Are you a Virgin Voyages newbie? Never sailed any cruise ever? We got you
There’s something undeniably awesome about a cruise. It’s the kind of vacation where you unpack once, wake up somewhere new, and let the details sort themselves out. If you’ve never cruised before, that appeal probably comes with a few question marks, too. What’s it really like? What do you pack? How does it all work?
Here’s the reassuring part: you don’t need to know everything to have a great first cruise. In fact, cruising is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to travel — especially when it’s done differently, on purpose (that’s our vibe).
Virgin Voyages was designed with first-timers in mind. The kind of travelers who love good food, flexible plans, and vacations that feel effortless, not rigid or overly traditional. No cruise expertise required. No secret rules to memorize. Just a modern voyage that meets you exactly where you are.
This guide is here to make things easy — and fun. We’ll break down what cruising actually is, retire a few outdated myths, and walk through everything from booking and planning to packing, how to book Shore Things cruise excursions, and overall life on board. So, bookmark this page. You’ll want to come back to it when booking, planning, and packing for your Virgin Voyages cruise — we covered all the angles.
What a cruise actually is (and why it works so well for first-timers)
At its simplest, a cruise is a floating boutique hotel that travels with you. You sleep in the same cabin every night, but wake up to new views, new cities, and new possibilities along the way.
For first-time cruisers, this setup is surprisingly ideal. You unpack once, get your bearings, and then relax into the rhythm of the voyage. Meals, entertainment, fitness, and relaxation are built in — but nothing is mandatory. And unlike other cruise lines, we don’t nickel and dime you. We include more than anyone else in the industry in your voyage fare.
With us, flexibility is the whole point. From sunrise yoga to late-night shows, you’ll find endless ways to (actually) get R&R on vacay.
Cruise stereotypes, officially retired
If your idea of cruising comes from outdated ads or secondhand stories, let’s clear the deck. This is not your grandma’s cruise (although she’s totally invited, too).
“Cruises are only for older travelers.”
Not anymore. Virgin Voyages is adults-only, attracting couples, friend groups (with added perks for booking together), and solo travelers who want culture, nightlife, wellness, and elevated experiences. We have a vibe for every age (every age over 18, that is) and any interest.
“You have to dress up every night.”
Many traditional cruise lines still have formal nights; we do not. There’s no required dress code — ever. Come as you are. All are welcome here.
“Cruises are boring.”
Between immersive entertainment, live music, wellness programming, pop-up moments, and unique ports of call, boredom doesn’t really stand a chance. It’s a vibe and we designed it to purposefully be different from other cruise lines.
“Everything costs extra.”
Dining at 20+ award-winning eateries, WiFi, group fitness classes, soft drinks & water, and entertainment are all included — a big win for first-time cruise planners. While other cruise lines are famous for annoying upsells, nickel and diming, hidden fees, and fine print — we decided to just include all of this stuff instead. (You’re welcome.)
Why Virgin Voyages feels different, especially if you’ve never cruised
Virgin Voyages wasn’t built to follow cruise traditions. It was built to question them, then flip the script.
No buffets, no main dining rooms, and no assigned seating
Instead, you’ll find globally inspired restaurants — Korean BBQ, modern Mexican, elevated Italian, inventive vegetarian — all included in your voyage fare. Explore the full food lineup and view our Virgin Voyages menus on our dining page.
Adults-only ships
No kids’ clubs. No cartoon mascots. Just a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere throughout the ship. (And adult humor in some of our nauti-er shows.)
A choose-your-own-adventure vibe
Spa mornings, Shore Things afternoons, DJ-fueled nights — or none of the above. It’s entirely up to you. Your event line-up is available in our app so you won’t be annoyed by ship announcements over the PA system (looking at you, other cruise lines).
Understanding cruise itineraries and destinations
Cruise itineraries can look complicated at first, but they’re easy once you know the basics.
- Embarkation port: We call them homeports, and they’re the gorgeous cities where you board our ships (Miami, San Juan, Barcelona, Athens, and Portsmouth, UK)
- Ports of call: The destinations you’ll visit along the way
- Sea days: Full days on board — perfect for enjoying the ship itself
We sail to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, the Greek Isles, Alaska, the Pacific Coast, the Panama Canal, and select transatlantic voyages. Our New York sailings out to Bermuda and up into New England are also worth your while. You can explore all the epic places we visit on our destinations page.
How to book your first cruise with confidence
Booking your first cruise is simpler than it sounds, especially once you know what matters.
Choose the right cabin
From cozy Insider cabins to Sea Terrace rooms with private balconies and your own seaside hammock, cabin choice affects both comfort and budget. Or if you’re the go-all-in type, a RockStar or Mega RockStar luxury suite may be your cuppa tea. Explore all our cabins here.
