premium Wi-Fi, dedicated sailor services, an exclusive cocktail event, laundry service and a $10 daily specialty coffee credit per cabin.

Virgin Voyages offers free Wi-Fi to all travelers as part of its package. However, those with elite status who qualify for Deep Blue Extras are eligible for complimentary premium Wi-Fi, as well as those staying in select suites.

Virgin Voyages cruises are more inclusive than those at many other cruise lines. The cruise cost includes traditional and speciality dining, juice, soda, Wi-Fi, gratuities and group fitness classes. You’ll still need to pay for alcohol that you drink.

Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer any all-inclusive drink packages. Instead, you have the option of purchasing a bar tab up to 24 hours before sailing or paying per drink on board. If you have Sailing Club elite status, you’ll be eligible for a $100 bar tab credit. Certain promotions also offer onboard credits with the purchase of a bar tab.

No, Virgin Voyages doesn't require any COVID test or vaccine to board.

Unlike many other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages is available exclusively to adults. This means that those under the age of 18 aren't able to board a Virgin Voyages ship.

Virgin Voyages has a few locations from where it sails. In the U.S., it takes off exclusively from its terminal in Miami.

For its Mediterranean cruises, departures are from Barcelona, Spain, or Athens, Greece.

Finally, for cruises in Oceania, cruises can start in Auckland, New Zealand, or Melbourne, Australia.

Note that Virgin Voyages repositions its ships each year, which means there will occasionally be some interesting itineraries as these ships cross oceans. These include sailings with stops in Dubai, Thailand, India, Singapore, Indonesia and more.

(Top photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Bank of America's website

1.5x-2x Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Virgin Voyages Tips | 10 Things to Know Before Your First Cruise

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: January 2, 2024

If you’re sailing with Virgin Voyages, you should be prepared for sun-soaked days, fun-filled nights and flavor-packed meals. But you should also be prepared to do a bit of prep in advance if you want to take your cruise to the next level. In this post, we’ll share our 10 best Virgin Voyages tips to help you get the most out of your cruise.

I recently returned from a 5-day Virgin Voyages Dominican Daze Cruise on the Scarlet Lady . Before this trip, I had only cruised with Disney Cruise Line, and the Virgin Voyages experience was very different. (If you’re interested in how those two cruise lines compare, be sure to check out our post on Disney Cruise Line vs Virgin Voyages .) I learned so many things from my first Virgin Voyages cruise, and I’m sharing it all here.

Follow these tips and you can be sure that you won’t miss out on any of the fun (or food) onboard. The best part about these tips is that most of them can be done before your trip, so by the time you board you can sit back and relax.

Disclaimer: My Virgin Voyages cruise was graciously gifted by our trusted travel advisor, Lauren Quirk, from  Travel With Character . This post is not sponsored by Virgin Voyages or Travel With Character, and I do not receive any compensation in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

1. Complete the “Before You Sail” tasks ASAP.

As soon as you book your Virgin Voyages cruise (or as early as 120 days out), download the Virgin Voyages mobile app and complete the “Before you Sail” tasks. You’ll need the app for a few different things before and during your cruise, so you might as well get it now.

The “Before You Sail” task list has seven steps and takes about ten minutes. It includes things like confirming your passport information, taking a security photo and linking a credit card to use onboard. Most importantly though, this is where you can schedule your embarkation time. (Aka the time you can board the ship.)

It’s important to book your embarkation as soon as possible, because the best boarding times can book up quickly. What are the best embarkation times for Virgin Voyages? The earliest ones, which leads us to …

2. Schedule the earliest embarkation time.

I’d strongly recommend booking the earliest possible embarkation time for your Virgin Voyages cruise. On my cruise, this is 2 PM.

Early boarding has many benefits. Most obviously, you will have more time on the ship, plus shorter queues in the terminal. Most importantly though, early boarding means earlier access to registration for onboard activities. (We’ll talk more about that in tip #6.)

The embarkation experience will vary based on the port you’re sailing from. If you’re sailing from Miami, Virgin Voyages’ Terminal V is very well organized and boarding is quick and orderly. We were scheduled for earliest boarding group, and we were on the ship 20 minutes after we arrived at the terminal.

Boarding times are pretty strictly enforced. There are queues outside the terminal for each boarding time. If you arrive early, you’ll have to wait with your group for your time. You will not be able to board early if you arrive early.

3. Book dining reservations as soon as they open.

Meals are included on all Virgin Voyages cruises. That includes food from all quick service and table service restaurants onboard, as well room service. While all of the food onboard is pretty good, the very best, chef-curated meals can be found at the table service restaurants.

These high-end dining establishments are one of the selling points on Virgin Voyages, but actually getting a table at them takes a little bit of effort.

Virgin Voyages does not automatically schedule any meals for you. That means you’re not guaranteed a chance to dine at every (or any) table service restaurant onboard. You need to proactively make a reservation if you want eat at these table service restaurants.

Dining reservations open up 45 days before your sailing date. The exact time reservations open up reportedly varies, but it is typically around midnight in the departing port’s timezone. For example, if you are scheduled to sail on December 16, 2023 from Miami, your dining would open just after midnight ET the morning of November 1. You could potentially start checking the website in the late evening hours of October 31, around 11:30 PM, because sometimes they open early.

That said, the reservations don’t book up instantly. Unless you have a large party and are really set on a specific restaurant on a specific date and time, you probably don’t need to stay up till midnight to book your reservation. You should definitely plan to book in the morning of the day reservations open, though, for the best selection.

If you happen to miss the reservation window, don’t give up hope. All of the restaurants do have limited space for walk-ups and same-day reservations. This will just take more time and effort. There is also quick service dining available at all times.

4. See if you qualify for Deep Blue Extras.

Virgin Voyages is a relatively new cruise line, so they don’t have an established frequent sailor program just yet. While they build that up, they’re offering a collection of perks to seasoned sailors called Deep Blue Extras through the end of 2024.

Deep Blue Extras are pretty good, too. The perks include a $100 onboard drink credit, $10 per day specialty coffee credit, some complimentary laundry services and a free upgrade to premium wifi. You’ll also have access to a dedicated Sailor Services rep onboard, expedited boarding and a special happy hour.

Anyone who sailed with Virgin Voyages in 2021 (Sea-Blazers) or has sailed twice in 2022 and 2023 (Sea-Rovers) will receive Deep Blue Extras. If you qualify, these rewards will automatically be applied to your next sailing through 2024.

4.5 (Bonus tip!). Don’t tighten your Deep Blue Extras bracelet.

