The insider tips I actually tell my clients
Real advice, not recycled press releases. Got a question that's not covered here?
Ask Tam →Book higher up and further aft if you're prone to motion sensitivity
Mid-ship cabins on higher decks feel the least motion. If it's your first sailing and you're unsure how you'll do, this is the safest pick.
Try as many of the restaurants as you can
Every restaurant on board is included in your fare — no upcharge, no specialty-dining package to buy. Availability varies by sailing, so plan a different one each night and you'll get through most of them in a week.
Pack something red for Scarlet Night
Scarlet Night is the signature party of the sailing — the ship turns out on deck and the dress code is red. It's genuinely one of the best nights of the trip, and it's a lot more fun if you packed for it.
Your fare already includes more than you think
Group fitness classes, specialty dining, and WiFi are typically bundled into Virgin Voyages fares — ask me what's included before you budget extra.
Download the app before you board
Reservations, deck plans, and your Voyage itinerary all live in the Virgin Voyages app — set it up a few days before departure, not at the port.
Book connecting or nearby cabins early
If you're sailing with a group, tell me before you book — I can often get cabins held near each other, which gets harder closer to sail date.
What it actually looks like once you're on the ship
Click any photo to see it larger.
The fleet, in plain language
All four ships share the same adults-only philosophy and core venues, with small differences in layout and newer features on the later builds. Not sure which ship fits your trip best? That's exactly the kind of question I like getting.
Ask Which Ship Is Right For You →
Quick Questions, Straight Answers
Fare inclusions can shift between promotions, so I confirm the exact breakdown — gratuity included or not — on your specific sailing before you book, not after.
A reusable water bottle for the ports, a light layer for air-conditioned indoor venues, and — as above — something red to wear for Scarlet Night.
You don't have to. Dining is included in your fare and you can book in the app before you sail or once you're on board, and walk-ins are often possible too. How far ahead it's worth booking really depends on the sailing — tell me which one you're on and I'll let you know whether it's worth planning around.
Don't over-schedule day one. Give yourself a few unstructured hours to actually explore the ship before you lock in every restaurant and excursion.