Virgin Voyages Review: The Ultimate DINK Guide to Adults-Only Cruising

Virgin Voyages Review: The Ultimate DINK Guide to Adults-Only Cruising

December 22, 2025

This post covers Episode 11 of Marrying Your Passions: The DINK Travel and Adventure Podcast. Listen to the full episode for complete details, stories, and our honest Virgin Voyages review.

Announcement: We're officially Marrying Your Passions: The DINK Travel and Adventure Podcast! After 10 episodes, we're getting clear about who we serve - DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids), empty nesters, and anyone prioritizing childfree travel NOW, not someday.

We're Nathan and Alicia. We work with kids every day (Nathan teaches 900 students, Alicia works for a children's nonprofit), but we chose not to have our own. That gives us freedom to travel differently - and Virgin Voyages is the perfect example of adults-only travel done right.

Listen to Episode 11 for our complete Virgin Voyagesexperience, including Alicia's hilarious drinking game story and why Nathan thinks The Test Kitchen might be our favorite restaurant. (Spoiler: the drink pairings blew his mind.)


Why Virgin Voyages for DINKs?

The quick answer:It's the only major cruise line that's 100% adults-only (18+), with revolutionary all-inclusive dining and no assigned meal times. Perfect for couples who want freedom, quality food, and zero kids running around the pool.

Our experience:Two sailings (November 2023 and October 2025), both in Sea Terrace cabins. We've explored every aspect of Virgin and we're already planning our third cruise for next New Year's Eve.

What makes it different from traditional cruises:

  • No kids allowed (18+ only)

  • 20+ restaurants, ALL included in your fare

  • No assigned dining times or tables

  • No tipping required

  • Smaller ships (~2,700 passengers vs. 5,000+)

  • Michelin-star chefs at every restaurant



The Sea Terrace Cabin: Worth the Upgrade?

Short answer: Yes, especially for the hammock.

Virgin's signature feature is the hammock on every Sea Terrace balcony. It's genuinely comfortable, and there's something special about relaxing in a hammock while cruising the Caribbean.

What you get:

  • Private balcony with hammock + 2 chairs and table

  • Tablet controls (music, TV, lighting, room service orders)

  • Decent storage (closet with shelves and drawers)

  • Mini fridge

  • On-demand movies and shows

  • Two water pitchers (request sparkling if you want)

Alicia's non-negotiable:We will never book an interior cabin. Listen to Episode 11 for her Titanic-inspired reasoning it's both hilarious and somehow makes perfect sense.

Pricing tip:We don't splurge for premium location. Standard Sea Terrace works great, and we've gotten into every restaurant we wanted on both cruises.



Virgin Voyages Dining: Here's What You Need to Know

This is where Virgin completely changes the cruise game.

How It Works

Traditional cruises:Assigned dining time, assigned table, assigned seat, limited menu. Specialty restaurants cost extra.

Virgin Voyages:No assignments. No main dining room. 20+ restaurants. Everything included. Eat whenever you're hungry.


What's included (free):

  • All sit-down restaurants

  • The Galley (24/7 food court)

  • Pizza place (open until 2am)

  • Ice cream parlor (unlimited)

  • Poke bowls, hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels

  • All non-alcoholic beverages

  • Room service food (small delivery fee)

What costs extra:

  • Alcohol (or buy a drink package)

  • Specialty coffee drinks

  • Fresh-pressed juices

  • Boozy milkshakes


The Restaurants You MUST Try

Extra Virgin (Italian) - Virgin's most popular restaurant. Handmade pasta, elegant atmosphere. Books up fast reserve early.

Pink Agave (Modern Mexican) -Our favorite. Dark, moody atmosphere. Order the esquites. Actually, order two servings of esquites. Listen to the episode for why this restaurant keeps pulling us back.