If you do qualify for Deep Blue Extras, you’ll get a special bracelet when you check in at the terminal. This one is a ribbon style bracelet with a one-way clasp — meaning you can tighten it but not loosen it.

If you put this bracelet on, make sure that you keep it loose enough to slide on and off. You don’t actually need this bracelet for anything, and all the perks are connected to your other NFC band. I think this is literally just to demonstrate your status on board.

I slipped mine off right away and just kept it in my purse, but I didn’t actually need it.

5. Use a hair tie for The Band.

When you check in at the terminal, they will give you a bracelet to use during your cruise. The Band is a contactless device that you need to use for pretty much everything on board. It serves as your room key, ID and credit card onboard, and you are required to tap it every time you get on and off the ship.

The NFC device itself is plastic with two attached loops. It is on a rope bracelet that wraps around your wrist twice and attaches with a small metal anchor. As you would expect from that description, the bracelet broke immediately.

Since the tap device is so important for your cruise, I’d recommend bringing a backup bracelet for it. A hair tie is the perfect solution. Slip the hair tie through one of the loops on The Band, and then pull one side of the hair tie through the other side of the hair tie to create a loop knot. Then you can wear the hair tie around your wrist and The Band won’t go anywhere.

Also, any small bracelet that can fit through these loops will do the trick.

6. Sign up for activities in the app as soon as you board.

As soon as you board, connect to the ship’s wifi and open the Virgin Voyages app. At this point, you will be able to see the full itinerary for your cruise and begin signing up for activities. To sign up for an activity, click “Add to Agenda.” (Hearting an activity doesn’t officially sign you up for it.)

Some events are “ticketed,” meaning that there is a cap on how many people can participate. Some ticketed activities have an additional fee (like cocktail classes or coffee tastings), while others are free (like yoga, spin classes and select stage shows). For ticketed events, you’ll need to tap your bracelet in order to enter.

You should sign up for all of your ticketed events as soon as you board, because some ticketed events fill up quickly. If any of these activities are important to you, be sure to check the itinerary and sign up quickly or you may miss out.

Other activities on board (like fitness classes, bingo and parties) are not ticketed. There is no formal cap on who can attend and they don’t check to see if you’ve registered before they let you participate. For these activities, adding them to your agenda is just to keep you organized.

Unfortunately, the Virgin App isn’t great and it’s even worse when everyone is using it at the same time. We experienced the app crashing, spinning and logging us out numerous times on both the basic and premium wifi. So I’d recommend heading to a bar and grabbing a drink for this process so it feels less annoying.

6.5 (Bonus Tip!). Link your party in advance.

Passengers staying in the same room should automatically be connected with each other in the app. That means that anyone in your cabin can register anyone else in your cabin for activities.

However, if you are traveling with friends or family in other cabins, you will need to manually connect them. You can complete this step at anytime, but ideally you should do it before you board. That way, anyone in your party can start booking for the entire party right away.

7. Plan for any in-person registrations.

While most things onboard can be booked in the app, there are a handful of sign-ups that have to be done in person on the ship. These are things with individual time slots, like tattoo and spa appointments and private karaoke registration, and they will be noted as such in the app. If you are set on any of these services/activities, do some research in advance and plan your first day accordingly.

For example, the tattoo parlor opens after the ship has left port and reaches international waters, often around 6 PM. The line for tattoo appointments forms early and gets long very quickly. Appointments on the last cruise day usually book up first, but they’re usually fully booked within a couple hours. If a tattoo is a priority, plan to be there about an hour before it’s scheduled to open for bookings.

Spa appointments book up less quickly, and karaoke spots usually open up daily. There might be other in-person registrations, but these are the three I know about. This is just something else you’ll want to take care of early for the best choice in times.

8. Skip luggage service when you board.

Most Virgin Voyages cruises have a luggage service available at embarkation and debarkation. The exact details vary based on your port, but here’s how it works at Terminal V in Miami.

There is a luggage check location outside the terminal. You can leave your bags here and then they will be delivered to your cabin that evening. The timing can vary, but on my cruise they were scheduled to be delivered by 6 PM.

This service can make it easier to navigate the terminal and board the ship without having to deal with your bags. This can also make security a bit easier. If you do use this service, just make sure you keep everything with you that you’ll need before 6 PM (including swimsuits, make up, meds, etc.)

It’s a good service, but I would actually recommend you skip luggage check when you board.

The main reason for that is because rooms are typically ready as soon as you board. On other cruise lines, that’s not the case, so you want to check your bags so you can enjoy the ship without lugging them around. But on Virgin Voyages, you can usually drop your bags in your room right away. This is easier than having to pack a day bag and then waiting for your bags to be delivered.

The Miami terminal is also easy to pull your bags through. The entire route is accessible by elevator, escalator, and/or ramp, so you won’t have issues with stairs. You do have to go through security, but you don’t have to remove anything from your bags like at the airport. If you have an early boarding time, this process can take less than 20 minutes.

8.5 (Bonus Tip!). Do use luggage service if you have a late debarkation time.

Similarly, Virgin Voyages also offers luggage check service on your debarkation day. You can leave your bags outside your door the night before you disembark, and then pick them up just before you exit the terminal. There is a cutoff time, but it’s usually around midnight.

This service does actually make sense if you have a late debarkation time. Most itineraries allow you to stay on the ship as late as 10:30 AM. However, access to the rooms is usually cut off before that. That means you have to keep your luggage with you.

If you plan to leave the ship late and want to have a relaxing morning, you don’t want to be lugging your bags. In this case, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the baggage service.

9. Pack the essentials.

This is not a complete packing list, but there are a few things you should be sure to pack for your Virgin Voyages cruise.

• Passport. There are some ways around this, depending on your itinerary, but it’s best to have it on you when cruising.
• Scarlet outfit. There are a few cruise parties and events, some of which vary by season, but the highlight of every Virgin Voyages cruise is Scarlet Night. Everyone wears red and there are a few events around the ship. It’s really fun and everyone gets into it, so this is the one onboard event you should definitely plan for.
• Sunblock and aloe. I’m usually pretty firmly in the buy-it-there camp, but that’s not always possible on a cruise ship. The stores onboard are only open when the ship is at sea and they are closed when the ship is at port. You might not always be able to buy these important items onboard when you need them.
• Portable charger . Virgin Voyages offers free wifi for everyone, so you might be on your phone more than you think. Plus, you’ll probably be using the app a lot to check the day’s schedules. A portable charger is nice to have in your bag. There are also many outlets around the ship, so you can also just bring an extra cord to keep with you.

10. Plan your flights properly.

If you are flying on either side of your cruise, selecting the right flight times is a delicate art.

