Virgin Voyages Activities & Entertainment: The Complete Guide to Onboard Experience

Based on our experiences sailing Virgin Voyages twice - including a Halloween themed cruise

Listen to Episode 12 of the Marrying Your Passions podcast for our full conversation about Virgin Voyages activities and entertainment, including all our stories, laughs, and detailed recommendations!

If you're researching what to actually DO on a Virgin Voyages cruise beyond eating and drinking, you've come to the right place. After two Virgin cruises (and comparing it to Royal Caribbean), we're breaking down every activity, entertainment option, and experience available onboard - including what's worth your time and what to skip.

Ready to go for the onboard Halloween Party! Can you guess who we are? Bet cha can't find us!

Quick Reference: What's Included vs. What Costs Extra

Completely Free (Included in Your Cruise Fare):

All fitness classes (yoga, cycling, run club)
Gym access and running track
All entertainment shows and concerts
Trivia games and competitions
Themed parties (including Scarlet Night)
Casino access (you pay to gamble, obviously)
Board games
Basketball and pickleball courts

What Costs Extra:

Spa treatments ($$$$ - significantly more than land-based options)
Spa day pass ($50 or for thermal suite access)
Tattoo parlor services
Hair salon/barber services
Shopping purchases
Casino gambling

Pools & Outdoor Spaces

The Adult-Only Pool Experience

Every pool on Virgin is adult-only - there's no "family pool" section because there are no kids allowed on the ship. Here's what makes them unique:

Special Features:

Raised lounge chair areas IN the pool (you're sitting in water but not fully submerged - perfect for reading with a drink)
Hammock like seating around the pool perimeter
At least 4 hot tubs scattered throughout the ship (not just by the pool)

Reality Check: The pools are pretty small. We've never actually gotten in them across two cruises, though we frequently see people using them. They often host events around the pools, and frankly, we're usually heading to the upper decks for fitness activities instead.

Fitness & Wellness

The Running Track (And Why Your Strava Will Lie)

The outdoor track on Deck 16 looks down on the pools, pickleball court, and basketball court. It's absolutely worth walking a lap or two just for the ocean views.

IMPORTANT TRACK ETIQUETTE:

Walk in the right-hand lane
Don't walk 3-4 people wide across both lanes
Don't stop randomly in the middle of the track
Runners appreciate your awareness!

The Strava Effect: If you set your watch to "outdoor run," the GPS will register the ship's movement. Alicia’s watch congratulated her on completing a 5K in about 5 minutes. You're not that fast - the boat is moving. Switch to indoor/treadmill mode.

Free Fitness Classes

All fitness classes are completely free and include:

Yoga (indoor studio and outdoor sunrise sessions)
Cycling classes
Bungee cord resistance training
Run club
Themed classes (for example 80s aerobics, Richard Simmons-style)
Line dancing (half exercise, half fun)

Pro Tip: The themed classes encourage athemed attire - wear your best 80s gear with ankle socks for maximum fun.

The Gym

What's Available:

Cardio equipment in a separate area from weights
Free weights and open space for HIIT workouts
Indoor yoga studio
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean
Immaculately clean and well-maintained

The gym is separated strategically so cardio users aren't competing for space with people doing weights or floor exercises.

Spa: The Good, The Bad, and The Sales Pitch

Thermal Suite (Day Pass - ~ around $59)

We haven't tried this yet, but plan to next cruise:

Sauna access
Steam room
Soaking pool
3-hour pass available

Best For: Port days you've already visited, or sea days if you book early (gets crowded)

Couples Massage: Our Honest Experience

The Good:

The massage itself was nice
Felt special and relaxing
Beautiful spa facilities

The Bad:

VERY expensive (4x more than Massage Envy)
Extremely cramped room (we think they may have overbooked and added a second table for our couple’s massage)
We have no idea how the therapists walked around us

The Deal-Breaker: After our relaxing massage, we were subjected to a 3-5 minute sales pitch for:

$50-60 bottles of lotion
Expensive bath salts
Dry brushes
"Wellness kits" worth hundreds of dollars

When we declined, we got the guilt trip: "Don't you want to take care of your health and relieve stress at home?"

Our Verdict: This was completely off-brand from the rest of Virgin's no-pressure experience. We won't book another onboard massage. Instead, we'll get massages at ports (way cheaper) or use the thermal suite day pass.

