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
Total No. Cruises
Departures
Avg. cruise length
Avg. price per day (by cabin type)
No. of Ships
All-Inclusive level
Onboard currencyWho 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 Royal Caribbean?
We asked Royal Caribbean why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
Royal Caribbean International is known for driving innovation at sea and has continuously redefined cruise holidays since its launch in 1969. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel and pushes the envelope of what is possible on a cruise ship. Onboard, the global cruise line has debuted countless industry 'firsts' – such as rock climbing, ice skating and surfing at sea – to capture the imagination of families and adventurous holiday-makers alike. Throughout, guests sail on exciting itineraries to some of the world’s most-popular read more destinations and enjoy Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging service.
What destinations are Royal Caribbean exploring this season?
Alaska Asia Australia Canada & New England Caribbean Central America Europe & Med Greek Islands More...Royal Caribbean snapshot
Total No. CruisesDeparturesAvg. cruise lengthAvg. price per day (by cabin type)No. of ShipsAll-Inclusive levelOnboard currencyWho cruises with Royal Caribbean?
Families and couples, including semi-retired and retired travellers.
What are Royal Caribbean known for?
Entertainment-packed ships, state-of-the-art onboard experiences and thrills.
Are Royal Caribbean's fares all-inclusive?
No.
What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?
Budget for alcoholic beverages, WiFi, specialty dining, shore excursions and selected onboard activities or experiences.
Are gratuities included?
Yes for Australian and New Zealand guests only.
Are shore excursions included?
No.
Is there WiFi on board?
Yes. Charges apply.
Does Royal Caribbean have a loyalty program?
Yes. Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Azamara offer reciprocal benefits to members enrolled in their loyalty programs.
Is Royal Caribbean a family friendly cruise-line?
Yes. Royal Caribbean is a genuinely family-friendly cruise line with comprehensive children’s programs and facilities for families, including accommodation for large groups.
Are any onboard activities included?
Sports courts, rock-climbing walls, waterslides, surf riders, language, dance and craft classes, select onboard thrills, skydiving simulators, observation capsules and on some ships - games spaces and ice-skating rinks. Activities vary by ship.
Are there casinos on board your ships?
Yes.
Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?
Specialty onboard seminars may incur a charge. Video arcade games incur a fee, and some onboard thrills may offer only one complimentary use. Some themed dinners and in-suite movies also cost extra.
Are there specialty restaurants on board Royal Caribbean's ships?
Yes. Specialty restaurants are available; charges apply and the range may differ between ships.
Are there dining packages for purchase?
Yes.
Are non-alcoholic beverages included?
Basic non-alcoholic drinks are included for free in your cruise fare, but specialty non-alcoholic beverages like soda, mocktails, and premium coffee cost extra unless you buy a drink package.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
No. All alcoholic beverages must be purchased.
Do Royal Caribbean sell any beverage packages?
Yes. Packages are available for non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.
Do Royal Caribbean offer room service?
Yes. A convenience charge applies to each order except continental breakfast items. Grand Suites and higher categories do not pay the convenience fee.
Are spa and salon services available?
Yes. Spa and salon services are available and charges apply.
Are there gyms onboard Royal Caribbean's ships?
Yes.
Are fitness classes available onboard Royal Caribbean's ships?
Yes. Group fitness classes are complimentary, although selected special training classes may incur additional charges.
Do Royal Caribbean offer personal training?
Yes. Charges apply.
Are there self-service laundry facilities?
No.
Do Royal Caribbean offer a laundry service?
Yes. Charges apply.
Recent Royal Caribbean reviews
As happens, Mother Nature rules, so we had to miss Napier, but stops including Picton (South Island), Tauranga, Auckland and Bay of Islands were great. Entertainment and other activities were terrific, especially the stage show “We Will Rock You”.
I would thoroughly recommend a cruise on Royal Caribbean and be sure to use Global Journeys.
