Virgin Voyages Pajama Party: Your First-Night PJ Party Guide

Last updated: July 2026 · By the Pixie Vacations Virgin Voyages team — Certified Virgin Voyages First Mates who have sailed the fleet and booked hundreds of sailors onto Scarlet, Valiant, Resilient, and Brilliant Lady.

The Virgin Voyages Pajama Party (a.k.a. the “PJ Party”) is a free, fleet-wide dance party held on the first night of every sailing, out on the top deck. Sailors show up in pajamas — cozy, zany, or full onesie — for drag-hosted performances, live music, and a late-night pool party. It runs on all four ships and no ticket is required.

If you’ve booked your first Virgin voyage, this is the one tradition worth planning your carry-on around. Below is everything we tell our own clients: what it is, when and where it happens, which ships host it, what to pack, and how it differs from the ship’s other big night, Scarlet Night. As Griswolds, we’re partial to anything that turns getting to your cabin into an event — and a shipwide pajama party absolutely qualifies.

What is the Virgin Voyages Pajama Party?

The PJ Party is Virgin Voyages’ signature welcome-aboard celebration. Instead of a stuffy first-night dinner, the ship throws a top-deck party where the dress code is, quite literally, whatever you sleep in. Expect drag-queen hosts, pop-up performances, DJs and live music, and a crowd that builds into a full pool-deck dance party as the night goes on.

According to Virgin Voyages’ own entertainment page, playful, participatory events like this are the whole point of the brand — there are no formal nights, no assigned seating, and no kids (Virgin Voyages is adults-only, 18+). The PJ Party sets that tone on night one. It’s silly, it’s social, and it’s the fastest way to shake off travel day and actually feel like you’re on vacation.

When and where does the PJ Party happen?

The PJ Party takes place on embarkation night — the very first night of your sailing — and typically kicks off later in the evening (many sailors report an 11 p.m. start, though exact timing is printed in the Sailor App the day of). It’s held outdoors on the top deck (Deck 16), spilling around the pool and the outdoor bar areas.

Because it’s an open-deck party, weather matters. If it’s raining or too windy, the crew relocates the festivities indoors — usually to The Manor, the ship’s dramatic red nightclub — so the party still happens rain or shine. Check the Sailor App once you’re aboard for the confirmed time and location on your specific sailing.

Which ships have the Pajama Party?

As of July 2026, the PJ Party is a fleet-wide tradition — you’ll find it on all four ships: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady. The format is essentially identical across the fleet; the main variation is which venue serves as the home base or bad-weather backup.

Ship	PJ Party night	Typical venue / weather backup	Notes
Scarlet Lady	First night	Deck 16 pool deck · backup The Manor	The original Lady; classic top-deck setup
Valiant Lady	First night	Deck 16 pool deck · backup The Manor	Same format as Scarlet Lady
Resilient Lady	First night	Deck 16 pool deck · backup The Manor	Same format; strong Med & Greek Isles seasons
Brilliant Lady	First night	Often hosted in The Manor	Newest ship; layout leans on the indoor nightclub

Bottom line: whichever Lady you sail, plan on a pajama party your first night. If you’re still choosing between ships, our first-timer tips guide breaks down the differences.

Is the Pajama Party included, or does it cost extra?

The party itself is completely free. There’s no ticket, no reservation, and no add-on charge — it’s part of your fare, like nearly all of Virgin Voyages’ entertainment. The only thing that costs extra is what you drink. Cocktails (including a few PJ-Party-exclusive drinks) come off your Bar Tab or are paid as you go, since Virgin Voyages is not a fully all-inclusive line.

That “free entertainment, pay for premium drinks” model runs through the whole experience — we cover it in depth in our Virgin Voyages entertainment guide.

What should you wear to the PJ Party?

The dress code is refreshingly simple: wear pajamas. There’s no enforced rule — you can show up in regular evening clothes and no one will stop you — but the overwhelming majority of sailors go all in, and honestly, that’s the fun of it. Leaning into the costume is the easiest way to fall into the social vibe.

Popular looks our clients rave about:

• Onesies — animal onesies are a perennial crowd favorite and photograph beautifully on the dance floor.
• Matching sets — coordinated couples’ or friend-group PJs get plenty of attention.
• Retro / novelty PJs — 90s cartoon prints and other throwback themes are a hit.
• Elegant nightwear — silk sets or a lace-trim camisole if you’d rather stay chic.
• Cozy basics — a comfy cotton set or sleep shirt is totally welcome; there are no losers here.