Regardless of what port your sailing from, I would recommend flying in at least one day before you sail. Even if you don’t board until late in the afternoon or evening, I still wouldn’t recommend flying in the same day as your cruise departure. There’s always a chance that your flight gets delayed, you get rerouted, your bags get delayed, etc. You don’t want one bad travel day to cost you your entire cruise if you don’t make it there in time.

That same rule of thumb does not necessarily apply to your departure flight. It’s rare (but not impossible) that your cruise disembarkation will be drastically delayed. You can usually plan to fly out the same day that your cruise is scheduled to arrive. This of course varies based on your specific itinerary and port.

If you’re sailing from Miami, Virgin Voyages officially recommends booking a flight no earlier than noon on your arrival day.

Based on my recent personal experience, though, I would say that you could make a domestic flight as early as 10 AM. My disembarkation was scheduled for 8 AM, but I went down at 7:30 AM and walked right off the ship. There were no lines in the terminal, and I was at the Uber pick-up area by 7:42 AM. I arrived at the Miami airport at 8:02 AM and was through PreCheck security by 8:17 AM.

Everything might not always go that smoothly. However, I just wanted to share an actual timeline to help give you an idea.

Final Bonus Tip: Work with a travel advisor.

As I mentioned before, this trip was graciously gifted by our travel advisor at Travel With Character . We always work with them to book our Disney vacations , but this was my first time working with them on a cruise. I got to experience first hand what it was like to have a dedicated travel advisor help with my cruise vacation, and it was a dream.

They stayed on top of all of the timelines I mention throughout this post, and sent out reminders for each task to make sure nothing slipped through the cracks. Not only did they make the cruise planning a breeze, but they also helped plan my hotel and activities in Miami before the cruise, and they quickly found a third-party tour provider when our cruise itinerary changed last minute.

If you want your travel planning to be as stress-free as the cruise itself, I’d highly recommend reaching out to Travel With Character. (And no, they’re not paying me to say that.)

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages do all that and more. The good stuff just keeps on going. Menus designed by a crème de la crème collective of Michelin-starred chefs. Onboard credit just for bringing your pals along. Entertainment that’s less Broadway production and more festival revel.

And thanks to our price guarantee, we’ll get you experiencing everything that Virgin Voyages has to show off for less than anywhere else. All this, plus our Smart Packages, which offer exclusive perks like free flights and hotel stays alongside your Virgin Voyages cruise.

Let’s see what else is waiting for you…

Destinations

Whatever you want from your holiday, Virgin Voyages’ destinations mean there’s an adventure to excite the travel bug inside you. Cities and sunsets, quiet mornings and wild nights, these splendid stop-offs take in a whole lot of excitement. Plus, with a late stay and an overnight on each itinerary, getting every last drop of joy out of your new home is easy.

You can’t go wrong cruising the Greek islands. Where you might be hustling and bustling on one island, you could be exploring its quiet side the next. A country for all cruisers, try out your party side on Mykonos or allow Athens’ vibrant hues and storied culture to colour your trip. And keep an eye out for Argostoli, an island that could well have the most perfect beaches in all of Greece.

Need more of the Mediterranean in your life? Virgin can see to that too, taking you on a trip around the region’s most romantic, postcard-ready locations. Think Barcelona’s storied history and urban beaches. Lisbon’s hill-filled expanse and enticing wine tastings. Monte Carlo’s unbeatable movie star glamour. The Mediterranean is as diverse as it gets – now’s your chance to see every side of it.

On the other side of the pond, experience Virgin Voyages Miami-style. Here, you’ll get to see the stuff Disneyland doesn’t show you: art deco hotels, a thriving art scene, and rooftop bars playing host to steamy, dance-filled nights that really sizzle.

FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

When your cruise line teams up with a Michelin-starred collective of chefs for its food, you know you’re set to be served some real-deal dishes. Consider the below your very own tasting menu to scroll through – and btw, it’s all included.

Variety is the spice of life across the 20+ Virgin Voyages’ restaurants, so there really is something for everyone here. At The Wake, Virgin Voyages bring you the best in surf ‘n turf, a steakhouse that’s all 60s vibes and liquid lunches – except with unreal steaks accompanying the cocktails.

Speaking of drinks, Pink Agave takes guests on a Mexican fiesta, combining the country’s best cuisine with curated selections of Mezcal, a smoky spirit that’s guaranteed to keep spice levels high. Throw in some fascinating history with each dish, and this educational eatery is truly a place to savour.

Want to take it al fresco ? On The Dock, Virgin Voyages makes outdoor eating a breeze, thanks to a range of easy-going mezze bites you can truly take your time with. Where’s the rush? That sun isn’t going anywhere.

Take me to bed

Whether you’re letting the world pass you by or getting ready for that big night, Virgin Voyages’ cabins and suites are decked out with everything you need – whatever budget you’re working with. Made for dreamers and snoozers, here’s what’s waiting to welcome you…

RockStar Quarters

In the RockStar Quarters, anything goes (well, almost anything). Exclusive and luxurious, you’ll unlock priority access to the line’s restaurants, events, and experiences, both on and off board.

You’ll even have access-all-areas entry to Richard’s Rooftop, a members-only sundeck built for late-night parties, along with a team of RockStar Agents on-hand to keep your time onboard turned up to 11, all the time

Mega RockStar Quarters

Decadent, loud and unashamedly over-the-top, Virgin’s Mega RockStar Quarters are everything a rockstar should be. You’ll get all the perks of the previous quarters, alongside daily spa access, a daily bar tab, premium WiFi in the Caribbean, and a bottomless in-room bar that’s like your own personal rockstar rider.

License To Thrill

You won’t find Broadway productions here, but you’ll still bear witness to a festival-load of fun on board your ship. Created by a who’s who of directors, choreographers and artists, the line’s selection of cruise firsts give guests an exclusive, exciting glimpse into the future of at-sea entertainment.

Playing up to the musical side of Virgin Voyages, The Manor is your main venue, a ground-breaking go-to that hosts everything from the Miss Behave Game Show (we won’t spoil the surprise) to festival-style performances from comedians, magicians, and musicians.

The Red Room, meanwhile, puts on a show and a half, lining up an array of all-new productions like Never Sleep Alone, a seriously adults-only tale that’s part interactive sex advice column, part late-night cabaret. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Getting jealous of all those performers hogging the spotlight? It’s your time to shine at The Groupie, a private karaoke spot that’ll have all eyes on you. Time to warm that voice up. Even if you aren’t a born performer there’s something to stay busy with. Voyage Vinyl serves up the best slabs of wax money can buy, while The Social Club and The Arcade let you indulge your inner child with all sorts of old-school board and video games.

