Which Virgin Voyages’ Ship is Best?

  • Virgin Voyages has three nearly identical ships sailing right now with a fourth ship that’s expected to launch sometime in the next year.

  • Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady each feature the same restaurants, bars, and ship spaces but each cruise ship has unique design elements including art and sculptures, decor and furniture, and the signature mermaid on the hull of each ship.

  • Entertainment and shows offered onboard vary across the three ships and all of them feature signature themed activities including the pajama party and Scarlet Night.

Virgin Voyages has redefined the cruise experience with its trio of lady ships, offering a blend of luxury, adventure, and exclusively adult serenity. Each ship—Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, and Resilient Lady—boasts its unique charm, tailored itineraries, and distinct offerings. This guide delves into the differences between these magnificent vessels, helping you choose your perfect high-seas adventure.

Introduction to Virgin Voyages' Fleet

Virgin Voyages, the brainchild of Sir Richard Branson, embarked on its nautical journey with a clear vision: to disrupt the cruise industry by offering a yacht-inspired experience, focusing on wellness, dining, and entertainment, exclusively for adults. The cruise ship fleet, designed to reflect a modern luxury lifestyle, promises an escape from the ordinary, ensuring that every sailor (as passengers are affectionately called) experiences the voyage of a lifetime.

What are the Common Elements of Virgin Voyages Ships?

Design and Ambiance: All three ships feature an eclectic mix of futuristic and retro design elements, with spaces created by some of the world's leading interior designers. Their aesthetic is bold and daring, with an emphasis on creating vibrant, social spaces accented with vibey mood lighting and plush areas to relax. The layout is across the trio of ships is basically identical with small shifts in furniture arrangement and other atheistic elements.

Dining: Virgin Voyages’ ships revolutionize the dining experience at sea by swapping out traditional buffets and main dining rooms for over 20 unique eateries including a dining hall called The Galley and six signature restaurants including: a Korean BBQ, Gunbae; a vegetarian-forward bistro, Razzle Dazzle; Mexican concept, Pink Agave; upscale steak and seafood restaurant, The Wake; Italian eatery, Extra Virgin; and the experimental gastronomy concept, Test Kitchen. These signature restaurants would typically be referred to as “speciality restaurants” on other cruise lines but they’re included on all Virgin Voyages’ ships. Dining reservations can be pre-booked for brunch and dinner through the Virgin app 60-days before departure for Rockstar Sailors and 45-days for Sailors. Here’s a Virgin Voyages restaurant guide with further information, including menus, for each dining concept onboard.

Included Amenities: Virgin includes valuable perks in the costs of the cruise fare: essential beverages like soda, water, drip coffee, and non-pressed juices; group fitness classes, basic WiFi, and all tips.

Cabins: The entire Virgin Voyages’ cruise ship fleet offers the same types of cabins ranging from Solo Insider, a tiny 105 sq ft interior cabin, to the Sea Terrace, an ocean view balcony cabin with the iconic red hammock or an “egg chair” on some of the cabins at the far forward of the ship, all the way to the Rockstar and Mega Rockstar Suites, which offer additional perks. Read all about the Virgin Voyages Rockstar experience here.

What Makes Scarlet Lady the Trailblazer?

Launched in 2020 and first setting sail with passengers in late 2021, Scarlet Lady set the standard for what Virgin Voyages would offer. With a gross tonnage of 110,000 and a capacity of 2,770 passengers, she's a floating sanctuary of high-energy spaces and intimate retreats. Scarlet Lady features entertainment including Duel Reality, Untitled Dance Show Party Thing, The Ship Show, as well as a club activation called Heartbeat. The signature red octopus, Inky, is available for purchase onboard.

Itineraries: Scarlet Lady has primarily sailed to the Caribbean, offering itineraries that include stops at Virgin's exclusive Beach Club at Bimini, where sailors can enjoy a day of sun, sea, and sand, alongside DJ-led pool parties or serene yoga sessions. Scarlet Lady will be switching things up and heading to Europe for the Spring and Summer 2024 seasons before closing out the Fall with a little refresher in dry dock.

