Five essential things to know before you board a Virgin Voyages cruise ship
Having set up rail, air and even space travel enterprises, Sir Richard Branson announced his venture into the cruise industry in 2015. Yet his first ship, Scarlet Lady, came along just as the Covid pandemic struck, so she didn't make her maiden voyage until 2021; sailing from Portsmouth, rather from Miami, as was originally planned the year before.
The adults-only line was aimed at younger cruisers – who it calls 'sailors' – and it soon garnered a reputation for its edgy concepts. These originally included a box of sex aids in every cabin (now discontinued), drag bingo and a tattoo parlour. But in the intervening years, with the introduction of Valiant Lady in 2022 and Resilient Lady a year later, the line has evolved, focusing more on its impressive food offerings, offbeat entertainment and lively deck parties around the pool.
Everywhere the ships sail, they are instantly recognised by their scarlet funnels and battleship-coloured hulls – the designers considered more than 100 shades of grey before choosing the final hue.
The crew dress down, rather than sporting traditional uniforms, and Virgin Voyages – Branson changed the name from 'Cruises' because he didn't like the 'c-word' – doesn't have the standard observation lounges and other features of its more traditional rivals.
Instead, there are Instagrammable venues everywhere, making it the sort of line you'll either love or hate – and if you love it enough you can even buy a ticket for a whole year's unlimited cruising for two for around £90,000.
1. Where does Virgin Voyages cruise?
The three 'Lady ships' – soon to become four with the arrival of Brilliant Lady in September 2025 – offer 60 itineraries to 100 ports of call around North America, the Caribbean and Europe.
For summer 2025, Scarlet Lady is returning to Portsmouth for voyages lasting between six and 15 nights, visiting destinations including Reykjavik, Norway, Bordeaux, Ireland, Scotland and Cannes. Meanwhile, Resilient Lady is based in Athens, sailing 10- and 11-night itineraries to destinations such as Istanbul, Mykonos, Dubrovnik and Crete.
Valiant Lady continues to cruise the Caribbean, with each departure including a stop at the private resort on Bimini island in the Bahamas. Here, the Beach Club sits around a lagoon-style pool overlooking the ocean. Mornings begin with yoga and meditation, while DJ-led parties mark the afternoon. At the end of the day, guests wind down watching sunsets from the shore. Excursion offerings include riding a jet ski or taking a heritage and cultural tour.
UK holidaymakers are favouring departures to the Greek islands, Croatia and the eastern Caribbean in 2025, with party island Mykonos featuring in four of the five most popular routes. Portsmouth remains an important port for Virgin – it was the first in the world to welcome the line's initial three vessels.
The arrival of Brilliant Lady will add yet more destinations and longer itineraries. These include New York to Bermuda, Los Angeles to Mexico, Miami to the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao), and Seattle to Alaska. Virgin Voyages will also launch a 16-night voyage through the Panama Canal.
2. Who does Virgin Voyages appeal to?
When launching the line, Branson said he wanted to attract 'young-at-heart people who want a good time'. As an adults-only line, Virgin Voyages naturally appeals to childless couples – or those who can offload their kids with the grandparents for a week – as well as solo travellers, empty nesters and groups of friends. The median age generally falls between 43 and 47, and is predominantly a mix of Americans, Brits and Australians; although that varies depending on how long the voyage is, the departure port and where the ship sails.
Balcony cabins have red hammocks while the RockStar quarters promise record players, and some even feature guitar rooms. Early users of the top suites were invited to imitate Branson and dance on their outside tables – however, the steps helping them do so have since been converted to planters. Ordinary cabins, meanwhile, still have beds that can convert to sofas during the day.
Clubbers enjoy The Manor, a cool three-storey venue named after Branson's first recording studio. The pool is less for swimming and more for being seen – especially on Scarlet Night – and the ice-cream parlour is called Lick Me Till Ice Cream. Yet whether you think it's hip or trying too hard, Virgin Voyages certainly stands out from the competition.
3. Virgin Voyages' fleet
Scarlet Lady (2,762 passengers)
With its so-called 'MerMaiden' voyage in 2021, Scarlet Lady set the standard for the three subsequent ships, introducing six main restaurants and replacing a traditional buffet with a group of food stalls serving dishes to order. After just three years of service, Scarlet Lady underwent a makeover, introducing a Chinese-inspired dining concept called Lucky Lotus, which takes over the Razzle Dazzle restaurant at night. The ship was also given more suites, six VIP poolside cabanas and a new cocktail bar on its 15th deck. Ordinary cabins were also given more drawers and storage. Even the mermaid on its bow was given a touch-up.
Valiant Lady (2,762 passengers)
Following on so soon from Scarlet Lady, the second Virgin Voyages ship – launched in Portsmouth before heading to Miami in 2022 – retained most of the same features. There were subtle differences in the sculptures and artwork and a new, black mermaid on her bow, created by artist Hillary Wilson.
Sails to: Caribbean
Resilient Lady (2,762 passengers)
The line's third ship made her debut in the Greek islands in 2023. It features exclusive shows like Persephone, a modern retelling of the Greek myth; Another Rose, a cabaret dining experience; and Lola's Library, a mix of song, dance, acrobatics and comedy that's presented in three themed chapters that invite the audience to either stay all night or pop in and out. The Latina mermaid was created by New Mexican native Jodie Herrera.
Brilliant Lady (2,762 passengers)
Launching in September 2025, the fleet's fourth ship will debut seven new shows in the entertainment arena, The Red Room and The Manor, including a time-travelling comedy (watch out for the acrobatic cavemen), a murder mystery and an ultraviolet show featuring a jellyfish parade. It certainly promises to be different. There will also be a new Spanish-inspired dining concept, Rojo by Razzle Dazzle. The mermaid is designed by Toronto-based illustrator Janice Sung, taking inspiration from Renaissance paintings as well as Japanese and Chinese art, fashion and beauty.
4. Loyalty scheme
Passengers who sail on a single full-fare voyage are automatically enrolled in the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club. They receive members-only offers and perks which can range from a speciality coffee a day to $100 (£75) onboard credit.
5. Access for guests with disabilities
Virgin Voyages offers a variety of cabins for people with disabilities. These feature wider doorways, step-free bathrooms, a ramp out to the balcony and other features. Customers are asked to book early and specify all their requirements to the Sailor Services crew or travel agent.
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