If you’re sailing with Virgin Voyages, what you need to pack on Virgin Voyages cruise line is DIFFERENT than a normal cruise.
Wait. Why?
Because Virgin sails differently. And everything from NO formal nights (it’s “come as you are”) to themed parties, to needing to make sure your outfit strategy for Scarlet Night enables you to dance IN the pool (optional!) are all things most of us aren’t used to having to plan for.
To be honest, there are things I didn’t realize I needed to pack and my first sailings with Virgin Voyages have looked VERY different than my later sailings. On sailing 1 I didn’t even have a red item in my bag. On sailing 8, half the items are red. Lol.
Read on for helpful tips things to pack (and things NOT to pack and leave at home) so you can have the best trip possible!
Must Pack Outfits for Your Virgin Voyage Cruise
It’s fun, not formal and sailing with Virgin Voyages there are a few outfit considerations that will help you either fit in or feel more comfortable while on your cruise.
Unlike other cruise lines, there are no “formal nights” on Virgin Voyages. However, there ARE themed parties.
Namely: Scarlet Night and the Pajama Under the Stars Party, so let’s start with that…
Pack a Red Outfit for Scarlet Night
Scarlet Night on Virgin Voyages is the signature event/party that happens EVERY SAILING on EVERY ship. This is the same with the PJ party. Every other party or themed night varies based on length of sailing, which ship you are on, etc.
It’s not required to wear red, but it’s REALLY fun if you do.
When you pack something red, it can be incredibly simple, even if it’s just a shirt from a local store. And if you totally forget, on the 6th deck you have High Street where you can find stores. This includes the Virgin Voyages store where they’ll have some fun outfits at well (some of them VERY reasonably priced!).
It’s just FUN to dress up and see the sea of red (or “scarlet”) on the ship.
Want some easy ideas? Below are some fun and inexpensive ideas and inspo from Amazon.
In the “livestream” video below, I’m packing for a sailing and I talk through my Scarlet Night outfit strategy, which if I’m honest… might not be what you think…
Also, if you want MORE tips about Scarlet Night, don’t miss this video!
Pack Hot and Cold Weather Pajamas
One of the highlights of the Virgin Voyages experience is the outdoor PJ party under the stars where you can dance the night away (again, this happens on every ship on every sailing).
However, temperatures can vary, and sometimes it’s hot and sometimes it’s cold depending on where you’re sailing out of. So make sure you CHECK the weather. This party doesn’t start till the stars are out (at 10pm).
In the photo above I’m wearing a simple silk robe (in case I felt cold) over a red sheer shirt with my bathing suit top, a sailor hat with an eye mask over it, a pair of shorts with some red fishnets and sparkly earrings, and some REALLY comfortable dancing boots.
Translation: this is the laziest outfit of thrown together random things. Does it matter? No.
The Pajama Party Under the Stars will always happen on the night you set sail.
With two sets of PJs you’re ready for any weather the night might bring (and have a spare clean pair to wear to bed at night!).
And in case you’re wondering “wait a minute, what if the weather is bad or there is rain?” – then they will hold it inside.
I recently went to a Pajama party held in The Manor, scroll down to see an image of what that looked like or watch the full video here with helpful tips!
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!
Pack Something RETRO
If you’re like me, you don’t want to pack more than you need to. A “retro” outfit can be worn for a few different activities – namely, the Circus Disco Party (also called “Studio 72 Party”) and the VHS Workout (which has a Richard Simmons theme).
What is a VHS workout? The VHS class is a-la-Richard-Simmons and it’s VERY fun to be dressed in something ridiculous. Want to see what it’s like? Catch a quick view during this livestream!
No one is “checking at the door” if your outfit is 70s vs. 80s, in fact, it’s all fun and there IS NO DRESS CODE.
It just makes it way more fun (in my opinion) to enjoy some extra laughs while doing fun activities dressed in a fun (or like me: totally ridiculous) outfit.
The above leotard is paired with comfy shorts and a pair of workout shoes (complete with lightning bolt earrings).
And yes, I wear this same leotard for the Circus Disco. The parties you will have on YOUR sailing with vary by the length of your sailing.
