Virgin Voyages vs. Traditional Cruise Lines: How It's Different

If your cruise reference point is a big mainstream ship, Virgin will feel refreshingly different. Here's the honest comparison.

What's different (and great)

• Adults-only (18+) — no kids anywhere.

• No buffet, 20+ included restaurants — sit-down dining at no extra charge.

• Lots included — essential drinks, Wi-Fi, group fitness, and the shows.

• No formal nights, no assigned dining times, and a design that feels more boutique hotel than cruise ship.

• Quirks you won't find elsewhere — a tattoo studio, a record shop, and a genuinely good spa.

The trade-offs

Virgin ships are mid-sized, so there are no giant waterslides, no kids' programming, and no casino. Gratuities are now a separate charge (as on most lines). If you want a floating theme park for the whole family, a traditional line wins; if you want a grown-up, food-and-design-forward escape, Virgin is hard to beat.

Wondering if Virgin's your speed? We've sailed both worlds — we'll give you the honest take. Ask The Cruise Boys®.