Why should we cruise with Virgin Voyages?
We asked Virgin Voyages why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
Where superyacht design and your dream destinations meet. Welcome to how Virgin does cruise ships. With Richard Branson at the helm, Virgin Voyages is redefining what a luxury cruise ship means by combining premium elements from favorites on land with the freedom and simplicity of a life well lived on the open ocean. With with cool interiors filled with chic bars, city styled eateries, clever accommodation and rock star suites Virgin offers Sailors a new onboard experience, from wellbeing activities, fresh to order eateries and original boundary read more breaking entertainment without the formalities and traditions of other contemporary cruise lines.
What destinations are Virgin Voyages exploring this season?
Alaska Bahamas Caribbean MedVirgin Voyages snapshot
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The low down on Virgin Voyages from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line designed for those looking for child-free atmosphere, elevated nightlife and a more resort-style experience at sea. Unlike many mainstream cruise lines, Virgin includes Wi-Fi, group fitness classes, entertainment, and dining across 20+ eateries - without traditional buffets or dining packages - helping reduce common onboard add-ons. Virgin also replaces the standard unlimited drinks package model with an optional prepaid Bar Tab credit. For couples, friends, and solo travellers who want contemporary design, flexible dining, and a grown-up vibe, Virgin Voyages is a standout alternative to traditional read more family-focused cruise lines.
Who cruises with Virgin Voyages?
Adults of all ages, particularly couples, friends and solo travellers seeking an adults-only, social and contemporary cruise experience.
What are Virgin Voyages known for?
Adults-only cruising, contemporary entertainment, nightlife, more than 20 included dining venues, no traditional buffets or main dining room, complimentary group fitness classes and a relaxed, casual-luxury atmosphere.
Are Virgin's fares all-inclusive?
Semi-inclusive. Fares include accommodation, all standard dining, basic WiFi, essential non-alcoholic drinks, group fitness classes and most entertainment. Shore excursions, alcoholic drinks, premium beverages, spa treatments and service gratuities are additional.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Additional costs include service gratuities, shore excursions, alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, cold-pressed juices and other premium beverages, premium WiFi, spa and salon treatments, personal training, selected dining and entertainment experiences and laundry.
Are gratuities included?
No.
Are shore excursions included?
No. Shore excursions, known as 'Shore Things', are purchased separately.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Basic WiFi is included in the cruise fare. Premium WiFi suitable for higher-bandwidth use is available at additional cost or through selected loyalty and fare benefits.
Does Virgin Voyages have a loyalty program?
Yes. The Virgin Voyages Sailing Club automatically enrols guests after one eligible completed voyage, with Blue Extras available from the third eligible voyage and Deep Blue Extras from the fifth.
Is Virgin Voyages a family friendly cruise-line?
No. Virgin Voyages is exclusively for guests aged 18 and over.
Are any onboard activities included?
Most entertainment is included, including original shows, live music, parties and immersive performances. Group fitness classes such as yoga, HIIT, barre, cycling and bungee workouts, gym facilities, sports areas and many social activities are also included.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes. Every Virgin Voyages ship has a casino with slot machines and table games.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Yes. Additional charges apply to selected entertainment and dining experiences such as Another Rose, food and drink classes, spa and beauty treatments, tattoos, personal training, casino gaming and other premium experiences.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Virgin's ships?
Virgin Voyages does not use the traditional specialty-restaurant model. More than 20 dining venues are included in the fare, including restaurants such as The Wake, Extra Virgin, Gunbae, Pink Agave and Test Kitchen, although selected premium menu items and dining experiences cost extra.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
No. Standard dining across more than 20 eateries is already included, so there is no traditional specialty dining package.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Yes. Still and sparkling water, sodas, non-pressed juices, teas and drip coffee are included. Specialty coffees, cold-pressed juices, energy drinks and some other premium beverages cost extra.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
No. Alcoholic beverages are charged separately.
Do Virgin Voyages sell any beverage packages?
No traditional unlimited beverage package is offered. Guests can pre-purchase a Bar Tab, which provides onboard credit for alcoholic and premium non-alcoholic beverages and can include bonus credit.
Do Virgin Voyages offer room service?
