Virgin Voyages
Who is it for? - Sophisticated travelers. Explorers who enjoy premium dining experiences combined with relaxed luxury. Seekers of authenticity and bespoke, high-end experiences. Learn more here.
Where do they go? - They sail throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Aegean, and — starting this winter — Australia and New Zealand. With a fleet of four lady ships (Scarlet, Brilliant, Valiant, and Resilient), they divide the world into regions; when winter hits the Med, they reposition those ships to warmer waters via the Atlantic Ocean and the Arabian Sea, and keep summer going year-round.
One-sentence Overview - Virgin Voyages offers an irresistible, adults-only vacation that delivers the modern romance of sailing — with a rebellious twist.
Give me the details - Virgin Voyages prides itself on the Always Included Luxury of its sailings. WiFi access, group fitness classes (from sunrise yoga on the deck to a state-of-the-art cycling studio), gratuities, and essential drinks are built into the cost of each voyage. The entertainment on board, from laid-back trivia nights to blowout theatrical events produced by the hottest names in the game, are also included. There's a two-story club called The Manor, where a rotating set of DJs spin danceable music every night. And if Sailors prefer to keep themselves entertained, there are private karaoke rooms, an arcade, a casino with both table games and slots, and countless other surprises on board to inspire a sense of discovery and play.
Then, there's the food. Veering away from the cruise industry trend of wasteful and uninspired buffets, Virgin Voyages recruited a collective of Michelin-starred chefs to design menus at their six onboard restaurants. There's a Korean BBQ with custom meat grills, where Sailors play drinking games as they wait for appetizers. There's The Wake, a stately steakhouse serving old-school glamor that Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List calls "a real showstopper." There's a Mexican restaurant featuring the largest selection of mezcal and tequila found anywhere at sea. And if Sailors fancy something quick and easy, The Galley — open 24/7 — offers a wide array of made-to-order options, from sushi to tacos, in a casual setting.
The ships themselves are like small, approachable floating cities. Each boasts a luxe onboard spa, a salon for blowouts and mani/pedis, a record shop (a nod to Virgin's roots in the music industry) — even a tattoo parlor. Learn more here.
And on land? - Virgin Voyages knows it takes time to fall in love with a place. They offer late stays and overnights in ports on every itinerary to give Sailors the chance to get to know the culture and nightlife. Their Shore Things are curated excursions that speak to the authenticity of a port town — so whether that means helping Sailors find Ibiza's buzziest clubs, or getting them coveted access to ancient Egyptian tombs, they've got something for every type of traveler.
Design-forward accommodations - Virgin Voyages swept the 2023 Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Awards, bringing home top prizes for Best Dining, Best Overall Cruise Line, Best Value for Money — and Best Cabins. Intended to be guests' home away from home, the cabins are thoughtfully laid out, with touches like modular furniture to maximize space and comfort. Every room, no matter the size, contains a handheld device Sailors can use to control the lighting, open and close the curtains, order room service (Ship Eats delivers 24/7 onboard), and select entertainment. The seabeds, designed by a top-tier German design firm, can morph based on the preferred sleeping arrangement. Sea Terrace cabins come with a comfy hammock where Sailors can sit, sip, and watch the world go by. Learn more here.
