Hi! Welcome to this part of my travel blog.
This was my first time on Virgin Voyages but second time cruising. Eddie (my husband), Saiydah (my friend), and I learned a lot as we went, even though we watched hours of youtube videos on Virgin Voyages, we still did not realize what we were getting ourselves into. We booked this on a whim during Virgin’s Black Friday Holiday Sale and it was the best choice. During that time, it was 80% off your second sailor, plus a $600 bar tab. In this post, I’ll share our experience—where we stayed, what we did, what we ate, and all the little things I wish I had known before going. Hopefully, it helps you if you’re planning your own Virgin Voyages adventure! Please note: Everything is from our point of view and our opinions. Not everyone will have the same thoughts and experiences as us.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through them—at no extra cost to you! I only recommend products and services I personally use. Virgin Voyages Resilent Lady Review
7 Night - Adriatic Sea & Greek Gems
My thoughts on Virgin Voyages? It was great! I loved that it was adults only, no kids cruise. I had my worries about it, alot of people online were saying it’s a swingers cruise, raunchy, or a big party vibe cruise. To be honest, you make the cruise however you want it to be. I didn’t see many upside down pineapples though, but there was some.
VV is very unique, no tips, food is already paid for, and no drink packages. The drinks weren’t a problem, the prices were fair and affordable. They do offer a bar tab for pre-purchase and they add on to top to it. The food is amazingly delicious. I’m a foodie and if a cruise doesn’t have tasty food, I’m going to be in a bad mood. Our interior room was so comfortable. I couldn’t get out of bed and the tablet room control made staying in that room so much better. Don’t need to get up to turn on or off the lights. Vacation laziness was real. Overall I can say is, I will be cruising with them again.
Tips for Embarkation Day on Virgin Voyages
BEFORE embarkation day make sure you have completed all the necessary requirements on the Virgin Voyages APP before boarding the ship a few months in advance if you booked early. This ensures you also choose your preferred boarding time slot. Do it early enough so you can check in early right after all the VIP cruisers.
Arrive early but close enough to your arrival time for a smooth check in. If you arrive TOO early means you might end up waiting outside.
There is a bag check and luggage check in. Do not bring more than 2 bottles of wine or champagne per cabin. Make sure they are in your carry-on bag. You will go through a metal detector. No other drinking liquids allowed. Read the Virgin Voyages prohibited items list before boarding.
Make sure to have your Virgin Voyages app open and your travel documents, passport, boarding pass, and whatever else you need. It’s a quick process.
They do not give card room keys, instead they give bracelets that act like a key to your room and a credit card. It allows you to pay fast and you don’t need to carry anything on you except your phone.
If you are checking in your luggage, make sure to make a carry-on bag. You never know what time your bag will arrive at your cabin door, so always keep extra clothes, swimwear, chargers, and travel documents inside the bag.
If you haven’t booked all your dining, spa, excursions, and shows before boarding, do so with sailor services or check the app once on board.
Tour the ship and get familiar with it so you won’t be scrambling later trying to find specific places when events happen.
Virgin Voyages App will be the app you’ll be checking often. You’ll be checking the schedules, dining reservations, and event reminders. You can turn on notifications for certain events so you don’t miss anything.
Things to Do on Virgin Voyages
Themed Nights, Activities, and Entertainment.
Things to Do on Virgin Voyages
Themed Nights, Activities, and Entertainment.
The Sail Away Party
The sail away party was lit. The party was on the pool deck. We arrived too late to save seats but that’s okay, we ended up dancing and drinking the whole time. We drank at the pool deck bar before the party started and we saw the crew members pouring up tons of champagne. The champagne is free for 30 minutes and we best believe we took advantage of that. The DJ was playing a mash up of different genres of songs and The Happening Cast came out to get the party started and was dancing with the crowd. Rumor has it, if you seem fun enough the Cast will invite you to exclusive events. Of course, we didn’t get invited. We’re too introverted for that.
Pajama Party
Virgin Voyages Pajama Party was surprisingly fun. The venue was PACKED with everyone wearing their best PJs. Apparently there’s no dress code, just as long as you are wearing something. People wore cozy pj sets, sexy lingerie, to fun onesies. The DJ was playing the jams from hip hop to EDM. Everyone was dancing all night.
Scarlet Night
The night where the whole ship turns red, not literally thought. Everyone wears their best red outfits, it’s not mandatory, but it’s a vibe. Whole ship celebrates. Anywhere you go, there’s surprise performances, interactive entertainment, and a poolside spectacle. That’s where we were most of the night, poolside. The DJs are mixing beats and everyone just dancing in and out of the pool. The whole ship is alive no matter where you are.