FEEL FABULOUS

Everyone’s idea of relaxation is different, so whether you are a do-nothing person, or do something person, your Virgin Voyage will always offer something to float your boat. From yoga at sunrise to boxing in the openair, meditation to HIIT workouts, and even specifically curated hikes to work up your sweat in the ports of call, the Virgin Voyage approach to working out is the workout that works for you.

Get that OMMM feeling everyday while you relax as the sound of the ocean soothes your daily stresses away, or take it up a gear or two with a visit to the Redemption spa, from a Balinese hot stone massage to a seaweed body wrap, this is your time to chill or get dirty in the mudroom and let the sauna cleanse you pore deep, you will feel fabulous for it!

Virgin Promotions

Say goodbye to porthole peeks and hello to sweeping horizons! Enjoy 70% off your second sailor on all voyages, including exciting new routes for 2025 and 2026! Plus, get free balcony upgrades on most 2024 Caribbean and Mediterranean voyages—because nothing beats sea views from your own hammock.

UP TO 70% OFF THE 2ND SAILOR (2025 and 2026 sailings)

• 70% off a 2nd Sailor: Available on all voyages, including our brilliant new 2025 and 2026 itineraries
• Free balcony upgrades: Book The Sea Terrace for the price of The Sea View on most 2024 Caribbean and Mediterranean sailings (that’s up to £255 in savings!)
• Expanded horizons: Experience our growing fleet, featuring the debut of our 4th lady ship, Brilliant Lady
• Epic journeys: Discover smashing sites like Norway, Iceland, and more through 2026

Terms & Conditions Apply

Offer Terms. These terms and conditions detail the Virgin Voyages’ “June+July 2024 Discount” Offer. This is a dual offer consisting of (1) a 70% discount for a second sailor on eligible voyages in 2024, 2025, and 2026, and (2) a balcony upgrade for eligible voyages for select cabins in 2024. Discount is subject to availability.  All Eligible Bookings with open inventory will receive a 70% voyage fare discount for a second sailor for select voyage dates, including open voyages in 2025 and 2026. This will be operationalized in our system by giving each of the two Sailors a 35% voyage fare discount.  Bookings on eligible 2024 voyages will receive a complimentary balcony upgrade, shown as the same price between the Sea View and The Sea Terrace cabins on the following voyages: Valiant Lady: 7 June 2024 through 15 December 2024  Scarlet Lady: 9 June 2024 through 14 December 2024 Resilient Lady: 9 June 2024 through 14 December 2024 We highlight that the balcony upgrades are only for select 2024 voyages. Offer runs between 12:01 a.m. EDT on 31 May 2024 through 11:59 p.m. EDT on 31 July 2024 for an Eligible Voyage.

Cruise Line FAQs - Virgin Voyages

There are plenty of smoking areas provided around Virgin Voyages' ships. However, guests found smoking or vaping in their room, on their balcony, or in any other non-designated area onboard will have $500 added to their onboard account and may be forced to leave the ship entirely.

Virgin Voyages' fleet consists of four ships.

Essential Drinks are what Virgin calls its non alcoholic drinks, including still/sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and coffees. 

Generally, Virgin Voyages' ships don't differ too much, other than their names and where they travel to. Onboard, you're likely to find the same amenities, entertainment options and ship size whichever on you sail on.

Yep! All of Virgin Voyages' ships have casinos onboard.

The line was founded December 4, 2014.

Virgin Voyages depart from ports across the globe, including the likes of Portsmouth, Miami, Lisbon, Dubai and San Juan.

Virgin Voyages is an adults only line, so sorry, no kids allowed!

The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Virgin Voyages ship

Anyone looking for the best Virgin Voyages cruise itinerary will want to start with its sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean.

The three-ship line has focused most of its energy since its debut in 2021 on creating relatively short, fun, adult-focused voyages out of Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico, to the two regions, with two of its vessels spending a significant amount of their time on such itineraries.

For a line with so few ships, that makes sense, as the Bahamas and Caribbean account for the biggest chunk of demand for cruises.

Still, as Virgin Voyages grows — it has a fourth ship on order — it is likely to greatly expand its offerings in other parts of the world.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Already, in addition to a year-round presence in the Bahamas and Caribbean, Virgin Voyages has been offering regular sailings in the Mediterranean on a seasonal basis, from spring to fall, with at least one and sometimes two ships. With the arrival of its third ship recently, it also was able to expand its offerings with its first voyages to Australia and New Zealand.

While the latter voyages aren't starting up until the end of 2023, they're already open for bookings.

What are the best Virgin Voyages destinations you can visit and itineraries you can choose? Here are TPG's top five picks.

Short sailings to The Bahamas and Caribbean

Virgin Voyages got its start offering short sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Miami, and that's still the line's biggest cruise destination focus. In fact, one of Virgin Voyages' two vessels currently in operation, the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady , does nothing but short sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Miami.

In all cases, these sailings include a stop in the Bahamas. Some then add a Caribbean stop, while others add a stop in Florida.

Related: I've been on more than 150 cruise ships; here's why Scarlet Lady surprised me

Specifically, Scarlet Lady offers four different four- and five-night Bahamas itineraries out of Miami year-round. All include a stop at Bimini in the Bahamas, where the line has a private beach club , as well as a single call in either Mexico, the Dominican Republic or Key West, Florida. The four itineraries are:

• Fire and Sunset Soirees itinerary: a four-night cruise to Bimini and Key West, plus one sea day
• Riviera Maya itinerary: a five-night cruise to Bimini and Cozumel, Mexico, plus two sea days
• Dominican Haze itinerary: a five-night cruise to Bimini and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, plus two sea days
• Mayan Sol itinerary: a five-night cruise to Bimini and Costa Maya, Mexico, plus two sea days

In keeping with its "time to let loose" adults-only vibe, Virgin Voyages has built relatively late stays into several of the port calls on these itineraries, allowing passengers to maximize their fun time ashore. The typical stay at Bimini — where the line holds DJ-led pool parties at its private beach club late into the day — extends until 8 p.m., which is later than most ships stay at Bahamian ports. Visits to Cozumel, Mexico, also extend to 8 p.m.

Scarlet Lady has operated these sailings since it debuted as Virgin's first vessel in 2021, and it'll continue rotating through the itineraries until May 2024. At that point, Scarlet Lady's nearly identical sister vessel, the 2,770-passenger Valiant Lady, will take over these Bahamas and Caribbean routes.

Longer sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean

Initially, Virgin Voyages only offered shorter sailings of five or fewer nights to the Bahamas and Caribbean. But its list of itineraries in the regions is now peppered with longer voyages of six to eight nights.

