Whether you’re cruising Virgin Voyages for the FIRST TIME or you’ve sailed before, but are looking for some insider tips – you’re in the right place.
I’ve sailed over a dozen times on Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady (spoiler: it’s the same exact ship and experience … and so is Resilient, but Brilliant is the same, but a skinnier build)…
and I’ve put together a round up of a few of my top INSIDER tips that will help you to feel like a seasoned sailor on Virgin Voyages.
Secret tips for Dining on Virgin Voyages
It’s hard to keep this at less than 549 tips. I have a lot of them, below are a few select ones about dining on Virgin Voyages.
A reminder about advance reservations: You can now book both your brunch and dinner 45 days in advance. But don’t worry if you forget – on my last three sailings, I walked on without any reservations and still got seated just fine.
Want to hear something silly?
People complain about how they lose weight and are starving during their vacation because the portion sizes are too small. That doesn’t make sense to me because…
The food is unlimited. You can ask for additional servings of any dish. Don’t hesitate to request seconds or even thirds. My boyfriend will shamelessly order three to four servings of the fried chicken appetizer at Gunbae (AND not even share it with me).
The Wake
- Double the Menus: Whether you’re there for brunch or dinner, always ask to see both menus. Some items overlap, but some are unique to each meal. You’ll want to dine there twice to experience it all!
- Brunch vs. Lunch: There’s also a separate lunch menu with a couple more steak items. Most people don’t realize this, so make sure to ask and explore all your options.
Extra Virgin
- Half Portions of Pasta: To try the entire pasta menu, order half portions and share them. It’s a great way to sample everything without overindulging.
- Truffles: Yes, there’s an upcharge for truffles, but you can use your onboard credit and Sailor Loot for it. If you love truffles, it’s a worthwhile splurge.
Razzle Dazzle
- Secret Menu: Ask about the secret menu, which includes fantastic options not listed on the regular menu.
Spoiler: Reading sucks. If you want to WATCH more helpful tips, I have TWO videos that will help you out.
Test Kitchen
- Second Menu: There’s a second menu available, perfect for longer sailings or repeat visits. Ask for it to enjoy a different set of experimental dishes.
- Vegetarian Menu: The vegetarian menu is fantastic, even for meat lovers. It offers a beautiful lineup of dishes worth trying.
Want a SUMMARY of all my best tips?
What you’re reading here is a SMALL sliver of what I’ve put into my Virgin Voyages Insider Pocket Guide… read on for that.
Get TOP TIPS in the Printable Virgin Voyages Pocket Guide
Want all the MUST-KNOW tips in in a PRINTABLE GUIDE to have with you while sailing?
Don’t miss out on the Virgin Voyages pocket guide which summarizes all the KEY things to know and serves as your go-to while you’re on the ship.
Fitness and Relaxation
Below are a couple of tips about the fitness classes and the thermal suite spa.
But first, a reminder: Wi-Fi Connection.
To book fitness classes, you must be connected to Virgin Voyages’ Wi-Fi. Make sure to turn off your VPN and wait for the pop-up screen asking for your birthday and cabin number.
Fitness Classes
- Early Morning Classes: These are easy to drop into because many people sign up but don’t show up after a night out.
- Spin Classes: There are over 30 bikes, so even if it shows as sold out, there’s usually space.
- Bungee Classes: These are harder to get into with only six slots available. Book as soon as you connect to the Wi-Fi on board.
Thermal Suite Spa
- Tour the Spa: Ask for a quick tour before committing. Prices have increased, and not all spa services include access to the thermal suite.
- Timing: Check what slots are already filled and try to go when it’s less crowded for a more relaxing experience.
Room Tips
- Tablet: Keep the tablet by your bedside to control the lights and curtains without getting out of bed. It’s a great way to start your day.
- Band Storage: I don’t like to wear the band to bed or in the shower. Use hooks to hang your band on the door (or just use the door handle) so you don’t forget it when you leave the room. This ensures you always have your key and can easily access places like the Grounds Club for coffee.
Wait did she just say to use “hooks”? Yah! It’s SUPER helpful for storing things in your cabin. See below for pack tips and a helpful curated Amazon List I’ve put together for Virgin Voyages.
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.
More Virgin Voyages Tips
- Get to Know the Happenings Cast: As soon as you board, introduce yourself to the Happenings Cast. They’re the hosts and entertainers, and getting to know them might get you invited to secret events like a magic show in hidden parts of the ship.
- Book Brunch: Many people don’t know that brunch is an option. Book brunch at The Wake for seafood towers and steaks, or at Razzle Dazzle for unique dishes like the beet pierogis.
- Late-Night Pizza: The pizza place is open until 2 AM, and you can take the buzzer to the Manor to dance while you wait for your pizza. The buzzer works all the way there.
- Private Karaoke: The Groupie offers free private karaoke rooms for small groups. It’s a fun way to sing your heart out without an audience.
- Free Sailor Loot: Booking through a travel agent can get you tons of free Sailor Loot, which you can use for upgrades, shopping, and drinks. I didn’t pay for a single drink on my last sailing thanks to my travel agent. Learn more about sailor loot by clicking here, and learn more about booking with a Top 100 Virgin Voyages travel agent by clicking here.
- Free Drinks: Get bottomless mimosas at brunch for $25 at The Wake, or enjoy free bubbles during the sail away party at the upstairs pool area. You can also bring two bottles of wine per stateroom to enjoy during your cruise.
- Arcade: The arcade is free! Relive your childhood by playing games like Ms. Pac-Man without spending a dime.
- Bimini Island: For the best photo of Scarlet Lady, head to the Rockstar area on Bimini Beach. The free Wi-Fi from the ship extends to the beach club, so you’re always connected.
- Day Beds: Secure a day bed at The Dock House or make friends with a Rockstar to access Richard’s Rooftop, where you get free Moët Champagne from 5-6 PM daily (plus additional cocktails)
- Booking Tips: As soon as you’re in port, connect to the Wi-Fi and start booking your fitness classes and brunches and dinners. Book everything you can to ensure you don’t miss out.
Grab a Deal on Virgin Voyages!
Be a smart traveler and PRICE COMPARE.
Whether you’ve picked your sailing, or already booked your sailing, or aren’t sure which one is right for you – I recommend reaching out to my travel agent JC. He’ll help you to get a price quote and make the right choice for you.
Bottom Line
There are an infinite number of insider tips and EVERY time I sail with Virgin Voyages I discover something new because one of the best things about this cruise line is they keep CHANGING IT UP.
They’re committed to improving the experience and trying new and different things (which is why taking the time to fill out the survey at the end makes a difference. I ALWAYS asked for Pickleball. And now they have it!)
Want more?
- Find over 50 youtube videos in this playlist
- Find 1 minute youtube videos in this playlist
- Find a blog post of EVERY SINGLE piece of Virgin Voyages helpful content I’ve created
- Get the PRINTABLE insider guide (of these tips and more)
And don’t forget…
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!