Virgin Cruise lines

For Adults

Virgin Voyages — Overview

History

Virgin Group announced its entry into cruising in 2014 with a goal to disrupt traditional cruise culture. Virgin focused on an adults-only, boutique-hotel-style experience at sea.

Key milestones:

2014 – Virgin announces cruise division plans.
2020 – First ship Scarlet Lady launches.
Fleet expansion followed with Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady (rolling out mid-2020s).

Strategic positioning:

Adults-only (18+)
Premium but not ultra-luxury pricing
Highly food-focused (no main dining room concept)
Strong nightlife + festival vibe

Dining Options (Major Differentiator)

Virgin eliminated buffets and large main dining rooms. Instead, they use 20+ included eateries (very unique vs competitors).

Signature Restaurants

The Wake → Steak & seafood (classic upscale cruise dining feel)
Extra Virgin → Italian trattoria
Pink Agave → Elevated Mexican cuisine
Gunbae → Korean BBQ social dining experience
Razzle Dazzle → Vegetarian-forward with comfort food options
The Test Kitchen → Experimental tasting menu experience

Casual / Quick Options

Pizza Place (made-to-order late night)
The Dock (Mediterranean small plates)
Sun Club Café (poke, bao, light bites)
Lick Me Till Ice Cream (included gelato)

Important selling point for clients:
✔ Most food included
✔ No assigned dining times
✔ No traditional buffet crowds

Onboard Entertainment

Virgin is heavily nightlife + immersive show focused.

Theater / Show Style

Immersive theatrical productions (not Broadway copies)
Circus-style + modern dance + storytelling hybrids
Rotating pop-up performances across ship

Nightlife

Manor nightclub (2-story club vibe)
DJ sets + themed dance parties
Scarlet Night (signature ship-wide party event)

Unique Entertainment Philosophy

More like Vegas / Ibiza / boutique hotel nightlife vs traditional cruise revues.

Activities Onboard

Wellness & Fitness (Huge Focus)

B-Complex gym (massive, boutique fitness feel)
Group classes included (HIIT, yoga, cycling)
Outdoor running track
Redemption Spa (thermal suite extra cost)

Social & Fun Activities

Trivia / game shows
Karaoke rooms
Board game lounges
Mixology classes
Tattoo studio onboard (very unique selling point)

Pool & Chill Areas

Resort-style main pool deck
Multiple hot tubs
Daybed lounge spaces
Adults-only beach club experience at Bimini (on Caribbean sailings)

Positioning vs Other Cruise Lines

If you’re talking to clients:

Best For

Couples
Friend groups
Millennials / Gen X
Foodies
Clients who say “I don’t like cruises”

Not Ideal For

Families with kids
Traditional cruise lovers (formal nights, buffets, etc.)

Client Summary

“Virgin is like a boutique hotel + music festival + foodie destination at sea. Everything is more flexible, more modern, and more social than traditional cruising.