The one packing tip that matters most: put your pajamas in your carry-on, not your checked bag. On embarkation day, checked luggage often doesn’t reach your cabin until dinnertime or later — sometimes after the party has already started. Sailors who pack their PJs in a checked bag are the ones scrambling (or missing the party). For the rest of your packing, see our full Virgin Voyages packing list.

What actually happens — and is it worth it?

Here’s the honest version we give clients. The PJ Party starts as a mingling, music-forward deck party and builds over a couple of hours into a proper dance party. Drag hosts work the crowd, there are surprise pop-up performances, and the energy peaks with everyone dancing poolside. It’s loud, it’s playful, and it’s a genuinely great icebreaker if you’re traveling solo or want to meet other sailors early in the week.

Is it for everyone? No — if you sail to unwind quietly, you can skip it entirely and no one will notice. But most first-timers tell us it’s a highlight, precisely because it’s unlike any other cruise line’s stiff first night. If you love the idea, you’ll also want to plan for Scarlet Night, the ship’s other themed party later in the voyage.

PJ Party vs. Scarlet Night: what’s the difference?

These are Virgin Voyages’ two signature theme nights, and first-timers often mix them up. The quick version: the PJ Party welcomes you aboard on night one in pajamas; Scarlet Night is the mid-voyage, dress-in-red pool party that’s the fleet’s biggest bash.

	PJ Party	Scarlet Night
When	First / embarkation night	Usually mid-cruise (varies by itinerary)
Dress theme	Pajamas / onesies	All red
Vibe	Welcome-aboard icebreaker	Signature blowout pool party
Cost	Free (drinks extra)	Free (drinks extra)
Pack for it	PJs in your carry-on	At least one red outfit

Since both have a costume element, we tell sailors to pack PJs and something red before they even think about the rest of the wardrobe. For everything else, our Virgin Voyages dress code guide covers what’s fine at dinner and around the ship (spoiler: there are no formal nights).

Our first-mate tips for the PJ Party

• Nap on embarkation day. The party runs late; a travel-day nap is the difference between dancing at midnight and fading at 10.
• Load your Bar Tab first. Add it before you sail to skip lines and often earn bonus credit — see our Bar Tab guide.
• Bring a backup layer. Deck 16 gets breezy after dark; a light robe or hoodie over your PJs is smart on cooler itineraries.
• Comfortable shoes. You’ll be on your feet dancing — slippers are cute but pack flats or sneakers too.
• Book a cabin near an elevator if a late night isn’t your thing, so ducking out early is easy.

Ready to book your Virgin Voyages cruise?

We’re Certified Virgin Voyages First Mates, and we book Scarlet, Valiant, Resilient, and Brilliant Lady sailings at no extra cost to you — same fares as booking direct, plus our planning, deal-stacking, and onboard tips. If you want help picking the right ship, itinerary, and cabin (and timing your sailing around the fun), we’d love to help.

🚒 Browse and book Virgin Voyages cruises with Pixie Vacations »

Prefer to talk it through? Request a free quote or call us at 678-815-1584. No fees, no pressure — just Griswolds who love this stuff helping you plan a trip you’ll actually remember.

Virgin Voyages Pajama Party FAQ

Is the Virgin Voyages Pajama Party free?

Yes. The PJ Party is included with your cruise fare — there’s no ticket or cover charge. The only cost is any cocktails you buy, which come off your Bar Tab or are paid as you go.

What night is the PJ Party on Virgin Voyages?

It’s held on the first night of the sailing (embarkation night), typically starting later in the evening. Check the Sailor App once aboard for the exact time and venue on your specific voyage.

Do all Virgin Voyages ships have a Pajama Party?

Yes. As of July 2026, it’s a fleet-wide tradition on Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady. The format is the same; the main difference is the venue, with Brilliant Lady often using The Manor.

Do I have to wear pajamas to the PJ Party?

No — there’s no enforced dress code, and you can attend in regular evening attire. That said, the vast majority of sailors wear pajamas, and joining in is a big part of the fun.

What kind of pajamas should I pack?

Anything goes — cozy cotton sets, novelty prints, silk nightwear, or animal onesies are all popular. The key tip: pack them in your carry-on, since checked luggage often arrives at your cabin after the party starts.

What’s the difference between the PJ Party and Scarlet Night?

The PJ Party is the first-night, pajama-themed welcome party. Scarlet Night is the mid-voyage, all-red pool party and the fleet’s biggest bash. Both are free; pack pajamas and one red outfit to be ready for each.

Sources: Virgin Voyages — Cruise Entertainment. Firsthand detail from the Pixie Vacations Virgin Voyages First Mate team. Onboard timing and venues vary by ship and sailing; always confirm in the Sailor App.