What’s the Difference Between Virgin Voyages Ships

What’s the difference between the Virgin Voyages ships and which one is the right one for your perfect cruise vacation?

That’s the question I asked myself over and over again—until I realized I had the wrong question altogether.

After 20+ sailings, I used to think the ships were basically identical. Same restaurants, same rooms, same events.

But the more I sailed, the more I realized: while Virgin Voyages designed their ships to be familiar across the fleet, the experience of sailing on each one can feel completely different.

And it’s not just about the ship—it’s about the sailing.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through the similarities and real differences between Scarlet, Valiant, Resilient, and Brilliant Lady.

But more importantly, I’ll help you figure out which one is right for you depending on what you want out of your cruise. Whether it’s food, fun, chill vibes, or wild parties—let’s find the ship and the sailing that fits you best.

Prefer to watch? [Watch the full YouTube video here ↓]

The Four Virgin Voyages Lady Ships

Let’s start with the basics. Virgin Voyages currently has four Lady Ships:

• Scarlet Lady (launched 2020)
• Valiant Lady (2021)
• Resilient Lady (2022)
• Brilliant Lady (2025)

Unlike some cruise lines where the ships vary wildly in size and structure, Virgin took a different approach. All of their ships are built from the same design blueprint. That means each ship has:

• Roughly the same capacity (about 2,770 passengers)
• The same cabin types and layout
• The same number of restaurants, gyms, pools, and public spaces

But while the framework is consistent, there are subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences between them that can shape your entire experience.

Let’s get into it…

Ship Design & Physical Differences

Physically, the ships are almost twins—or more accurately, quadruplets.

But like any set of siblings, each has her own personality. Scarlet Lady, the first to launch, set the standard. Over time, newer ships launched with small upgrades and refinements. Resilient Lady, for example, introduced a more muted cabin color palette.

Scarlet Lady later went into dry dock and emerged with new cabanas, updated shop layouts, and a brand-new restaurant: Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle.

Brilliant Lady, the newest and most anticipated ship, will debut with some exclusive features and updated entertainment.

And while these differences might not seem huge, they’re noticeable—especially for returning sailors who love to explore every inch of the ship.

If you’re someone who loves spotting tiny design tweaks or wants to try something that feels “fresh,” you may enjoy sailing on the newer ships just to see what’s changed.

Art & Room Décor

Each ship also features unique art installations throughout the ship. From large murals to hallway lighting and design flourishes, the vibe shifts slightly between the ships.

Scarlet and Valiant Lady are bolder in tone, while Resilient Lady leans into a calmer, more neutral color palette in the rooms.

Does it drastically change the sailing? No. But it does change the feel of your personal space—and for some travelers, that makes a difference.

Entertainment: This Is the DIFFERENCE

This is probably the biggest differentiator between the ships: entertainment. Each Lady Ship comes with her own setlist of live shows, themed parties, and entertainment offerings. And this matters a lot more than people think.

Let me give you a few examples:

• On Scarlet Lady, you might find Club Rubik’s and Lights, Camera, Drag—a unique drag show that doesn’t appear on other ships.
  
  
• Valiant Lady is home to We Fancy (a god/goddess-themed party), It’s a Ship Show, and Studio 72.
  
  
• Resilient Lady, the ship I’m currently on, offers Lola’s Library, Praphanie, and a unique dinner show called
  Another Rose (which includes unlimited bubbles, by the way).
  
  
• Brilliant Lady, launching in 2025, will bring an all-new lineup of shows we haven’t seen before.

Entertainment is something that evolves over time, but each ship always has its own identity. For repeat sailors, this is a huge reason to try a new Lady. The vibe of your sailing can totally shift based on the shows and parties available.

Pro Tip: Virgin Voyages keeps an up-to-date list of entertainment by ship on their website. Always check it before you book so you know what kind of vibe you’re signing up for.