Note: This was the ONLY sales pitch we experienced anywhere on the ship. Virgin doesn't push you to buy anything elsewhere - even in the shops, staff leave you alone.

Entertainment & Shows

Make sure to make your reservations in advance for "It's a Ship Show" dinner theatre. It is awesome!

"It's a Ship Show" - Dinner Theater

How It Works:

Reservation required (books up fast - no walk-ups)
Fixed menu with choice of entree
Intimate theater setting
About 2 hours including dinner and show

The Menu: Omnivore Example:

Roasted vegetable salad
Goat cheese and pear crisp
Pan-seared sea bass OR parmesan crusted chicken
Bailey's chocolate mousse

Vegetarian Option:

Same appetizers and dessert
Roasted root vegetable entree (delicious!)

The Show: Think Cirque du Soleil meets variety show:

Jugglers and balancing acts (ON A MOVING BOAT!)
Musicians and singers
Acrobats
Comedy elements

The Host: Funny, interactive, engages the audience constantly. We had the same host both cruises.

Audience Participation:

Name That Tune competition (using inflatable pool noodles to whack the host's back as your "buzzer")
Winners get free drinks
Audience can shout out answers to help contestants

House Band: Live musicians play pre-show and between acts. They're incredible - dancing, singing, fully costumed and engaged.

Service: Servers move seamlessly in tight quarters without blocking views. You can order alcoholic beverages throughout.

Motion Sickness: You don't feel the boat moving during the show. The center of the ship is more stable than outer cabins.

Live Music & Performers

Artists We Saw:

The Magnets: Acapella group doing covers from 50s to present day (we went to both concerts)
Mandible: Beatboxer (fantastic - check him out on social media)

Where to Find Live Music:

Different bars throughout the ship
Various genres and styles
Check daily schedule for times

Other Shows:

Drag shows
Vaudeville-style variety acts
Comedy performances
Different performers on different ships/sailings

Games & Activities

Trivia Nights

Types We've Experienced:

Music trivia (lots of British artists - makes sense for Virgin)
Movie trivia (Alicia lost on a Matilda question because she'd never seen the movie).
Halloween trivia
General knowledge

Format:

Sometimes solo, sometimes team up with other couples
Winners get free boozy milkshakes or drinks
Fun way to meet other sailors
Very "brewery trivia night" vibe

Nathan's Tip: As a music teacher, he was embarrassed by his performance on music trivia. Don't expect to dominate just because you have expertise!

Casino

Nathan enjoyed his time in the casino despite the confused look on his face!

Two Separate Spaces:

Main casino
"High roller" section at back of ship

Games Available:

Roulette (Nathan’s favorite)
Blackjack
Poker
Slot machines

Atmosphere:

Fellow sailors are encouraging and fun
Great way to meet people
Saw someone betting $1,000 at a time (if that's you, please sponsor our podcast)

Our Experience:

First cruise: Won $75 playing roulette
Second cruise: Lost $50 playing roulette
Set a budget and stick to it ($5-10 bets are perfectly acceptable)

Note: No $1 blackjack tables like some land casinos. Alicia’s more there for the drink service anyway.

Board Games

Available throughout the ship - just pick them up and play. No rental fee.

Sports:

Basketball court
Pickleball court
Various competitions scheduled

Scarlet Night: Virgin's Signature Event

Every Virgin Voyages cruise has Scarlet Night - it's their signature party based on their origin story.

Scarlett Night is Virgin's Signature Party - Wear red and have a blast!

What Happens:

Free Services:

Face bedazzling booth with jewels, sparkles, glitter, and makeup (completely free!)
Photo booths throughout the ship
Red lighting transforms the ship

The Origin Story Show: A theatrical performance explaining Virgin's fictional backstory. Don't Google it beforehand - experiencing the show is more fun.

Dress Code: Encouraged to wear scarlet/red. The dress-up ranges from:

Full ball gowns and tuxedos
Cocktail dresses and suits
Creative costumes with red elements
(First cruise we didn't know and wore regular clothes - nobody shunned us)

Entertainment:

Performers throughout two levels of the ship
Singers and dancers
Acrobats
People in elaborate costumes creating atmosphere

The Vibe:

Adult prom meets elegant celebration
Classy, not cheesy
Brings the entire ship together
No pressure to participate (other events still running)
Stay as long or short as you want

Our Take: Similar to Royal Caribbean's white-out party, but Virgin does it more intentionally with the origin story element. It's an excuse to dress up and celebrate with strangers who become friends for the night.

