Sailing Virgin Voyages for the first time? This no-BS beginner’s guide walks you through everything you must know about the most adult, modern, and unconventional cruise line on the planet. From Scarlet Night to dining reservations, Bar Tab hacks, nightlife, Bimini, cabin tricks, and Virgin-specific rules—this guide shows you exactly how to cruise smarter, not confused.

Virgin Voyages is nothing like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian—and that’s the point. No kids, no buffets, no main dining rooms, no forced formal wear, no announcements, and no cheesy contests. Instead, you get handcrafted food, DJs, nightlife energy, curated entertainment, and a boutique-hotel-at-sea vibe unlike any other cruise line.

This beginner guide helps you understand Virgin Voyages’ unique style so you avoid rookie mistakes and enjoy your sailing from the moment you board.

Perfect for sailings on Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady.

What You’ll Learn 

✔ Virgin Voyages Boarding-Day Checklist (Do These First)

Meet the Happenings Cast, go straight to your cabin, watch the safety video, and connect to the Wi-Fi the right way (page 3). These steps set the tone for the entire cruise.

✔ Virgin Voyages Dining & Reservations Strategy

Learn the #1 rookie mistake: not booking dinners early. Reservations open 45 days out and disappear fast. Includes which restaurants to prioritize and when walk-in availability is possible (page 4).

✔ Shows, Events, Nightlife & the Virgin Vibe

Virgin ships have secret shows, edgy entertainment, nightlife energy, and pop-up experiences everywhere. Learn how to get into the best events and why you must arrive early (page 5).

✔ Scarlet Night — Virgin’s Most Iconic Party

What to wear, where to go, how early to show up, and why people end up in the pool fully dressed. This section prepares you so you don’t feel lost or underdressed (page 6).

✔ Virgin Voyages Hacks You Should NOT Skip

The Bar Tab trick, laundry hacks, why not to buy sunscreen onboard, why interior cabins need magnetic night lights, and how to navigate confusing ship layouts (page 7).

✔ The Beach Club at Bimini Tips

Morning = zen, chill, relaxed.
Afternoon = DJs, floats, dancing, party energy.
Learn how to pick the vibe that fits your day. Food is included, Bar Tab works, and both options are amazing (page 8).

✔ Cabin Tricks & Tech Tips

From the balcony AC shutoff trick to hammock tips, tablet controls, and what to ask your cabin host for—these details make a huge difference (page 9).

✔ Packing for Virgin Voyages Checklist

From Scarlet Night outfits to PJ party clothes, ’70s attire, reusable water bottles, magnetic night lights, and what NOT to bring (page 10).

✔ Virgin Voyages Fare System Explained

Understand the difference between Base, Essential, and Premium—dining windows, Wi-Fi tiers, passenger change rules, and perks like the nightly $15 Bar Tab for Premium fares (page 11).

✔ 10 First-Time Mistakes to Avoid (Don’t Be That Sailor)

From not wearing red on Scarlet Night to forgetting to turn on “Do Not Disturb,” missing dinner reservations, and treating Virgin like a traditional cruise line—this section shows you what to avoid at all costs (page 12).

✔ Full First-Timer Checklist

A complete, step-by-step Virgin Voyages prep list including Scarlet Night prep, dining reservations, Bar Tab setup, tech setup, packing, cabin essentials, Bimini strategy, and more