Gunbae (Korean BBQ) - Interactive Benihana-style experience with complimentary soju shots and drinking games. Alicia has a story about this one. Let's just say she learned that winning the game means you drink MORE. 🍶

The Test Kitchen (Molecular Gastronomy) - 6-course tasting menu that sounds intimidating but is incredible. You can add drink pairings (Nathan highly recommends the cocktails). Here's the thing: even if you hate molecular gastronomy, it's FREE. Worst case? Go get pizza after. Best case? You discover your new favorite dining experience.

Razzle Dazzle (Vegetarian-forward) - Don't let "vegetarian" scare you away. The vegan Nashville hot chicken is shockingly good. They serve breakfast too.

The Wake (Steakhouse) - We haven't tried it yet (vegetarians), but they serve excellent breakfasts according to our friends who've sailed Virgin.

Quick-Grab Options

  • Pizza Place: Brick oven, made to order, open until 2am

  • Lick Me Till Ice Cream: Yes, that's really the name

  • The Galley: Multiple stations - Mexican, diner, sandwiches, sushi, breakfast bento boxes

  • Diner/Sports Bar: Hot dogs, wings, board games, TVs

Listen to Episode 11for the complete restaurant breakdown, dietary accommodation tips (we're vegetarians), and why Alicia thinks you should try The Test Kitchen even if you're not adventurous.



What Does Virgin Voyages Cost?

The honest answer: Mid-tier pricing. Not the cheapest, not the most expensive.

But here's why it's competitive:When you factor in that gratuity, all restaurants, and non-alcoholic drinks are included, you're not getting nickel-and-dimed like on other cruise lines.

Our approach:We're saving throughout 2026 for our third Virgin cruise (New Year's Eve 2026-2027). We set money aside intentionally rather than putting it on a credit card.

As Alicia says: "We're going to tell you to GO DO THE THING. Experience."

Is Virgin Voyages Right for You?

Perfect for:

  • DINKs who want freedom and quality

  • Empty nesters done with family vacations

  • Couples celebrating anniversaries/birthdays

  • Anyone who wants adults-only atmosphere

  • Foodies who appreciate Michelin-star dining

  • People who don't want assigned meal times

Not ideal for:

  • Families with kids (obviously - they won't let them on)

  • Bargain hunters looking for the cheapest cruise

  • People who prefer traditional cruise structure

  • Those who need mega-ship amenities

Our verdict:If you're a DINK or empty nester who values dining freedom, adult atmosphere, and quality over quantity, Virgin Voyages is absolutely worth it.


Coming Up: Parts 2 & 3

This is Part 1 of our Virgin Voyages series. We have SO much more to share in future epiosdes:

Part 2 :Onboard activities, parties, and entertainment - including what made the Haunted Halloween Soiree incredible

Part 3 : Excursions, port stops, and our SCUBA diving adventures

Listen to Episode 11 nowfor our complete Virgin Voyages overview and dining experience, including:

  • Why we're officially a DINK podcast

  • The complete cabin tour

  • Every restaurant reviewed in detail

  • Alicia's drinking game disaster

  • Nathan's Test Kitchen drink pairing revelation

  • Why Alicia refuses interior cabins (it involves Titanic)

  • Our honest take on pricing and value

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | All Platforms

Plan Your Virgin Voyages Trip

Website: VirginVoyages.com
Main US Port: Miami, Florida
Our Ship: Valiant Lady (though all 4 sister ships are identical)

Quick tips:

  • Book Sea Terrace for the hammock

  • Make restaurant reservations via the Virgin app

  • Don't skip The Test Kitchen

  • Join Virgin Voyages Facebook groups for deals

  • Download the app before you sail

Questions about Virgin Voyages? Drop them in the comments or DM us @marryingyourpassions on Facebook or Instagram.

About Us

Nathan and Alicia host Marrying Your Passions: The DINK Travel and Adventure PodcastWe've explored 47 states, camped 11,775 miles in our teardrop trailer, traveled to England and Kenya, Nathan's run marathons in 40 states, we're SCUBA divers, and we're proving you don't have to wait for "someday" to live your best life.