Us all dressed up and ready to celebrate Scarlett Night

Other Themed Parties (Halloween Cruise Example)

PJ Party:

Outdoor deck party
DJ and special drinks
Jello shots
Performers doing various acts
People wore everything from onesies to bathrobes to silk pajama sets
We wore glow-in-the-dark skeleton onesies (very hot outside!)

Halloween Soiree:

Costume contest with categories:
- Best homemade
- Best group costume
- Best couples costume
- Best overall
Costume parade on stage
Live band playing 80s/90s Halloween songs with original music videos
Special Halloween cocktails throughout the ship

Our Costumes:

Nathan: Waldo (Where's Waldo)
Alicia: Carmen Sandiego
People literally stopped us for photos
Strangers shouted "I found you!" and "Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?"
One group asked to take pictures WITH us

Costume Range:

Simple: Halloween-themed shirts with pumpkins/ghosts
Mid-level: Store-bought costumes with accessories (us)
Elaborate: Full costume with professional makeup and props

After-Hours Parties: Every night has after-hours events (we're too old/tired for those). But they're available if you want to party until 3am.

Shopping

What's Available:

Virgin-branded merchandise store
Men's clothing boutique
Women's clothing boutique
Convenience store/marketplace (toiletries, snacks)
Tattoo parlor
Hair salon/barber shop
Record store

Virgin vs. Royal Caribbean Shopping (Alicia’s take)

Virgin's Approach:

Smaller, curated shops
No pressure sales
Staff leave you alone to browse
30-45 minutes max unless you love trying on clothes
Shopping is an option, not a focus

Royal Caribbean's Experience:

Entire deck dedicated to shopping
Multiple jewelry stores
Daily events around shopping (collectible bracelets, champagne tastings)
Huge art gallery with live auctions
More of a shopping destination

Alicia's Art Gallery Experience on Royal Caribbean:

Discovered a Miami-based artist from Wynwood
Purchased three paintings at auction
Free champagne at gallery events
Personal concierge service
Paintings professionally reframed and shipped home
This was a highlight of that cruise

The Verdict: If shopping and art are priorities, Royal Caribbean excels here. Virgin's shopping is adequate for necessities and souvenirs but isn't a main attraction.

Late Night & 24/7 Options

What's Open All Night:

The Galley (24/7 food hall)
The Diner (burgers, fries, pancakes, omelets available 24/7)
Various bars (check schedule)

Programming:

Activities run essentially 24/7, with maybe 3-6am being the quiet hours. If you're awake at 3am, you'll need to entertain yourself, but grab some snacks from the diner!

Nightclubs:

The Manor nightclub (also where Ship Show is held during day)
Dance parties most nights
Live bands depending on event
Themed parties

Our Experience: We tap out around midnight. But if you want to party until dawn, Virgin supports that lifestyle.

WiFi: The Intentional Disconnect

What's Included (Free):

Basic WiFi for checking email
WiFi texting
Not suitable for streaming

What You Can Pay For:

Faster internet upgrades available

Our Recommendation:

DON'T upgrade. Use the cruise as an excuse to disconnect. You're literally in the middle of nowhere - embrace it. Check email once a day if needed, then put your phone away.

Virgin Voyages vs. Royal Caribbean: Head-to-Head

Valiant Lady docked at the Key West Port. We love our time on Virgin!

Virgin's Major Advantages:

1. True All-Inclusive:

No surprise gratuity envelopes at the end
Everything you need is included
Only pay for optional add-ons you choose
No cash needed onboard

Royal Caribbean Reality Check: On Alicia’s Royal Caribbean cruise, she didn't know about expected cash tips for dining staff and cabin cleaners. Envelopes appeared on tables at dinner. A kind couple explained this was customary - and it was CASH ONLY. No Venmo, PayPal, or QR codes. We hadn't brought cash because why would you need cash on a cruise?