A reminder there will ALWAYS be a PJ party and a Scarlet Night, the rest will depend on how many nights you are cruising with Virgin Voyages.
And if you really want to get into the disco theme…
Or if you REALLY do want to do a disco theme (Meatball does) then checkout some of the inspo below. He loves wearing (it’s mine, but now it is) his afro wig to just about every party.
Don’t Forget Warm Clothes for Air Conditioned Spaces
While your voyage might take you to balmy, sun-soaked destinations, it’s essential to remember that ship interiors can sometimes be on the chilly side due to air conditioning.
Packing a few warm pieces for indoor areas ensures that you remain comfortable, whether you’re dining inside or attending an onboard event.
Sometimes just a small fur is enough – and it doesn’t have to be a real one!
Pack Workout Shoes and Clothing
Virgin Voyages offers a TON of workout classes and what’s unique about this cruise line, is the fitness program is INCLUDED. That’s right, it’s free.
Ranging from just-for-fun boy band dance classes to high energy bungee classes, make the most of these (sweating optional “workout”) sessions by ensuring you have your workout essentials with you!
In case you want to SEE what some of these workouts are like, check out the video below!
A helpful reminder: there is NO luggage allowance on Virgin Voyages. You can bring AS MUCH luggage as you want
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.
SEE The What To Pack VIDEO
All the tips you’ve read above (and will read below) are all part of a larger helpful video with additional helpful tips. Want to see the full video? Click here or see below!
Gratuity and Tips are Included, but Bring Extra Cash
Virgin Voyages includes gratuities when you purchase your cruise, which offers travelers peace of mind. There’s no need to constantly worry about additional charges or determining tip amounts.
Even though this is the case, one of my biggest regrets on my first sailing is NOT bringing cash gratuity “just in case”.
The service on Virgin Voyages, is VERY exceptional—sometimes even surpassing that of other cruise lines. There will likely be instances where you’ll want to give a little extra to show appreciation for the outstanding staff. I’ve gotten in the habit of bringing gratuity regularly and if you need small bills, one thing I do is I’ll take a larger bill to the casino and ask the cashier to help with change.
There is no required way to do it, but we tip our bartenders per drink, our waiters at dinners and of course, our room steward on top of the “included gratuity”.
Don’t Forget Your Passport
It seems silly to add this, but many do forget their passport.
A friend once overlooked their passport, resulting in a last-minute dash home, narrowly making the sailing time. So, as you tick off your travel list, ensure your passport isn’t just on it, but right at the top.
The other important thing: don’t put it in your checked luggage.
When you’re at the port, the luggage handlers are ready to grab your big luggage so you can get on board. DO NOT put your passport in that luggage. I’ve seen it happen and it took 2.5 hours for this awesome couple I got to spend time with on the sailing to get it back so they could board.
That’s 2.5 hours less of drinking, booking shows and workouts and … well, your vacation.
If you don’t have a passport, get one. Period. Go see the world.
Ok I’m done scolding you. There are other travel documents you can use… namely: these ones.
Get TOP TIPS in the Virgin Voyages Insider Guide
Want all the MUST-KNOW tips in in a digital or printable GUIDE to have with you while sailing?
Don’t miss out on the Virgin Voyages guide which summarizes all the KEY things to know and serves as your go-to while you’re on the ship.
Pack a Music Speaker for Your Stateroom
While Virgin Voyages has a strong music reputation from Virgin Records and offers great music across the ship, there’s a notable feature absent in staterooms: the ability to play your own tunes.
If you have a Rockstar room, you’re set. They provide a speaker. But if you’re in a non-Rockstar room, it’s BYO.
On a personal sailing experience, the absence of an option to plug in a personal phone or device to jam to favorite tracks felt SAD! They change the DJs all the time, but especially if it’s a sailing in which the music isn’t to your liking, it’s hard not to have the option to have your own dance party in your stateroom.
If you care about music, bring a portable speaker.
If I’m honest, I rant about this and other things I find ANNOYING about Virgin Voyages in the video below.
Use Your Wine Allowance
Virgin Voyages, unlike some other cruise lines (like MSC *eye roll*), offers the option to bring your own wine onboard.
