Virgin Voyages, which set sail with its first cruise of paying guests in August of 2021, is still a relatively new cruise line. Right from the start, the cruise line worked hard to set itself apart from other cruise lines. Over the years since 2021, operations and opinions of the cruise line have shifted and varied. Now that they have made some changes and modified some things, is Virgin Voyages still worth it — and is it right for you?
What Makes Virgin Voyages Different?
Adults Only — Always
As one of only a handful of adults-only cruise lines, Virgin allows for the ultimate getaway from the kiddos. This is ideal for parents of younger children, educators, and simply people who prefer an entirely adult-focused cruise experience. After our first cruise on Virgin, my husband said it was like "summer camp for adults." You might find that many of the activities are the same as you would find on other ships — but they do not involve parents managing their kids. Everyone is just more relaxed and more present.
Every Restaurant Is Included
Unlike mainstream cruise lines where specialty dining costs extra, every restaurant on a Virgin Voyages ship is included in your fare. There are no surcharges for the Korean BBQ spot, the pizza place, the sushi bar, or the elevated dinner experience. You eat wherever you want, as many times as you want, at no additional charge.
The Vibe Is Different
Virgin ships are designed with a rock-and-roll aesthetic — moody lighting, bold interiors, no buffet (by design), and a nightlife scene that actually feels curated rather than corporate. The entertainment is adult-oriented and the programming is built around fun, not just activity counts. There are no production shows about Broadway musicals — Virgin does its own thing.
How Has Virgin Changed Its Pricing Model?
In spite of the fact that Virgin worked hard in the beginning to set themselves apart from other cruise lines, they have made a shift in the last several months to make the pricing structure of their cruises more comparable to other cruise lines. Until recently, I was telling clients: "It may look like more money up front, but you get so much more as opposed to being nickel and dimed once on the ship."
The cruise fare would include everything from the food (every restaurant included), internet, exercise classes, and even gratuities. And most cruises would come with a significant amount of bar tab or "Sailor Loot" — essentially onboard credit — that you could use during your voyage. Whereas I would leave a Royal Caribbean cruise with a final invoice totaling at least $500 depending on what we purchased onboard, I would leave a Virgin cruise with an amount closer to $75 (and that was only because my husband Chris entered the poker tournament).
Now, booking a Virgin cruise looks a lot more like booking with other cruise lines — you need to add in gratuity and can choose different levels of internet. While this makes it easier to compare prices across cruise lines, in my opinion it removes some of the magic of what made Virgin Voyages feel like a truly different product.
"My husband called it 'summer camp for adults.' That is the most accurate description of a Virgin Voyages sailing I have ever heard."
What Is Still Included?
- All restaurants and dining venues (no cover charges or surcharges)
- Group fitness classes
- Basic non-alcoholic beverages
- Many onboard entertainment experiences
What Costs Extra Now?
- Gratuities (now added separately, similar to other lines)
- Internet (tiered options available)
- Alcoholic beverages beyond the included bar tab (if any Sailor Loot is provided)
- Premium shore excursions
- Spa services
Who Should Book Virgin Voyages?
Virgin is a great fit if you:
- Are 18+ and want a genuinely child-free environment
- Want to eat at multiple restaurants without worrying about surcharges
- Enjoy a social, lively atmosphere with a creative edge
- Are a first-time cruiser who is nervous about the "cruise ship" stereotype — Virgin feels nothing like the stereotype
- Are in your 30s, 40s, or 50s and want a cruise designed for adults who actually want to have fun
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- Cruisers who want a large ship with lots of onboard attractions (waterslides, go-karts, ice rinks)
- Travelers who prefer a more traditional, formal cruise atmosphere
- Anyone traveling with kids or grandkids
- Guests who prioritize a loyalty program with meaningful benefits — Virgin's is still relatively limited
My Honest Verdict
Yes, Virgin Voyages is still worth it in 2026 — but it is worth it for specific reasons and specific travelers. If you are the right fit, it will be one of the best cruise experiences you have ever had. If you are not the right fit, you might find yourself wishing for more ship activities or a more traditional structure.
I have sailed on Virgin multiple times and book clients on Virgin regularly. If you are curious whether it is the right call for your next vacation, let's talk. I can help you figure out whether Virgin Voyages matches your travel style — and if it does, I can help you find the best itinerary, cabin, and timing for your trip.