These are sailings that stop in more distant Caribbean destinations such as St. Croix and Roatan, Honduras, and will appeal to cruisers who find trips of just four or five days too short.

Related: 11 things I loved on Virgin Voyages, and 6 things I kind of hated

For 2024, Virgin is offering four such longer itineraries, two of which are out of Miami and operated by the line's second ship, Valiant Lady , as well as its original vessel, Scarlet Lady:

• Eastern Caribbean Antilles itinerary: an eight-night cruise to San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Croix; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and Bimini, plus two sea days
• Western Caribbean Charm itinerary: a six-night cruise to Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Bimini, plus two sea days

The other two longer Caribbean itineraries that Virgin is offering in 2024 are both out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and operated only by Valiant Lady.

• Sunsets in the Lesser Antilles itinerary: a seven-night cruise to Aruba, Curacao, Martinique and St. Kitts, plus two sea days
• Southeastern Caribbean Isles itinerary: a seven-night cruise to Tortola, Antigua, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia and Barbados, plus one sea day

Virgin also operates one-off sailings out of Miami around the winter holidays. Typical is a six-night "Valiant Caribbean Holidays" sailing out of Miami on Dec. 20, 2024, visiting Puerto Plata, Nassau and Bimini.

The Mediterranean

Another top destination for Virgin Voyages is the Mediterranean , where the line has been expanding quickly as it adds new ships.

In 2023, Virgin sent its new ship, Resilient Lady, to the Mediterranean through October to join Valiant Lady in the region, doubling up on its Mediterranean departures as compared to 2022. And the line plans a similar two-ship lineup for the Mediterranean again in 2024, when it'll be Scarlet Lady joining Resilient Lady in the region from spring to fall.

The addition of a second ship in the Mediterranean for the summer season has allowed Virgin Voyages to offer seven-night voyages every week during the season out of both Barcelona and Piraeus, Greece (the port for Athens) — a first for the line.

For 2024, Scarlet Lady will be based in Barcelona (taking the place of Valiant Lady), offering two western Mediterranean itineraries that mostly focus on stops in Spain and France. Specifically, one will spend most of its time at the Spanish islands of Mallorca and Ibiza along with stops in Marseille and Cannes in France, while the other features stops in Ibiza; the French island of Corsica; Toulon, France; and the port for Carrara, Italy.

Resilient Lady will continue to be based in Piraeus, alternating between eastern Mediterranean itineraries that focus on the Greek islands and the Croatian coast, respectively.

Related: Don't miss these extra perks with the Virgin Voyages loyalty program

The Greek Islands itinerary, called Greek Island Glow, includes stops at Santorini, Rhodes and Mykonos, as well as a visit to Bodrum, Turkey.

As with Virgin's Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries, its Mediterranean itineraries are specifically designed for fun-seeking travelers looking for a late-night experience.

In the case of the Greek Islands sailings, Resilient Lady's Santorini visit is a day call that continues until 10 p.m. The Mykonos stop on the same sailing is an overnight call, with the ship remaining in port until 2 p.m. on the day after it arrives.

The Croatian coast-focused itinerary, called Adriatic Sea and Greek Gems, also includes several late-night stops. The ship stays in Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia until 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., respectively. A call at Corfu, Greece, lasts until 9 p.m.

Australia and New Zealand

The first Virgin Voyages sailings to Australia and New Zealand on the line's new Resilient Lady will begin this winter. After its initial summer cruising in the Mediterranean, the vessel will reposition to Australia in December for a series of 11 sailings ranging from five to 14 nights.

Among them will be round-trip sailings out of Melbourne, Australia, as well as one-way trips between Melbourne and Auckland, New Zealand. Itineraries include:

• Aussie MerMaiden: a five-night cruise out of Melbourne with stops at Hobart and Burnie in Tasmania, plus one sea day
• Resilient New Year's Pacific Ahoy: a 14-night cruise from Melbourne to Auckland with stops at Hobart and Burnie in Tasmania; Sydney; and Tauranga, Napier and Picton in New Zealand, as well as five sea days
• Tasman Sea, Fjords and Maori Shores: an 11-night cruise from Auckland to Melbourne with stops at Tauranga, Dunedin and Christ Church in New Zealand, and Hobart and Burnie in Tasmania, plus four sea days

A pair of one-way, 15-night trips between Singapore and Australia will bookend the Australia and New Zealand sailings. Scheduled for November 2023 and March 2024, the two sailings offer overnight stays in Bali and calls at Airlie Beach, Cairns and Darwin in Australia.

Transatlantic

The expansion of Virgin Voyages sailings in the Bahamas and Caribbean this year meant the line could send more ships back and forth between Europe and North America than in the past. That's created an expanded lineup of so-called "repositioning" cruises across the Atlantic that feature many sea days.

Among the transatlantic sailings on the line's schedule for 2024 are:

• A 14-night voyage from Miami to Barcelona departing April 21, 2024, that includes 10 sea days plus stops at Madeira, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca. The voyage will take place on Scarlet Lady.
• A 16-night voyage from Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) to Miami departing Nov. 28, 2024, that includes 11 sea days plus stops at Barcelona, Malaga, Madeira and Santa Cruz in the Canary Islands. The voyage also will take place on Scarlet Lady.

Related: Too hip or just right? Here's what it was really like to sail Virgin Voyages for the first time

Bottom line

Virgin Voyages is still a relatively small line with just three ships, and that means it can't offer too big a range of itineraries. But with at least one more vessel joining its fleet over the coming year, its destination offerings are growing.

The brand has the broadest array of options in the Bahamas and Caribbean, where it got its start, and is rapidly expanding in Europe. Sailings in Australia and New Zealand are just beginning this coming winter.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Cruise with Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages: Your guide to adults-only cruising

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There are so many reasons to love cruising. let's add irresistible savings and bonus value to the list, oh buoy, these deals are good, from stylish decor to unforgettable experiences - we have deals that are sure to make a splash, virgin voyages ships.

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Frequently asked questions

Virgin Voyages primarily offers cruises in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, as well as Australia and the South Pacific and occasionally undertakes Transatlantic or Transpacific voyages

Yes, Virgin Voyages is an adult-only cruise line, catering to passengers aged 18 and over.

Virgin Voyages offers a variety of dining options, including upscale restaurants, casual eateries, and food markets, with a focus on diverse cuisines and no extra charges for specialty dining.

The cruise line emphasises wellness and fitness, offering modern gym facilities, group fitness classes, yoga, and a spa.

Virgin Voyages has a strong commitment to sustainability, with single-use plastics banned onboard, improved energy efficiency, and responsible sourcing of food and equipment.