Bingo
Virgin Voyages Bingo was not what I was expecting. It was a game and show at the same time. The Diva, the most fabulous hostess, kept the energy going throughout the entire game. The way they interacted with the crowd, there was no way to be bored. There was comedy, music, and over-the-top performances. Bingo is a must do and if you’re lucky, win some money. Saiydah’s phone kept going off and her ringtone was an owl, The Diva was confused, couldn’t find the suspect.
Trivia Games
Trivia games on Virgin Voyages was a fun way to test our knowledge and meet new people. Each trivia game time have different themes from pop culture to music to general knowledge. If you and your team end up winning, sometimes there are prizes.
Getting a Tattoo on Virgin Voyages- What to Expect at Squid Ink
Who can say they got a tattoo in the middle of the ocean? Virgin Voyages lets cruises get tatted on the ship but as long as you are lucky enough to get a reservation. Most cruisers line up on day 1 as soon as they board to reserve their spot. Eddie got lucky and secured a last minute spot on the last day, but it was for a quick session flash tattoo. There were 2 tattoo artists on board and you can choose from their portfolio of designs to choose from. The studio is professional, clean, and hygienic by changing out the ink and needles. Getting a tattoo on VV is a great way to always remember your trip.
Shows
There were shows, but we just couldn’t get to them. We were either too drunk or too tired from the port days. I’ll see some next time!
Virgin Voyages Food Review
Tip: Reserve your time slots in advance before sailing. Walk-ins or same day reservations are okay but not guaranteed. We canceled many of our reservations the day of because we could not make it during port days. We also rescheduled for earlier and later times when we needed to. If your stomach allows it and open reservations, you can go to more than 1 restaurant a night. We were able to do Test Kitchen and Gunbae back to back.
The Galley
One thing about Virgin Voyages is that I loved that there was no buffet. They have ready-to-make food so it was hot when we got it. You can order directly at each station or sit at the tables and put the red flag up and the servers will take your order and bring it to you. There’s QR codes you can scan at each table and see all the menus from each food station. There’s noodles, salads, omelets, pastries, burgers, tacos, and more. It’s great that the food and tip is included in the price.
The Pizza Place
I love that it’s a baked-to-order pizza. The wait is worth it. You can pick from their menu or customize your own. Gluten free and vegan can also be made. Outdoor or indoor seating is available but you can always take it back to your room and enjoy your quiet time.
Lick Me Till… Ice Cream
I know I’m immature but the name always makes me laugh. Flavors range from chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, key lime pie, and more. Some of the flavors change daily. I have a sweet tooth so knowing I can get as much ice cream as I want was great.
The Grounds Coffee
There’s 2 locations where you can purchase specialty coffees, teas, and matcha for extra an cost but no tipping is required. You can also add a shot of alcohol to get your day started. Just order and they will scan your bracelet.
Extra Virgin
I can’t remember too much of the flavors but judging from my video reactions, the food was delicious. We ordered the carpaccio, fried calamari, charcuterie board and steak.
Pink Agave
Mexican flavors but with a modern twist. I was skeptical about trying it at first but I saw a bunch of good reviews and they were right. The guacamole was fresh and creamy. Perfect for a starter. Esquites were smoky, creamy, and tangy. Virgin did it right. The cameron amarillo was so good we ordered 2. Plump and juicy shrimp goes perfect with the amarillo sauce, smokey and mildly spicy. Bistec Marinero en Escabeche was tender and went really well with the tangy and zesty escabeche sauce. The cochinita pibil tender and slow roasted park was smoky, citrusy, and earthy. For Dessert we ordered tamal de chocolate, tacos de chocolate, and capriotada. All were delicious and not too sweet.
The Test Kitchen
Since we were on a 7 Day cruise, we went twice since we read there were 2 different menus on each half of the cruise. We didn’t know what we were getting into until we sat down. The waiters are very friendly and explained each dish and cocktail. For the first half we got mushrooms, eggs, scallops, Venison/beef, blue cheese, and chocolate. The second time there was corn, salmon, beetroot, shrimp/lamb, asparagus, and strawberry. Each was crafted into dishes we never even heard of. The presentations were so cute and interactive. If you wanted more or wanted to try a different dish, they would gladly make another one for you. For drinks, you can select a set that goes perfectly with each dish like wine or cocktails.
The Wake: Breakfast
First time we ordered clam chowder, brioche french toast, and the wake benedict. I really loved the clam chowder. Even though the portion looked small, it packed alot of flavors. I ordered 2. Bioche french toast was delicious, it wasn’t too sweet for me and the toast wasn’t soggy. For drinks we ordered the garden delight and strongbow. Garden delight was too strong. It took me the whole breakfast to finish it.
Second time and last day of breakfast, we ordered a lot. Steak and eggs, clam chowder, and 3 different desserts: crepe cake, coconut panna cotta, and apple tatin. I love how the steak isn’t an extra charge on VV. Don’t worry, we finished them all. I was just sluggish till lunch.