New episodes every other weekwith travel adventures, marathon stories, foodie discoveries, and honest advice for DINKs, empty nesters, and anyone prioritizing adventure NOW.

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | All Platforms
Follow: @marryingyourpassions on Facebook or Instagram.
Website: marryingyourpassions.com
Blog: marryingyourpassions.blogspot.com

Connect With Us & Explore More

Check out Alicia's Reviews on Google Maps - Detailed reviews and photos of restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems from their travels.

Check Out Nathan's Reviews on Tripadvisor - In-depth travel insights and recommendations for accommodations and destinations.

Places & Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Cruise Line:

Port:

Restaurants on Virgin Voyages:

  • Extra Virgin - Italian restaurant with handmade pasta

  • Pink Agave - Modern Mexican cuisine (our favorite!)

  • Gunbae - Interactive Korean BBQ with drinking games

  • The Test Kitchen - 6-course molecular gastronomy experience

  • Razzle Dazzle - Vegetarian-forward New American

  • The Wake - Steakhouse & seafood

  • The Galley - 24/7 food court

  • Lick Me Till Ice Cream - Ice cream parlor

  • Pizza Place - Brick oven pizza until 2am

  • Sun Club Cafe - Hawaiian-Asian fusion

Cabin Type:

  • Sea Terrace - Balcony cabin with Virgin's signature hammock

Helpful Resources:








Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome to the Marrying Your Passions Community! - Season 1, Episode 1

Image
At Marrying Your Passions, we believe that the best relationships are built when couples pursue their dreams together, explore new horizons side by side, and create lasting memories through shared adventures. Whether you're seasoned travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, or simply looking to add more excitement to your relationship, you've found your tribe. Your Hosts: Alicia & Nathan After 18+ years of marriage, Alicia and Nathan have mastered the art of keeping their relationship fresh and exciting through shared passions. From running adventures to camping under the stars, diving into crystal-clear waters, and yes, even magical Disney getaways, they've discovered that the secret to a thriving marriage isn't just loving each other—it's actively pursuing life's adventures together. Want to see where they've been? Check out their detailed travel experiences: Alicia's Google Reviews for honest insights into accommodations, restaurants, and local gems ...
Read more

From Dreams to Reality: Your Guide to Marrying Adventure and Purpose - Season 1, Episode 2

Image
The Journey Continues Beyond the Microphone Our conversation doesn't end when the recording stops. We believe in creating a community of passionate individuals who support each other's dreams and adventures. That's why we're sharing all the incredible places and experiences we discussed in this episode—so you can start planning your own passionate pursuits today. National Parks That Will Ignite Your Wanderlust From the National Park Service: Congaree National Park – A hidden gem that showcases the raw beauty of ancient bottomland hardwood forests. Perfect for those seeking solitude and connection with nature's untamed spirit. Acadia National Park – Where rugged coastlines meet pristine wilderness. This Maine treasure offers endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and soul-stirring sunrises from Cadillac Mountain. Chase Your Running Dreams Mainly Marathons - The New England Series – Featured prominently in this episode, this ma...
Read more

Epic Summer Road Trip Continues: From Ohio Family Time to Badlands Adventures

Image
pisode 3 of Marrying Your Passions: Continuing our 2024 camping adventure from Bar Harbor west to the stunning Badlands After exploring Maine's Acadia National Park, we continued our epic summer 2024 camping adventure, heading west with our teardrop camper. What started as a potential Canadian route became an incredible 8-day, 2,273-mile journey through family visits and stunning national parks. From Maine to the Midwest Leaving Bar Harbor behind, our first stop was Lake Lauderdale Campground in Cambridge, New York—a practical halfway point that delivered an unexpected highlight. An Unexpected Wildlife Encounter "I'm standing there looking at the sunset, and this black bear just kind of walks around the corner of the shower house, minding his own business, having a lovely evening stroll," Alicia recalls. The encounter showcased perfect campground community spirit—a fellow tent camper helped capture photos, and when our teardrop needed positioning help on the elevated ...
Read more