Why over-50 cruisers love Virgin cruises… and you will too!
Introduction to Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages, the cruise line that seeks to shake up the conventional cruising experience, presents fabulous ships with a fusion of contemporary aesthetics and cutting-edge features. Originally intended for the younger crowd, their cruises – particularly the one-week or longer itineraries – are now favored by the 50+ crowd. Full-time travelers and frequent cruisers, we have sailed on all three ships and compare them in this post – Virgin Voyages Ship Guide 2025. Renowned for their stylish vessels, outstanding culinary offerings, and dedication to eco-friendliness, this cruise line has become a preferred option for anyone looking for a different approach to cruising.
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Overview of the Virgin Voyages Fleet: The Ladyships
Virgin Voyages currently has a fleet of three “ladyships”: Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady and Valiant Lady. While the ships share a layout, they also have unique features that guarantee guests a consistent but one-of-a-kind experience throughout the fleet. The Scarlet Lady, which debuted in 2021, was the first to embark on voyages, followed by the Resilient Lady and Valiant Lady. In September 2025, the Brilliant Lady is set to join the fleet, offering travelers new destinations and even more choices.
Choosing the Right Itinerary
When planning a Virgin Voyage, it’s important to prioritize the itinerary that speaks to you over the ship itself. While all ships provide similar amenities and services, the distinctions primarily lie in their design features and artistic selections. The itineraries offer a range of options, from Caribbean escapes to European explorations and longer repositioning voyages. The itinerary is what will enrich your experience, whether you’re seeking a quick getaway or a longer adventure with various stops along the way.
Our Virgin Voyages Experiences
Our First Virgin Cruise Experience: Scarlet Lady
We had our first Virgin Voyages adventure on a five-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Scarlet Lady. Setting sail from Miami, we explored spots like Key West and Bimini. Of the three cruises we did, this one had the “youngest” passengers, which makes sense for a short Caribbean cruise out of Miami. The cruise had a fast tempo, with activities scheduled each day. Travelers should keep in mind that shorter itineraries may feel hurried. If you enjoy high energy and a fast pace, it’s worth opting for shorter voyages like this one.
Our Second Virgin Cruise Experience: Resilient Lady
Our journey aboard the Resilient Lady was truly remarkable. This cruise, which moved us from Singapore to Australia over a span of fifteen nights, had a totally different feel, as well as an older demographic, people more our age (50s). It offered plenty of opportunities to discover the amazing itinerary. Noteworthy moments of this inaugural visit to Australia included two days in Bali, visits to various Australian ports including Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, and the “Mer-Maiden” arrival in Sydney, where we were greeted by Sir Richard Branson himself. The onboard dining choices were outstanding, as all specialty restaurants are included in the package, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. We found the entertainment the best of all the Virgin cruises, and the longer itinerary gave us a chance to see all the shows without stressing about it.
Our Third Virgin Cruise Experience: Valiant Lady
Our third cruise experience, a week-long voyage aboard the Valiant Lady, took us through the Lesser Antilles. Starting and ending in San Juan, Puerto Rico, we visited the islands of Aruba, Curaçao and Saint Kitts & Nevis. This trip was special for us as we attained “Rock Star” status by reserving a suite. The benefits that came with this status, such as entry to Rock Star-restricted areas like Richard’s Rooftop and VIP treatment, greatly improved our overall experience. Again, fellow passengers were closer to our age than on the five-day.
Virgin Voyages for the Over-50 Crowd
Virgin Voyages appeals to people 50 and older because of its sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. It offers an elevated cruising experience that caters to discerning travelers, especially on the longer itineraries. With stylish, modern ships, gourmet dining options, and an emphasis on sustainability, Virgin Voyages provides a fresh alternative to traditional cruises. The line focuses on creating an adults-only environment with curated entertainment, wellness amenities, and personalized service, making it perfect for those seeking both relaxation and enrichment. Its commitment to eco-friendly practices also resonates with older travelers who appreciate responsible travel options.
Virgin Voyages Staterooms and Suites
Virgin Voyages provides a range of stateroom choices to suit all tastes and budgets. The Sea Terrace rooms boast a balcony and hammock, ideal for relaxation with a view. Budget travelers can opt for the Insider cabins that offer comfort sans the scenery or go for the Sea View cabins featuring a porthole window. For those desiring a more elevated experience, the Rockstar Suites come with lavish amenities and access to exclusive spots like Richards Rooftop, making them a valuable choice.
Dining on Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is known for dining options that appeal to palates. One standout feature that sets them apart from their competition is that all six specialty restaurants are included in the ticket price. Guests can indulge in experiences at specialty restaurants as part of their package with no extra charges for a meal.
Passengers can enjoy a range of dining experiences at the different restaurants. Whether it’s steak and seafood at The Wake, upscale Mexican at Pink Agave, or comfort food at Razzle Dazzle, there are options to please everyones’ taste buds. The dining setup offers flexibility, giving guests the opportunity to sample different cuisines during their journey.
Specialty Dining Options on Virgin Voyages
- The Wake: Upscale steak and seafood dining
- Razzle Dazzle: Comfort food with a great brunch menu
- Pink Agave: Upscale Mexican cuisine
- Gunbae: Interactive Korean barbecue experience
- Extra Virgin: Italian offerings with a modern twist
- Test Kitchen: Experimental dining that changes with each cruise
Exploring The Galley and Casual Eateries
Virgin Voyages’ Galley provides a dining experience that deviates from the usual buffet format. It showcases a lively food hall ambiance, allowing visitors to savor an array of dishes and guaranteeing options to suit every taste preference. In addition to the restaurant, the Galley offers a range of grab-and-go selections, ensuring guests have options for every meal.