Specifically, passengers can bring up to two bottles of wine per stateroom when you get on board. This is especially helpful because Virgin Voyages DOES NOT offer a drinks package.
These are TOP questions I get asked about the wine policy:
- Is Champagne considered wine? Yes.
- Can it be a box of wine? No. It is specifically 750ml (i.e. a normal bottle of wine) not a magnum for example.
- Is it per person? No, it’s per stateroom.
- Can I bring 2 bottles at EVERY port? No. It’s when you embark (on the FIRST day of your sailing).
And yes, people also ask me “do I have to?!” and of course, no… no one is forcing you to bring wine on board.
Having your favorite wines with you can not only help you save money but also ensure that you have the variety you enjoy.
Although they do provide a refrigerator in each stateroom for convenience, don’t forget essentials like a wine cork or champagne cork if you’re not planning on finishing a bottle in one sitting.
Remember that while wine is allowed, other forms of alcohol are not permitted onboard.
That means no beer, no liquor and the best part: don’t bring anything that causes someone to sober up in 2.5 seconds. Translation: don’t bring kids. LOL.
Stay Well with Motion Sickness Medicine
Cruising is generally smooth sailing, but for some, the constant motion can lead to seasickness.
Also if I’m honest, I recently had a sailing in which the seas were so rough with rain, wind and waves that the sail away party happened on decks 6 and 7 in the Round About (instead of at the pool) the PJ Under the Stars Party happened in The Manor (instead of at the Athletic Club) and Scarlet Night pool party happened in The Red Room instead of the pool.
To ensure a smooth journey on Virgin Voyages, it’s advisable to be prepared with motion sickness remedies. While the cruise might often be steady, unpredictable sea conditions can sometimes leave passengers feeling a bit off balance.
Rather than risking any discomfort, consider packing motion sickness pills like Dramamine, although be aware that they might cause drowsiness for some.
Another effective option is motion sickness patches, which are discreet and provide extended relief. Investing a small amount in these remedies ensures you’re not sacrificing precious vacation days to feeling unwell. After all, it’s always better to have it and not need it than the other way around. Stay prepared and enjoy every moment of your voyage.
Make Sure You Have Your Necessities (Or PAY Big Time)
Even amidst the luxurious ambiance of Virgin Voyages, there’s one thing every traveler should remember: pack essential necessities.
A single use razor can run $16 aboard the ship, so it’s wise to make sure you have your checklist of items (razor, sunscreen, etc). Although tbh, I was on a sailing recently in which they reduced the price (maybe the read this blog post, lol).
In my instance, I kindly asked my boyfriend if I could NOT shave at all for an entire sailing, but I guess… if you choose to forget a razor, forget it on a short sailing. Sigh.
While things such as shampoo, conditioner and soap are provided, use the helpful pack list to make sure you have everything else.
In essence, never assume what’s available; take a moment to list out and pack your essential bathroom necessities. It ensures you feel as comfortable and at home as possible during your time at sea.
Things NOT to Pack on Virgin Voyages Cruises
Embarking on a Virgin Voyage cruise is a thrilling opportunity, but there are certain items that should remain at home to ensure a hassle-free journey.
While it’s vital to bring personal bathroom essentials, standard toiletries like soap and shampoo are provided onboard, so there’s no need to stuff your bag with these.
As for other conveniences, leave your hairdryer at home, as the staterooms come equipped with one.
Additionally, you can lighten your load by skipping the extra plugs; the rooms have ample outlets for your devices.
Lastly, as tempting as it might be to capture aerial views of your vacation, drones are typically prohibited on many cruises for safety and privacy reasons. Packing wisely ensures a smooth sailing experience!
Bottom Line
The key thing about Virgin Voyages that’s different than other cruise lines is the type of themed parties and nights they have. It’s not formal, it’s fun. Additionally, with water provided, you may consider bringing on a reusable water bottle as well a ton of workout clothes (because the entire fitness program is free as well).
Want more helpful tips for planning your sailing with Virgin Voyages? See below and score an amazing deal that everyday travelers just don’t have access to (but travel agents do)!