Virgin Voyages markets itself as a more modern and adult-focused cruise experience, with innovative designs, unique entertainment, and a focus on wellness and sustainability.

Accommodations range from standard cabins to luxurious 'RockStar Suites', all designed with a modern and upscale aesthetic.

Yes, they provide a range of entertainment options, including live music, DJ sets, theatrical performances and deck parties.

Fares typically include dining, basic beverages (excluding alcohol), Wi-Fi, fitness classes and gratuities, but check for specific inclusions at the time of booking.

Bookings can be made by enquiring right here on our website, by visiting a store or speaking to a cruise expert on the phone.

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Ahoy and welcome to an overview of our current offers and promotions designed to #RaiseYourSales as your clients Set Sail the Virgin Way.

70% off 2nd Sailor + upgrades.

This summer, raise your sales with an unbeatable offer that gives your Sailors more reasons to book their next vacation with you. Offer them a spectacular vacation where every detail is crafted to awe — with 70% off their second Sailor on all voyages, including our brilliant new 2025 and 2026 itineraries and the Limited View Sea Terrace for the price of The Sea View on most 2024 sailings (that’s a free balcony upgrade and up to $325 in savings!). Because let’s face it, the best sea views (and commissions!) come from those who know how to sell them. How it benefits your business: - 70% off a 2nd Sailor on all voyages, including our brilliant new 2025 and 2026 itineraries. Use this to close sales faster and increase Sailor satisfaction. - Offer free balcony upgrades on most 2024 sailings to enhance the value of your bookings (subject to availability). - Promote our growing fleet, including the debut of our 4th lady ship, Brilliant Lady, to entice Sailors looking for new experiences. - Help your Sailors discover extraordinary places like Norway, Iceland, and more through 2026, ensuring they return for more incredible bookings with you.

$100 off Caribbean Weekenders.

Now is the time to book your Sailors on Caribbean Weekender itineraries (five nights or less) and save them $100 on their Voyage fare. With epic Voyages leaving out of Miami, Sailors can explore all the Caribbean has to offer – from the dreamy Dominican Republic to charming Costa Maya — before their boss even notices they’re gone. Plus every itinerary also features a stop at our exclusive Beach Club at Bimini, so they can soak in the Bahamian sun in perfect undisturbed luxury. Book your Sailors now on a short trip that will make a big impact, with all the luxury accommodations, 5-star dining, and award-winning entertainment Virgin Voyages is known for. This deal isn’t just for $100 – it’s for a lifetime of memories made in one long weekend.

Floridians save an extra 5%.

With a vibrant home port nearby, Florida residents don’t need to travel far for an incredible getaway. Tell your Sailors in the Sunshine State about our exclusive Florida Resident Rate — they’ll score an extra 5% off when they sail to the Caribbean in the next 45 days (or less).

Add in A Splash of Romance.

When it comes to romance, we want your Sailors to feel the spark (or reignite it) on board. So we’re offering our new A Splash of Romance experience package for an incredible introductory rate. And when your Sailors feel the love, you’ll feel it too — because when you sell this $250 add-on to them, you’ll earn an extra 10% in commission. ELEVATED EXTRAS - Priority Check-in & Boarding - Daily curated cold-pressed juices at the Gym & Tonic Bar each morning - 3-Hour Thermal Spa Pass per Sailor - A Shake for Champagne (charge removed from folio at the end of the sailing) - Exclusive Sail Away Hour - Aphrodisiac bites to keep the romance flowings Need to Know:  Love is in the (sea) air— and with packages available for $250 (though valued at $350!).  To place a request on their behalf, fill out our online form asap, and we’ll send you a booking confirmation within 72hrs.   Please note: form submissions do not guarantee purchase. Sailors have up to 24hrs upon receiving confirmation to access their VirginVoyages.com account and complete payment. When every new booking earns you a 16% commission, adding this experience even to an existing booking means you’ll add incredible value to their voyage. So help your Sailors elevate their experience with A Splash of Romance, and we’ll elevate your commission with an extra 10%.

The First-Timer’s Guide to Virgin Voyages

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Embarking on your first Virgin Voyages cruise is an exciting adventure. This cruise line promises to redefine the traditional cruise experience with its modern, adults-only approach. As a first-timer, you’ll find plenty to love, but there might also be a few aspects that don’t quite hit the mark for everyone. Here’s a rundown of the things that I LOVED, as well as some things that may not work for everyone sailing on a Virgin Voyages cruise for the first time.

Things I loved about Virgin voyages

1. Modern Aesthetics and Design  Virgin Voyages ships boast a sleek, contemporary design. From the stylish cabins to the chic common areas, every inch of the ship exudes a modern vibe. The aesthetic appeal is perfect for those who appreciate clean lines, bold colors, and Instagram-worthy backdrops.

2. Adults-Only Experience  For many, the adults-only policy is a major selling point. Without children on board , the atmosphere is more sophisticated and relaxed, catering to adults looking for a more mature vacation experience. 

3. Innovative Dining Options  Gone are the days of traditional cruise buffets. Virgin Voyages offers an array of unique dining venues, each with its own distinct cuisine and ambiance. With no extra charges for specialty dining, you can enjoy gourmet meals without worrying about the bill. 

4. Wellness and Fitness Focus  Health-conscious travelers will appreciate the emphasis on wellness. The ships are equipped with state-of-the-art fitness centers, outdoor workout areas, and a variety of fitness classes. The spa services and wellness programs are also top-notch, providing a rejuvenating experience.

5. Entertainment and Nightlife  Virgin Voyages offers a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. With everything from immersive theater productions to nightclubs and live music, there’s always something exciting happening on board. The unique entertainment offerings ensure that boredom is never an option.

things that may not be for everyone

1. App-Centric Experience  While the use of technology is convenient, some might find the reliance on the Virgin Voyages app to be a bit overwhelming. From booking dining reservations to checking daily schedules, the app is integral to the cruise experience.

Dining reservations book up quickly and the general policy is that you cannot book the same restaurant more than once. We traveled with a group of 8, so timing reservations so that we could eat together did require more effort than on a traditional sailing. This can be a drawback for some.

2. Price Point  Virgin Voyages cruises are often more expensive compared to other mainstream cruise lines. While the all-inclusive nature of the dining and some onboard activities adds value, the initial cost may be a deterrent for budget-conscious travelers.

5. Learning Curve  For first-timers, adjusting to the unique Virgin Voyages experience can take a little time. The unconventional approach to cruising, from the app-centric operations to the avant-garde entertainment, might require some getting used to.

