Inside Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Night: The adults-only party at sea where everyone sees red

USA Today

09-03-2025

Inside Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Night: The adults-only party at sea where everyone sees red
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Once a week, on any given Virgin Voyages sailing, there's a special night that has all passengers seeing red.
From the moment you step out of your cabin you might be seeing fellow 'sailors' – as Virgin calls passengers – donning a splash of red while others go the extra crimson-clad mile. It ranges from scarlet T-shirts to floor-length ruby gowns. The point of the night is to feel comfortable and ready for surprises.
'Scarlet Night was meant to be the moment where we could bring everyone together – one massive celebration where people can feel free, let go, and have the time of their lives,' Virgin Voyages' Director of Experiences Richard Kilman told USA TODAY. 'It's not just a party; it's a shared experience where lifelong friendships are made.'
Scarlet Night, the line's version of the traditional Captain's Night, is often the highlight of the trip for many sailors. With multiple activities throughout the ship, it is an all-hands-on-deck event that satisfies those looking to mingle and party, and those looking for a slower-paced evening.
'There's an intimacy to the spaces, a thoughtful design that makes every experience feel special,' Pip, The Flare, as she's known on the Virgin Voyages' Happenings Cast, told USA TODAY. 'That's what makes Virgin different – it's about connection.'
What is Virgin Voyages Scarlet Night like?
The ship transforms – its sleek, modern design pulses with an undercurrent of excitement. Staffers and sailors alike know it's the biggest night of that particular sailing. The pathways glimmer under dim, sultry lighting, and everywhere you turn, deep red accents – silk drapes, glowing lanterns, and the occasional inflatable tentacle – set the tone for the night ahead.
The central theme of the night follows the old adage 'red sky at night, sailors delight.' The line, however, created its own 'Virgin Mythology,' telling a story throughout the night that focuses on love, longing and celebration.
'The story needed to be something fun, something that didn't take itself too seriously but still gave the night a narrative thread,' Kilman said. 'We landed on the myth of the ocean goddess who falls for a brave sailor, turns into an octopus to take him on an adventure, and then immortalizes him in the moon when he can't make it back to the surface. It's playful, it's got a touch of mythology, and it ties into the whole experience.'
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At The Roundabout, the ship's social hub, a crowd gathers as performers in red ensembles weave through the guests. Virgin's version of a cruise director, the Happenings Cast – the charismatic troupe that orchestrates most activities on the ship – move with an air of mystery and invitation. The atmosphere is playful yet deliberately unstructured. There is no itinerary, no rigid schedule – just an evolving spectacle of entertainment and discovery.
'What may seem like chaos to guests is actually a meticulously choreographed experience. There's a giant matrix of every activation happening by the minute,' Kilman added. 'Even the soundtrack has embedded cues for performers – it's immersive theater at sea.'
Sailors can either explore the ship for those moments of connection or remain at The Roundabout and have the cast come to them. Participation isn't mandatory. Many passengers continue to their dinner reservations or playing at the casino, but most decide to embark on the adventure that eventually leads everyone to the pool.
'Scarlet Night isn't just an event – it's an experience,' Pip explained. 'The entire ship transforms into a theatrical playground where every corner holds a surprise. It's not about watching from the sidelines; it's about stepping into the magic yourself.'
What happens during Scarlet Night?
The night kicks off with The Myth, a storytelling session that sets the theme for the night. Passengers huddle to hear the fabled tale of a sailor who fell in love with the ocean, an allegory about bravery, exploration and transformation. The legend explains the significance of the night's red hues – a symbolic tribute to the sailor's love, lighting up the world in passionate crimson.
From there, the night is a choose-your-own-adventure. For those who don't want to walk through the ship for the narrative, the Virgin Voyages app highlights the times and spots where the skits will take place. But the fun is in the exploration.
'If someone from the Happenings Cast says, 'Follow me,' say yes,' Pip advised. 'The best way to experience it is to embrace the unexpected."
For those who want to take things slow, The Dock House offers a quiet retreat where guests sip handcrafted cocktails under warm, ambient lighting as acoustic musicians strum soft melodies. Meanwhile, the more adventurous can venture toward The Manor, the ship's signature nightclub.
Yet, the true magic of Scarlet Night happens out in the open, in the unplanned interactions between guests and performers. One moment, you're watching a spontaneous dance break out by the pool; the next, a juggling duo is cutting through the bar. The boundaries between performer and audience blur — everyone is a part of the spectacle.
'Guests have truly made Scarlet Night their own. We provide the performances, the music, the ambiance — but they take it to another level,' Kilman said. 'It's judgment-free, electrifying, and unlike anything else at sea.'
Even though the night is meticulously choreographed, Pip, The Flare, explained that every Scarlet Night is different because of the sailors.
'The final moment on the pool deck is unlike anything else at sea,' Pip said of her favorite moment of each one. 'The energy is pure joy – guests dancing in the water, the DJ at full blast, cast members going wild. It's a moment where everyone, crew and sailors alike, is completely in the moment.'
Is there actually a pool party on Scarlet Night?
Under a sky full of stars, the music swells, and the crowd sways in unison. It is, admittedly a Millennials' dream playlist with throwbacks to the Black Eyed Peas and Radiohead mixed in with Bad Bunny and Tyla.
The story of Scarlet Night culminates with a choreographed dance on the edges of the pool where the staff eventually invites everyone to join in. Many choose to jump into the pool, but it's not expected for everyone to do that – nor would there be space.
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Others raise their glasses to the sky, toasting to the night, to the journey, to whatever comes next.
'You could sail ten times and never have the same experience twice,' Pip said.
For many, Scarlet Night is more than just a party. It's a reminder of what it feels like to be fully present, to embrace spontaneity, and to connect – not just with fellow travelers but with the experience itself.
'Virgin Voyages isn't just for one type of traveler,' Pip said. 'Whether you want to party until sunrise or have a quiet cocktail by the sea, there's space for you here. It's not about being young – it's about being young at heart.'
And for one night a week, with the ship bathed in red, that sentiment rings truer than ever. (Yes, there is an after-party at The Manor for those looking to continue past midnight.)
'Just say yes. Be up for the ride. There's nothing that will embarrass you or make you feel out of place – it's all about embracing the adventure,' Kilman said. 'Whether you're in sequins or sneakers, Scarlet Night is for everyone.'
The reporter on this story received access to this event from Virgin Voyages. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
Josh Rivera is USA TODAY's Travel Editor.