Cruise tips to make your very first cruise truly unforgettable

Get ready to embark on your first cruise by reviewing our important cruise tips that will make your first voyage fun, enjoyable, and memorable, even if you've never cruised before . We’ll be able to get you on your way, from figuring out what to pack in your luggage for your first cruise , to where you want to cruise to, where to book your cabin, and activities to do onboard and shore excursions on your first cruise to make a memorable vacation!

 1. Gather Your Travel Documents

Before you figure out where you want to go on your first cruise, it’s important to make sure that you have the travel documents necessary for your cruise . You can upload your passport to the Virgin Voyages mobile app when checking in after you've booked your cruise.

Depending on where you'd like to travel to on your first cruise, you’ll want to find out the necessary travel documents you’ll need to board the cruise ship on embarkation day, and possibly if you need any documentation to get back onto the ship if and when you go on a shore excursion while at a port of call.

2.  Research Vacation Spots, and how many days you want to cruise

For planning your first cruise , do you want relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both? If you want a beach vacation, find destinations that will cater to your needs, such as our private Bimini Beach on a cruise to the Bahamas . With over 100 destinations you’re sure to find one that fits your budget and vacation vibes.

3. Finding Cruise Deals

For your first cruise, you’ll want to search for “ deals for first cruise ” to find the best time for booking your cruise . Don’t spend too much time shopping around, because cruise deals tend to come and go very quickly, so lock in your discounted rate as soon as you can. If you miss a cruise deal on our website, don’t worry, sign up for our cruise deal email alerts to catch the next promotion.

4. Find your Perfect Cabin Room, and Book Your Cruise

Once you know where you ‘d like to take your first cruise vacation, it’s time to choose the right cabin . If you’re cruising solo, you may want to go with a single person cabin. Regardless there are plenty of cabins to choose from, consider your preference when deciding on cabin type: do you want an inside cabin, one with oceanview, do you want a balcony, do you want upgraded VIP services that come with booking a suite? Virgin Voyages cruise ship cabins are exclusive super-yacht inspired designed to optimize space and views. With our new cruise ships, your cabin will be decked out with gorgeously-designed furnishings and lighting to match your mood!

5. Embrace the delicious uncertainty of the unknown.

Whatever your cruise itinerary, you’re going to sea on the best cruises for adults . Beyond borders and away from your every day, a voyage on our lady ships is a journey as much into yourself as it is to breathtaking destinations around the world. Think about it—you’ve literally and figuratively left it all behind.

Fresh air and fresh opportunities await. So, be open to discovering a new favorite dish, like Pink Agave’s “Hoja Santa” with quesillo de oaxaca, root beer leaf, salsa macha, and pineapple, or The Wake’s salt-crusted dorade fish, expertly finished table-side with caper lemon butter sauce. On your first cruise, be the one who starts a champagne toast around the bonfire at The Beach Club at Bimini. Bounce super high in bungee fitness class even though you’ve never tried it before. Share secrets with seven incredible new friends you met in a vineyard just that day, as the coast of Sardinia slips into the horizon. 

The ocean humbles and inspires, relaxes and invigorates. You may encounter a new you out there. Be open to it.

6. Consider Travel Insurance

Speaking of the unkown, since this will be your first cruise, anything can happen, so it may be best to consider purchasing a travel insurance policy, you never know how it will come in handy.

7. Pack what makes you feel extraordinary — the best version of you, for your first cruise.

So your dream getaway is booked and now it’s time to consider what things to pack for your cruise. Pack essential items, like medications and travel documents, in your carry-on bag to have immediate access. Aside from the usual, tried-and-true essentials (sandals, SPF, sunglasses, etc) — our most important cruise tip is to dress in outfits that make you feel, well, you.

You should be comfortable; there’s no such thing as a dress code on board our cruise ships , we just ask that you wear outfits that make you feel amazing, even at our PJ Party, and for Scarlet Night! That being said, vacation is an opportunity to take risks, so if you feel like digging deep into your closet for those looks that might normally be a little ‘extra’ for your daily life, go for it, because “normal” isn’t a thing beyond the dock, especially on adults only cruise ships .

Think looks that sparkle under the stars, keep you cool in dazzling sunshine, and cause double-takes as you sip a double espresso. Need more inspiration? We’re talking flowing fabrics that billow in the breeze when you’re touring the castillos of San Juan. Satin and silk PJ sets to slip into for champagne toasts during a sunset sail away from Costa Maya. That linen guayabera shirt you impulsively bought on Calle Ocho in Miami? 100 percent necessary. And the swimsuit you wouldn’t dare wear back at home? It’s time. 

But the one cruise outfit idea you absolutely cannot forget: something scarlet, for our inimitable Scarlet Night party that happens throughout the ship one evening on every voyage. To see what we mean, you’ll have to experience it yourself , but trust that there’s never been a more perfect opportunity to show off your authentic style.

8. Download the Virgin Voyages Mobile App

Once you’ve booked your first cruise, download the Virgin Voyages mobile application. Our mobile application is available for both iOS and Android mobile devices. Once downloaded, access the itinerary for your first cruise, check in, and manage your cruise all from the palm of your hand. You’ll also be able to check in ahead of time, reserve dinner at various restaurants, connect with other sailors, sign up for activities and shows and a whole lot more!

Do cruise ships have WiFi? Well, our lady ships certainly do have (free!) WiFi, but they also have an incredible and intuitive app that’s your key to crafting your perfect vacation before you even come aboard. 

Once you’re sailing, the app shifts into serving as something like your personal assistant at sea. Indispensable and always available, it’s the digital destination for every day’s activities…and a shortcut to getting Champagne delivered. Just shake your phone to reveal a (sparkly) secret. Seriously, you won’t regret it.

9.  Board on Time - Arrive a day or two ahead of your departure day

One of the most important tips for a first time cruise outside of gathering your travel documents is to ensure that you board the cruise ship on time to start your vacation. In order to kick start things, plan to be in the port city you’ll be sailing out of at least one day ahead of embarkation. Whether you’re driving to the port, taking a train, or flying in make sure to plan to be there one day before. On the day of boarding, ensure to show up at the cruise terminal 2-3 hours before boarding time. Also, research any additional pre-boarding requirements to ensure you board the cruise ship for your first cruise on time.

10. Head to the Terminal, Board the Ship, and Enjoy Your Journey

Although you may not have expectations, we’ve gone out of our way to provide onboard entertainment, activities, and services tailor made to make your first cruise one you’ll never forget. So have fun, don’t forget to take pictures and post to Facebook, and/or Instagram, take advantage of our free WiFi service, and savior the moments while you enjoy your first cruise!

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Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Review: A Trendy New Experience

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you purchase via my links at no cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

I recently embarked on a unique four-night cruise with Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady. Scarlet Lady has reinvented the cruise experience with its unconventional approach to cruising.

The trendy tattoo parlor, hipster karaoke lounge, and edgy entertainment options set this ship apart from other cruise ships I’ve sailed with.

Virgin Voyages’ relaxed dress code , refined dining, elegant cabins, vibrant nightlife, and welcoming crew members only added to the allure of the Scarlet Lady. The attentiveness to detail and commitment to quality service made my time onboard truly memorable.

I was really looking forward to writing my Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady review.

After all the marketing and excitement around the new adult-only cruise line , I couldn’t wait to explore everything the ship had to offer. And I was thoroughly impressed.

Table of Contents

Scarlet Lady Overview

The bow of scarlet lady docked in Key West Florida

Scarlet Lady is a cruise ship owned and operated by Virgin Voyages cruise line. She is the inaugural ship for the cruise line and was delivered on February 14, 2020, by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The ship completed its maiden voyages in October 2021 after delays during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ship can accommodate 2,770 passengers and 1,150 crew members, resulting in a passenger-to-crew ratio of 2.41. The vessel has 17 decks and offers over 20 restaurants and dining experiences.

Scarlet Lady uses wearable technology rather than a traditional cruise card. Sailors can use the bracelet to make purchases, access their room, game at the ship’s casino , and embark and disembark the ship.

Close up of Virgin Voyages wearable bracelet on a womans wrist

“The Band” is made in partnership with  BIONIC® Yarn  and contains six grams of recycled ocean plastic. The wearable technology showcases Virgin Cruises’ commitment to sustainable ocean travel while providing sailors with state-of-the-art technology to enhance the guest experience.

The ship’s chic layout includes modern bars, nightspots, and a Squid Ink tattoo parlor.

It all goes into the cruise line’s casual, fun, and party atmosphere.

Virgin Voyages definitely isn’t shy. Sex is an underlying theme on the cruise ship. You’ll find provocative venue names and sexual undertones at most venues and shows.

The edgy and sexual undertones were fun initially but became tiring and overworked by the end of the voyage.

I did get a laugh at the ice cream place “Lick Me Till Ice Cream.”

Scarlet Lady Statistics

Scarlet Lady aft while docked at PortMiami Terminal V

  • Cruise Line:  Virgin Voyages
  • Registry:  Bahamas
  • Year Built:  2020
  • Passenger Capacity:  2,770
  • Decks:  17
  • Passenger Decks:  13
  • Gross Tonnage:  110,000
  • Length:  909 ft
  • Beam:  125 ft
  • Total Cabins:  1408
  • Inside Cabins:  105
  • Outside Cabins:  1,303
  • Number of Crew:  1,160

Design and Aesthetics

Passengers on the Pool deck of Virgin Voyages Scarlet lady cruise ship in the Bahamas

When stepping aboard Scarlet Lady, I immediately noticed the ship’s unique design and aesthetics. Bold colors and contemporary design elements create an upscale atmosphere, making the trip feel more like a luxury yacht than a cruise ship.

One of my favorite aspects of the cabins was the private terraces with their bright red hammocks. The terrace provides a perfect spot to enjoy the open sea.

Each area of the ship has a unique theme and atmosphere.

virgin voyages dress code

Virgin put a lot of thought into the ship’s design. The venues are simply marvelous.

But I can’t help but find a lack of attention placed on navigation.

Despite studying the deck plans, the ship’s layout is somewhat confusing. The winding hallways don’t follow a logical route.

Many of the venues are challenging to locate.

The small pool on Scarlet Lady

Take the pool, for example.

You’d expect to find the doors leading to the pool deck when you exit the elevator. Instead, you must walk to the end of a hallway before making a left or right. And then make your way down another short corridor before you find the pool.

Sailor Services is another example of lousy layout choices.

Most cruise ships place guest services in a central location, such as the atrium.

On Scarlet Lady, Sailor Services is on Deck 5.

Worse still, behind Sailor Services is the Pink Agave restaurant. The only way in or out of the restaurant is by walking through guest services.

Unlike most cruise ships, Scarlet Lady lacks a traditional multi-story atrium. Instead, The Roundabout functions as the ship’s central hub.

The staircase and atrium on Scarlet Lady cruise ship

A ship’s atrium is where you feel the excitement of passengers. Without a proper atrium, the vessel felt a bit quiet.

While I loved the unique experiences and atmospheres around the ship, the small rooms, closed doors, and lack of multi-story venues made the vessel feel small and gave me a claustrophobic feeling.

But awkward layout choices didn’t ruin the experience. After a couple of days, I got the hang of navigating the ship.

The cruise line could improve navigation by adding more signs around the ship. Although there are interactive displays near the elevators, a few signs would make finding where you’re going easier.

It’s also essential to keep the design choices in perspective. Scarlet Lady is the first cruise ship by a brand new cruise line. While not perfect, Scarlet Lady does an impressive job with its design, atmosphere, and offerings.

Health and Safety Protocols

A security guard standing next to the Virgin Voyages logo on the cruise ship Scarlet Lady

Health and safety protocols were clearly a priority throughout my time on the Scarlet Lady, giving me peace of mind as I enjoyed my cruise. The crew maintained a clean and hygienic environment, with frequent public spaces and facilities sanitation. 

The ship was remarkably clean. Even for a newer ship, I was impressed at the level of cleanliness.

Scarlet Lady features plenty of seating in public spaces, often accompanied by pillows for comfort. No matter how passengers used the pillows, the Virgin Voyages staff quickly put them back in place.