Dining Options in The Galley
- Burgers and Diner Fare: Classic comfort food that’s perfect for a casual meal
- Paninis and Sandwiches: Freshly made sandwiches for a quick bite
- Salads: Healthy options to keep you energized
- Ramen: A delightful noodle experience
- Sushi: Grab-and-go sushi for the sushi lovers
Besides these choices, The Galley offers a diner that serves breakfast throughout the day, giving you the freedom to choose when you want to eat.
Casual Eateries
In addition to The Galley, there are a few other laidback dining venues scattered around the ship:
- The Dock: Cocktails and tapas with a view off the back of the ship
- Sun Club Café: Salmon and tuna poké bowls (with rice or cauliflower rice) for a fast, healthy option
- The Pizza Place: Casual, sit-down pizzeria with made-to-order gourmet pizzas
- The Social Club: Gaming bar with carnival-type foods like hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels and chicken wings
Entertainment and Activities
Virgin Voyages stands out with their entertainment offerings. Whether it’s bold performances that break the mold or live music across genres, visitors can expect an unforgettable time. The entertainment on board is crafted to be bold, welcoming and enjoyable, giving guests the freedom to partake in shows without feeling obligated to see every one. The performances are diverse, guaranteeing that there is something for everyones’ taste.
Types of Entertainment
- Live Music: Enjoy performances from various genres, including rock, soul, and country.
- Theatrical Shows: Original productions that showcase incredible talent.
- Guest Speakers: Engaging talks from interesting personalities, such as pioneers from Virgin Galactic.
The entertainment offered is top notch, often competing with the shows found in theaters adding a touch of brilliance to the overall cruise journey.
Fitness and Wellness
If you’re seeking to keep fit on the ocean, Virgin Voyages boasts cutting edge workout spaces and diverse classes. The fitness center is massive and divided into two zones that run the length of the pool – one side for cardio and one side for strength training. Classes like zumba, bungee, HIIT, yoga, and spin are great choices for fitness lovers (but book as soon as you get onboard!) With features such as a track and a sports court (basketball or pickle ball!) the fitness experience is enhanced, allowing guests to stick to their routines while cruising on the waves.
Fitness Facilities
- State-of-the-Art Gym: Equipped with the latest cardio and weight training equipment.
- Group Classes: Various fitness classes are available, from yoga to high-intensity workouts.
- Sports Court: A multi-purpose court for basketball and pickleball.
- Running Track: A scenic track around the ship for jogging enthusiasts.
Salon and Spa
- Tattoo Parlor: Squid Ink is the first tattoo parlor at sea, offering a unique experience for those looking to commemorate their journey.
These amenities guarantee that you can remain engaged and refreshed during your voyage.
Shore Excursions and Booking Tips
Virgin Voyages provides a variety of shore activities (“Shore Things”) aimed at enriching the travel experience in port. The cruise line adopts a laid back approach to excursions, giving guests the freedom to discover at their own speed. Although certain excursions may reach capacity quickly, booking through vendors can offer similar adventures often at better rates. It’s essential to plan in advance, though, for sought-after locations.
Booking Tips
- Book Early: Popular excursions can fill up quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead.
- Consider Third-Party Options: Sometimes, booking through third-party companies can yield similar experiences at competitive prices.
- Use Onboard Credit: If available, utilize any onboard credit you may have for excursions.
By adhering to these suggestions, you can improve your shore adventure and make sure you don’t overlook exciting sites.
Pros and Cons of Virgin Voyages
Before making a reservation with Virgin Voyages, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of their cruise offerings.
Pros
- All specialty dining included in the fare
- Adult-only atmosphere, creating a vibrant environment
- Bold and innovative entertainment options
- Inclusive pricing, with no surprise charges at the end
Cons
- Standard stateroom bathrooms are relatively small
- On-deck furniture may not be as functional as desired
- The pool area can feel cramped during peak times
By grasping these factors, you can determine whether Virgin Voyages is the suitable option for your upcoming cruise adventure.
Exciting News: Brilliant Lady Launch
The fourth Virgin Voyages ship, named The Brilliant Lady, is scheduled for its debut in September 2025. This vessel will introduce itineraries such as journeys from New York City to Bermuda and cruises to Alaska, starting in 2026.
- New York City – Sept 5, 2025 – 5-night voyage to Bermuda
- Miami – Oct 17, 2025 – 8-night St Maarten, Tortola and Bimini
⭐ 16-night Repositioning Cruise through Panama Canal – March 21, 2026 - Los Angeles – April 7, 2026 – 5-night Santa Barbara, San Diego, Ensenada
- Seattle – May 2026 – Alaskan itineraries TBD
This ship is also set to introduce new dining experiences and entertainment choices, broadening the offerings of Virgin Voyages.
Booking Information
If you’re interested in cruising aboard the Brilliant Lady during her Inaugural Season, it’s advisable to book in advance, particularly for sought-after routes like the Panama Canal repositioning cruise or itineraries in Alaska.
Booking Tips
When you’re ready to plan your Virgin Voyages cruise, think about teaming up with a travel agent. They can help you with the details and offer some bonuses.
Final Thoughts on Virgin Voyages Ship Guide 2025
Virgin Voyages offers a cruising experience that stands out from the crowd catering to an adults-only vibe with an emphasis on inclusivity. From the modern, cutting-edge ships to the top-notch dining and dazzling entertainment choices, every detail is crafted to ensure a memorable voyage. As the fleet expands, globetrotters can anticipate additional destinations and fresh experiences. With Virgin Voyages, it’s not about going on a cruise; it’s about setting off on an adventure brimming with thrill and exploration.
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