Two Very Different Cruise Philosophies
Comparing Virgin Voyages to Royal Caribbean is like comparing a boutique hotel to a mega-resort — both are excellent at what they do, but they’re designed for fundamentally different vacation experiences. Virgin Voyages is adults-only, design-forward, and dining-inclusive. Royal Caribbean is family-friendly, activity-packed, and offers enormous ships with seemingly endless options. Understanding what each line excels at will help you pick the right cruise for your trip.
Ships and Size
Royal Caribbean operates some of the largest cruise ships in the world. Icon of the Seas, the line’s newest class, exceeds 250,000 gross tons and carries over 5,600 passengers. Their ships feature waterslides, surf simulators, zip lines, ice skating rinks, and Central Park-style gardens. The sheer scale is impressive and creates a “city at sea” atmosphere.
Virgin Voyages ships are approximately 110,000 gross tons carrying about 2,770 sailors. They’re mid-sized by today’s standards, which translates to a more intimate, less crowded feel. You won’t find waterslides or rock climbing walls, but you will find thoughtfully designed spaces, world-class art installations, and an atmosphere that prioritizes design and ambiance over amusement-park thrills.
Dining: VV’s Clear Advantage
This is where Virgin Voyages pulls ahead decisively. All 20+ restaurants are included in your fare — no surcharges, no dining packages to buy. Royal Caribbean includes the main dining room and buffet, but specialty restaurants like Chops Grille, Izumi, and Giovanni’s Table carry per-person surcharges of $35-75.
On a 7-night Royal Caribbean cruise, a couple dining at specialty restaurants every other night might spend an additional $300-500 just on food. On Virgin Voyages, that equivalent dining is free. The quality is also exceptional — VV’s restaurants are curated by a team of culinary experts and hold their own against good land-based restaurants.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Royal Caribbean excels at Broadway-caliber shows. Productions of Grease, Cats, and other Broadway hits are genuinely impressive and family-friendly. The line also offers ice shows, aqua shows, and comedy clubs.
Virgin Voyages takes a completely different approach. Entertainment is edgier, more immersive, and geared toward adults. Think cirque-style performances, DJ-driven late-night parties, drag brunches, and shows that break the fourth wall. If traditional cruise entertainment feels stale to you, VV will feel like a breath of fresh air. If you love Broadway productions, Royal Caribbean has the edge.
Families vs Adults-Only
This is the most clear-cut difference. Royal Caribbean is one of the best cruise lines for families, with kids’ programming, water parks, and family-sized staterooms. Virgin Voyages is strictly 18+ with no exceptions. If you’re traveling with children, Royal Caribbean is the obvious choice. If you’re a couple, friend group, or solo adult who prefers an environment without kids, Virgin Voyages delivers that in spades.
Value Comparison
Royal Caribbean’s base fares often look cheaper on the surface, but the total cost story is different. Add gratuities ($16-20/person/day), specialty dining, drink packages ($60-100/day), and Wi-Fi ($15-20/day), and the final bill grows substantially. Virgin Voyages includes dining, tips, basic Wi-Fi, and fitness classes in the base fare. For many travelers — especially foodies — Virgin Voyages ends up being comparable or even cheaper once you calculate total spend.
The Bottom Line
Choose Royal Caribbean if you’re traveling with family, want mega-ship amenities and activities, or love Broadway-style entertainment. Choose Virgin Voyages if you prefer an adults-only atmosphere, incredible included dining, edgy entertainment, and a more intimate ship experience. Both are excellent cruise lines — the right choice depends entirely on what kind of vacation you’re looking for.