2. Dining Flexibility:

Eat what you want, when you want, where you want
No assigned dining times or tables
Grab-and-go options are free (not upcharges)

3. Adult-Only Atmosphere:

No family pool sections
No kids running around
Everyone is there to relax

Royal Caribbean's Strengths:

1. Art Gallery & Auctions:

Extensive gallery with multiple artists
Various mediums (paintings, sculptures, photos)
Live auctions with champagne
Professional reframing and shipping
Discovered incredible artists

2. Shopping Entertainment:

Events at jewelry stores
Collectible bracelet experiences
Much larger shopping experience
Part of the cruise entertainment

3. Private Island:

Own entire island vs. resort on shared island
Massive space with included activities
Free food, ice cream, games
Water park (additional cost)
More comprehensive than Virgin's Beach Club

Practical Tips & Insider Knowledge

Booking Strategy:

✅ Book Early:

It's a Ship Show (sells out every showing)
Thermal suite day pass (on port days especially)
Specialty dining reservations
Themed sailing events

✅ Can Usually Walk Up:

Most other dining venues
Fitness classes
Trivia and games
Casino

What to Pack:

For Scarlet Night:

Red/scarlet outfit (dressy or casual - your choice)
Accessories in red

For Themed Sailings:

Check what parties are scheduled
Halloween: costumes (simple or elaborate - both work)
PJs for pajama party
Whatever theme applies

For Fitness:

Workout clothes
Running shoes
Swimsuit (even if just for hot tub)

Don't Pack:

Excessive cash (you don't need it)
Formal wear expectations (unless YOU want to dress up for Scarlet Night)

Etiquette Notes:

Running Track:

Right lane for walking
Left lane for running
Don't block the entire track
Don't stop suddenly

General:

Everyone's on vacation and happy
People are friendly and willing to chat
No pressure to socialize if you don't want to
Easy to meet people at trivia/games/parties if you do

Budget Considerations:

What's Actually Free (Remember This!):

All food everywhere
All non-alcoholic drinks
All fitness classes
All entertainment
Gratuities (Virgin has changed this recently. Now you have the option to pay this at booking or later)
Basic WiFi

Where You'll Spend Money (If You Choose):

Spa treatments (skip the massage, try thermal suite)
Shopping
Casino gambling
Faster WiFi (don't do it)
Shore excursions

Our Biggest Takeaways

Try Something New (Even When It's Scary)

You've already paid for everything. There's literally no additional cost to:

Try Pink Agave even if you "don't like Mexican food"
Let Test Kitchen choose your menu
Join a trivia game with strangers
Go to a party and talk to people
Participate in costume contests
Take a fitness class you've never tried

BUT ALSO: Give yourself permission to skip an early morning class if you partied too late. Sleep in. Sit on your balcony hammock and stare at the ocean. You have zero responsibilities - do whatever feels right in the moment.

Be Present (It's Worth It)

The limited WiFi is a gift. Put your phone down. Leave it in the cabin. You're experiencing things you may never experience again.

Ask yourself: What would daily life look like if we approached each moment with this same presence? If we truly believed "I might never have this experience again"?

Bottom Line

Virgin Voyages' activities and entertainment create an atmosphere where you can be as busy or relaxed as you want. The all-inclusive nature means you can try everything without worrying about costs adding up.

The adult-only policy creates a different energy - people dress up for Scarlet Night in ball gowns not because kids aren't there, but because everyone's embracing the experience. Strangers become friends at trivia nights. The whole ship celebrates together at themed parties.

Just skip the onboard massage and get one at port instead. You're welcome.

Listen to the Full Episode

This blog post is based on Episode 12 of Marrying Your Passions, the DINKS travel and adventure podcast. Listen to the full episode for:

Our stories about meeting Waldo and Carmen Sandiego fans throughout the ship
Why Alicia's Strava lied to her about running a 5K in 5 minutes
The awkward spa sales pitch story (with more details!)
Our debate about whether we felt the ship moving
Alicia's passion for Royal Caribbean's art gallery

Next Episode: Port excursions in Roatan, Honduras, Mexico, Bimini (Bahamas), and Key West - including underwater adventures!

Have questions about Virgin Voyages? Planning your first cruise? We're happy to help! This blog is based on our two Virgin Voyages cruises - sailing in 2024 and 2025 and experiencing both regular and themed (Halloween) sailings.

Related Posts:

Virgin Voyages Dining Guide (Episode 11)

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