It was rare to see unattended pillows out of place for more than a few minutes.

As part of protocols, every passenger must complete the mandatory muster drill before the ship departs. Completing the muster drill was quick and easy, as we were given a two-hour window to visit our assigned station.

Cabin Accommodations

The sea terrace cabin on Scarlet lady with curtains bed and tv

Scarlet Lady’s cabins are cleverly designed to maximize space and functionality. An impressive 93 percent of staterooms have ocean views,​ with most cabins boasting balconies, offering passengers private ocean views.

Upon entering my Sea Terrace accommodations, the cabin makes quite the first impression.

As I entered, I was immediately greeted by the curtains opening, revealing the Miami skyline. At the same time, the cabin’s neon lighting turned on, showcasing a modern yet comfortable cabin aesthetic.

Despite the minimal square footage, the bright colors and contemporary design made the small cabin feel spacious.

The makeup desk in a virgin voyages cabin

The cabin has a double bed that can be split into two, providing two single beds or a single bed and sofa configuration.

There’s also flat-screen interactive TV, an iPad for controlling room features, a mini-fridge, a closet, and a safe.

The iPad controlled everything from TV, curtains, lights, mood lighting, and music. There are preset settings for the mood lighting and music to set the scene for a party, nap, relaxing getaway, or adult time.

I travel light, so I have more than enough storage space. But, the cabin has noticeably less storage than other cruise ships.

The ship currently sails on four and five-night itineraries. So the lack of storage shouldn’t be an issue. But it is something to be aware of before your sail.

The desk provided several outlets and USB charging stations, but it had fewer drawers than expected.

a red hammock on the balcony of a scarlet lady sea terrace cabin

I never knew I needed a hammock on balcony cabins until now. I spent more time than I could count swaying in the hammock. It’s a feature I wish more cruise lines would adopt.

Like other cruise ships, the cabin bathroom is especially small. I appreciated the glass shower door compared to the curtain on some cruise ships—and taller passengers like myself like the ceiling-mounted shower head.

The hot water and pressure were better than I expected. And there were complimentary bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

The traditional “Do Not Disturb” door signs are replaced by a switch in the wardrobe.

Our room was made up once per day by the room stewards, and we could specify when they cleaned the room using the Do Not Disturb buttons.

A highlight of the Scarlet Lady is its Rock Star Quarters, featuring 78 luxury suites designed by Tom Dixon. The suites offer perks such as priority access to restaurants and venues, dedicated onboard agents, and access to the exclusive “Richard’s Rooftop” sundeck and bar.

Each suite has loungers, a hammock, a marble bathroom, and a king-sized bed. Suite options include the Brilliant Suite, Cheeky Corner Suite, Seriously Suite, and Sweet Aft Suite.

The Mega Rockstar Suites, including the Massive Suite, take luxury to another level with complimentary beverages onboard, private transfers, free access to the Redemption Spa thermal suite, and complimentary laundry. The Massive Suite has a primary bedroom, a private music room, a living room with a vinyl record player, and an expansive balcony with a hot tub, among other luxurious amenities.

Entertainment and Activities

The manor bar, nightclub, and entertainment venu on a cruise ship

Scarlet Lady offers plenty of activities and entertainment options. Before booking this cruise, I had heard a lot of positives about the onboard entertainment.

Unfortunately, this is one area where Scarlet Lady came up short.

The ship offers conventional fun like board games, swimming pools, hot tubs, trivia, and the casino.

One of my favorite activities was the massive chessboard positioned on deck 16’s starboard side towards the ship’s aft.

For adrenaline junkies, the Athletic Club on Deck 16 has a suspended cargo net that hangs above the ship’s wake. Watching others as they apprehensively walk across the net is still entertaining if you don’t have the nerve to give it a go.

A giant blown up octopus on the scarlet lady pool deck

I was disappointed by the limited activities and live music during the day. The ship didn’t have any live music around the pool deck. And there were very few live performances at the bars and lounges.

You can see the daily activities in the app. But I was surprised at how few activities were scheduled each day.

Scarlet Lady does an excellent job of spreading people throughout the ship. It’s rare to find large gatherings.

While the lack of crowds was excellent, there seemed to be fewer crowds because there was less to do.

With fewer activities around the ship, the two pools were almost always crowded. And I had no luck getting a pool lounger after 11 am.

Crew members on scarlet lady perform in the atrium during scarlet night

Come nighttime, the ship’s entertainment picks up for one of the better parties at sea.

Scarlet Lady offers two primary entertainment venues; The Manor, part theatre and part night club, and The Red Room, a transformational theatre where the main shows occur.

The Red Room is the ship’s main auditorium, hosting high-tech productions and music-focused showcases. This innovative theater morphs into different configurations and offers a unique setting each evening.

I found the shows to be outstanding. The performers did an incredible job, and the technology provided a unique experience that sets Virgin Voyages shows apart from others in the cruise industry.

But, while the production value was high, many of the shows lacked direction.

Inside the red room on Scarlet Lady during a performance of Dual Reality

Each show had a specific focus. For example, Dual Reality showcased incredible acrobatics and aerial stunts. While the performers were captivating, the show’s plot seemed convoluted.

 For the amount of effort the cruise line takes to put on such a spectacle, a little attention to the story elements would go a long way.

The Manor, named in homage to Richard Branson’s first recording studio, functions as a bar, theater, and club spread over two levels. Imbued with a mix of theatrical elegance and the raw energy of ’70s punk, it’s a venue that knows how to set the mood.

For a dose of nostalgia, the ship also boasts an arcade reminiscent of the golden age of gaming. If you have a flair for singing, The Groupie offers private karaoke sessions.

Scarlet Night on Virgin Voyages. The pool deck is full of passengers and crew throwing a party under the stars

One of the ship’s most sought-after events is the Scarlet Night Pool Party. Sailors don red attire and dance under the stars alongside performers on the main pool deck.

Food and Dining

Passengers enjoying lunch at the vegetarian restaurant Razzle Dazzle

The food and restaurants on Virgin Voyages were some of the best dining experiences, not just at sea but anywhere.

Unlike traditional cruise ships, there’s no main dining room on Scarlet Lady.

Instead, the ship is home to more than 20 places to eat, with menus created in partnership with Micheline star chefs.

Most of the restaurants are open throughout the day. But a few of the specialty venues have limited lunch and dinner hours.

You can book a reservation once per restaurant during a sailing. There’s no limit to the number of times you can eat at a restaurant, but if you run out of reservations, you may need to wait until a table becomes available.

The Galley on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady with Diner & Dash and Bento Baby in the background

 While on the cruise, I ate at all Scarlet Lady’s restaurants.

Each restaurant offers a unique experience, from the decor to the menu. With so many options, there’s something for everyone to love.

The Gally replaces the traditional cruise ship buffet. This food court-style eatery is home to several dining options.

Each venue in The Galley has its own hours of operation, which makes it a bit confusing, considering the menu doesn’t list the hours of operation for each food stall.

Chefs making made to order pizza on Scarlet Lady at the Pizza Place Restaurant

If you can sail on Virgin Voyages, you must stop by The Pizza Place for the best pizza at sea. My personal favorites are “pretty fly for a white pie” and “chicken pesto.”

Pink Agave and Gunbae provide shared dining experiences. As a more reserved person, I hesitated to share a table with strangers. But I met some really incredible people.

Gunbae is a Korean-style barbeque restaurant. The night begins with a drinking game hosted by your waiter. After the game, your server prepares the food with BBQ grills built into the table.

Test Kitchen restaurant on Scarlet Lady. The restaurant has a laboratory inspired decor and atmosphere

Test Kitchen is another favorite of mine. The restaurant has a laboratory-themed atmosphere and provides a six-course meal of culinary experimentation. The restaurant offers two menus that rotate during the cruise. I regret not returning to try the second Test Kitchen menu.

Bars and Lounges

On the Rocks bar on Scarlet Lady

There are several bars and lounges with unique atmospheres and signature drinks.

Sip is a popular champagne bar with an upscale atmosphere. The signature cocktail Double Agent is one of the most delicious drinks I’ve ever had.

The drink Double Agent from the Sip Lounge on Scarlet Lady

Pink Agave is hidden away at the lower decks, with the Mezcal Bar offering a vast selection of tequila and Mezcal. The Dock and the Dock House at the aft provide a laid-back vibe with small Mediterranean dishes. They also offer amazing pressed juices.

Razzle Dazzle has the Red Bar with Instagram-worthy cocktails, such as the goldfish or the popcorn old-fashioned. Draught Haus is a haven for beer lovers with various brews on tap, bottled, and canned beers.

The drink Are We At Sea from the On The Rocks Bar

On the Rocks is one of the most popular bars on the ship, with a central location on the lower deck of the atrium. The bar features a menu of martinis and cocktails, emphasizing aged spirits served “on the rocks.” My favorite drink was,  Are We At Sea?

Fitness and Wellness

TechnoGym fitness equipment on a cruise ship

Virgin Voyages places a big emphasis on healthy living. Regarding fitness at sea, the cruise line has your back (and your biceps and your zen)!

Sweat it out with sunrise yoga, outdoor boxing, meditation, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

The ship also features state-of-the-art Techno Gym equipment for weights, stretching, and core exercises. As a fitness buff, I can honestly say the gym on Scarlet Lady was one of the best-equipped fitness centers on a cruise ship .

Cardio equipment on a cruise ship

The ship also offers free group fitness classes or even get one-on-one attention with personal training sessions. If cardio is your thing, head to the Bike & Burn section for some heart-pounding workouts on state-of-the-art machines or a spin class in the cycling studio.

But wellness isn’t just about getting your heart rate up.

The Redemption Spa is your haven of tranquility and self-preservation.

The Thermal Suite offers various services, from a mud room, salt room, sauna, and steam room, to hot and cold plunge pools and heated marble hammam benches.

Virgin Voyages offers plenty of other opportunities to pamper yourself on Scarlet Lady. 

Looking for a beauty touch-up? The Tune Up offers luxurious manicures and pedicures, from organic and invigorating soaks to more lavish decorative nail art.

And if you’re seeking Medi-spa services (like Botox, fillers, or IV therapy), you’ll check in here and be taken to your therapeutic services.

Get your hair done at the salon, where you can coif, tease, dye, or curl your way to the mermaid locks of your dreams. From blowouts and conditioning treatments to highlights and brow services, you’ll look as good as you feel.

Stubble & Groom is a barber shop with nods to past British traditions of men looking and feeling ship shape. From beard trims and haircuts to pedicures designed to put an extra pep in your step, it’s the perfect place to refresh and refine.

And for those looking for a more permanent souvenir of their voyage, Virgin Voyages has partnered with World Famous Tattoo Ink, Body Art Alliance, and Freshly Inked Magazine to open the first tattoo studio at sea. Squid Ink provides small-sized tattoos with nautical and traditional themes.

Inclusive Cruise Fare

Scarlet Lady’s main pool deck at night with lighting

Virgin Voyages offers an inclusive cruise fare termed “Always Included Luxury.”

Their inclusive pricing makes Virgin one of the most inclusive-priced mainstream cruise lines. Though it may initially seem more expensive than other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages eliminates hidden fees and provides a comprehensive package. Below is the summary of what’s included on my Scarlet Lady cruise :

  • Accommodations : Cruise fare includes cabin accommodations, with options ranging from cozy cabins to Rockstar suites. Around 93% of Scarlet Lady’s cabins have ocean views, and 86% have balconies, with a signature red hammock on every balcony.
  • Food and Dining : All meals at over 20 onboard restaurants are included in the cruise fare. Unlike most mainstream cruise lines, the cruise fare includes dining at every restaurant on the ship. There’s no extra charge to eat at the specialty restaurants.
  • Drinks : Essential non-alcoholic beverages such as sodas, water, drip coffee, tea, and non-pressed juices are included. They offer one of the largest selections of complimentary beverages. You can also purchase alcoholic beverages or the Virgin Voyages drink package at an additional cost.
  • Onboard Activities : A range of activities is included in the cruise fare, emphasizing fitness and healthy living. There are two fitness rooms, a running track, a sports court, outdoor workout spaces, and free guest fitness classes. Traditional cruise activities such as games, lounges, pools, and hot tubs are also available.
  • Entertainment : The cruise includes live performances, DJs, parties, and immersive experiences. There are two main entertainment venues – The Manor and The Red Room. The Red Room offers Broadway-style productions, while The Manor is a two-story bar, theater, and nightclub. You don’t need to pay for entertainment on the ship, but you might need to reserve your spot at shows through the mobile app.
  • WiFi : The cruise fare includes Virgin Voyages Basic WiFi . My speed tests found consistent internet speeds of 1-2 Mbps, fast enough for web browsing, email, and messaging. Streaming is unavailable on the basic plan but can be accessed by upgrading to the Premium Voyage WiFi package.
  • Gratuities : Gratuities are included in the cruise fare. This also applies to alcoholic drinks, meaning there are no additional service charges on beverage purchases except for applicable taxes.

