Virgin Voyages

These ships have a ton of options (more than 20 dining venues alone) when it comes to noshing and imbibing, so there is likely to be a thrilling sip or bite for each person in your travel party.

Beyond trendy concepts like a test kitchen or family-style Korean barbecue at Gunbae, the biggest headline about the cuisine onboard is that it’s included in the cruise fare—yes, all of it.

Virgin has eschewed traditional cruising concepts like a sprawling buffet or grand main dining room. In their place, Virgin’s “sailors” can find the mostly plant-based Razzle Dazzle restaurant, elevated Mexican at Pink Agave, steak and seafood at Wake, or grab-and-go at the Galley food market, just to name a few. 

There is a 24/7 diner onboard for late-night cravings, as well as an ice cream shop and coffee house. The idea of room service has been replaced by Ship Eats, a set menu that is operated by the app and can be delivered anywhere onboard for a $5 surcharge.

Prepare for plenty of acrobatics, and be wary if you’re prudish.

Virgin has pushed the boundaries of onboard entertainment in keeping with the company’s efforts to transcend a traditional cruise experience. No one thing is quite as it appears, including a late-night cabaret with a dose of sex therapy; a retelling of “Romeo and Juliet” with circus performers; and a dance party-slash-stage performance that recalls Old Hollywood while also achieving absurdism. The ships make the most of their adult audience.

Entertainment venues onboard also do double duty as nightclubs or theaters. Expect plenty of live music, including a space for karaoke parties and a record store called Virgin Vinyl. There is a casino and arcade, but also pop-up performances around the ship that aim to immerse those onboard in Virgin’s exciting and eclectic atmosphere. Once per cruise, a theme party called Scarlet Night aims to paint the ship red with fanfare and a funky bar crawl like you’ve never done before.

Fitness and wellness are concepts that were heavily considered when developing Virgin Voyages, and guests will notice ample space—both indoors and under the open sky—to take advantage of both.

Complimentary classes include sunrise yoga, spin class, or an HIIT workout; you can even book a guided hike in port. Throw a one-two punch at the outdoor boxing arena, or simply unwind at The Perch, an al fresco wellness space. 

Treat yourself to a seaweed wrap at the Redemption Spa (spa treatments are an additional cost). A Medi-spa, nail salon, beauty parlor, and barbershop round out a suite of self-care. Guests will find products by JLo Beauty in the Scarlet Lady spa and salon; Jennifer Lopez is the cruise line’s Chief Lifestyle and Entertainment Officer. Being Virgin, the Lady ships also feature Squid Ink, a tattoo parlor; a giant outdoor daybed; and pressed juices made to order at Gym & Tonic.