If you dream of a unique, modern, adults-only, all Inclusive and unforgettable cruise, Virgin Voyages might just be your next dream getaway. I had the incredible opportunity to spend a week aboard the Scarlet Lady, departing from Barcelona. And trust me, after reading this article, you’ll have only one desire: to step aboard!

Virgin Voyages stands out with its innovative and fresh approach to cruising. Here’s my full review of the Scarlet Lady, which also applies to the other three ships in the fleet: the Valiant Lady, the Resilient Lady, and the Brilliant Lady, as they are sister ships.

For more details and all the questions like”Are Virgin Voyages Adults only, all Inclusive, how many ships, the destinations, what Virgin voyages is known for, etc. feel free to check out my dedicated article here.

Read on for the best tips and information including:

• Booking Process, the App & All-Inclusive

• Description of the Cabin

• The Onboard Activities

• The Dining Experiences

• My Opinion with my Pros and Cons

Before Departure: Simplicity and Speed

From the moment you book, Virgin Voyages makes life easier with its mobile app. Intuitive and practical, the app allows you to:

• Complete your online check-in

• View ship maps

• Book excursions (available 120 days before departure), specialty restaurants, or shows (reservations open 45 days before departure)

• Order room service ($7 delivery fee, free for suites or selected included dishes)

  
  
  However, the app still has some minor bugs — I had to restart it several times during my trip.

Pro Tip: Be sure to book your specialty restaurants, excursions, and shows as soon as reservations open on the app because spots fill up quickly! As a couple, we always managed to find space in restaurants or at shows by checking availability directly in the evening, but it’s highly recommended to secure your reservations as soon as possible.

On Departure Day: Smooth and Swift Boarding

Embarkation was impressively fast:
1. Arrival at the terminal and luggage drop-off.
2. Receipt of a connected bracelet — The Band (a fun keepsake!) — which serves as your cabin key and onboard payment method.
3. Cabin check-in completed in less than 10 minutes.

The efficiency was outstanding, and our luggage followed just 10 minutes later. A seamless experience from start to finish!

A Modern and Comfortable Cabin

I stayed in a Sea Terrace cabin with a balcony, and here’s what I loved about it:

A Spacious Balcony: Two chairs, a table, and... a hammock!

An Incredibly Comfortable Bed: The mattress and linens were top-notch.

Modern Amenities: A tablet lets you control the lighting, curtains, and TV. The “Hangover” lighting mode is a fun touch. Plus, there’s an extensive library of on-demand movies.

A Practical Bathroom: Equipped with a stylish basin sink and a shower featuring both a handheld and a rainfall showerhead. Eco-friendly toiletries are included. However, the shower is quite compact, so if you’re planning for anything more than a quick rinse, you might want to focus on the bed instead!

Impeccable Service: Our steward was absolutely delightful, attentive, and thoughtful. Beyond the standard morning service, there’s an evening turndown service where towels are replaced, and the cabin is tidied up after your evening shower. You’ll also have a carafe of water refilled twice daily if needed—a touch of luxury not all cruise lines offer.

Minor Drawback: Storage shelves are somewhat limited, but the spacious wardrobe makes up for it. There’s also the “day mode” option, where your steward folds the bed into a large sofa. Personally, we didn’t use it as I enjoy lounging on the bed at any time of day!

Pro Tip: I highly recommend opting for a Sea Terrace cabin. The hammock on the balcony is an absolute game-changer!

Onboard Activities: A Balance of Relaxation and Festive Vibes

The Scarlet Lady (like the other ships in the fleet) is a modern and elegant vessel, designed to provide comfort and entertainment in equal measure. With a capacity of 2,770 passengers, the Lady Ships strike the perfect balance—not too large to feel overwhelming, yet offering plenty of activities to keep you entertained throughout the day.

Pools, Jacuzzis, and Outdoor Spaces

The main pool is on the smaller side, but it’s perfect for a refreshing dip or relaxing moment. There are also numerous jacuzzis offering breathtaking views of the ocean or port cities. Comfortable sun loungers are plentiful, and there’s no “lounger war,” even on sea days!

The atmosphere is always lively, with a DJ curating a mix of relaxing tunes or upbeat music depending on the time of day.

Expansive terraces and oversized, super-comfy chairs are scattered across the ship, ensuring you can always find the perfect spot to unwind.

