Virgin Voyages isn’t trying to please everyone, and that’s exactly what makes it different.
If you’re expecting a traditional family cruise with buffets, kids’ clubs, and endless extra charges, you’re in for a surprise.
Virgin has completely reimagined the cruise experience with adults-only sailings, modern dining, and plenty of perks already included.
And if you’re already wondering what the adults-only experience is like beyond the ship, don’t miss our guide to The Beach Club at Bimini, including 9 important tips you should know before visiting Virgin Voyages’ adults-only paradise in 2026.
Here are the biggest reasons NOT to choose Virgin Voyages, which may end up convincing you to book.
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Reasons NOT to Choose Virgin Voyages
1. You’re Strictly Forced to Leave Your Kids at Home
Families looking for children’s clubs and splash zones won’t find them here.
Virgin Voyages is exclusively for adults aged 18 and over. That means no screaming toddlers by the pool, no kids running through restaurants, and a more relaxed atmosphere designed entirely for grown-up vacations.
2. There Is No Traditional Cruise Buffet to Line Up For
Forget standing in long buffet lines balancing a tray.
Virgin replaced the traditional buffet with The Galley, a food hall featuring freshly prepared, made-to-order dishes from multiple food stations. It feels more like a trendy city food market than a typical cruise buffet.
3. They Refuse to Nickel-and-Dime You With Hidden Fees
Many cruise lines tempt you with extras that quickly increase your final bill.
Virgin includes gratuities, basic Wi-Fi, group fitness classes, and essential beverages like soda, still and sparkling water, tea, and drip coffee in the cruise fare. That means fewer surprises when it’s time to check your onboard account.
4. You Won’t Find Stuffy Cruise Traditions
If you love formal nights and rigid cruise schedules, Virgin may feel completely different.
There’s no required formal dress code, and the atmosphere is modern, relaxed, and designed to let guests enjoy the vacation their own way.
5. Dinner Might Be the Hardest Decision You’ll Make
Choosing where to eat isn’t easy when every restaurant looks tempting.
Instead of one large main dining room, Virgin offers a collection of unique restaurants with menus created around different cuisines, all included in your cruise fare.
6. You May Forget You’re Even on a Cruise Ship
Traditional cruise décor isn’t part of Virgin’s style.
Modern design, stylish lounges, shops, contemporary artwork, and upscale spaces make the ships feel more like a luxury boutique hotel than a conventional cruise.
7. Your Vacation Can Stay Surprisingly Active
Planning to spend the whole cruise relaxing?
Virgin makes it tempting to join sunrise yoga, HIIT workouts, cycling classes, dance fitness, and other group exercise sessions that are already included in your fare.
8. You Won’t Be Rushing to Reserve a Deck Chair for the Kids
The pool deck has a completely different atmosphere when every guest is an adult.
Instead of children’s games and family activities, you’ll find a more relaxed environment with music, cocktails, and plenty of places to unwind.
9. Traditional Cruising Fans May Find It Too Different
Virgin doesn’t follow many of the cruise traditions longtime cruisers expect.
Its fresh approach, modern entertainment, unique dining, and adults-only concept attract travelers looking for something completely different from the typical cruise experience.
10. One Virgin Voyage Might Not Be Enough
Many first-time sailors book Virgin simply to see what the hype is about.
Then they discover the included dining, relaxed atmosphere, and adults-only experience and start planning another voyage before the first one ends.
Who Should Avoid Virgin Voyages?
Virgin Voyages may not be the best fit if you:
- Want to cruise with children.
- Prefer traditional cruise experiences.
- Enjoy formal nights and dress codes.
- Like large buffet restaurants.
- Want classic family-focused entertainment.
There’s nothing wrong with that. Virgin simply offers a different style of cruising.
Who Will Love Virgin Voyages?
Virgin Voyages is ideal for travelers who:
- Want an adults-only vacation.
- Appreciate modern design and stylish ships.
- Love unique restaurants.
- Prefer fewer extra charges.
- Enjoy flexible dining and relaxed schedules.
- Want a contemporary cruise experience.
For many guests, it’s unlike any cruise they’ve taken before.
Final Verdict: Reasons Not to Choose Virgin Voyages
There are plenty of reasons NOT to choose Virgin Voyages, but most of them come from breaking traditional cruise rules.
No kids, no giant buffet, fewer hidden fees, and a completely modern approach won’t appeal to everyone.
However, if you’re looking for a fresh, adults-only cruise with outstanding dining and plenty included in the fare, those so-called drawbacks quickly become Virgin Voyages’ biggest strengths.
Still Thinking About Virgin Voyages?
Before making your decision, here are answers to a few common questions.
Is Virgin Voyages adults-only?
Yes. Every Virgin Voyages sailing is exclusively for guests aged 18 and older.
Is food included on Virgin Voyages?
Yes. All restaurants are included in your cruise fare, with no traditional main dining room or buffet.
Does Virgin Voyages include Wi-Fi?
Yes. Basic Wi-Fi is included for every guest, along with gratuities, group fitness classes, and essential drinks such as soda, tea, coffee, and water.
Is Virgin Voyages good for couples?
Absolutely. Its adults-only atmosphere, stylish ships, and diverse dining options make it a popular choice for couples and friends traveling together.
Is Virgin Voyages worth the money?
Many travelers consider Virgin Voyages excellent value because so many services that often cost extra on other cruise lines are already included in the fare.
Who should choose Virgin Voyages?
Virgin Voyages is best for adults seeking a modern, relaxed cruise with high-quality dining, fewer hidden costs, and a contemporary onboard experience.