Virgin Voyages’ pricing is all-inclusive and transparent, providing cruisers a hassle-free and luxurious experience. While the cruise fare is higher than other brands, I loved knowing all my upfront costs. The staff wasn’t pushy selling upsells, and it made for a more relaxing experience.

Virgin Voyages App

The Virgin Voyages App is essential for getting the most out of your Virgin Voyages cruise. You can make reservations, purchase shore excursions, and book activities and shows all from the app.

You can also get a paper copy of the daily activities from Sailor Services or at Grounds Club.

You don’t need to make dinner reservations to eat at any of the onboard restaurants, but I highly recommend booking your time.

Dinner spots fill up fast. And if you don’t have a reservation, you may be stuck waiting in line or eating dinner in the gally.

You can view and manage my onboard expenses easily through the app. Purchases update in real-time so you can easily track your spending.

One nice feature is adding friends and family through a QR code. Once you add someone, you can book reservations and shore excursions together.

There’s also a secret button hidden in the app.

When the app opens, shake your phone to reveal a “Shake for Champagne” button. Click the button to have Moet Champagne delivered to your location.

The cruise line claimed that the smart bracelets made it easy for staff to deliver champagne. But it’s a common sight to see lost and confused staff members searching for the correct passenger to deliver the bottle of champagne.

While the app is useful when it works, I often encountered bugs and glitches.

All too often, I’d see a notice about technical difficulties or trouble connecting to online services.

The user interface could be better. While the app is straightforward, booking restaurants and shore excursions took far too many clicks.

There’s also a messaging feature. But after a couple of tries and too many issues to count, I gave up on messaging.

The app works with the free Virgin Voyages WiFi.

I recommend upgrading to the faster Premium Voyage internet package. The quicker speeds go a long way. It’s slower than you might be used to, but it’s much better than the free internet.

Beach Club at Bimini

Passengers lounging in one of the two pools at Beach Club at Bimini with DJ and dancers in the background

During my Scarlet Lady cruise, I enjoyed visiting Virgin’s private club, Beack Club at Bimini.

The club is located on North Bimini Island in the Bahamas, offering a private resort experience for cruise-goers.

Surprisingly, The Beach Club is actually owned by Resorts World. Virgin Voyages and Resorts World worked together in constructing the private beach resort.

One of the restaurants and dining areas at Beach Club at Bimini

When a Virgin cruise ship is docked in Bimini, cruise guests have exclusive access to the club.

My day at the Beach Club started with a short walk from the ship to the shuttle line.

Upon reaching the club, I was greeted by two large pools, a live DJ, white sand beaches, and crystal blue waters. The club was large and had plenty of space for guests to spread out, offering plenty of loungers and umbrellas.

Travelers gather around the bar at Virgin Voyages Private Island

While at Beach Club at Bimini , I enjoyed lounging on beach chairs, sipping refreshing drinks, listening to music, and dipping my toes in the pool.

Embarkation and Disembarkation

Virgin Voyages Terminal V at the Miami Cruise Port

Virgin Voyages begins embarkation later than other cruise lines, with the first group embarking at 2 pm.

The check-in process was efficient and smooth, with minimal waiting in lines.

I booked my cruise only three days before departure, so I was resigned to choosing a later, 4:30 embarkation time slot. Still, the speedy embarkation process had me on the ship earlier than my assigned time.

A whole hour and a half earlier.

The helpful staff ensured I was cared for as quickly as possible, making my overall embarkation experience quite pleasurable.

The waiting area at Virgin Voyages cruise terminal with red sofas

Once I boarded the ship, I found my way to my cabin. I only packed a carry-on bag , so I didn’t need to wait for my luggage to arrive.

Disembarkation did not go so smoothly.

I booked a late disembarkation through the app.

I thought sleeping in and enjoying my lunch would be more relaxing before heading to Miami International Airport.

Maybe it was because of our late arrival at Miami Cruise Port, but disembarking could have been smoother. It took nearly an hour and a half of waiting in line before I got off the ship.

I’m going to cut them some slack, as our arrival was delayed by PortMiami.

The Virgin Voyages crew was outstanding. Every crew member interaction I had was kind, friendly, and helpful.

Crew members weren’t pushy to get passengers to purchase upsells, which was a nice change of pace from other mainstream cruise lines. But that also meant getting a server to take my drink order took a bit longer than expected.

The staff can mingle with guests and use public spaces when they’re not working.

With an average guest age in the 40s and 50s, the young crew made for a more diverse crowd on the ship.

Final Thoughts

I had the opportunity to sail on the Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages’ first cruise ship, and overall, I must say that my experience was outstanding. The ship is beautifully designed, and I couldn’t help but admire its aesthetics. I loved many aspects of the cruise, including the adult-only environment, the modern and stylish design, the inclusive pricing, and the variety of dining options available.

I especially enjoyed the live music and entertainment options throughout the cruise. There was always something happening, and the performers were genuinely talented. I also appreciated the focus on sustainability and environmental friendliness, which seemed to be a priority for Virgin Voyages.

The new cruise line has done an excellent job positioning itself as a modern and trendy vacation option for young adults . And the food was the best I’ve ever had on a cruise.

I recommend a Scarlet Lady cruise. And it won’t be the last time I sail with Virgin Voyages.

Marcello De Lio

Marcello De Lio

Marcello's been cruising since he was 12 years old. He loves the freedom that cruising provides, meeting new people, and exploring amazing new ships. Marcello created High Seas Cruising to share his passion for cruising and travel with readers and grow a community of passionate voyagers.

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Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady – Cruise Review – (Photos of Ship, Food, Cabins, and More)

I’ve just disembarked Virgin Voyages ‘ first cruise ship Scarlet Lady and the cruise wasn’t what I expected AT ALL.

I have to admit, I boarded the ship with low expectations. I’d toured the ship in early 2020 and didn’t fall in love with the ship in the way that I hoped I would.

I came away from that initial visit with more questions than answers and I had no idea who to recommend a Virgin Voyages cruise to.

If you’d asked me then if I’d ever cruise with Virgin I’d probably have said no, not unless some big things changed and spoiler alert, they did. 

Why Did I Decide to Book a Virgin Voyages Cruise?

A lot has happened since the start of 2020, and when I saw a 3-night cruise in a balcony for less than £500 ($700) I knew I had to try it.

I had no idea if I would like the cruise but I knew I had to get onboard to see if Virgin had listened to feedback and made any changes and to see if there were things I missed when I was last onboard. I ended up doing things, and seeing things I never thought I’d see on a cruise, and I’ll probably never see on any other cruise line. 

My initial visit was only for one night and my review was very based on the ship rather than the cruise line. I was hoping that there would be things about Virgin Voyages that would make me overlook the fact that the one and only pool was, and still is, so small and that there isn’t a single drawer in any of the cabins. 

virgin voyages scarlet lady whirlpool gym and tonic bar

The Early Signs Were Positive and I Was Optimistic

I was excited to see other people I knew cruising on the ship and even companies like CruiseCritic saying that although they were confused about Scarlet Lady before they had a great time onboard.

I really hoped my experience would be the same. 

virgin voyages dress code

Virgin always wanted to be different, they even have a tattoo parlour onboard which was quite popular.

Most cruise lines just have seats on the balconies, Virgin have hammocks, most cruise lines have little drinks in the mini bar, Virgin have erm… adult toys and in most of the world, soap is white, not on Virgin cruises, it’s black! 

I Paid £166 Per Night For The Cruise (More Than I Usually Would)

I paid £499 for 3 nights in a mid-ship sea terrace. I’d usually book an inside cabin but they were all sold out and that price included all gratuities, WiFi and soft drinks so I didn’t think it was too bad.

Every cabin had $100 onboard credit too. 

The cabins were one of the main bits of Scarlet Lady that I didn’t like when I first visited so I was interested to see if anything had changed.

Virgin really went all out when designing the cabins to do something that no other cruise line does and they did succeed with that, I’ve never been in a cabin quite like it. The cabin had a ‘get it on mode’ that turned everything pink and shut the curtains, I’ve never seen that one before! 

virgin voyages scarlet lady signs

Virgin Voyages Name Things Differently

Virgin call their balcony cabins sea terraces, their passengers sailors and the cruise and voyage. The travel agents are called first mates.

It is kinda like learning a new Virgin Voyages language but we got used to it pretty fast. You can work it out. 

The Virgin Voyages App Was Frustrating

Our cruise experience got off to a bit of a frustrating start trying to use the Virgin Voyages app.

It worked well for the embarkation info but when it came to booking dining reservations all kinds of weird things would happen. I would book a table and only half the people would go through, it would book for other people and not for me, then I didn’t have permission to delete them or add myself, I never managed to get it to work.

The customer services people called ‘sailor services’ did book the restaurants for me in the end and I’m glad I preserved because a lot of the restaurants were fully booked by the time we got onboard. 

virgin voyages scarlet lady gunbae korean barbeque

I knew I had to try Razzle Dazzle and we ate a LOT of food on this cruise, I would have been so annoyed if I missed out because it was already fully booked. 

Virgin don’t have the traditional ‘main dining room’, ‘speciality dining’ kinda of set up. All of the restaurants are included which is awesome and it’s all about the kinda small intimate spaces.

Virgin are very tech-focused so hopefully, they’ll iron out the problems with the app, they are a very new cruise line so some little kinks are to be expected but it was very frustrating. It has 1.9*s in the app store so it’s not just me that struggled with the app and I’ve seen newspapers mention how frustrating it was too. 

I Was Nervous Boarding The Ship

I have to be honest I was very nervous when we were boarding the ship. I didn’t know what to expect at all and I was worried I’d just feel awkward and nervous the entire time.

I knew that Virgin didn’t have traditional cruise entertainment and I’m quite introverted so the idea of participatory entertainment terrifies me and the daily schedule had things on it like like erotic evaluations and I just wanted to relax for the weekend, I was a little bit scared. 

virgin voyages scarlet lady

Embarkation Was Okay But it Could Have Been Improved

Embarkation took us just over two hours because we had to have COVID tests done. Everybody on the cruise was fully vaccinated and tested.

The testing was okay, it definitely could have been improved but I think we’re all pretty used to it by this point. We had to wait in our cars for a testing time, then go to a testing centre, then go into the port to board the ship.

I didn’t get onboard until after 5pm which was a bit disappointing because my 3 night cruise really was 2 days and an evening.

Hopefully the whole COVID testing bit won’t be needed forever. 

virgin voyages embarkation process

The Seabands are Seriously Cool

Before boarding we were given our sea bands, these acted like our cruise cards onboard to open our cabin door and buy things, you don’t get a cruise card at all, the band does it all.

Some people’s had their names on but mine just said ‘make a splash’ which I have to admit I did find quite funny given the size of the pool.

The bands made from recycled ocean plastic which is cool. 

virgin voyages dress code

The Roundabout and ‘Lick Me Til Ice-Cream’ Icecream Parlour

When we got onboard I instantly recognised the spaces. In the middle you’ll find this atrium area that Virgin call the roundabout and off the sides you’ll find a draught beer house and other bars where you can get a drink. 

To the side of the roundabout you’ll find an ice-cream parlour called lick me til ice cream.

virgin voyages scarlet lady icecream arlor lick me til icecream

I think people either love or hate this kind of naming, people either find it funny or in bad taste but either way the icecream was amazing, they had lots of cones and flavours to choose from and they had non dairy options too.