Sailing with Virgin Voyages for the first time offers a fresh and modern take on the traditional cruise experience. The sleek design, adults-only policy, and innovative dining and entertainment options are significant positives. However, knowing all that is involved in this cruising can help you decide if Virgin Voyages is the right choice for your next adventure.

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Who Is Richard Branson's Wife? All About Joan Templeman

Richard Branson and his wife Joan Templeman married in 1989

Emma Kershaw is a contributing writer at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2022. Her work has previously appeared in Cosmopolitan , Insider and Apartment Therapy.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Richard Branson may be one of the most successful businessmen of our time, taking his Virgin empire to new heights with each new launch. But in his personal life, he has enjoyed a steady home life with his wife, Joan Templeman.

“I often make up my mind about someone within 30 seconds of meetings them, and I fell for Joan almost from the moment I saw her. Joan was a down-to-earth Scottish lady and I quickly realized she wouldn’t be impressed by my usual antics,” Branson wrote on the Virgin blog in 2020 to honor the 44 years since they first met.

Sharing his tips on how to have long-lasting love like he and Templeman, Branson has said that it’s something that you need to be committed to working hard on.

“I think you have to work on it,” he told Page Six during a 2019 interview. “I think if you just sit back and wait for it to come it’s not necessarily going to happen. I think you’ve got to be willing to subtly chase somebody if you’re really interested.”

“With my own wife, I was known as ‘Tagalong,’ ” he added. “I would end up literally chasing. Finally, hopefully, they’ll give in.”

His chasing paid off, and Branson and Templeman married in 1989 and went on to welcome three children together: Holly, Sam, and the late Clare Sarah, who died at 4-days-old after being born three months prematurely.

Here's everything to know about Richard Branson's wife Joan Templeman.

Templeman worked near Branson’s recording studio

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The entrepreneur first met Templeman near The Manor, his former recording studio at Virgin Records.

“She worked in an antiques shop called Dodo in Notting Hill, close to our Virgin office at Vernon Yard. One day, I hovered uncertainly outside the shop, then built up the courage to walk in. The shop sold old signs and advertisements, which I pretended to the shop owner, Liz, that I was fascinated by,” he said in his blog post. “Over the next few weeks, my visits to Joan amassed me an impressive collection of old hand painted tin signs, which advertised anything from Hovis bread to Woodbine cigarettes.”

Branson bought Necker Island as a grand gesture for Templeman

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Just two years after they had first met, the business tycoon put an offer in for Necker Island as a tribute to Templeman.

“Upon hearing about a beautiful island in the British Virgin Islands up for sale, I called the people selling it to enquire. We were still in the early days of Virgin Records and I definitely did not have the cash to buy it - but try telling that to a fool in love!” he wrote in his blog post.

The realtor offered Branson a trip to see the island, and seeing it was the “second time I experienced love at first sight," he said.

Although his initial offer got rejected, Branson purchased the island for $180,000, and he still lives there currently.

Their children both got married on Necker Island

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Eleven years after Branson purchased the island, he and Templeman wed on a beach there. Following in their parents’ footsteps, both Holly and Sam married their respective spouses there as well.

Holly and Freddie Andrews married in a sunset ceremony that took place in December 2011, while Sam wed Isabella Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe in March 2013.

Branson stopped a flight so he could see his wife

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In a romantic gesture that rivals every single romantic-comedy, Branson once halted a flight when he realized he didn’t want to leave his wife behind.

“[We were] in Majorca [a few years ago] and I had to go on some sort of business thing and I left Joan behind in the airport,” he told Page Six during an interview. “As the plane was taxiing down the runway I suddenly thought, ‘I’ve got to stop this plane and go back and see her,’ so I jumped up, I went to the front of the plane and said ‘I’m sorry, I’ve got to get out off the plane,’ and they did stop the plane. They did let me off.”

“I think she was pleasantly shocked,” he added, recalling that his fellow passengers applauded the grand gesture. “Yeah, it was good.”

She likes to stay out of the spotlight

Branson previously said that his wife doesn’t want to be in the public eye and avoids it as much as possible.

“From the beginning Joan was a very private person, and the over four decades we have been together she has remained so,” he wrote in a 2016 blog post . “She has always been keen to avoid the public eye, to the point that she has never given an interview, however, that just changed when she did her first ever interview for an upcoming film about my ballooning adventures.”

She was nervous about Branson’s voyage into space

On July 11, 2021, Branson headed to space on a Virgin Galantic flight, a journey that had been in development for 17 years.

In an interview with Rueters from Spacesport America prior to his yoyage, Branson admitted that his wife had reservations about her husband’s visit to outerspace.

“My wife is the sort of person who would be terrified on a Virgin Atlantic aeroplane. She’s the last person who would want to do something like this,” he said.

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Dagestan, in southern Russia, has a history of violence. Why does it keep happening?

The gunmen opened fire on two Orthodox churches, a synagogue and a police post in two cities, according to the authorities. Russia’s National Anti-Terrorist Committee described the attacks in the predominantly Muslim region with a history of armed insurgency as terrorist acts.

In this photo taken from video released by the National Antiterrorism Committee on Monday, June 24, 2024, FSB officers conduct a counter-terrorist operation in republic of Dagestan, Russia. Multiple police officers and several civilians, including an Orthodox priest, were killed by armed militants in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan on Sunday, its governor Sergei Melikov said in a video statement early Monday. (The National Antiterrorism Committee via AP)

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In this photo taken from video released by The Telegram Channel of the head of Dagestan Republic of Russia on Monday, June 24, 2024, the head of Dagestan Republic Sergei Melikov, center, visits the damaged Kele-Numaz synagogue in Derbent after a counter-terrorist operation in republic of Dagestan, Russia. More than 15 police officers and several civilians, including an Orthodox priest, were killed by armed militants in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan on Sunday, its governor Sergei Melikov said in a video statement early Monday. The gunmen opened fire on two Orthodox churches, a synagogue and a police post in two cities, according to the authorities. (The Telegram Channel of the head of Dagestan Republic of Russia via AP)

In this photo released by The Telegram Channel of the administration of the head of Dagestan Republic of Russia on Monday, June 24, 2024, the head of Dagestan Republic Sergei Melikov, center, comforts a woman as he visits the Orthodox Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Derbent after a counter-terrorist operation in republic of Dagestan, Russia. Multiple police officers and several civilians, including an Orthodox priest, were killed by armed militants in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan on Sunday, its governor Sergei Melikov said in a video statement early Monday. (The Telegram Channel of the administration of the head of Dagestan Republic of Russia via AP)

