Is Virgin Voyages Worth the Hype? Let’s Dish (Literally)

The food, the vibe, the zero-buffet life, and the one thing I need you to know before you book.

If you’ve been researching cruises, you’ve probably seen Virgin Voyages everywhere and wondered, “Okay, but is it actually worth the hype?” Well, grab a fork, because I’m dishing! After sailing on 3 cruises on Virgin, I’m sharing what I loved (hello, FOOD), where they fall short, and who I think will enjoy it most.

You know me — I want you to have an amazing vacation, but I also want you to know what you’re getting before you book!

This Is NOT Your Typical Cruise

Let’s start with the fun stuff! Virgin feels different from the moment you step on board. It’s adults-only, the vibe is modern and relaxed, and there’s none of the cruise cliché. If you’ve ever thought, “Cruising just isn’t for me,” this might be the one that changes your mind.

Now, About That Food...

The food is soooooo good. And there are NO BUFFETS here. None! Every restaurant has its own personality, and you never feel like you’re settling for “cruise food.” I was obsessed with nearly all of them. And their onboard gelato shop, “Lick Me Til I Scream”? Divine. Best part? All the specialty dining is included, so you’re not paying extra for the good stuff. Soda is included too, which is such a nice little perk!

If you’ve been burned by crowded buffet lines, this is a big reason to put Virgin on your list.

On Board

I’m an open book, so here’s where I want to set expectations. We stayed in a Sea Terrace, and the room is very modern and sleek, but also a little “hard.” It’s not cozy and comfy, and if you’re picturing a plush, snuggle-in kind of cabin, this isn’t quite that.

Does that mean you shouldn’t sail Virgin? Not at all! If you’re out enjoying the ship and mostly need a place to sleep and shower, you may not mind one bit. But if a cozy room is a big part of your vacation, you’ll want to know that going in.

Virgin includes essential drinks and wifi, so no extra charges there. They also have a strong focus on wellness and fitness, so there’s plenty of that (along with dancing) for active sailors. I always spend much of my time doing trivia and games around the ship!

One More Thing: The Casino

If gambling is a big part of your cruise, the casino is small. Not a dealbreaker for us, but worth knowing before you go!

My Favorite Surprise: The Boy Band Dance Class

Okay, I have to tell you about this. I never miss this class while on board. I’ve had SO much fun! It’s the kind of thing that makes Virgin feel different, and sometimes the best vacation moments are the ones where you get to act like a kid again and bust out those moves.

So, Is Virgin Voyages a Good Fit?

My answer? It can be an amazing choice for the right traveler, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s who I’d put on the shortlist:

• Foodies: Great dining, no buffet, and no extra charge at the specialty restaurants.
• Couples and friend groups: Adults-only with a fun, modern, relaxed atmosphere.
• Travelers who want something different: If traditional cruising isn’t your thing, this might be.
• People who live out of the cabin: A great fit if you care more about the ship experience than a plush room.

Who might want to consider other options? If you want a cozy cabin, a big casino, or you’re traveling with kids, I’d explore alternatives before making a decision.

Would I Recommend Virgin Voyages?

Absolutely, with realistic expectations. I absolutely love the food, the vibe, the hammock, and the ease of the ship size. That’s what keeps me coming back. The perfect vacation isn’t about finding something that checks every single box for every single person. It’s about finding the one that checks the RIGHT boxes for you.