On other cruise lines I’m pretty sure an ice-cream parlour of this quality would have cost extra, it was much better than the cone of soft scoop you usually get by the pool. 

Virgin Voyages Crew Uniforms Are Very Casual

On most cruise lines the crew have very strict uniform and appearance guidelines that everybody has to stick to. Everybody wears the same thing and even things like makeup or hairstyles have to be approved.

This wasn’t the case at all on Virgin Voyages and it was amazing. Most of the waiters just wore a Virgin voyages t-shirt, jeans and trainers (sneakers).

virgin voyages scarlet lady uniform waiters t-shirt

It was still really easy to see who was the crew and who was a passengers but it was so nice to see the crew with visible tattoos, different hairstyles and makeup. The crew onboard were all so friendly and helpful and they seemed genuinely so happy. 

A friend of mine Lucy works onboard and she says Virgin are the best cruise line that she’s worked for, all of the crew get free WiFi, which they usually don’t and the food for the crew is great too. It’s really nice to hear that the crew are happy, happy crew make a happy ship. Check out her channel here: CruisingAsCrew .

The Virtual Muster Drill Was Easy Peasy

As soon as we got onboard there were announcements saying that we had to do the muster drill and we should go to watch the video in our cabin and then go to our muster station.

I really don’t like being late for things so I was thinking ‘ahh, we have to go’. We very quickly popped into our room, and were greeted with the curtains opening for us and the lights coming on. It was very cool, we didn’t have any of that last time I was onboard! 

I really wanted to try the hammock on the balcony and to see if the bathroom was as small as I remembered but after watching a very strange musical safety video we had to go to check into our muster station. Ours was in a venue called The Manor.

We only had to be at our muster station for about 10 minutes as they showed us how to put on a lifejacket and scanned our sea bands so they knew that we attended the drill. 

The Manor and Our Hilarious 80s Themed Exercise Class

The Manor is a very cool space that is split over two levels and we did an 80s themed exercise class here.

I don’t usually do too much exercise when I cruise, apart from walking up and down the stairs and around the ship but Virgin are all about the exercise classes.

They are included in the cruise fare so I decided to give it a go with a couple of friends.

emma cruises and cruise buoys

The 80s class was so much fun, it was ridiculous, funny and also a really hard workout.

Often when you do things like an 80s exercise class they’ll just be kinda gimmicky with a bit of exercising, this was a proper exercise class led by 3 instructors.

There definitely was some innuendo going on, but that’s Virgin Voyages for you. Scarlet Lady is a completely adult only ship, Virgin do have plans to build a family ship in future, but for now Virgin Voyages are strictly 18+. If you are easily offended, it might not be the cruise line for you.

virgin voyages scarlet lady 80s workout class

The instructors were pretending to do all kinds of things with the shake weights, which just made us laugh so our abs were worked out too. 

Virgin Voyages Are All About Exercise

There were lots of exercise classes happening onboard and the gym area is HUGE. There are things like pull up bars on the top deck, boxing rings and even gym like areas on the sides. 

Theres also a running track which goes around the top of the ship, the running track is out of the way of the people walking below which I think is great. It’s always annoying when people are trying to walk, run and stand in the same place at the same time. 

virgin voyages scarlet lady whirlpool top deck

A Free Glass of Something Bubbly!

After the muster drill we headed up to the top deck for a free glass of something bubbly.

The sun was shining which was a miracle and the pool deck was full. Our cruise sailed from Portsmouth on the south coast of England, round and round in circles and then came back to Portsmouth.

The ship was at 65% capacity due to COVID and social distancing. The ship normally holds around 2700ish passengers. 

Scarlet Lady’s Tiny Swimming Pool Caused a Lot of Controversy

This main pool caused a lot of controversy when we first visited. Admittedly the pool does look much better in the sunshine than it did the first time we visited but it is still incredibly small, theres no getting away from that.

I saw a few people describe it as handkerchief size and that’s about right.

This is the only pool on the ship, there’s no inside pool, or aft pool, this is it. Only the middle section is actually a pool, you could get your feet wet on this larger area but this part is the pool. 

There is a whirlpool a little further on and it was quite funny to sit and watch people swim in circles around the whirlpool. I don’t think it was designed for that but people clearly do want to swim and as the main pool is so tiny you can almost reach from one side to the other you really can’t swim in it.

virgin voyages scarlet lady main swimming pool top deck seating

It didn’t make a huge difference to us because it was pretty chilly on our UK cruise anyway, not exactly swimming weather but I do think it’s a strange choice given that the ship focuses a lot on exercise. I guess just not swimming. 

I did pack a bikini but I wasn’t brave enough to go in the pool, I did have every intention to but it was always quite busy and I didn’t want to just stand in the pool with all the people on the seats around the pool staring into the middle. 

Razzle Dazzle – The Best Vegan and Vegetarian Food

Our first dinner onboard was in Razzle Dazzle. Razzle Dazzle is perhaps the most famous venue onboard, it’s all about vegetarian and vegan food but there are lots of meat options too. It’s the only cruise I’ve ever been on where cookies were an actual dessert. 

virgin voyages scarlet lady razzle dazzle

The atmosphere in Razzle Dazzle was great, it was really laid back and friendly, I had multiple Coke Zeros and the waiters were always on hand to help and answer any questions. 

In Razzle Dazzle I had a non meat impossible burger for main and a jar of cookies for dessert. Of course. They also have rainbow churros and a few other things. It was really good, one of the best meals I’ve ever had on a cruise, for sure. 

virgin voyages scarlet lady razzle dazzle impossible burger

To see the menu we scanned QR codes that were on the table.

It is assumed on a Virgin cruise that you’ll use your phone for most things but paper menus are available if you don’t have a phone that you can use. We found that the menus on the phones always worked well and I’d usually looked at the menu before I even got to dinner.

The allergen information was clearly marked on all the menus on the ship and it was always really clear which options were vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free. If you are vegetarian or vegan you’ll find that you have a LOT more options on Scarlet Lady than the majority of the other American cruise lines. 

Razzle Dazzle menus:

virgin voyages scarlet lady razzle dazzle menu

You Need to Download Virgin Voyages Online App

The onboard app is used for more things than just looking at menus. You can see your onboard spend on the app and it is also where you’ll find the daily schedule of sorts.

You don’t get a piece of paper in your cabin each night with the next days events like you usually would on a cruise.

One thing that I thought was missing from the app was clear deck plans. On most other cruise lines the app will have deck plans which I usually look at to work out where I am or where the nearest toilets are.

Scarlet Lady Has The Strangest Toilets, Ever

While we’re on the subject of toilets, Virgin Voyages managed to do something no other cruise line has done, that I know of, they changed the toilet! 

It still has the same function but the seat is bigger.

The public toilets around the ship seemed to come in a couple of designs, a few were what I would describe as the ‘black hole’ toilets where all the walls were black and some were ‘tin foil’ toilets where it felt like being inside a big crisp packet.

We ate in Gunbae and Pink Algave

We also ate in Gunbae and the Mexican Restaurant.

Gunbae is a Korean BBQ restaurant where they cooked the food on the table in front of you. This would definitely be a specialty restaurant on any other cruise ship. We did make a terrible mess with all of the food but the Bibimbap was my favourite thing. It was a bowl of rice, egg and vegetables, yum.

virgin voyages scarlet lady gunbae foid

The Mexican restaurant was good too.

virgin voyages scarlet lady gunbae dessert

If you are somebody who usually pays to go to specialty restaurants on a cruise, and likes to try lots of different things, Virgin are definitely a good cruise line for that.

I don’t normally pay to go to speciality restaurants on cruises because I prefer to eat the food that’s included in the cruise fare.

The Virgin Voyages price tag is a little higher than some of the other mainstream cruise lines, but there is a lot included in the cruise fare like WiFi and soft drinks. If you were somebody who would eat in specialty restaurants, use the WiFi and enjoy the drinks, it definitely can be good value.

Virgin have reduced their prices a lot since they originally launched. Only time will tell if the prices go back up again. 

When I originally visited the ship we didn’t have the chance to taste any of the food, well we had one meal late at night but I had no idea how much was included.

virgin voyages scarlet lady

In my opinion Virgin should be advertising their food as one of their main selling points, that and the crew. 

When I came on before it was all about drag queens and tattoo parlours and all of these things which really didn’t affect my cruise experience at all. In the original Virgin Voyages advertising everybody was an absolutely beautiful 18-25 year old and I think that scared off a lot of people, me too! 

I didn’t get a tattoo on my cruise but plenty of other people did. I believe the little tattoo designs they have start at $150 and they can do other things too. 

tattoo parlor scarlet lady

Virgin Voyages Sea Terrace Review – Some Improvement!

Virgin have taken onboard a lot of the feedback that was given after our first visit.

The idea behind this bed in the cabins is that it converts to be a sofa or a couch during the day and a bed at night. It’s definitely a clever bit of kit but I always thought that I’d probably just keep it as a bed. I don’t need it as a sofa, I’m rarely socialising with people in my room and even if I was I wouldn’t have a big problem with the bed being there. The cabin was a decent size and sometimes I like an afternoon nap.

virgin voyages scarlet lady sea terrace balcony cabin

When we arrived in our cabin the bed was in bed mode.

This was one of the things that Virgin have changed, before when we arrived the bed was in sofa mode and I think a lot of people were confused by it.

Our bed wasn’t ever changed to a sofa during our cruise, we could have requested it at any time on the tablet in the room but we didn’t feel the need to and I suspect most people will be the same. It’s nice to have the option, but I think having it defaulted to being a bed is a much better. 

virgin voyages scarlet lady sea terrace bed

The bed was really comfortable and you’d never know that it was a converting bed. This is what it looks like when it’s been converted.

The lights, curtains and TV are all controlled by an tablet in the room.

virgin voyages scarlet lady cabin tablet

Royal Caribbean Also Tried This Converting Bed Idea, Briefly!

I learnt recently that Virgin Voyages weren’t the only cruise line to ever try this converting bed idea, some of the very early Royal Caribbean ships also had the same idea, a L shaped design.

If you look at early cabin photos of ships like Majesty of the seas you can see where there is another headboard on the wall besides the bed, where it used to swing round into an L shape. Royal Caribbean decided to scrap the idea.

Scarlet Lady’s Cabins Don’t Have Much Storage (Not a Single Drawer!)

One thing that hasn’t changed in the cabins that I didn’t like before, and still don’t is the amount of storage space.

In the corner there is a place for hanging clothes, and 7 shelves, lots of which are taken up with towels, the safe, life jackets and a hair dryer.

virgin voyages scarlet lady closet storage shelves hanging space and life jackets

Realistically if you were two people sharing in the cabin you’d be lucky to have 3 shelves each and some hanging space.

Usually, on a cruise, you’ll have bedside tables, drawers under the desk, and probably some freestanding drawers too. This cabin doesn’t have a single drawer and because of the way the bed converts you’ll probably have your suitcases at the bottom of the wardrobe area.

My suitcase did fit under the bed, just but it was a size small and I know not everybody packs as light as me. 

We were only in the cabin for a weekend and it was totally fine for that but any longer and I think I’d really miss having a drawer for all my chargers and drawers for things like t-shirts or socks. You could always bring packing cubes or maybe one of the hanging drawer things you can get, to make more space. 

I always try and put things away in drawers before I take photos of my cabin or record anything but there wasn’t anywhere to put these things that were on the desk.

virgin voyages scarlet lady cabin desk mirror and closet

There are a LOT of plug sockets in the cabin, including 4 USBs which is amazing. If you ever need to know which plug sockets are in a cabin, check out our searchable table here: Complete Cruise Ship Plug Socket Guide: Search by Ship

In total there were 10 places to change things, which is way more than I needed. It was great. 

Virgin Voyages Have Adult Toys in The Cabins

Under the desk there is a minibar, a seat, a bin (trash can) and a time to play kit available to buy for $30.

The time to play kit is pretty tiny and contains a few ermm… adult toys. 

