Updated March 2026: I have now sailed Virgin Voyages five times in two years and heard many Virgin Voyages myths.. Say that out loud. Five times. .So when the DMs flood in asking whether the swinger rumors are true, whether it’s only for millennials, whether you’ll go broke booking it — I have receipts.
Here’s what Virgin Voyages is actually like. Ever since Virgin Voyages launched their first ship, the rumors and myths have multiplied fast. As someone who’s spent real time on board (and yes, even brought my mom along!), I’m here to share what these ships are like – without exaggeration, and no sugar-coating, just my honest experience.
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Is Virgin Voyages Exclusively for Swingers?
Let’s get right into the most controversial story you’ve probably heard. Virgin Voyages has somehow gained a reputation for being a swinger’s cruise.
I won a cruise through a giveaway hosted by @VirginVoyagesTips on Instagram, and I have attended two cruises as a plus one, another cruise as a group and a transatlantic with my mom and my aunt. When I announced on my account that I’d be bringing MY MOM along for the 2nd sailing, the messages started pouring in:
“Why would you take your mom on a swinger’s cruise?”
At first I laughed. Then I started paying attention to just how widespread this myth had become, and how zero evidence actually supports that Virgin Voyages are swingers’ cruises.
In five sailings, here’s what I’ve observed with my own eyes: ONE set of upside-down pineapple stickers on a cabin door. Once. Out of five trips. I did what any reasonable person does: kept walking and minded my business.
Virgin Voyages is adults-only (18+), which means the atmosphere is sophisticated, but “adults-only” doesn’t mean what the rumors suggest. What you actually get is a ship full of people who are there to eat well, party well (and / or sleep well), and not trip over a stroller.
If you are specifically looking for a swinger-friendly experience, there are cruise companies that cater to that. For example: Bliss Cruise, Desire Cruises, and Temptation Cruises among them. I’m not affiliated with any of them and can’t speak to their offerings, but they exist and they’re explicitly open about what they offer.
That said, if you’re part of a group with specific interests and you’re considering Virgin Voyages as a cruise option, Christine and JC can help you figure out whether it’s the right fit and handle the booking. Mention The Queen of Trips when you reach out.
The bottom line: The vibe is cheeky onboard a Virgin Voyages cruise, not raunchy. Whatever consenting adults do behind closed doors on any cruise line is their business and it doesn’t define the cruise line’s identity.
Is Virgin Voyages Only for Millennials?
This myth likely stems from Virgin Voyages’ modern branding and marketing style, which might seem targeted toward younger travelers. But the truth is that Virgin Voyages appeals to a broad age range. I took my 70-year-old mom and my 62 year old aunt on my last cruise and they had the time of their lives. They danced, ate to their hearts’ content, watched the shows, and had a good time.
On my cruises, I’ve seen groups of women in their 60s celebrating milestone birthdays, solo travelers in their 70s who were clearly not at their first rodeo, newly-wed couples, more life experienced couples celebrating anniversaries and enjoying the finer things in life. The adults-only policy ensures a sophisticated vibe, but it doesn’t exclude anyone based on age other than meeting the minimum age requirement of. being 18 years or older. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 80s, there’s something for you on board.
However, as an elder millennial, you will catch me fist-pumping somewhere on the ship… I don’t care that it has become a symbol of being a millenial!
Is Virgin Voyages Just a Party Cruise?
Virgin Voyages knows how to throw a good party. But labeling it as just a party cruise oversimplifies the experience.
Virgin Voyages offers a variety of activities and spaces to suit every mood. Yes, there are dance parties and live music events, but there are also wellness classes, high-end restaurants, and plenty of quiet corners for relaxation. On one cruise, I spent a morning in a sunrise yoga class, followed by a leisurely breakfast at The Wake, and later enjoyed the open-air spaces for some reading.
The parties are there if you want them, but they’re never the only option. Even during the biggest shipwide party, there are options for you to have a mellow night listening to live music in other areas of the ship. You don’t have to participate in anything you don’t want to, which, honestly, is the whole point of the adults-only format.
Is Virgin Voyages Exclusively for the LGBTQ+ Community?
This myth might have originated from Virgin Voyages’ inclusive marketing and their presence at Pride events. While the company proudly supports the LGBTQ+ community, the cruises are designed for everyone.
I’ve sailed with my friend Christine, my mom, and the mix of people onboard has always been diverse. The inclusive atmosphere ensures everyone feels welcome, no matter their background or identity. Virgin Voyages is about genuine inclusivity which means everyone is welcome
If you’re open-minded and can respect the diversity of love and lifestyles—including many LGBTQ+ couples — you’ll feel right at home on a Virgin Voyages Cruise. However, if that’s not something you’re comfortable with, this may not be the cruise for you. Virgin Voyages creates that space on purpose.
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Is Virgin Voyages Too Expensive?
It’s easy to look at the upfront cost and think Virgin Voyages is pricey. But when you break it down, the value is incredible.
