Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line, which means no kids—ever. That’s one of the biggest reasons travelers are drawn to it.
If you’re looking for a vacation where you can unwind, enjoy great food, meet other like-minded adults, and skip the chaos of family-focused cruises, this might be the perfect fit.
But Virgin Voyages is also one of the most misunderstood cruise lines, and a lot of travelers aren’t sure if it’s for them.
That’s where this blog post comes in. I’m Christine Lozada, and I’ve sailed with Virgin Voyages more times than I can count.
Whether you’re an introvert, a solo traveler, or just someone craving a better vacation, I’m breaking down who Virgin Voyages is—and isn’t—for, based on honest experience.
The 5 Biggest Myths About Virgin Voyages
Let’s start with the most common misconceptions that keep people from trying Virgin Voyages:
1. “It’s just a party cruise.”
This myth exists for a few reasons:
- The first sailings were short, high-energy trips out of Miami.
- There’s a themed party every night on shorter sailings.
- Their Happenings Cast (not a traditional cruise director) brings a lot of energy.
Yes, it can be a party—but only if you want it to be. On longer sailings, it’s often way more chill than you expect and borderline sleepy.
2. “I’m too old for this.”
Virgin Voyages tends to draw a younger crowd than traditional cruises, but there is always a wide range of ages on board.
My mom was nervous about feeling out of place—until she had an absolute blast and realized she wasn’t even close to being the oldest person on board.
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3. “It’s x-rated because it’s adults only.”
It’s playful and cheeky, but not raunchy. Yes, there are risqué jokes, sexy shows, and even a few sex toys in the gift shop.
But if you’re imagining something wild or inappropriate, this probably isn’t what you think. The vibe is upscale, inclusive, and fun—not sleazy.
4. “It’s too expensive.”
Virgin Voyages looks expensive until you realize how much is included.
- All meals at over 20 eateries
- Wi-Fi
- Tips
- Group fitness classes
- Entertainment
Other cruise lines hide these costs. Virgin includes them upfront, and once you “do the math,” it’s often a better value.
5. “It’s only for extroverts.”
This one hits home for me—I’m actually an introvert. But Virgin Voyages makes it easy to meet people if you want to, or do your own thing if you don’t.
There are mixers, solo meetups, and activities like Grog Walk or Gunbae that bring people together in a natural, unforced way.
Don’t forget to pack THIS!
Virgin Voyages has reimagined sailing and what you need to pack on for this trip is DIFFERENT than a normal cruise line. There are many items I wish I knew to bring (that I didn’t have with me on my first sailing).
Get a free printable pack list and save yourself the headache!
OR if you’re just looking for some inspo! See the curated list of Amazon items I’ve put together (and use!) for Virgin Voyages.
Who Virgin Voyages Is For
If any of this sounds like you, Virgin Voyages might be your next great escape:
- You want to travel without kids around
- You appreciate well-designed spaces and thoughtful details
- You want your meals, Wi-Fi, and tips included
- You value connection—whether with crew, fellow travelers, or both
- You’re curious, adventurous, and open to new experiences
Who Virgin Voyages Is Not For
Let’s be honest: this cruise line isn’t for everyone—and that’s a good thing. Virgin Voyages might not be for you if:
- You want a buffet, a belly flop contest, or bingo
- You expect 24/7 announcements and structured schedules
- You’re uncomfortable with adult humor or modern inclusivity
- You don’t want to dine or interact with strangers
- You need a mega-ship packed with water slides and zip lines
This is a boutique, super-yacht-style experience—not a floating amusement park.
I’m going to be honest: I’m a super savvy traveler and I didn’t believe travel agents could get a better deal than me..
Until I was proven wrong by a *TOP 100* Virgin Voyages travel agent who beat every price I compared.
Learn more by clicking here!
Not sure if we can get you the best deal? Learn more about us in Virgin Voyages Facebook group by clicking here!
What Makes Virgin Voyages Special
There are some things you just won’t find anywhere else:
- Shake for Champagne (yes, literally)
- Gunbae – the only Korean BBQ at sea with a built-in drinking game
- Scarlet Night – the most iconic themed night
- The Happenings Cast – a team that helps you feel connected and included
- A tattoo parlor, a drag queen Diva, and chic, design-forward spaces
Virgin Voyages is built around highs and lows—moments of energy and calm. It’s modern, elevated, and always evolving.
Don’t forget, there is a video version of this blog post with snippets of an interview with Nirmal, the CEO of Virgin Voyages. Watch it by clicking here!
Behind the Scenes with the CEO of Virgin Voyages
I sat down with Nirmal Saverimuttu, the CEO of Virgin Voyages, for one of the most transparent and insightful conversations I’ve ever had about what makes this cruise line different—and how to know if it’s right for you.
We went deep. This interview isn’t fluff. It’s a real behind-the-scenes look at how Virgin Voyages thinks about its brand, its people, and its future. If you’re still on the fence or have questions, this is the interview you need to hear.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways from our conversation…
Adults-Only Doesn’t Mean Risqué
One of the top myths is that “adults only” means raunchy. Nirmal cleared this up right away: the adults-only environment exists so Virgin Voyages can create a more refined, elevated experience.
That means hammocks on balconies, sophisticated restaurants, and the freedom to truly relax. Not a booze cruise. Not a wild party boat.
“When people walk on the ship, there’s a visible relaxation that happens just from knowing there are no kids onboard.”
Why the Crew Sets Virgin Apart
If you’ve ever felt truly seen by a crew member on a Virgin Voyage, it’s not a coincidence. Nirmal revealed how the company invests in its people—from training and leadership to how captains don’t wear stripes (seriously). The culture is built around empowerment and authenticity, and you can feel it in every interaction.
“Our crew isn’t just trained to serve—they’re encouraged to be themselves, and that energy becomes contagious.”
Value That’s Hard to See—Until You Sail
Virgin Voyages is often called expensive—but it’s mostly because everything is included upfront. Wi-Fi, gratuities, all dining (no specialty restaurant charges), fitness classes, and still and sparkling water. No hidden fees. No surprise bills. And the Bar Tab system offers flexibility without the chaos of a traditional drink package.
“Someone once told me: on Virgin, you pay to get on—you don’t pay to get off.”
Why Virgin Isn’t Going Generic (Even if It Feels Like It)
Some longtime sailors (like me!) have wondered if Virgin is going a little more… mainstream. More familiar music. More recognizable entertainment. But Nirmal explained the shift: it’s about variety, not losing the edge. The brand is evolving with feedback, but everything still has that unmistakable Virgin twist.
“We don’t license shows. Everything we do is original. That’s how we stay unique.”
Who Virgin Voyages Is—and Isn’t—for
The big takeaway? Virgin Voyages was never meant to be for everyone. And that’s okay. If you want belly flop contests and buffets, this probably isn’t your ship. But if you’re looking for something more boutique, inclusive, and experience-focused, you just might fall in love with it—like I did.
“If you’re traveling without kids, you should be considering Virgin Voyages.”
You can watch the full interview or catch the highlights in the video below. It’s the most direct look yet at what this cruise line is all about—and it might just help you decide if it’s for you.
Bottom Line
Here’s what to remember:
- Virgin Voyages is adults-only, upscale, and includes a lot
- It’s not your traditional cruise—and that’s the point
- You don’t need to be young, wild, or an extrovert to have a great time
- It’s not for everyone—but if it’s for you, it might just be your favorite vacation
- Be smart: book (or transfer) your cruise with us for the best value
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