Awards: Virgin was awarded the Cruise Critic - Editors' Picks Best New Cruise Ship for Scarlet Lady in 2021 as well as Best New Cruises in the World by Condé Nast Traveler - Cruising 2022 Hot List along with her sister ship, Valiant Lady.

Why is Valiant Lady Know as the Adventurous Spirit?

Following in Scarlet Lady's wake, Valiant Lady was introduced into the Virgin Voyages’ fleet in 2022, mirroring her sister's size and capacity but with her own unique personality and itineraries. A purple Inky is available for purchase in Valiant’s gift shop.

Design and Ambiance: You’ll notice small differences onboard Valiant Lady like the design of the carpet in the hallways, styles of some furniture and seating options, plus other design elements including the signature octopus tentacles by the main staircase known as the roundabout. Valiant Lady also offers some different shops in the High Street area.

Entertainment: She features a popular party in the ship’s club, The Manor, called We Fancy with gold and black theming. Valiant offers several of the same shows as Scarlet, including Duel Reality and The Ship Show.

Itineraries: Distinguishing herself through her routes, Valiant Lady ventured into the Mediterranean, offering sailors the chance to explore the coasts of Spain, France, Italy, and beyond. These itineraries are perfect for those looking to imbibe the rich history, culture, and cuisine of Europe's most famed coastlines and they’ll be taken over by Scarlet Lady this Spring. Valiant Lady is currently sailing in the Caribbean and will remain there through October 2025.

Awards: Valiant Lady was awarded Best New Cruises in the World by Condé Nast Traveler - Cruising Hot List for 2022 and 2023.

What Makes Resilient Lady the Elegant Explorer?

The latest addition to the Virgin Voyages' fleet of ships, Resilient Lady, launched in 2023, builds on the foundations laid by her predecessors while charting her path with arguably the best itineraries. Resilient Lady has sailed to some of the hottest destinations including the Greek islands, Croatia, Australia, and New Zealand. For all the Inky collectors, Resilient Lady offers a light blue octopus for purchase.

Entertainment: Resilient Lady introduced new and elevated onboard entertainment including a dinner theatre show and immersive stage production along with the signature events available on all ships including the pajama party and Scarlet Night.

Itineraries: Resilient Lady's itineraries have mainly focused on the Greek Isles and the Adriatic Sea, appealing to those with a penchant for the mesmerizing beauty of these regions. Her journeys have imbued with the spirit of exploration, offering a mix of popular hotspots and hidden gems. Resilient will be headed to San Juan, Puerto Rico in Fall 2024 to sail longer Caribbean itineraries with unique ports of call including Columbia, Aruba, St. Lucia, Barbados, and more.

Awards: Virgin took home the coveted Cruise Critic - Editors' Picks for Best New Ship for Resilient Lady in 2023.

When will Brilliant Lady, the Long Awaited Luster, Launch?

Brilliant Lady will be Virgin’s fourth ship and we’re eagerly awaiting for details on when and where she will set sail with passengers. She’s expected to launch sometime in 2025.

Which Ship is Best for You?

This decision really comes down to when and where you would like to take your cruise vacation. Whether you’re looking for a Caribbean cruise, a European adventure, or something else unique and interesting, Virgin offers many itineraries to choose from. We’ll help you select the perfect cruise ship for you based on your itinerary preference and the activities on your wish list for your cruise vacation. Reach out here to book the most lucrative offer available: $300 off the cruise fare and $600 in Sailor Loot onboard credit. This deal must be booked directly with Curated by Laura Poe, so reach out before this offer sails away!

Let’s keep in touch! Sign up for our newsletter here.

Virgin Voyages schedule through October 2025 for Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and the soon to be launched Brilliant Lady.

Reach out here for the most lucrative offer available: $300 off the cruise fare and $600 in Sailor Loot onboard credit on Sea Terrace cabins and above (Lock It In rate and Limited View excluded). This deal must be booked directly with Curated by Laura Poe, so reach out before this offer sails away!

Previous
Previous

What’s Included in the Thermal Suite at Virgin Voyages’ Spa?

Next
Next

Does Virgin Voyages Have a Drink Package?