In this photo released by The Telegram Channel of the administration of the head of Dagestan Republic of Russia on Monday, June 24, 2024, the head of Dagestan Republic Sergei Melikov, center, embraces and comforts a priest as he visits the Orthodox Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Derbent after a counter-terrorist operation in republic of Dagestan, Russia. Multiple police officers and several civilians, including an Orthodox priest, were killed by armed militants in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan on Sunday, its governor Sergei Melikov said in a video statement early Monday. (The Telegram Channel of the administration of the head of Dagestan Republic of Russia via AP)

In this photo taken from video released by Russian Investigative Committee on Monday, June 24, 2024, a Russian Investigative Committee employee works inside a damaged by armed militants Orthodox Church in Makhachkala after a counter-terrorist operation in republic of Dagestan, Russia. Multiple police officers and several civilians, including an Orthodox priest, were killed by armed militants in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan on Sunday, its governor Sergei Melikov said in a video statement early Monday. (Russian Investigative Committee via AP)

In this photo taken from video released by The Telegram Channel of the head of Dagestan Republic of Russia on Monday, June 24, 2024, a damaged Star of David is seen on the wall of the the Kele-Numaz synagogue in Derbent after a counter-terrorist operation in republic of Dagestan, Russia. Multiple police officers and several civilians, including an Orthodox priest, were killed by armed militants in Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan on Sunday, its governor Sergei Melikov said in a video statement early Monday. (The Telegram Channel of the head of Dagestan Republic of Russia via AP)

Over the years, Russia’s southern republic of Dagestan, located in the North Caucasus region, has been beset by extremist violence. This weekend, there was more bloodshed.

Officials say five gunmen in the regional capital of Makhachkala and the city of Derbent opened fire at Orthodox churches and two synagogues, as well as a police post, killing at least 20 people before being slain by authorities.

The large-scale and coordinated assault raises difficult questions for the Russian authorities about continued security lapses, especially after an attack claimed by an affiliate of the Islamic State group at a Moscow-area concert hall in March killed 145 people.

A look at the volatile region:

Where is Dagestan?

Dagestan, which sits in the North Caucasus between Chechnya and the Caspian Sea, is known as one of Russia’s most diverse — but volatile — regions.

There are more than 30 recognized ethnic groups and 13 local languages granted special status alongside Russian.

The region has seen its population boom in recent years, reaching 3.2 million in 2024.

About 95% of the population identifies as Muslim, according to Russian government statistics, but the region also has long-standing Christian and Jewish communities. The Jewish community dates to the 5th century.

A history of violence

It has been blighted by violence since the early 2000s, when militant insurgents taking part in separatist wars in neighboring Chechnya were pushed into the region as a result of pressure from Russian security forces and iron-fisted Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

Bombings, attacks on police and kidnappings — all blamed on extremists — were commonplace in the region more than a decade ago,

The bloodshed eased as tougher security measures were imposed before the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, and thousands of militants were believed to have left for Syria and Iraq to fight alongside Islamic State extremists there.

The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine also has kept violence down. said Harold Chambers, a political and security analyst specializing in the North Caucasus.

But the region remains restive.

Activists in Russia say ethnic minorities are serving in Ukraine in disproportionate numbers, and videos circulated in October 2022 of protests in Dagestan over complaints that its population was providing more recruits than elsewhere.

In a sign that extremist sentiments still run high, mobs rioted at Makhachkala’s airport in October, targeting a flight from Israel. Hundreds of men, some carrying banners with antisemitic slogans, rushed onto the tarmac, chasing passengers and throwing stones at police. More than 20 people were hurt — none of them Israelis.

What happened this weekend?

The attacks took place Sunday night in the city of Derbent and the regional capital of Makhachkala. A group of armed men attacked a synagogue and an Orthodox church in Derbent, the Interior Ministry said.

The Russian Jewish Congress said the attackers opened fire and set the building ablaze using Molotov cocktails less than an hour before evening prayers. Many of the victims were private security guards and police who had provided extra security for worshippers after the Makhachkala airport incident involving the flight from Israel.

At the church, attackers slit the throat of the Rev. Nikolai Kotelnikov, a 66-year-old Russian Orthodox priest, before setting the church ablaze, according to Shamil Khadulayev, deputy head of a local public oversight body. The attack came on the day the Orthodox faithful celebrated Pentecost, also known as Trinity Sunday.

Almost simultaneously, reports appeared about an attack on a church, synagogue and a traffic police post in Makhachkala, some 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) to the north.

Russia’s Anti-Terrorist Committee said at least five gunmen were killed.

Why is this happening now?

Chambers says several factors contribute to the unrest in Dagestan, including sympathizers to the Ukrainian cause and Russia’s “continuous, tightening repression — particularly in the wake of the large-scale anti-mobilization protests in September of 2022,”

He also says a “long-term trend of youth radicalization contributed to what we saw in Makhachkala and Derbent.”

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Telegram channels associated with the Islamic State affiliate group that carried out the Moscow concert hall massacre praised Sunday’s attack by “our brothers from the Caucasus,” but did not mention its own involvement.

Dagestan Gov. Sergei Melikov blamed Islamic “sleeper cells” directed from abroad, but didn’t give any other details. He said in a video statement that the assailants aimed at “sowing panic and fear,” and attempted to link the attack to Moscow’s military action in Ukraine — but also provided no evidence.

President Vladimir Putin had sought to blame the Crocus City Hall attack in March attack on Ukraine, again without evidence and despite the claim of responsibility by the Islamic State affiliate. Kyiv has vehemently denied any involvement.

How did authorities respond?

Dagestan’s violent history means the area has a heavy security presence, said Mark Youngman, the founder of Threatologist , which analyzes Eurasian security risks and specializes in the North Caucasus. Nonetheless, the response was slow, with different state agencies giving conflicting accounts as events unfolded.

“If you’re looking at it from a security perspective, you should have concerns because you have a high number of security service casualties,” Youngman said, noting Russian authorities reported at least 15 security service personnel among the dead.

“I think you would look at the official response and say there are concerns about the security services’ ability to protect themselves, let alone others,” he said.

The Russian state news agency Tass cited law enforcement sources as saying that one Dagestani official was detained over his sons’ alleged involvement in the assault.

Concerns remain that Russia’s broad security apparatus has not learned the lessons from the Moscow Crocus City Hall concert attack.

Authorities “were caught off guard” by Sunday’s attack, Chambers said.

He believes a disconnect remains between Russian counterterrorism and the capability of assailants operating domestically.

There has been no evidence that Russia’s “counterterrorism strategy more broadly will change in the wake of the Crocus City Hall attack,” Chambers said.

“The solution is still deportation and repression. This has been the Russian counterterrorism strategy for decades, and it has still allowed for such attacks as today,” he said.