Virgin Voyages didn’t simply launch a cruise ship—they launched an entirely different style of sea travel. Scarlet Lady, the first vessel in the Virgin fleet, feels modern, bold, and intentionally designed for adults seeking a more elevated and flexible approach to vacations. While most cruise lines stick to classic formulas, Scarlet Lady takes pride in rewriting them, from dining to entertainment to the way you interact with the ship itself.
Whether you’re browsing cruise booking sites for your next Caribbean route or planning a getaway that pairs beach days with stylish nightlife, Scarlet Lady has a little something extra that appeals to both first-time cruisers and loyal travelers looking to experience something new. Below, we break down the ship’s standout features, dining, entertainment, staterooms, and best shore excursion picks—without overwhelming you with cruise jargon.
A Ship With a Personality: The Vibe of Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady feels more like a floating boutique resort than a traditional cruise vessel. Instead of towering waterslides or cartoon mascots, you’ll find sleek lounges, rooftop-style decks, craft cocktail bars, and moody, modern spaces. The atmosphere is upbeat but relaxed, giving you the flexibility to lean into wellness, nightlife, or exploration depending on your day.
Two things define the ship’s identity:
1. Adults-Only Sailing (18+)
This changes the entire onboard dynamic—venues are quieter during the day, nightlife is more curated, and the overall feel is sophisticated without being formal.
2. No Nickel-and-Diming Approach
Virgin Voyages includes items that other lines typically charge extra for:
- All dining (20+ eateries)
- Wi-Fi
- Group fitness classes
- Gratuities
- Basic beverages
This makes cruise booking more transparent and reduces surprise costs once onboard.
Staterooms on Scarlet Lady: A Unique Approach to Comfort
Scarlet Lady’s cabins are surprisingly innovative. Many feature convertible beds that shift between daytime lounges and nighttime setups, allowing the space to feel more open.
Cabin Categories at a Glance
Insider Cabins
Ideal for travelers who want a quiet, dark place to rest after long days exploring each cruise port. They’re cozy and efficient, with clever storage.
Sea View Cabins
Perfect for travelers wanting natural light without the price of a balcony. Think clean design and large portholes.
Sea Terrace (Balcony) Cabins
Scarlet Lady’s signature “hammock balconies” set these rooms apart. The red hammock is handwoven and surprisingly comfortable, turning your balcony into a relaxing retreat after exploring a shore excursion.
RockStar Quarters
Suites inspired by music legends. These spacious suites come with premium amenities, stocked bars, outdoor lounges, and access to the exclusive Richard’s Rooftop.
Who RockStar is for: Travelers wanting a luxury touch without the ultra-formal vibe found on other cruise lines.
Dining on Scarlet Lady: A Culinary Program That Breaks Cruise Norms
Virgin Voyages eliminated the main dining room and buffet in favor of restaurant-style dining throughout the ship. Every venue is included, which is one of the biggest perks when comparing a Virgin cruise vacation with traditional lines.
Standout Restaurants You Should Try
Below is a list of some of the most popular options:
- The Wake – Surf-and-turf classics served in one of the most elegant rooms on the ship
- Razzle Dazzle – Vibrant, veggie-forward dishes with creative takes on comfort food
- Pink Agave – Upscale Mexican cuisine with mezcal flights and bold flavors
- Extra Virgin – Scratch-made Italian with homemade pasta and excellent wine pairings
- Gunbae – Korean BBQ with lively energy and group games (perfect for meeting other travelers)
- Test Kitchen – A laboratory-style dining concept with multi-course tasting menus
Between the quality, variety, and atmosphere, you’ll likely forget you’re eating on a cruise ship at all.
Entertainment & Nightlife: Virgin’s Most Surprising Strength
Scarlet Lady takes a different approach to entertainment, stepping away from traditional Broadway-style shows and focusing on edgy, modern, immersive experiences.