Virgin Voyages Time to Play Minibar Adult Toys Kit

All Balconies Have a Hammock – It Was So Comfy

I LOVED the hammock on our balcony.

At first I totally thought that this was some gimmick but after climbing in it to take a photo I realised how comfortable it was. If the weather was good you could easily spend an hour or two swinging in the hammock.

Virgin Voyages all include soft drinks as standard and I drink a lot of soda. Usually the soda you’ll get in a bar is fountain soda but I found that the sip lounge would often give me a can, so I’d pick up a can on my way back to my cabin and sit in my hammock with my drink, it was great. 

virgin voyages scarlet lady hammock on the balcony

Scarlet Lady’s Cabin Bathrooms are Tiny, But Functional

The bathroom was very small but functional. I think I had been spoilt having cruised on the Celebrity Silhouette last which has a bathroom at least double the size, but it worked.

virgin voyages scarlet lady bathroom shower sink and toilet

Again there weren’t any drawers in here. I guess Virgin cruisers travel light! 

I did worry about how the bathroom would work for larger cruisers but my friend Tristan who describes himself as a fluffy cruiser said that the bathroom was fluffy cruiser approved, so that’s good! 

The shower itself was great. No sticky shower curtain and the waterfall shower head was really powerful. I don’t think the shower door really worked because the towels I put in the main room were soaked and lots of other people said the same thing, but maybe that will be fixed as time goes on. 

virgin voyages scarlet lady cabin bathrooms shower toilet and sink

The Seating in The Public Areas is Different

After I shared my initial review I had a lot of comments about the seating in the public areas. There definitely were some seats around with strange designs, some that were very low to the ground, made of strange materials or ones where you had to climb onto them.

There were a lot of more practical seats around too. A lot of the ship had quite an industrial design, particularly outside but I think that’s trendy at the moment and it goes with Scarlet Lady’s battleship grey colours. 

virgin voyages scarlet lady strange seats

I Braved The Net!

I did try out the big net that Virgin Voyages have onboard.

It was really tricky to get onto and off of, you kind of have to crawl to the edge or balance on the ropes which I tried to do. It’s a LONG way down but I was feeling confident with my drink in hand and I didn’t really look down.

There are people below but I didn’t think about that, I was wearing a skirt so I’m glad I didn’t think about that at the time. 

virgin voyages scarlet lady net

What is There to do During the Day on a Virgin Voyages Cruise?

We spent quite a lot of time in the draught beer house, the dock house and the sip lounge. The entertainment onboard Scarlet Lady was different from that of a normal cruise, we would be sat enjoying a drink in the dock house and all of a sudden some pop up entertainment would arrive.

virgin voyages scarlet lady umbrella

It would be something like this where crew members wave around umbrellas, I thought it was bad luck to put up umbrellas inside but they clearly didn’t think so. It was always interesting and a great talking point.

I was worried I’d feel really awkward onboard but I didn’t at all, the crew were really nice and nobody was made to participate in anything, if you want to just sit down and relax, no problem! 

When it came to the daily schedule there was more happening than I thought there would be. I had seen reports from other people saying that nothing was happening during the day but I don’t think that was the case.

virgin voyages scarlet lady roundabout atrium gameshow

It might be that people didn’t know what was happening because we didn’t have a printed daily schedule and the app could have been clearer.

The schedule wasn’t as busy in the day as you’d find on a lot of other American cruise lines but there was trivia and game shows and things happening if you wanted to go to them.

Sometimes there would be entertainment without a fixed venue and time which I found a bit strange, Virgin have made it so that there are lots of secret things onboard, the names of places and events are sometimes like riddles which is all well and good but it did mean I didn’t find some bars until the last evening of my cruise.

In fact I think there are some I didn’t find at all. 

scarlet lady daily schedule

I Missed Live Background Music

One thing I did miss was that there wasn’t really live music around the ship.

Usually, on a cruise, you’d find a band or singer singing cover songs. I did sometimes hear songs playing that I knew but it would usually just be some sort of music designed to get people pumped up. 

Dual Reality Had me on The Edge of my Seat (It’s Death Defying)

Another thing that’s pretty different from other cruise lines is the main entertainment. We watched a show called Dual Reality which was an incredible death-defying display of acrobatics and dancing.

They would have people swinging around from chains on their necks, jumping on big bouncy boards. Everything!

It was definitely the kind of entertainment that has you sat on the edge of your seat. 

virgin voyages dress code

I’m pretty sure that they’ve made a change to the show since the first time I was onboard. The show is designed so that there is a red team and a blue team and they battle it out kind of Romeo and Juliet style.

The seating in the red room for this show is set up with the audience on both sides.

At the end (spoiler alert) they take off their red and blue clothes. When I originally saw this show the dancers striped down to their underwear but this time they all had vests and shorts on.

When I shared my photos from the original show I did have a LOT of comments asking me if the people in the photos were naked, so maybe they decided to leave a few more clothes on. Either way it was really interesting to watch and I love the different design of the show area.

There’s no ‘Theatre’ on Scarlet Lady

Scarlet Lady doesn’t have a traditional theatre like most ships have so she doesn’t have a group of singers/dancer that perform a different show each night. I quite like my routine of having dinner, then going to see a show so I did miss this being on that kind of schedule.

I might be too much of a traditional cruiser though. 

virgin voyages scarlet lady red room theater

Scarlet Lady Has Lots of Promenade Deck Seating

In the evening we would sit out here on the promenade deck, there were lots of comfy seats and I’m glad that Scarlet Lady makes use of the promenade deck.

Lots of modern cruise ships have lost the promenade deck completely and although this one is blocked by lifeboats for a lot of the way, it does go all the way around. 

virgin voyages scarlet lady promenade deck seating

Don’t Miss The 24/7 Included Pizza!

There’s a pizza restaurant here which is open 24/7 and the pizza are good. The pizzas are made freshly to order. You can sit inside, or outside on the promenade deck.

The entertainment does go on into the early hours of the evening so an early morning pizza is a great idea. They either give them to you on a plate or in a takeaway box if you want to eat it outside or in your cabin.

virgin voyages scarlet lady pizza

Is Room Service Free on Virgin Voyages?

There is room service on a Virgin Voyages cruise but there is a $5 charge if you only order free items from the menu. If you’re ordering something that costs money like beer, as long as you spend more than $5 there isn’t a charge.

In true budget style, I didn’t order anything on the room service.

Scarlet Lady Doesn’t Have a Buffet (But Kinda Does)

Virgin Voyages were very firm on the idea that they don’t have a buffet, and technically that’s true. They do have a space that takes that place of the buffet though and when walking around the ship you would always hear everybody asking ‘what time should I meet you in the buffet?’.

virgin voyages scarlet lady galley buffet

The difference between Scarlet Lady’s buffet, or galley as it’s called and a usual cruise ship buffet is that all of the food is made to order.

virgin voyages scarlet lady galley buffet

Usually, in a buffet the food will be there, being kept warm ready for somebody to take it, but in the Virgin Voyages galley, everything is only cooked when it’s ordered.

It’s kind of like a food hall with lots of different sections that specialise in different things. Most of the food was ordered on the app, the avocado tacos from the taco stand are my personal recommendation, that and the breakfast pancakes.

virgin voyages scarlet lady buffet galley food taco

I was really impressed with how fast the food came and how many crew members were around to get you a drink and take your order. There are self-serve soda and water/tea/coffee machines in the buffet and guests were free to use these whenever they liked. 

Scarlet Lady COVID-19 Safety Measures

Because everybody was tested and vaccinated it was almost like COVID-19 didn’t exist. It was really nice. The passengers didn’t have to wear masks but the crew did.

There weren’t any rules about how many people could be in the lifts, or not touching things like the soda machines. It was pretty much business as usual. 

Who Was Onboard?

The other passengers were maybe a little younger than on the average cruiser, the ages onboard really did range though from 18 all the way up to people in their 80s.

I’d say the average people onboard were people in their 40s and 50s. Lots of younger people, and older too. Lots of friendship groups on board, but people were cruising solo, as a couple, everything really. 

emma cruises balcony selfie

Do Virgin Voyages Have Dress Codes?

There are no dress codes on Virgin Voyages cruises. Virgin Voyages do have ‘Scarlet Night’ where the suggested dress code is to wear something red but this is just a suggestion. There are no restrictions on what can be worn on board.

It was all very relaxed and I like that aspect a lot. 

How Much do Drinks Cost on Virgin Voyages Cruises?

A cocktail on a Virgin Voyages cruise costs between $13-$15. A beer costs $7-$8 and a spirit and mixer around $10. Soft drinks are included such as soda, tea and juices at no extra charge.

If you are somebody who really likes a drink, a Virgin Voyages cruise could get expensive. Virgin include soft drinks but don’t have any alcoholic drinks packages meaning you have to pay for each drink as you go. It’s easy to keep a track of your spend in the app.

I Spent a LOT of Time Being Lost

If I could give Virgin one bit of advice that would improve the ship instantly and wouldn’t cost much money it would be to add maps around the ship.

Usually, on a ship you’ll find the side on pictures of the map with the red you are here sticker. They didn’t have anything like that on the ship and I really rely on those maps.

Some ships will have 3D map models around so you can see on I need to go up here and along to whatever place you’re going. 

I’m sure this is something that Virgin will add as time goes on but I wasted a lot of time lost because I just had no idea where I was or where things were. If the app had, had deck plans that would be helped with this too.

Maybe that’s the plan though, some restaurants were tucked away and maybe the mystery is all part of the plan. 

The Cabin Decks Are Split into Z and A Sides

There was one part of the ship that I found easier to find my way around than on other ships.

The cabin decks are designed so that one side will be the A side and the other is the Zed/Zee side. It made it so easy to know which way to turn when you came to the top of the stairs.

Usually I would be trying to work out which numbers were in which direction, I really don’t have a good sense of direction but being able to head straight to the bit Zed helped a lot. 

Would I Recommend a Virgin Voyages Cruise?

When I first visited Scarlet Lady I was confused, I didn’t know who to recommend the cruise line to at all and I just didn’t see a match between the experience and the price.

When I was on board this time, I was still confused but in a different way.  

I felt as though the strengths of the cruise line, like the incredible food and amazing staff weren’t advertised enough AT ALL before the cruise.

I had some of the best food I’ve ever had on a cruise onboard Scarlet Lady, but most of the things I’d heard about the cruise line before focused on gimmicks that didn’t affect my experience. 

I don’t think I’ll ever understand the need for the soap to be black, it got under my nails and made everything look dirty BUT the actual cruise product I felt was a good one. 

virgin voyages black soap

In my original review, I said that if Virgin’s prices were similar to other cruise lines I’d view them as a quirky alternative, now that they are I definitely think that’s the case.

The cruise wasn’t all that different from the other cruise lines, I know Virgin probably won’t like me saying that but if you like a Royal Caribbean cruise or a Celebrity cruise or something like that, you’d probably like the Virgin cruise too, particularly if you like specialty restaurants! 

emma cruises cruise buys cruising as crew

I never thought I’d book a cruise on Scarlet Lady but I’m glad I did, we had a brilliant weekend.

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Scarlet Lady cruise ship review: What to expect on board Virgin Voyages’ 1st ship

Erica Silverstein

Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages ' original cruise ship, takes all your preconceived notions of a cruise ship and turns them on their head.

The ship does not have a buffet or a cavernous banquet-style dining room. Kids are not welcome, but the adults-only ship gives grownups plenty of opportunities to play in both childlike and mature ways. Cruise fares include all meals, soda, basic Wi-Fi and crew gratuities, but it's not a luxury product filled with opulent decor, sedate travelers and a stuffy vibe. Onboard entertainment will include sexual innuendos, F-bombs and queer themes.

Scarlet Lady is not for everyone. But if you, like me, are tired of (or turned off by) the same-old cruise ship formula, this ship might just offer the cruise vacation you didn't know you were looking for.

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Overview of Scarlet Lady

The 110,000-ton ship features 1,330 cabins and 78 suites and can carry 2,770 passengers at maximum capacity. That's a lot smaller than the newest ships from lines like Royal Caribbean , Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line . The balance works well; the ship does not feel oppressively crowded, but there are plenty of restaurants, bars and attractions on board to keep you entertained at sea.