Yes. ShipEats provides 24-hour food and drink delivery to cabins. A USD $10 delivery fee applies unless the order includes at least USD $10 of chargeable items, and the fee is waived for RockStar Quarters.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Redemption Spa, salon, barber, nail and medi-spa services are available for an additional charge, including paid access to the Thermal Suite.
Are there gyms onboard Virgin's ships?
Yes. Ships have extensive fitness facilities including the B-Complex gym, Training Camp, outdoor exercise areas and a running track.
Are fitness classes available onboard Virgin's ships?
Yes. Group fitness classes including yoga, HIIT, barre, cycling, meditation and bungee workouts are included in the fare.
Do Virgin Voyages offer personal training?
Yes. Bookable personal training is available for an additional charge.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
No. There are no self-service laundrettes onboard.
Do Virgin Voyages offer a laundry service?
Yes. Full laundry and pressing services are available for an additional charge, with complimentary laundry included in selected Sailing Club benefits.
Recent Virgin Voyages reviews
From our very first enquiry through read more to departure, Grace was attentive, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in making sure everything was perfect. When we had questions about upgrading our cabin, she explored every option for us. When we queried the price difference and asked about sailor loot credits, she went straight to the Virgin Voyages representative on our behalf — even when the answer wasn't what we hoped for, her honesty and effort were truly appreciated. And when Virgin Voyages updated our disembarkation terminal in Barcelona to Terminal C at the last minute, Grace had already forwarded us the details before we even had a chance to wonder. That kind of proactive communication is what sets a great travel agent apart.
The Scarlet Lady herself was absolutely stunning. The vibe is unlike any cruise we've been on — adult-only, beautifully designed, and with a dining and entertainment experience that genuinely surprised us. The Band (that clever little wearable made from recycled ocean plastic) served as cabin key, wallet and bar tab all in one — such a clever touch that really set the tone for the whole experience.
Now, we'd be fibbing if we said there were zero hiccups. One of the highlights we'd been most looking forward to was our stop in Casablanca, Morocco — so we were genuinely disappointed to learn the port was closed and we wouldn't be making that call. It was the destination we'd been most excited about, and missing it was a real letdown. However, Virgin Voyages handled the situation beautifully. The communication was prompt, clear and empathetic, and in place of Casablanca we were rerouted to the gorgeous Cádiz in southern Spain. What a silver lining! Cádiz turned out to be an absolute gem — one of Europe's oldest cities, full of character, stunning architecture and warm locals. It genuinely softened the blow and left us with memories we wouldn't trade. The seamless way Virgin Voyages managed the change really impressed us and showed the professionalism of their operation.
September was a brilliant time to travel this route. The weather across Portugal and Spain was warm but not overwhelming, and the mix of destinations made for an incredibly rich itinerary. Our fellow sailors were a wonderfully diverse, warm and sociable group, and the kid-free environment meant a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere throughout.
Would we travel with Virgin Voyages again? Absolutely - without hesitation. Would we book through Global Journeys again? Without a doubt. Grace made the entire process smooth, stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish. If you're considering a Virgin Voyages cruise, do yourself a favour and reach out to Grace - you won't regret it.
Thank you Grace, and thank you Global Journeys. You helped make a truly unforgettable trip. 🌊⚓
Virgin's most popular trips this month...
Why should we cruise with MSC?
We asked MSC why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
Our cruises are designed to enrich, delight and create unforgettable emotions that only the sea can create. We offer an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience, where you can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programmes and the latest user-friendly technology on board.
What destinations are MSC exploring this season?
Africa Asia Caribbean Europe & Med Northern Europe South America Transatlantic United Arab Emirates More...MSC snapshot
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The low down on MSC from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
MSC Cruises stands out for value, a distinctly European onboard atmosphere, and premium-upgrade options like the MSC Yacht Club. Compared with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and premium lines like Celebrity or Princess, MSC often delivers newer-ship experiences at sharper pricing while offering a more international feel - especially in the Mediterranean.
MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, is positioned as a calmer, nature-forward beach day rather than a thrill-park destination, and the line’s status match makes it easy for loyal cruisers to switch. For travellers asking “is MSC Cruises a good cruise line?”, the answer is yes - particularly read more for clients who want strong value, modern ships, and a cosmopolitan vibe; the key is aligning expectations on dining and onboard style to the specific ship and itinerary.