Entertainment Highlights
The Red Room
A transformable theater space that changes formats depending on the night—runway shows, dance party setups, and acrobatic performances.
Drag Shows & Cabaret
Virgin’s drag brunches and evening cabaret acts are among the most beloved experiences on board.
Nightclubs & Lounges
The ship blends laid-back mixology bars with lively dance venues:
- The Manor (a two-level nightclub inspired by Richard Branson’s early days)
- On the Rocks (cocktail lounge)
- Sip (champagne bar)
- The Social Club (retro games and relaxed fun)
Even frequent cruisers note how Virgin’s nightlife feels more authentic and less scripted.
Wellness, Fitness & Relaxation: A Core Part of the Virgin Brand
Virgin Voyages places remarkable emphasis on wellness. Fitness classes aren’t an add-on—they’re part of the experience.
Wellness Options Onboard
- Gym & Tonic outdoor wellness club
- The Perch for sunrise and sunset yoga
- Redemption Spa with thermal suites, saunas, and mud rooms
- Free fitness classes like HIIT, cycling, and bungee workouts
- Healthy grab-and-go spots like The Dock House and The Daily Mix
This focus makes Scarlet Lady ideal for travelers who want to balance indulgence with self-care.
Shore Excursions & Cruise Ports: Making the Most of Each Stop
Scarlet Lady typically offers Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries, visiting culturally rich and activity-filled destinations. When planning your cruise booking, keep an eye on the route—Virgin often includes unique ports other ships skip.
Popular Ports for Scarlet Lady Sailings
- Costa Maya, Mexico
- Cozumel, Mexico
- Roatán, Honduras
- Bimini, Bahamas (home to Virgin’s private Beach Club)
- Marseille, France
- Ibiza, Spain
- Toulon, France
Types of Shore Excursions Virgin Does Well
To help you decide what to book, here’s a list of recommended excursion types:
Top Excursion Picks
- Cultural tours led by local guides
- Snorkel and catamaran trips to reefs and sandbars
- Cooking classes in Mediterranean ports
- Bike tours through coastal towns
- Beach club experiences on Bimini
- Adventure parks and ziplining excursions for active travelers
- Food-centric tours with tastings of local specialties
Virgin focuses on smaller-group experiences, which helps excursions feel more personal and less rushed.
Who Scarlet Lady Is Best For
Scarlet Lady isn’t for everyone—and that’s the point. Its strong brand identity fits certain travel styles beautifully.
Perfect For:
- Adults who want a stylish, modern cruise vacation
- Travelers who prefer boutique hotels over mega-resorts
- Cruisers who enjoy nightlife but not chaos
- Food-focused travelers
- First-time cruisers wanting a nontraditional experience
- Couples’ getaways, small groups of friends, birthday trips
Less Ideal For:
- Travelers who want kids’ activities
- Cruisers expecting Broadway-style shows
- Guests who prefer strict formal nights
- Travelers who want traditional dining rooms and buffets
Why Many Travelers Choose Scarlet Lady for Their First Cruise
Virgin Voyages’ strongest appeal may be how easy they make everything:
- Tips included
- Restaurants included
- Fitness included
- Wi-Fi included
- Flexible schedules
- No dress codes
- No assigned dining
This model reduces stress and helps first-time cruisers settle in quickly. Frequent cruisers appreciate the refreshing change from the usual routines they already know.
Final Thoughts: Is the Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Worth It?
Scarlet Lady stands out because it isn’t trying to be like other cruise lines—it’s designed for adults who want a blend of fun, calm, and creativity at sea. From the hammock-lined balconies to the innovative dining program and unique entertainment, the ship offers a thoughtfully curated experience that appeals to modern travelers.
For anyone considering a cruise booking on an adults-only ship with a youthful, stylish personality, Scarlet Lady is absolutely worth the trip. Pair it with an exciting cruise port lineup and you get a cruise vacation that feels both elevated and easygoing—exactly what many travelers are looking for today.