Fitness and Recreation

The upper deck features a running track and dedicated spaces for boxing and fitness activities. While we didn’t participate in the scheduled activities offered by Virgin Voyages (yoga, HIIT classes, etc.) due to work commitments, the variety of options is impressive. When not working, we made the most of our time exploring the ports of call!

Pro Tip: One unforgettable memory was our evening in Ibiza. While most guests partied the night away onshore, we chose to stay onboard. With the ship nearly empty, we enjoyed the jacuzzi, a cocktail in hand, and a stunning sunset over Ibiza’s old town. A magical moment!

Shows and Evenings: Entertainment with a Twist

Some reviews mention that Virgin Voyages’ shows differ significantly from traditional cruise performances. While that’s true, I personally don’t see it as a downside! If you’re a fan of Broadway-style productions or musicals, this may not be your cup of tea. But here, you’ll find thrilling acrobatics (made even more impressive by the fact that these feats are performed on a moving ship!) and interactive shows where guests vote for their favorite teams—all delivered with extraordinary quality.

If shows aren’t quite your thing, no worries! Simply explore the ship, and you’re bound to find the perfect spot for your vibe. For us, some of our favorite evenings were spent in an 80s-themed bar, where a friendly, laid-back atmosphere reigned. The bar offered fun activities like board games and classics like shuffleboard, making for a great night.

Another standout evening took place at the jazz bar, where an incredibly talented saxophonist created pure magic. With his soulful voice and masterful blues, he electrified the entire room. I truly wished that moment could have lasted forever!

We also have a soft spot for cruise ship casinos—our little guilty pleasure. I love slipping into an elegant gown, stepping into heels, and joining my partner at a gaming table. The atmosphere feels straight out of 21: Las Vegas. The dealers are incredibly friendly, always happy to explain the rules, share a few tips, and chat about your day. It’s all done in a relaxed, welcoming environment that we absolutely love.

Scarlet Night: A Night to Remember
Finally, there’s Scarlet Night, Virgin Voyages’ modern twist on the traditional cruise captain’s night. The dress code? Red—or at least a splash of it. After dinner, the entire ship comes alive around the pool for an awe-inspiring acrobatic performance by a talented troupe, backed by a DJ who keeps the energy high. Then, the dance floor is yours! Whether you’re dipping your toes in the water—or going all in—the party vibes last well into the night.

This all-American party atmosphere is absolutely infectious. I can honestly say I hadn’t experienced a night as unforgettable as this in years!

Exceptional Dining: A Gastronomic Delight

How can I put this? Every meal on Virgin Voyages is a true experience. I found myself eagerly looking forward to each dining occasion—it’s safe to say this is the best food I’ve ever had on a cruise!

On our first night, we dined at The Test Kitchen, a fusion restaurant with a unique atmosphere. Seated at a large table with a direct view of the chefs at work, we were treated to an array of intriguing, trompe-l’œil dishes. While it wasn’t my personal favorite (some flavors were a little out of my comfort zone), the experience itself was absolutely worth it.

The Gunbae Korean BBQ offered an ultra-festive atmosphere with communal tables seating eight people. The fun kicks off with a drinking game hosted by the servers before they bring out the ingredients for tableside grilling. It’s an evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and truly exceptional food!

My absolute favorite, however, was Pink Agave. This upscale Mexican restaurant served exquisite tapas accompanied by divine cocktails. Every bite was an explosion of flavors—a culinary experience that left a lasting impression.

For lunch, we often opted for The Galley, a casual dining space with a plethora of options: burgers, sushi, poke bowls, salads, and more. Every dish was consistently delicious, no exceptions! On Virgin Voyages, mealtime becomes a highlight of your day—a true joy every single time.

Unforgettable Moments at The Wake
But the culinary highlight of the trip was undoubtedly The Wake. Situated at the aft of the ship with stunning ocean views, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. We enjoyed a late breakfast here, featuring divine pancakes that I still dream about. For dinner, we savored perfectly cooked steak—a rare feat on an American cruise line, where rare meats often miss the mark.

Pro Tip: I strongly advise booking your speciality restaurants as soon as they become available on the app, as they tend to fill up quickly!

My Opinion

Would I return to Virgin Voyages? A resounding YES! I honestly can’t wait...

Here’s a summary of the company’s strengths and weaknesses in the table below:

If you want to know more, check out my detailed article with all the information about the company (here).

You can browse all cruises offered by Virgin Voyages [here], or contact me directly: a.demoreau@ifyoucruise.com or by phone at 02/ 586 4425. Don’t hesitate—I guarantee you’ll have one of the best cruises of your life!