Who cruises with MSC?
An international mix of couples, families and groups, with a particularly strong European following.
What are MSC known for?
Large contemporary ships, a strong European and international atmosphere, extensive family facilities and entertainment, and the MSC Yacht Club ship-within-a-ship luxury experience.
Are MSC's fares all-inclusive?
No, standard fares include accommodation, main dining and buffet meals, most entertainment, pools, gym access and kids clubs.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Drinks, WiFi, shore excursions, specialty dining and gratuities cost extra unless included through a fare, package or MSC Yacht Club.
Are gratuities included?
Australian and New Zealand fares include gratuities. For North American's, gratuities (or as MSC refer to them - Hotel Service Charges) are not inclued in your cruise fare, unless you have requested to prepay them.
Are shore excursions included?
No. Shore excursions are an additional cost and can be booked individually or through selected excursion packages.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. WiFi is available across the fleet for an additional charge, with different internet packages available. Internet is included with MSC Yacht Club and selected loyalty or promotional benefits.
Does MSC have a loyalty program?
Yes. MSC Voyagers Club has Welcome, Classic, Silver, Gold, Diamond and Blue Diamond levels, with benefits including cruise discounts, onboard discounts, events and additional privileges at higher tiers.
Is MSC a family friendly cruise-line?
Yes. MSC is particularly family-friendly, with extensive kids clubs, family accommodation, pools, waterparks and activities designed for children and teenagers.
Are any onboard activities included?
Most theatre shows, pools, selected waterparks, sports facilities, the gym, dance classes, quizzes, games, karaoke, parties and other scheduled entertainment are included. Exact facilities vary considerably between ships.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes. Casinos are available across MSC's ocean-going fleet, with gaming charged to the guest's onboard account.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Yes, depending on the ship, additional charges can apply for attractions such as bowling, 4D cinema, F1 simulators, zip lines and selected premium entertainment activities.
Are there specialty restaurants on board MSC's ships?
Yes. MSC ships offer specialty restaurants in addition to the included main restaurants and buffet, with venues varying by ship. Specialty dining generally costs extra.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
Yes. Guests can pre-purchase individual specialty dining experiences or packages covering up to four specialty restaurants, depending on the ship.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Only limited beverages are included with standard fares. Complimentary options are generally available in the buffet, while soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and other beverages normally cost extra unless covered by a drinks package or fare inclusion.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
No. Alcoholic drinks are generally additional with standard fares. Drinks may be included with promotional fares, MSC World Cruise dining inclusions or MSC Yacht Club.
Do MSC sell any beverage packages?
Yes. MSC offers Easy, Premium Extra, Alcohol-Free and Minors packages, with availability and inclusions varying by cruise.
Do MSC offer room service?
Yes. Fantastica and Aurea guests receive 24-hour room service with complimentary delivery, although individual food items may still be charged. Bella guests have more limited inclusions and may pay a delivery fee. MSC Yacht Club includes 24-hour room service.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. MSC Aurea Spa facilities are available across the fleet, with treatments, thermal areas and salon services generally attracting additional charges.
Are there gyms onboard MSC's ships?
Yes. MSC ships have onboard fitness facilities, with gym access included in the cruise fare.
Are fitness classes available onboard MSC's ships?
Yes. Fitness classes are offered, with some scheduled activities included and selected specialist fitness programmes attracting an additional charge.
Do MSC offer personal training?
Yes. Personal training sessions are available for an additional charge.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
No.
Do MSC offer a laundry service?
Yes. Paid laundry services and multi-item laundry packages are available.
Recent MSC reviews
Thankfully Hannah booked our group a table for the whole stay for dinner. The stops and excursions on the other hand exceeded our expectations. Corfu/ Izmir/ Istanbul/ Bari - wow. Great food/ history/ and views to be in awe of. Though it was cold in late March/ early April - much preferred as not overflowing with people, and got to see everything we wanted. Our holiday was spectacular. MSC Ship was pretty average, but I am bias having only been on one other ship (Royal Caribean) which was stunning. However - our holiday alone was stunninggg... great memories.