Scarlet Lady defies categorization when it comes to pricing, as well. Its cruise fares are more inclusive than your typical mass-market ship, and therefore more expensive than other mainstream lines. But it doesn't have the same vibe as luxury cruise ships that tend to cater to a retired, wealthy clientele, who are less active and not into dance parties or cutting-edge entertainment.

The minimum age to sail Virgin is 18 years old, and the ship embraces its adults-only status . You won't find kids on board, yet you will find board games, an arcade, swings and unlimited pizza and ice cream.

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A common concern I've heard is that Scarlet Lady is only for the young and the hip. As a completely non-hip, mid-40-something, I can assure you that isn't true. The target demographic for this ship is more about mindset than age.

If you're someone who likes to go out – to dinner, a show, a bar or a party – this social ship will be for you. Many restaurants have communal tables designed to bring people together, such as Gunbae, where tables exclusively seat six and you're encouraged to join in a drinking game with your newly-met tablemates. The entertainment is top notch, but it's more experimental and modern than the traditional song-and-dance cruise ship shows. Scarlet Lady is not a "read in your cabin" type of cruise ship.

It's also a ship for travelers with open minds, who embrace differences and aren't easily shocked or insulted. Onboard comedians will push boundaries with their jokes. You'll find crew, from entertainers to waiters, who may be gender-fluid, tattooed, pierced or openly gay. While the sex-themed cabaret is gone, the shows do not shy away from sexual or R-rated themes.

I loved this about the ship. Others may not.

What I loved about Scarlet Lady

Hammock on the balcony.

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It might seem minor, but the hammock on my cabin's balcony made my cruise.

I often feel that balconies are wasted space. They're great for checking the weather, drying swimsuits and eating room service breakfast – but I rarely spend much time hanging out on them. Usually that's because the chairs are upright and made of metal (or metal and plastic mesh) and the veranda is small, and you can't get comfortable.

Not so with a hammock. I'm 6 feet tall and can fully recline in one of Scarlet Lady's bright red, ethically sourced hammocks. The rocking of the hammock combined with the rocking of the ship at sea, especially early in the morning when the sun was low and the temperature perfect, was incredibly soothing. I found myself plotting how to get more hammock time – rather than simply forgetting I had a balcony as I busied myself around the ship.

Scarlet Lady succeeds in creating intimate spaces onboard a big ship, and I loved all the inviting nooks I found on board. Sometimes, those nooks were tucked-away bars, like the Dock House Bar, just slightly off the main thoroughfare. Or, perhaps they were cute seating areas, like the curtained-off tables at the Sip bar or day beds on the open-air decks.

The public spaces on the ship invite you to grab a friend, a drink and chill for a while. I wished I had time to sample them all.

Entertainment

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I'm a Broadway buff, and I always go to the cruise ship shows. Unless they're a real Broadway show (found on the likes of NCL or Royal Caribbean), I'm usually walking out or picking them apart before they end.

Scarlet Lady's entertainment impressed me with its innovation and its quality. The dancers were incredible; they moved about the stage like they were performing on "So You Think You Can Dance" (or other TV dance competition), not in your kid's high school dance recital. "Dual Reality," the Romeo-and-Juliet-themed show, was the first cruise-ship acrobatic performance I've seen that had a compelling plot; so many cruise lines throw dancers on hoops or silks in the air simply because they can. The way the staging and performer interaction engaged the audience was original and brilliant.

The drag show was a hoot, and the DanceShowPartyThing was different than any cruise ship show I've ever seen and a lighthearted fun time. The late-night jazz band at the On the Rocks bar kept the crowds engaged, and the crew knew how to keep the party going on the dance floor at The Manor – whether that was dancing on the stage wings or covering the crowd with a large parachute.

Related: Here's why Virgin Voyages' entertainment is now the best on any cruise

Restaurant concept

I'm not a cruiser who adores the main dining room. I prefer specialty restaurants with their individual menus, decor and vibe. But I also hate paying extra for meals when food is already included. In this way, Virgin's restaurant concept speaks perfectly to me.

Scarlet Lady has no main dining room and no buffet. Instead, you can make dinner reservations at one of its six restaurants, or make a more casual meal from the pizza parlor, food hall, snack bar (featuring wings and hot dogs) or the Dock and Dock House lounge with their mezze menu. I loved that every night I ate someplace different – one night filet mignon at the classy, upscale The Wake, the next experimental dishes at Test Kitchen or communal Korean BBQ at Gunbae.

Food ranged from edible to excellent, but meals were always fun. I felt like I was eating out in a city, rather than at a hotel conference center, and that night-out vibe set the mood for the entire evening.

What I didn't love about Scarlet Lady

Lack of direction.

Scarlet Lady is a ship for independent travelers who don't need their hands held or want to be told what to do by a cruise director (there isn't one). While I loved the lack of announcements over the intercom system or at the end of shows, I did feel like it was easy to miss out on things on board.

No one tells you how the ship works, even though it's nontraditional for the cruise industry. If you don't know to get on board and immediately make reservations for all the restaurants, shows and fitness classes you want, you will find yourself locked out of meals and events you were looking forward to.

The ship has a decided lack of signage; no deck maps or wayfinder screens by the elevator banks, not even the name of bars by their entrances. The layout of the ship is such that certain bars or venues are tucked away off the high-traffic corridors and can be difficult to find. If you do find them, they're usually in a dead end, leaving you to retrace your steps to figure out a way across a deck.

Perhaps if the app were more intuitive, some of these issues could be mitigated. But I, who have successfully employed numerous cruise ship apps, had to ask a crew member to show me where to find deck plans in the Sailor App. In-app room service ordering was glitchy, but my cabin attendant hadn't left me a printout of the menu, so I never tried in-room dining.

I can see first-time and older cruisers being especially confounded by the lack of guidance on board. While more announcements aren't the answer, I'm sure Virgin Voyages could figure out unobtrusive ways to give sailors a helping hand.

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I am generally not a fan of cruise ship buffets, but a five-night cruise on Scarlet Lady gave me new appreciation for them .

Virgin Voyages is decidedly anti-self-serve. Neither its ships nor its private beach club on Bimini in the Bahamas offers a buffet. The buffet replacement on Scarlet Lady is The Galley, a food hall with several themed stations. Instead of ordering at the counter, you find a seat, flag down a waiter and put in your order, which will be brought to you when ready.

This concept works well when you have time to kill or the venue is empty. But when The Galley is packed, such as in the morning on a port day, it can take forever to catch the attention of a server and longer than you'd expect to receive your meal. You can find grab-and-go boxes in several locations on board, but the food selection is limited.

I had the same experience at The Dock after a late excursion; several of us waited far too long for a waiter to appear and take our order – even though a server had escorted me outside five minutes prior. As much as I'm not a fan of buffets, sometimes I just want to eat quickly and get on with my day.

Related: 11 things I loved on Virgin Voyages — and 6 I kind of hated

Scarlet Lady cabins and suites

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Scarlet Lady offers the usual cruise ship mix of windowless inside cabins, ocean-view rooms with large windows that don't open, cabins with private balconies and large suites. Cruise rooms sleep one to four guests, with twin beds that can be combined into queens and upper bunks. That's basically where the similarity ends.

My room was a Sea Terrace, a.k.a. a standard balcony room. The IKEA-inspired furnishings and mod décor made the room resemble a trendy micro hotel. For example, the bed is modular. On the cabin's long wall, there was a cloth headboard and a narrow white platform with one thick armrest.

Twin beds can be arrayed in various configurations along the platform. I had two pushed together into a queen with one-third of the platform as a bedside table, but a triple could have a third bed jutting out perpendicular from the other two. Or, if you plan on hosting an event in your cabin, or don't like reading on a bed, you can ask your room attendant to strip the sheets and arrange two daybed mattresses into an L-shaped sectional couch.

While practically no one uses the daybed layout, the arrangement means you're sleeping on a couch cushion rather than a plush mattress. My bed on Scarlet Lady was not the comfiest I've had on a cruise, but the sheets and duvet were fine and I slept well.

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My room didn't have a sofa as other cruise ships might have. It had one upright chair in the corner and a vegan leather stool under the table that doubled as desk and vanity. The table is next to a unit housing the mini-fridge and two small shelves, but there is no additional storage. Here, you'll also find a touch-screen pad where you can adjust the lighting and temperature of your room.

The only storage is in the closet area, and as in a micro hotel, your clothes won't exactly be hanging behind closed doors. One tall cabinet with a door houses four not-that-deep drawers and shelves, many of which house the safe, life jackets and extra towels. But your clothes will hang from a rack behind a curtain that you likely won't bother to close. In one corner is a luggage stand with two shelves, each with a wicker basket.

The bathroom is tiny and also lacking in storage. You can use the one long shelf beneath the sink or place your items in the small space next to the sink – there are no other drawers or shelves. I kept placing my toilet bag under the elevated soap dish and realizing the soap would drip on it.

The shower has a rain head and a wand and one meager shelf. If you're happy with Red Flower toiletries, you can use the provided dispensers of shampoo, conditioner and body wash, and not have to worry about cramming all your travel-sized bottles onto the tiny surface area.

I didn't find my cabin on Scarlet Lady to be overly inviting or cozy, and I was glad I didn't have to fight for storage space with a travel partner. What saved the cabin was its balcony, or terrace as Virgin calls it.

The 45-square-foot terrace is furnished with two uninviting metal upright chairs and a round drinks table. I wouldn't even bother to sit out there – except for the striking red hammock hung from hooks bolted into the bottom of the balcony above. That hammock was everything. At 6 feet tall, I could stretch out completely and rock with the waves as the ship made its way through the Caribbean. Its presence made a forgettable, utilitarian room desirable and memorable.

If you really want to live it up, you can book RockStar Quarters or Mega RockStar Quarters, Virgin's two categories of suites. These extra-large rooms come with attractions like music rooms, turntables, peekaboo showers with windows to the sea, fully-stocked bars and large balconies. Perks include exclusive access to the Richard's Rooftop sun deck, access to a RockStar Agent (i.e. concierge), priority reservations for dining, onboard events and shore excursions and complimentary access to the spa's thermal suite.

Scarlet Lady restaurants and bars

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Scarlet Lady is peppered with restaurants and bars, and it's possible you won't be able to try them all in one sailing. Do your research in advance because some venues are easy to miss if you're not looking for them. Dining and drinking are highlights of your time on board, so you'll want to visit as many bars and restaurants as you can.

Restaurants

The ship takes an unconventional approach to cruise ship dining, with no main dining room, no buffet and no extra-fee restaurants. In this way, your onboard dining experience will feel like a land-based trip, but with fewer Yelp reviews to read. You'll likely eat in a new venue every night, most with an attached bar for pre-dinner drinks, and need to make reservations in advance or take your chance as a walk-in, either early or late. I loved both the food and the variety of options.

You'll want to make your dinner reservations as soon as you get on board. One thing that surprised me was the ship requests you also make reservations for breakfast, brunch or lunch at sit-down restaurants, such as The Wake and Razzle Dazzle. Walk-ins are welcome at less busy times (such as right when the venue opens for breakfast), but I was lightly scolded for not booking in advance. Plan accordingly.

The most highly sought after reservation on the ship is Gunbae, Scarlet Lady's Korean BBQ restaurant. Be prepared to make friends – all tables seat six, and your smaller party will be seated with strangers. That's OK because the communal dining and drinking games (you don't get the full experience if you don't play) aren't as much fun without a group.

Your server will bring the most popular of the appetizer, seafood, meat and dessert courses, though your table can turn down any option, ask for more of a favorite or request the alternatives (mostly vegetarian dishes). All the seafood (shrimp, octopus, etc.) is cooked together in the table's central grilling station, followed by the meat – without a thorough cleaning of the grill. If this bothers you due to allergies or dietary restrictions, make sure you inform the server.

Favorites at our table were the dakgangjeong (crispy chicken), octopus, kalbi marinated beef short ribs and macha tea - black sesame twist ice cream with mini marshmallows and black sesame granola.