Know what’s included
Virgin Voyages’ Voyage Fair Choices pricing includes dining, WiFi, entertainment, and group fitness classes at all tiers — making it easier to plan ahead. You choose the category that works best for you, we’ll do the rest.
What to plan and reserve before you sail
You don’t need to plan every minute — but a little prep makes everything smoother. Before boarding, you can use our app to:
- Complete online check-in
- Browse dining venues and menus
- Explore and book Virgin Voyages’ Shore Things cruise excursions
- Get familiar with onboard entertainment, events, and experiences
Depending on which category you book, your access to reserving dining in advance will range from 60, 45, or 15 days ahead. Jump in as soon as your window opens to snag the best times. Couldn’t get the times you wanted? No problem, our Sailor Services crew will help with dining reservations when you come aboard.
What to pack for your first cruise (and what surprises most people)
Packing for a cruise is often easier than expected. A few helpful truths:
- You don’t need formalwear when you cruise with us.
- Comfortable shoes matter more than you think, especially when walking in port.
- Mix-and-match pieces beat overpacking. But, honestly, if you’re not flying, then bring as much as you want — we don’t judge (or weigh your suitcases).
Virgin Voyages keeps things relaxed — but for Sailors who love a theme, there are optional moments to lean in (more on that below).
Dressing the part — totally optional, always fun
There’s no required dress code, but there are iconic events for those who like to glow-up and show up.
- Scarlet Night: Red looks encouraged — dramatic or understated both welcome (costumes too).
- PJ Party: Pajamas, elevated loungewear, or creative interpretations (you may see a silk robe and a smoking jacket…or two).
- We Fancy: A chance to dress sharp, stylish, or just a little extra. Or not. Your call.
Participation is optional; the atmosphere is always inclusive. Learn more about iconic onboard moments like Scarlet Night.
What to wear (and bring) for different types of Shore Things
Shore Things vary widely, so packing with intention will help you enjoy them fully.
Beach days & water adventures
- Swimsuit you can move in
- Water-friendly shoes
- Reef-safe sunscreen (don’t worry, we sell it on board if you left it behind)
- Hat and sunglasses
City exploring & cultural tours
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Breathable layers
- Small day bag
Adventure-forward excursions
- Closed-toe shoes
- Athletic or quick-dry clothing
- Lightweight backpack
Food & drink–focused experiences
- Comfortable, easy outfits
- Shoes you can walk in
- Your appetite
No matter what, pack a smile and get ready to take selfies! Then share them with us @VirginVoyages — you could even be featured by us somewhere. Fun, no?
What a typical day on board looks like
There’s no fixed schedule — just possibilities.
- Morning: Coffee, sunrise views, yoga, breakfast
- Midday: Shore Things or pool time
- Afternoon: Spa, naps, wandering, trivia, workshops
- Evening: Dinner, shows, themed parties, best drinks ever
You decide how full or free-flowing each day feels. It’s all designed so there’s something for every type of traveler.
Accessibility on a cruise: What first-time Sailors should know
Cruising can be a supportive and comfortable way to travel for many people with accessibility needs. Virgin Voyages’ ships feature wide corridors, elevators throughout, and clear layouts designed to make navigating on board more intuitive.
Accessible cabins are available, and dining venues offer flexibility for a variety of dietary needs and preferences. We have accessible Shore Things (cruise excursions) in many ports, and are working on adding more every day. Because you unpack once and move through a consistent environment, many Sailors find cruising less physically demanding than travel that requires frequent hotel changes.
If you have mobility considerations, medical needs, or other accessibility requirements, our Crew is ready to help support your experience from the start, so be sure to let us know while you’re booking.
Why first-time cruisers often become repeat Sailors
There’s usually a moment — often around day two — when everything clicks. You know where to get coffee. You’ve found your favorite spot on board. You realize you haven’t checked the clock once.
That’s when many first-time cruisers understand why cruising works — and why Virgin Voyages feels different. In fact, for those who return time and time again, our Virgin Voyages Sailing Club loyalty program rewards you with some pretty epic perks. And if you’re a first timer with high status with another cruise line (or airline or hotel) rewards program, we’ll match it when you fill out this form.
Your first cruise, done your way
If you’ve never cruised before, know this: you don’t need to fit into a cruise stereotype to enjoy it. Virgin Voyages is built for travelers who value freedom, design, great food, and experiences that feel intentional — not obligatory.
Save this guide. Come back to it when you’re booking, planning, packing, and counting down the days. When you’re ready, your ship is waiting.