The Happenings Cast: The Secret Sauce

You might be wondering: what is a Happenings Cast?

Instead of having one cruise director like traditional lines, Virgin has a whole cast of themed hosts that guide your journey. There’s a foodie host, a wellness guru, a party starter, and more. They’re visible, approachable, and they make the experience.

Depending on who’s sailing, the vibe on your trip can totally change.

You might find yourself attending more foodie events simply because you vibe with the host. Or you might follow the Diva around the ship to get in on all the best themed parties. Some of my most memorable moments have come from attending events hosted by a favorite Happenings Cast member.

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The Real Game Changer: The Sailing Itself

Now, here’s the part most people overlook. The biggest difference between sailings isn’t just the ship. It’s the sailing itself. The itinerary, the crowd, the season, the embarkation port—they all matter.

Here are three key things to think about:

1. Cruise Length

Shorter cruises (4-5 nights) tend to attract younger crowds, people looking to party, and those who can pop in for a quick vacation without taking too much PTO. The vibe is high-energy, especially on Fire & Sunset sailings or the popular Riviera Maya routes out of Miami.

Longer cruises (8-10+ nights) draw a more relaxed, experienced crowd. You’ll find more wellness vibes, chill evenings, and fewer wild nights. That’s not a bad thing—it’s just a different kind of fun.

2. Embarkation Port

Where you start your cruise has a huge impact on who’s sailing. Miami is easy to get to and attracts a wide range of travelers. But a sailing that starts in San Juan, Athens, or Quebec? That takes more planning and effort to get to, which typically means:

• Fewer first-time cruisers
• More experienced or adventurous travelers
• A different energy onboard

3. Time of Year & Special Events

Sailing in July? You might catch the Eat & Drink Festival that takes place across all ships—a dream for foodies. Spring Break season? Expect the ship to be more lively, maybe even a bit rowdy. Sailing during the holidays or shoulder season? Expect a more mellow vibe.

There’s also a wildcard factor: sometimes large groups or corporate events are onboard. I’ve been on sailings where a company chartered a huge portion of the ship, and it totally changed the energy.

It’s a bit like weather—you can plan for it, but there’s always a chance for surprises.

Choosing the Right Ship & Sailing for You

So here’s the big question: Which Virgin Voyages ship should YOU pick?

Let’s break it down based on your vacation goals:

• If you want high energy, nightlife, and parties: Go for a 4-5 night sailing from Miami. Fire & Sunset Soirées or Dominican Daze are great choices.
  
  
• If you’re a foodie or wine lover: Try to book during the Eat & Drink Festival in July. Sailings during this time across any ship will have extra tastings, chef events, and culinary experiences.
  
  
• If you’re coming back for your 2nd or 3rd voyage: Try a different ship to mix up the entertainment. Each one has its own lineup.
  
  
• If you love exploring ports: Look at sailings to unique destinations like Iceland, Bonaire, or the Autumn Leaves itinerary from New York to Quebec.
  
  
• If you want more time onboard, but still want energy: Book two short sailings back-to-back for a longer trip that keeps the fun rolling.

That’s exactly what I did for my mom’s next sailing. We’re doing back-to-back 8 and 10-night sailings on Brilliant Lady, and I specifically chose it so she could experience the new ship, unique entertainment, and a more wellness-focused itinerary.

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.

Want Even More Real-Life Sailing Examples?

I get into the nitty-gritty of sailing vibes, crowd energy, and what each itinerary really feels like in this podcast episode

Whether it’s Spring Break, a corporate buyout, or an ultra-chill wellness week—I’ve seen it all, and I’m here to help you navigate it.

Bottom Line

• Virgin Voyages ships may look the same, but the experience isn’t
  
  
• Entertainment and cast members vary by ship
  
  
• Itinerary, season, and port of departure shape the crowd and energy
  
  
• Choose your cruise based on your vibe and goals

And don’t forget—you can book with us, even if you’ve already booked with Virgin directly