First Timer's Guide to Virgin Voyages

You Booked Your First Voyage. Now What?

Congratulations — you’re about to discover why people who’ve sailed Virgin Voyages won’t shut up about it. This guide covers everything you need to know so you can skip the learning curve and start enjoying from the moment you step onboard.

Before You Board

The App is Your Best Friend

Download the Virgin Voyages app as soon as you book. You’ll use it to:

Check in (opens 30 days before sailing)
Book restaurants — do this immediately when they open, especially for Razzle Dazzle, The Test Kitchen, and Gunbae
Browse Shore Things (excursions) and book early for popular ports
Set up your Sailor Band — your room key, payment method, and bar tab all in one wristband

What to Pack

Virgin Voyages has no dress code (seriously), but here’s what experienced sailors recommend:

Something red for Scarlet Night — the signature party. Go all out or keep it subtle, but wear red.
Swimwear — you’ll live in it. Multiple pools, hot tubs, and the Aquatic Club
Comfortable shoes — the ships are big and ports involve walking
A light jacket — the AC runs cold in some restaurants
Skip the formal wear — there are no formal nights, ever

Dining Strategy

All 20+ restaurants are included, but they work on a reservation system. Here’s the play:

Book the popular spots first: The Test Kitchen (multi-course tasting), Gunbae (Korean BBQ), and Razzle Dazzle (brunch!) fill up fast
Leave room for walk-ins: The Galley (food hall) and Lick Me Till Ice Cream are always available
Try everything: Pink Agave (Mexican), Extra Virgin (Italian), and The Wake (steakhouse) are all excellent
Late-night food: The Pizza Place stays open late, and room service has a small fee after midnight

Embarkation Day

Arrive Early, Leave Late

Port time is usually noon to 5pm for embarkation. The ship departs around 6-7pm depending on the itinerary.

Check in online before you arrive — this speeds everything up
Drop your bags with the porters and head straight to the pool deck
Eat lunch at The Galley — it’s open and ready while you wait for your cabin
Your cabin will be ready around 3pm, but the ship is yours immediately

First Things First Onboard

Explore the ship — get your bearings before it gets busy
Visit the Redemption Spa thermal suite (it’s complimentary!)
Check the app for the evening’s entertainment schedule
Head to The Dock for sunset views as the ship pulls away

The Daily Rhythm

There’s no rigid schedule on Virgin Voyages. No forced fun, no announas over the PA, no bingo. The vibe is more “boutique hotel that moves” than “floating resort.”

Morning: Wake up, hit the Athletic Club gym or a group fitness class (yoga, cycling, boxing — all free), grab coffee at Grounds Club.

Afternoon: Pool deck, hot tubs, or shore excursions on port days. The Aquatic Club has an adults-only pool vibe with a DJ on sea days.

Evening: Dinner at one of the specialty restaurants, then choose your own adventure — live shows, The Manor nightclub, karaoke, or a quiet drink at Sip.

Late night: This is where VV shines. The Manor goes until 2-3am with world-class DJs. Scarlet Night (one per voyage) transforms the entire ship into an immersive party.

Money Tips

Sailor Loot (onboard credit) can be used at bars, the spa, Shore Things, and the shop
Bar Tab: Premium drinks, wine, and cocktails are NOT included. A drink package (The Bar Tab) is available and usually worth it if you have 5+ drinks per day
Tipping: Already included. Don’t worry about it. Ever.
WiFi: Already included. It’s decent for social media and messaging, not great for streaming

The Things That Surprise First-Timers

How quiet the PA is — no constant announcements. Check the app for schedules.
The food quality — this is not cruise ship food. It’s genuinely good restaurant food.
How chill the vibe is — no one’s herding you anywhere. You set your own pace.
Scarlet Night — even if you’re not a party person, go. The production value is unreal.
The thermal spa — salt rooms, mud rooms, cold plunge, hydrotherapy… all free. Use it.
Sea days are the best days — the ship comes alive. DJ sets, pool parties, and no reason to rush anywhere.

Quick Reference

Item	Status
WiFi	Included
Restaurants (20+)	Included
Tips/Gratuities	Included
Group Fitness	Included
Thermal Spa	Included
Premium Drinks	Extra
Spa Treatments	Extra
Shore Things	Extra
Specialty Experiences	Extra