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Razzle Dazzle is a vegetarian-forward restaurant (with several, no-longer-secret meat entrees ) open for brunch and dinner. At brunch, the spicy avocado toast gets high marks, and the cucumber-melon salad was a refreshing starter. Oddly, the restaurant had no jam for my British-style chocolate-chip scone and I had to make do with butter.

Indulge your inner child and order the coconut milk fairy toast with sprinkles and the loaded cookies mudslide, or take her to the adjacent Red Bar for a popcorn old-fashioned, served in a cup designed to look like the traditional red-and-white striped popcorn bags.

The only negative is that service here can be slow and inattentive.

On the opposite side of Sailor Services from Razzle Dazzle, Pink Agave is the fancier alternative to the Let's Taco Bout It outlet in The Galley. The so-called "elevated Mexican" dishes come in small, medium and large plates, and you can mix and match them and share with your tablemates. If you're feeling adventurous, order the mezcal cocktail topped with crunchy crickets.

I did not have the normal dinner experience at Extra Virgin, the ship's Italian restaurant, due to the themed sailing I was on, but I still got to try some of the venue's popular dishes. Previous cruisers tell me Extra Virgin is a surprise favorite because Italian restaurants are so ubiquitous, but Virgin's version delivers with fabulous dishes. Everyone raves about the meatballs, the pappardelle pasta and the ricotta bomboloni (like Italian donut holes).

The most fun dinner I had was at Test Kitchen. If you like surprises, and you're willing to turn control over your dinner to a chef, you will like this experimental restaurant as much as I did. The menu reads like this:

  • Shrimp/Lamb

That's it. You can make adjustments for dietary restrictions, but your waiter will bring out dishes with each of those items starring in it in an unusual way and will announce what you're eating after the plate is set in front of you. The drink pairings are worth the extra fee; you can choose from cocktail, wine, beer or alcohol-free pairings, and they're all superb.

virgin voyages dress code

The Wake is the most traditional of Scarlet Lady's restaurants. It's your "get dolled up and eat steak" venue, with a glam vibe and large windows overlooking what else but the ship's wake. Toast yourself with a glass of bubbly while you dine like a king on clam chowder, roasted bone marrow, filet mignon and lamp chops. Seafood lovers should splurge on the extra-fee towers of lobster, oysters, shrimp, clams, mussels and crab. The Wake chocolate mousse dessert was the winner at our table.

The Wake also serves brunch and lunch, but I wouldn't recommend it for breakfast. The menu is tiny and fancy, mostly variants of eggs Benedict, a decadent brioche French toast, steak and eggs and a vegan dish. No fruit, no bacon, no oats. The waiter came around with a tray of off-menu pastries halfway through our meal, rather than when he served our coffee and tea. In addition, the restaurant's position low on the ship and above the engines means you feel and hear the vibration of the ship a lot and all the cups and saucers were rattling.

Scarlet Lady also has a supper club experience called It's a Ship Show, which takes place in The Manor. Virgin describes the experience as a mashup of an old-school variety show and a late-night talk show, with dinner, comedy and music.

The Dock and The Dock House are twin restaurants rocking the Mediterranean resort vibe. The Dock House is an indoor lounge where you and your sweetie can sip cocktails flavored with figs and anise while nibbling on mezze, like beet hummus and watermelon and feta salad, and pretending you're in Ibiza.

The Dock is the outdoor extension, with the same menu; recline on day beds or enjoy a tete-a-tete at low wooden seating areas while you enjoy grilled shrimp and falafel accompanied by cold-pressed juices or energy shots loaded with turmeric and ginger. The food was enjoyable, but it took forever to get served mid-afternoon after a tour.

The ultimate in casual dining, The Galley is Scarlet Lady's answer to the cruise ship buffet . It's more of a food hall with multiple themed stations (noodles, tacos, soup and salad, burgers, etc.) where you order by flagging down a waiter. It can get confusing because you do have to order in person from the dessert and breakfast bakery/yogurt counter and from the popsicle cart, and there are grab-and-go bento boxes, salads, wraps and snacks, which you can eat in conjunction with your sit-down meal or take with you.

The Galley's concept could use some refining, so be prepared. It works well when the venue is relatively quiet; you don't have to queue for food or worry about food sitting around or contaminated tongs. On the other hand, when it's busy and you just want a quick meal before your tour, it can be hard to flag down a server and your food can take 20 minutes to arrive. Plus, there's no option for hot food that you plate yourself and take back to your room if there are no seats because you have to have a table to order food at The Galley. Sometimes you just need those steam-tray eggs, grabbable bagels and premade pancakes, and you don't want a waiter-served meal.

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If you're catching some rays and don't want to give up your spot in the sun for lunch, The Sun Club Café is an easy pool deck grab-and-go option for anyone who likes poke bowls.

But the real casual-dining winner is The Pizza Place, churning out oven-fresh pizzas day and night in a light and airy space. I was a fan of the white truffle and egg pizza; the amusingly named "pretty fly for a white pie" also had staunch supporters. Grab a premade salad and take your pie out to the adjacent open-air patio to enjoy it in the Caribbean sunshine.

The pizzeria is located on Deck 7, where all the fun food is. Right next door is the Lick Me Till Ice Cream outpost where you can choose from a changing roster of hand-scooped ice cream and cone flavors. My favorite was the key lime pie ice cream. Down the hall is The Social Club Diner satisfying all your bar food cravings with hot dogs (including vegan ones), chicken wings and soft pretzels. You can also order sweets like cake pops and steal candy out of a jar (except it's not stealing if it's free and meant for you to take).

One of my favorite traditions on land or sea is afternoon tea, and Scarlet Lady offers a surprisingly impressive one at its Sip Lounge. I shouldn't be surprised, given Virgin's British origins, but I figured tea was not hip enough for the line. Tea service does cost extra – more if you want Champagne with your goodies – and I suggest you make it your lunch because it's way too much food for a snack. You get a full three-tiered tray with scones, finger sandwiches and too many sweets for one person to consume in one sitting.

The menu of JoJo loose leaf teas offers a nice selection of caffeinated and herbal teas. (I've been on fancier cruise lines that offered tea bags rather than loose leaf tea.) However, my tea oversteeped as the waiter forgot to leave the chain of the tea ball outside the pot and I couldn't get it out until I drank enough to reach in without burning my fingers.

Scarlet Lady does offer room service for a fee. You can order via the Sailor App. Unfortunately for me, I could not get the room service option to function properly on my phone, so I could neither see the menu nor order in-cabin dining.

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Virgin Voyages does not sell drink packages as typical cruise lines do. Instead, you can purchase a Bar Tab in advance, which is onboard credit you can only spend on drinks on the ship and at Virgin's Bimini Beach Club in the Bahamas. Look for booking promotions that include a free Bar Tab of a certain amount or give you bonus money on top of what you prepay.

You will certainly have many opportunities to spend your Bar Tab on board, whether that's wine with dinner, a morning latte or a cocktail at On the Rocks while you listen to live music. Drinking is a key component of Scarlet Lady's nightlife, but as far as I saw, most people embraced the fun but drank responsibly.

Scarlet Lady's Happenings Cast (ie, the entertainment team) lead Grog Walks around the ship that are a mix of pub crawl and icebreaker games so you can meet your shipmates. They do incur an extra fee to cover drinks, but they're insanely popular and sell out quickly. Try to book the one early in the cruise to meet people and get the lay of the lounge landscape.

virgin voyages dress code

The two most popular bars on board each night are Sip, the Champagne bar (which also serves wine and cocktails), and On The Rocks, which is central to everything and usually has live music. If you want to get a buzz at a venue that's buzzing, choose one of these for your nightcap.

I loved the tucked-away Dock House Bar for a pre-dinner drink and its outside extension, The Dock, for day drinking while lounging on a sun bed. The Grounds Club is Virgin's nod to Starbucks, with all the caffeine and baked-good carbs you crave.

Restaurant bars of note are Pink Agave, with an enormous tequila and mezcal menu and some excellent margaritas, and the Red Bar at Razzle Dazzle with its crazy concoctions, such as the Popcorn Old-Fashioned (topped with actual popcorn). The Social Club Bar lets you embrace your inner child – if said child could drink alcohol – with alcoholic milkshakes and floats topped with candy and cookies.

Scarlet Lady has all the requisite poolside and sun deck bars, including ones offering smoothies and juices after your indoor or outdoor workout.

Related: We tried every bar on Virgin Voyages and ranked them from best to worst

Scarlet Lady activities

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Scarlet Lady doesn't overwhelm you with scheduled activities when the vessel is at sea. Instead, the ship becomes your playground for you to enjoy however you like.

The top decks (15 – 17) are the places to head for fitness, fun in the sun or a combination of both. The Deck 15 Aquatic Club is where you'll find a standard pool and a well-being pool (essentially a large whirlpool), surrounded by day beds and lounge chairs. Additional sun-worshipping space can be found one deck up, including at the Athletic Club Bar at the back of the ship where you can perch on circular sunbeds or a suspended catamaran net with views to the wake below.

If you want to feel like a rockstar, you can rent one of the private cabanas on Deck 16. Each costs $250 for a full day and can be reserved at Sailor Services on Deck 5. Inside, you'll find daybeds for lounging and a drinks cooler prepped with fresh-pressed welcome juices. Your dedicated cabana attendant can bring you towels and food.

On the other hand, if working out is core to your vacation ideals, Scarlet Lady offers plenty of options, but the fitness areas aren't connected the way you think they might be, so look at a deck plan before you throw on your sneakers.

The Deck 15 B-Complex fitness center is divided into two halves: Burn + Bike portside, with a cycling studio and cardio machines, and Build + Balance starboard, with resistance machines and a studio for yoga, meditation and bungee classes. Take the stairs up to the Training Camp group fitness space, where you'll find HIIT classes.

Those are just the indoor options. Outside Training camp is a boxing ring, props for alfresco body weight exercises, a sports court for basketball and an adult playground with swings and a seesaw. Above on Deck 17 is a jogging track and a space for outdoor yoga. Back on Deck 15 by the wellness pool is another open-air workout space – especially good for show-offs since everyone lounging in that area can watch you sweat.

Virgin Voyages is known for its creative fitness classes, such as an '80s-themed workout where crew and guests don legwarmers and neon leotards to set the mood. As with the Grog Walk and prime dining times, group workouts also book up quickly, so reserve them as soon as you can. Also unlike the classes you may have tried on other cruise lines, Virgin's are aimed at active, younger adults, not seniors. You will work hard, and you will be sore the next day.

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Scarlet Lady's Redemption Spa is also broken up and scattered around the ship. The main venue is tucked away on Deck 5 on the other side of the elevator bank from Sailor Services, Pink Agave and Razzle Dazzle. You'll find treatment rooms for massages here, as well as the thermal suite.

I highly recommend booking a three-hour pass to the suite and enjoying the sauna, steam room, salt room, mud room and more. There's nothing like taking a cup of mud (which looks like a chocolate milkshake) and rubbing it all over your body (or your partner's – this is Virgin after all) in the company of strangers. You won't need three hours, so consider showing up a bit late to avoid the rush at the beginning of each session.

On Deck 6, men can get a shave at Stubble and Groom, while women can get blowouts for Scarlet Night at Dry Dock. Also here is Virgin Voyages' groundbreaking tattoo parlor, Squid Ink , where you can pay inflated rates for the bragging rights of having gotten a tattoo at sea. For your other bodily needs, The Tune Up offers medispa treatments, manicures and pedicures by the pool on Deck 15.

The Deck 6 casino is a hopping place at night, partly because it's located between The Red Room performance space and On the Rocks Bar, with the entrance to the Manor nightclub just opposite. Beginners and high rollers alike can sign up for gaming lessons or poker tournaments at the WPT at Sea Poker Room in partnership with the World Poker Tour. However, hands down the most fun you'll have gambling on the ship is at Bingo With The Diva, Scarlet Lady's resident drag queen.

Other activities on board include trivia and solo traveler meetups. You can also hit the High Street shops for sundries, logo wear, hammocks, MAC cosmetics, designer clothes and purses, hair and skincare products and alcohol.

