What Is Virgin Voyages?
Virgin Voyages is Richard Branson’s adults-only cruise line that launched in 2021, and it has completely shaken up the cruise industry. Unlike traditional cruise lines with their formal nights and rigid dining schedules, Virgin Voyages takes a refreshingly modern approach to cruising. The line currently operates four stunning ships — Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady — sailing Caribbean, Mediterranean, and global itineraries.
If you’re considering your first Virgin Voyages cruise in 2026, you’re in for something special. This isn’t your grandmother’s cruise ship. Think craft cocktails, tattoo parlors, drag brunches, world-class restaurants with no extra fees, and a vibe that feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a floating resort.
The Virgin Voyages Fleet in 2026
All four Virgin Voyages ships are sister ships built on the same platform, each weighing approximately 110,000 gross tons and carrying around 2,770 sailors (that’s what VV calls passengers). While the ships share the same DNA — including the stunning design, adults-only policy, and complimentary dining — each has its own personality and select unique venues.
Scarlet Lady was the first ship to launch and sails primarily out of Miami on Caribbean itineraries. She’s the OG and has a special place in every VV fan’s heart. Valiant Lady splits time between the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Resilient Lady is the adventurer of the fleet, tackling longer global itineraries including Australia, Asia, and beyond. Brilliant Lady, the newest addition, joined the fleet in 2025 and added fresh capacity for Caribbean and European sailings.
What’s Included in Your Fare
One of the biggest draws of Virgin Voyages is how much is included in the base fare. Every voyage includes all dining at over 20 restaurants and eateries (no main dining room with assigned seating here), basic Wi-Fi, group fitness classes, tips and gratuities, and essential drinks like water, drip coffee, teas, and sodas with meals.
What’s not included: alcoholic beverages (though the Bar Tab package is popular), specialty coffee drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments, and premium Wi-Fi upgrades. Even so, the value proposition is strong compared to competitors where you’d pay extra for specialty dining alone.
Dining That Redefines Cruise Food
Virgin Voyages has completely reimagined cruise ship dining. Gone is the massive main dining room with its rotating menu. Instead, you’ll find over 20 distinct eateries ranging from Korean BBQ at Gunbae to Mediterranean cuisine at Extra Virgin, from sushi at Raw on 5 to Mexican street food at Pink Agave. The best part? They’re all included in your fare.
Reservations are recommended for the sit-down restaurants, and you can make them through the Virgin Voyages app before your cruise. The Galley is your go-to for casual eats available almost all day — think food hall meets cruise ship with stations serving everything from burgers to poke bowls.
Entertainment Unlike Anything at Sea
Forget Broadway-style shows with sequined costumes. Virgin Voyages entertainment is edgy, immersive, and genuinely surprising. The Red Room transforms from a traditional theater into a standing-room club. You’ll experience everything from acrobatic performances to late-night DJ sets. Duel Reality is a cirque-style show that plays with the relationship between performers and audience. And if you’re into nightlife, The Manor is one of the best clubs at sea.
Cabin Categories Explained
Virgin Voyages offers four main cabin categories. Insider cabins are interior rooms with mood lighting that simulates a window. Sea View rooms add a porthole. Sea Terrace cabins (the most popular) feature a private balcony — VV calls it a “terrace.” And then there are the RockStar Quarters, the suite-level rooms that come with perks like a dedicated RockStar Agent, access to Richard’s Rooftop, a premium bar tab, and more.
Pro tip: Sea Terrace cabins offer the best value for most sailors. The terrace is the perfect spot for morning coffee or evening cocktails while watching the sunset.
Is Virgin Voyages Worth It in 2026?
If you’re an adult who enjoys great food, creative entertainment, stylish design, and a laid-back atmosphere without kids running around the pool deck, Virgin Voyages is absolutely worth it. The all-inclusive dining alone sets it apart from competitors where specialty restaurants carry surcharges of $35-75 per person.
The value gets even better when you factor in included Wi-Fi, fitness classes, and gratuities. For couples, friend groups, and solo travelers looking for something different from the mega-ship experience, Virgin Voyages delivers a cruise vacation that feels fresh and exciting every time.