Gunbae
The first ever korean kbbq on a ship. It was a fun experience. You’ll be seated in the same booth with other people. The food is all you can eat of course and it was okay, this is coming from a person that lives in Southern California with a tons of kbbq spots. It felt like Gunbae was more of a socializing, drinking atmosphere. The waiters show you how to play different korean games and the whole table plays. They do give out 1 bottle of soju for the whole booth for the game. I wished we came here right after the sail away party.
Where to Drink on Virgin Voyages
The Best Bars and Cocktails on Aboard (In my Opinion)
Tip:
VV does NOT have drink packages like other cruise lines. They do have a bar tab which you can purchase before sailing and they do give extra credit on top, giving you more to enjoy on board. Sailor loot and bar tab are different. You can only use bar tabs for drinks. Sailor loot is a general credit that can be used for anything on the ship that includes drink too.
The Loose Cannon Bar
There’s a must try drink made for 5 people to share called “sh-oct-a-pus”. This one is a creeper for us, sweet but strong. We were drinking it during a trivia game time. It was a fun drink to loosen us up to play.
Draught Haus
One of my favorite bars. The bartenders were really friendly and they had some of the best shots on the ship. We mainly came to try the All Day Breakfast Shot but ended up ordering more shots like Green Tea and Kamikaze. Mind you, these shots were super strong.
The Dock
An outdoor bar with more of a chill vibe outside overlooking the ocean. We ordered the Golden Horizon and it was herbal, smooth, and slightly sweet. The alcohol wasn’t overpowering the flavors. I really liked it.
The Aquatic Club Bar
Perfect spot to relax and chill next to the pool. We came to this bar many times throughout the cruise. The main drinks we liked were the superior mojito and the club punch. Both drinks were strong and enough for us to loosen up and enjoy the day.
If you’re ready to book your Virgin Voyages Cruise, you can click my Refer a Sailor link, you’ll get $150 in free drinks to enjoy specialty cocktails, wine, and more while onboard. Plus, I’ll get $150 too. So if you’re planning a romantic getaway, an adventure with friends, or just solo traveling, this is a perfect way to enhance your cruise experience. Click the link below to claim your drink credit when you book!
Disclaimer: I am not a travel agent—just a fellow traveler sharing an awesome deal! It’s completely up to you if you want to use my link. Cheers to FREE Drinks! [Click Here for Virgin Voyages Refer a Sailor Link]
Virgin Voyages Disembarkation Day
Things to Know before Getting Off the Ship
Check Your Onboard Account the Night Before
Before you leave, check your account since Virgin Voyages has a cashless system. Make sure all the charges are right like specialty drinks, spa treatments, and onboarding shopping. You don’t want to leave with surprise charges to your bank. If it isn’t looking right, go to Sailor Services before leaving.
Pack Smart and Keep Essentials with You
If you are using Virgin Voyages’ luggage services, you’ll leave your large suitcase outside of your cabin door the night before departure. Make sure to keep your small carry-on with you. Don’t forget to put your passport, travel documents, wallet, credit cards, phone, chargers, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes just in case.
Eat Breakfast Early
Eat breakfast before leaving. Eat as early as you can because it can get crowded.
Disembarkation Group & Time
Virgin Voyages is great and organized with disembarkation. They assign times based on your cabin location and travel plans. You can choose which time you want to leave. No pushing or fighting the crowds.
Arrange Transportation in Advance
Disembarkation mornings are hectic as is, so make sure to have your ride already figured out. Taxis and ride shares up charge since they are waiting outside the cruise terminals. Check with VV if they offer airport transfer. Just have something planned in advance.
Virgin Voyages Packing List
What to Pack for a Cruise - First Time Cruiser Guide
Essential Documents & Must Haves
Passport & ID: Make sure to check expiration dates. Renew them 6 months minimum before traveling.
Virgin Voyages Boarding Pass: Digital Copy on Your Phone
Credit/Debit Cards & Cash: Call your bank if you need to tell them about you traveling. You don’t want your cards to be frozen during a trip. Also call your bank to check if they can exchange currencies. We used Chase to exchange cash in advance and it took a week.
Travel Insurance: Check if you are covered for travel insurance with your medical insurance if not, there is travel insurance you can purchase.
Medications & Prescriptions: Make sure you have enough for your travels especially if you will be gone for a while.
Vaccinations & Health Documents: Check the country you are traveling to if you need to update any shots/vaccines
What to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag (First Few Hours Essentials)
If you end up checking in your luggage with Virgin Voyages, you won’t know what time your luggage will be delivered to your room, so it’s suggested you keep a carry-on bag with you.
Carry-On Bag: Everyone needs a spacious but compact enough for a carry-on bag. I love the Witzman Canvas Backpack. It has so many pockets that I am able to organize my clothes, documents, liquids, and my electrical devices without having to scramble looking through everything.