Scarlet Lady shows and parties

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Scarlet Lady hits it out of the park when it comes to entertainment, both performances and parties. On many cruise ships, I'll go to a show, sit in the back and leave after 10 minutes. On Virgin, I was fully captivated for the length of the performance and often came out raving about the experience. I appreciate how the line has hired diverse performers in terms of race, size and gender expression, and how its shows do not shy away from mature language and sexual themes (both gay and straight).

I was also impressed how the cruise line creates parties and events that everyone shows up for and gets into. On other cruise lines, a deck party might attract a couple hundred guests, but on Virgin's Scarlet Night, pretty much everyone turns out.

Most main performances take place in the multipurpose, rearrangeable Red Room, but more intimate shows take over The Manor nightclub.

Here are some of the entertainment highlights of my five-night Caribbean cruise.

Ships in the Night: The first show I saw on Virgin was my least favorite. To be fair, I only was able to catch a portion of the show. The dancers were killing it, but the one singer couldn't carry the show.

Duel Reality: This engaging acrobatic performance is possibly the best show I've seen at sea, and if it's not, it's in the top three. You will be rooting not only for your team, but for love to conquer all in this original take on "Romeo and Juliet."

DanceShowPartyThing: The show's name says it all. You'll interact with the performers and join them in the Macarena, the stage will move around the room and you might not know what's going on, but it will be fun. If you despise Celine Dion's Titanic "My Heart Will Go On," you'll have a new appreciation after this performance.

virgin voyages dress code

Around the World in 90 Minutes: I thought The Diva's drag show in The Manor was under-promoted, but perhaps that's on purpose because the small space was packed with the lucky folks who flagged it on their schedule. I reluctantly left after intermission, but if you want to laugh yourself silly and aren't afraid of being called out by The Diva, you don't want to miss this one.

Scarlet Lady also brings guest comedians and performers on board, and the ones I saw were top notch, including a young Latina pop group called Bella Dose.

Pretty much every night there's a themed party in The Manor or out on deck, but the ones you need to pack for are the PJ Party and Scarlet Night. Scarlet Lady's first-night pajama party is optional, but if you do want to get your Virgin vibe going on day one, pack a pair of party PJs and head to the Athletic Club bar on the first night.

virgin voyages dress code

But the event to end all events is Scarlet night. If nothing else, you will want to wear red – whether that's a red cocktail dress or jumper, shirt, accessories or bathing suit. Some folks go all out formal, while others keep it casual. As long as you've got the right color, it's all good. The Roundabout is the place to be after dinner; look out for flash performances and crew members with invitations to secret parties. The entire ship will be out in force.

The actual Scarlet Night party takes place on the pool deck, and many revelers end up in the pool, so plan your wardrobe accordingly. It rained on our Scarlet Night so the entire event was moved into the Red Room, where it basically became a large nightclub with thudding base and not that interesting. The after party moves to The Manor, but I actually preferred hanging out at On The Rocks, listening to the killer band and watching all the outfits go by.

Scarlet Lady itineraries and pricing

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Scarlet Lady is currently based out of Miami, where the ship sails four itineraries to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Each of the four- and five-night cruises spends a day at Virgin's private beach club in Bimini, Bahamas. Other ports of call may include Key West; Cozumel/Playa del Carmen or Costa Maya, Mexico; or Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

In April 2024, the ship will sail an epic 14-night transatlantic cruise to Barcelona, which will be Scarlet Lady's homebase at least through October 2024. From Spain, it will sail seven-night itineraries to ports in Italy, Spain and the French Riviera, all with overnights on the party island of Ibiza.

Fares start at $1,426 per cabin for a windowless Insider cabin on a four-night Fire & Sunset Soirees cruise to Key West and Bimini. Sea Terraces with private balconies start at $1,996 per cabin. The price is valid whether you have one or two travelers sharing the room, and does not include taxes and fees. You'll pay extra for the third or fourth person sharing your cabin.

What to know before you go

virgin voyages dress code

Required documents

If you're a U.S. citizen on one of Scarlet Lady's round-trip Miami sailings, you'll need a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo ID to sail.

For the ship's transatlantic crossing and all subsequent cruises from Barcelona, you'll need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date you return back to the U.S.

Green-card holders and non-U.S. citizens will need to check requirements based on destinations visited.

In addition, you will need to check in for your cruise online, fill out the appropriate information and select an arrival time for embarkation day.

Virgin Voyages include crew gratuities in its fares. You are welcome to tip your bartender or cabin attendant extra if you feel they've gone above or beyond, but it's not necessary.

You may want to bring some cash to tip the porters who take your suitcases from the pier to the ship and any tour guides who lead your ship-sponsored or private excursion in port.

Internet access is also included on your Scarlet Lady cruise. Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, and your complimentary access covers two devices logged in at a time per passenger. If you wish to stream music and video, you can pay to upgrade to a Premium Wi-Fi plan, subject to availability.

Carry-on drinks policy

Virgin Voyages takes a reasonable approach to passengers bringing drinks on board. Each guest may bring on board a maximum of 12 sealed 12-ounce or smaller cans or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages (water, sports drinks, soda, non-alcoholic beer, etc.) and two 750mL bottles of wine. You may not bring liquor or beer.

You must transport these in your carry-on bags. Any beverages found in your checked luggage will be confiscated and returned at the end of your cruise.

If you choose to purchase "specialty liquors" in the ports you visit, you may bring these on board but they will also be held for you until the last night of the cruise. Make sure you adhere to customs regulations about how much alcohol you can bring back into the country from abroad.

Smoking policy

Passengers may only smoke (this includes vaping) in the Deck 6 smoking room outside the Red Room and in a designated outdoor area on the starboard side of Deck 16 by the entrance to Richard's Rooftop.

Guests may not smoke in their cabins or on cabin terraces. Anyone who breaks the rules will be fined $500 and may be disembarked at the next destination, with no refund for missed days on the ship and no compensation for lodging and/or airfare back home.

Virgin Voyages' ships do not have self-service laundry rooms. However, passengers can send individual clothing items out for pressing, washing and folding, or washing and pressing. You also have the option to get an entire bag of laundry washed and folded for a flat rate.

Eco-cleaning (wet washing but with less water and eco-friendly detergent that's easier on fabrics) is also available. Express turnaround (returned by 5:30 p.m. the same day when picked up before 11 a.m.) is available for an extra fee for both regular washing and for dry-cleaning. Non-express items will be returned the following day by 5:30 p.m.

Dry-cleaning is not available on board.

Electrical outlets

All cabins are outfitted with North American, USB and universal (European, U.K. and many other countries) outlets.

A balcony cabin will have two USB ports near the bed, along with a North American outlet. The desk and vanity area have two more USB ports (though one is taken up by the charging cable for the cabin's tablet, which controls the TV, curtains and temperature), two additional North American outlets and one universal outlet.

The bathrooms have no outlets, so you'll have to use electric razors and style your hair at the vanity.

The currency on Scarlet Lady is the U.S. dollar. Before you board, you'll link a credit card to your account (which you can do via the app prior to embarkation day) or put up a cash amount from which you can debit for purchases made on board.

The Band — an adjustable cord bracelet with a scannable device attached — is your room key and charge "card" when you sail. It's also used to scan you on and off the ship when you go ashore. More importantly, perhaps, it allows crew members to locate you when you shake for Champagne delivery.

Passengers will not receive keycards unless they have access to Richard's Rooftop, an exclusive sun deck reserved for cruisers booked in Rockstar Suites.

Drinking age

Although Virgin Voyages' ships allowed anyone 18 or older to sail, the drinking age on board is 21 years when ships are docked in the U.S. In international waters and in places like Europe, where the drinking age is 18, the onboard drinking age is 18.

Virgin Voyages has no official dress code. The line advises passengers to come as they are, whether it's a sparkly dress or jeans and a T-shirt. However, the average passenger enjoys looking chic and trendy, even when dressed down. Most people do change into something a little nicer for dinner, but you won't find any official formal nights on board.

Be sure to bring something red for Scarlet Night, whether that's a red dress, shirt or accessory. (Consider a red swimsuit if you intend to end the party in the pool.) Other themed nights include a pajama party and an '80s bash, so pack accordingly.

Bottom line

Scarlet Lady is the perfect ship for modern, young-at-heart travelers who love cutting-age entertainment, good food, a good party and lots of R&R. It's not the right choice for folks who are conservative minded or easily offended, or longtime cruisers looking for a traditional experience. If you've never cruised because you don't like kids, crowds, banquet-style dining or lackluster entertainment, this might be the ship that changes your mind.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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IMAGES

  1. Virgin Voyages Dress Code: What To Wear

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  2. Virgin Voyages Dress Code: What To Wear

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  3. Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady: The Ultimate Couple’s Trip

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  4. Virgin Voyages Dress Code + Scarlet Night Outfit Ideas

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  5. Virgin Voyages Dress Code + Scarlet Night Outfit Ideas

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  6. Sailing On Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady: A Practical Introduction

    virgin voyages dress code

COMMENTS

  1. Virgin Voyages">Onboard Policies | FAQ | Virgin Voyages

    Check out our onboard policies like if we have a dress code (what's your style?), what the drinking age is (depends where you are) and other onboard policy FAQs. For details on our recent itinerary changes, please check out our Travel Advisory Page .

  2. Virgin Voyages">What to Wear on a Cruise | Virgin Voyages

    Our guide for your next cruise packing list, including specifically what to wear on a cruise on Virgin Voyages. There's no dress code, so bring your style. BOOK

  3. Virgin Voyages Dress Code and What to Wear on Your Cruise">Virgin Voyages Dress Code and What to Wear on Your Cruise

    Virgin Voyages has no strict dress code, so feel free to dress up or down as you please. On Scarlet Lady , we found a wide range of passenger styles and attire. Some passengers wore formal wear, while others opted for bathing suits and tank tops.

  4. Virgin Voyages Dress Code + Scarlet Night Outfit Ideas">Virgin Voyages Dress Code + Scarlet Night Outfit Ideas

    1. Scarlet Night. Pajama Party. Port Day Outfits. Frequently Asked Questions About Virgin Voyages Dress Code. Final Thoughts: What to Wear on Virgin Voyages Cruise Ships. The Ultimate Guide to the Virgin Voyages Dress Code + Outfit Ideas.

  5. Virgin Voyages">Important Cruise Tips for Your First Cruise | Virgin Voyages

    Aside from the usual, tried-and-true essentials (sandals, SPF, sunglasses, etc) — our most important cruise tip is to dress in outfits that make you feel, well, you. You should be comfortable; there’s no such thing as a dress code on board our cruise ships , we just ask that you wear outfits that make you feel amazing, even at our PJ Party ...

  6. Virgin Voyages Dress Code: What To Wear - Cruise Mummy">Virgin Voyages Dress Code: What To Wear - Cruise Mummy

    What is the dress code on Virgin Voyages? There is no dress code for Virgin Voyages, beyond a request that guests don’t turn up to restaurants wearing a bathing suit or flip-flops. Guests are encouraged to wear what they feel comfortable in, provided it is a full outfit with shoes.

  7. Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Review: A Trendy New Experience">Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Review: A Trendy New Experience

    Virgin Voyages’ relaxed dress code, refined dining, elegant cabins, vibrant nightlife, and welcoming crew members only added to the allure of the Scarlet Lady. The attentiveness to detail and commitment to quality service made my time onboard truly memorable.

  8. Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady">11 Reasons To Cruise With Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady

    No Dress Code, No Set Dining Times, No Buffet. Virgin has thrown out all the old cruise ship formalities. All the dining venues onboard are restaurants; there are no banquet hall-style main...

  9. Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady - Emma Cruises">Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady - Emma Cruises

    Do Virgin Voyages Have Dress Codes? There are no dress codes on Virgin Voyages cruises. Virgin Voyages do have ‘Scarlet Night’ where the suggested dress code is to wear something red but this is just a suggestion.

  10. Virgin Voyages ...">Scarlet Lady cruise ship review: What to expect on board Virgin ...

    Virgin Voyages has no official dress code. The line advises passengers to come as they are, whether it's a sparkly dress or jeans and a T-shirt. However, the average passenger enjoys looking chic and trendy, even when dressed down.