Included in the fare are features that many cruise lines charge extra for:
- All dining at over 20 restaurants (no buffets here!). Other cruiselines will charge you for the upgraded restaurants.
- Basic beverages, including filtered water, soda, tea, and coffee. Other cruiselines charge you for this.
- Group fitness classes
- Basic Wi-Fi access (not the best but it is available)
- Access to The Beachclub in Bimini on itineraries that stop there. Some of the other cruise lines charge for their beach club access.
When you compare this to traditional cruise lines where you might pay extra for specialty dining ($30-100 per person, per meal), fitness classes ($15-20 each), and daily WIFI ($20 + or more per person, per day), the value becomes apparent. A seven-day cruise on another line could easily rack up $700+ in additional charges for these amenities.
There are no drinks packages on Virgin Voyages. There is a tab that you can prepay and you can use it on anything (not just drinks). Sometimes there are special offers on the tab so keep your eyes and ears open.
Don’t forget that you can compare the pricing from the Virgin Voyages website and then compare it to get the BEST DEAL.
How? Get a price quote for your sailing at www.BookwithCL.com. See if Christine and JC can beat the Virgin Voyages pricing.
When you book with Christine and JC, please mention The Queen of Trips — it helps me keep creating this content and helps connect you with people who know this cruise line extremely well.
Is Virgin Voyages Family-Friendly?
This myth stems from a misunderstanding of the adults-only policy. Virgin Voyages is adults-only, meaning no travelers under 18. That doesn’t make it “unfriendly” to families, it simply caters to adults seeking a more serene and sophisticated atmosphere. If you mean families of adults — absolutely. Some of my best moments on these sailings have been with my mom and my aunt.
Multi-generational trips work beautifully here: milestone birthdays, anniversary celebrations, “we finally get to travel together without the kids” situations. The sophisticated environment actually makes those kinds of gatherings feel more special.
Is Virgin Voyages Solo Traveler-Friendly?
This is the one I feel most personally about, because solo travel is my whole world.
Virgin Voyages is genuinely one of the best options for solo cruisers. Here’s why:
Solo cabins exist and they’re priced well. The ship has cabins designed specifically for solo travelers that are not charged at double occupancy, which is a rarity in the cruise industry. (Note: if you want a Sea Terrace, that does come at the double occupancy rate.)
The atmosphere is naturally social without being forced. Group dining, trivia nights, and events make it easy to meet people without that awkward “couples table” energy you might get elsewhere.
You’re never the odd one out. Because the passenger mix is so varied and the vibe so relaxed, solo travelers don’t feel conspicuous. I’ve met some really cool travelers on these ships.
If you’re considering your first solo cruise, Virgin Voyages is worth putting at the top of the list. And if you need help being convinced to take a solo cruise, this post helps you decide why Virgin Voyages is a good choice to start.
Does Virgin Voyages Only Sail the Caribbean?
Because of its initial launch in the Caribbean, many think Virgin Voyages sticks to tropical routes.
The cruise line offers a variety of itineraries that span multiple regions. Whether you’re dreaming of Mediterranean escapes or exploring transatlantic routes, Virgin Voyages has you covered.
Popular itineraries include:
- Transatlantic Journeys: Experience the luxury of extended sea days while traveling between continents.
- The Mediterranean: Sail to vibrant ports in Italy, France, and Greece.
- Northern Europe: Explore cultural hubs like Netherlands, Iceland and more.
- The Caribbean: still there, still great, and useful for checking out ports in Puerto Rico. If you’re sailing through San Juan, I have a deep guide to the island that goes well beyond what you’ll see from the port.
The Honest Summary After 5 Sailings
Here’s what I’ve learned from going back five times:
Virgin Voyages works because it’s not trying to be everything. It’s adults-only on purpose. It’s inclusive on purpose. The food is genuinely good, not “good for a cruise ship,” just really good. The entertainment is unique and cheeky. Don’t expect broadway productions, just more intimate shows.
What keeps me going back isn’t any single thing. It’s the cumulative experience of being on a ship where the details were actually thought through. The playlists in the hallways. The way the spaces flow. The fact that I’ve never once felt like I was on any of the other cruise lines.
Five sailings in, I still find something new.
Ready to Book?
Mention The Queen of Trips when you book your Virgin Voyages sailing with JC and Christine. It supports this blog and connects you with people who genuinely know the product.
Planning where to stay in San Juan before or after your cruise? I have a full guide to Puerto Rico — including neighborhoods, where to stay, and how to actually experience the island beyond the port gates. Read it here →
Still figuring out your first solo trip? Start with my Solo Travel Guide — it covers everything from how to pick your destination to how to handle the moment you realize you’re completely fine on your own.
Resource List
👑 Want to find out if sailing Virgin Voyages during Halloween was worth it? Read about it here.
👑 Want to see what I wore on my first Virgin Voyages Cruise?
👑 If this is your first time on my blog, make sure to read Why Latinas Should Never Solo Travel.
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