Essential Documents: Passport and any other important documents. Example: Boarding Passes, Flight confirmation, Hotel Confirmations, Excursion Confirmations
Phone Charger: One thing about me is that I am constantly taking photos and videos on vacation. I always keep my portable phone charger, Anker GaNPrime Power Bank, on me. Plus, I was constantly checking the cruise itineraries and any updates on the VV App. One other great thing about the Anker is the ability to charge itself and my phone at the same time when plugged into an electrical outlet. 2 in 1!
Action Cameras: Insta360 GO3s and Insta360 X3. Go3s is a perfect vlogging camera and POV shots. I do get shy with vlogging sometimes so I use the GO3s if I want to be discreet about filming. It’s so small and tiny that I barely notice it. The Insta360 X3 is perfect for those fun angles shooting.
Swimsuit & Flip Flops: If you do decide to hangout at the pool waiting for your cabin room to be available.
Sunglasses & Hat: Keep yourself covered.
Reef Safe Sunscreen/Sunblock: Protect yourself. Trust me, you don’t want to get sunburned during your vacation. Also, make sure you know the difference between sunblock vs sunscreen. I personally didn’t know the difference until someone told me to google it.
Refillable Water Bottle: Water is free onboard so just keep refilling your bottle if you don’t want to keep going back and forth.
TSA Approved Toiletry Bag: If you are going through the airport first and don’t want to deal with the TSA about your liquids. With a Tocelffe Clear Toiletry Bag I was able to get through TSA easily. I get way too anxious at the airport to get stopped. It has individual containers for different liquids so you can keep different ones inside your carry on bag while you wait for your luggage and cabin room.
Motion sickness medications / patch: I get sea sick but Dramamine motion sickness helped me during the cruise. For an extra measure, I put on Motion Sickness Patches. It doesn’t smell the best, but it did its job for me.
What to Wear on Virgin Voyages
You can wear anything on VV, nothing too formal happens.
Daytime Outfits
Tank Tops, Tees, Blouses
Dresses
Shorts, Skirts, Pants
Swimwear and Cover Ups
Athletic Wear
Evening Outfits
Smart Casual Clothes: Dining and Shows But you can wear anything as long as you have clothes on in the dining area.
Something Red for Scarlet Night: Not mandatory but it’s fun to join the crowd with this one.
Pajamas for Pajama Night: You can wear anything that you are comfortable to wear around other people.
Underwear
Bras
Socks
Accessories / Jewelry
Comfortable Shoes: This really does make or break my trip. I get grumpy and mean when my feet start to hurt. I used Kizik Shoes for this trip and it was so comfy for me. The great thing for me is I didn’t need to tie my shoes over and over again. I was able to slip my feet in and out so easily after a long day.
Accessories & Extras
Headphones - Sometimes I use this when I want to tune everyone out and just relax on the deck.
E-Reader or Books: I just want to listen and look out at the ocean during sea days, I listen to my Audible and just tune everyone out. But sometimes I do keep like to read with my Kindle Unlimited Membership. I download audio books / book just before I get on the ship just incase the wifi isn’t strong enough on board.
Complimentary Audible Membership 30 Day Trial Link Here
Complimentary Audible Membership 30 Day Trial Link Here
Small Bag : I like to keep my portable charger on me when I walk around and I like to have some cash on me just incase I feel like gambling in the casino. I use Pander Cross Body Bag when I walk around. It’s small enough that I barely notice. Skysper Sling Bag is a bigger anti theft bag and I used it for port days.
Pander Cross Body Bag Link Here
Tech & Gadgets
European Plug Adapter: Must need if you are from America. The Vintar European Travel Plug worked perfectly for us. Plus it has additional usb plugs. It’s a great budget find.
Vintar European Travel Plug Link Here
Waterproof Phone Case: If you know you are doing water activities during your cruise, the Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch works great with water. Protip, before using any waterproof pouch, put a paper towel inside first to see if there is a hole inside the pouch.
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch Link Here
Tripod - I get shy asking people to take my photos and so I just bring my EUCOS 62" Phone Tripod everytime I go on a trip. It’s very compact and light. Great thing is it can be used as a selfie stick too. 2 in 1!
EUCOS 62" Phone Tripod Link Here
Toiletries & Self Care
Make Up
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hairbrush
Hair Ties
Hair Accessories
Face Wash
Body Soap (VV does provide but I like to bring my own)
Shampoo (VV does provide it but since my scalp gets dry, I use a certain one)
Conditioner (I use a certain one for my hair)
Things You Don’t Need
Towels
Tips
Pack light - Cabins have limited spaces so mix and match outfits. They also have laundry options onboard for extra cost. We did it once on our 7 night cruise.
Check Itinerary for specific dress codes and requirements.
Please check Virgin Voyages Prohibited Items just in case you are allowed to bring an item.