Virgin Voyages has a branding problem, and it’s kind of hilarious.
Not because they did anything wrong. Mostly because the word Virgin makes people imagine two completely opposite things at the same time.
Either it sounds like a party ship where anything goes, or it sounds like a cruise line that will ban fun after 9 pm.
All joking aside, the reality sits in the middle. Virgin is certainly a cruise line that is quite different from the others, but in the end, not even that much.
If the big worry is feeling uncomfortable or out of place, it helps to know what the “risqué” part actually looks like.
The biggest difference is simple
Virgin is 18 and over only. No kids. No family splash zone energy. No parents running after a toddler with an ice cream cone.
This one detail, even though it may seem unimportant to many, changes the whole atmosphere on board.
But a lot of cruisers hear “adults only” and assume it means nonstop debauchery.
It usually means calmer mornings, later nights, and a ship that is designed only around adult passengers’ routines.
So what “risqué” really means on Virgin
On Virgin, “risqué” is mostly a tone, not a rule and it shows up in three places:
1) The entertainment
Virgin openly markets its entertainment as more immersive and nightlife focused, and they run theme nights and shows that feel closer to a city night out than a classic cruise.
For example, you will see things like drag performances listed as part of the onboard lineup on some ships.
You might also hear about shows like Never Sleep Alone, which Virgin has described as an interactive show led by a “relationship therapist” style character.
So comedy shows that humorously handle adult topics on a cruise line that does not pretend everyone is eight years old.
2) Scarlet Night is a whole ship party
Scarlet Night is the signature event that gets talked about constantly. Virgin describes it as an immersive, ship-wide activation with pop-ups, music, and a big red-themed energy that builds into a pool party vibe.
People dress in red. Some go full glam, while some others opt for simple red shorts. It is a social night, a photo night, and a “lean into the theme” night.
This is where a lot of the “Virgin is wild” reputation comes from. Because if someone posts one clip of a late-night pool party, it looks intense.
Even if the rest of their cruise was basically coffee, pasta, exploring ports, and a nap.
3) The vibe is more nightlife forward
As we’ve just seen, Virgin puts a lot of emphasis on late nights, pop-up acts, and parties.
However, that does not mean every passenger is partying. It means the option is there, and it is more central than on many mainstream lines.
Also, they do things like a PJ Party where the dress code is literally pajamas, onesies included. That is not risqué, it is just goofy and fun, but it adds to the “different” reputation.
Things people assume happen, and what actually happens instead
Assumption: Everyone is half dressed all the time
Reality: Most people dress like they would at a trendy resort. During the day it is swimwear and cover ups.
At night it ranges from casual to dressed up, depending on the venue and mood.
The difference is that Virgin is less formal in the traditional cruise sense.
It’s not built around ballroom nights and strict dress codes. People tend to look cooler and more city casual, not necessarily more revealing.
There are certain types of clothing that are not acceptable. You can find them in the specific article on what you should never wear on cruise ships.
Assumption: It’s a couples only adult playground
Reality: Virgin attracts couples, friend groups, and solo travelers.
Adults-only does not automatically mean romantic-only. It often means people who want a break from family-centered cruising.
At the same time, let’s be honest, if you want to meet someone, since there are no children, there is definitely a better chance of meeting people your own age to have fun with.
But it’s also simply a matter of statistics, as well as the type of traveler it attracts.
Assumption: It is all partying, all the time
Reality: The schedule has a lot going on, but nobody forces participation.
Some people treat it like a wellness cruise with better music. Some treat it like a party on a ship. Both can exist on the same sailing.
The underrated part that makes it feel less “risqué” in practice
This is the part that surprises a lot of skeptics.
Virgin leans hard into included value. Lots of dining venues are included, WiFi is included, group fitness classes are included, and essential drinks like water and basic coffee type options are included.
When people are not being constantly upsold at every corner, the mood changes. The trip feels smoother. Less like every decision is a micro purchase.
That doesn’t mean everything is free, of course. Cocktails cost money. Specialty coffee style drinks can cost money. Shore excursions cost money. Spa services cost money. That part is still cruising.
But to avoid making mistakes in that regard, you can check out the 7 extras that are really worth buying on a cruise.
Who will love Virgin
People who want a modern ship vibe
Virgin ships are designed to feel contemporary and lifestyle focused, more boutique hotel than floating resort.
If that sounds appealing to you, you’ll probably love the ships in the fleet.
Food motivated cruisers
Virgin highlights 20 plus eateries and says specialty dining is included, with no set dining times in the traditional sense.
That alone is enough to win over a lot of cruisers who are tired of planning dinner. But also, if you are one of those passengers who love to try new and interesting foods or dishes when traveling.
Adults who want adults around them
Let’s make this very clear: most cruise passengers don’t hate kids.
However, sometimes a vacation feels different when the ship isn’t designed for families.
Who might not enjoy it
Cruisers who prefer classic cruise culture
If your ideal cruise is formal night photos, big Broadway style productions with a very safe tone, and a family friendly atmosphere, Virgin can feel like it’s trying too hard to be cool.
That can be annoying in the same way a trendy restaurant can be annoying. Great food, great lighting, but the vibe is not for everyone.
Cruisers who dislike adult humor or spicy themes
Virgin does not hide that some of its entertainment is more grown-up.
Even if nothing is truly explicit, the tone can still feel edgy compared to mainstream lines.
And remember that adults only does not mean adults behave the same way.
Every cruise has quiet couples, loud friend groups, introverts, extroverts, early sleepers, late night lovers. Virgin just shifts the average a bit toward late night energy.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for a truly bizarre cruise, then you should opt for the one where clothing is optional.
