Thinking about booking your first cruise on Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady? You’re not alone. This adults-only cruise ship has gained a loyal following from travelers who want something fresh, modern, and unapologetically different from the traditional cruise vacation. Whether you’ve only seen her on Instagram or you’ve been comparing prices during your cruise booking search, this guide breaks down exactly what it’s like to sail on Valiant Lady—especially if it’s your first time considering Virgin Voyages.
Instead of reviewing the ship in a typical list of features, this deep dive focuses on how the ship feels, what you’ll notice instantly, what might surprise you, and who this ship is really best for. If your sailing calls at a cruise port you’ve never visited before, you’ll also find helpful insight into how Virgin handles shore excursion experiences compared to other cruise lines.
Your First 10 Minutes on Valiant Lady: What You’ll Notice Immediately
The moment you enter Valiant Lady, the vibe tells you this ship exists in its own category. The lighting is soft and modern rather than flashy. The music is curated rather than generic. And there’s no blaring announcements pushing bingo cards or jewelry sales—Virgin simply doesn’t do that.
You’ll also notice the absence of kids. Everywhere. The ship feels calmer, cooler, and more grown-up thanks to its 18+ policy. Around you, travelers range from young professionals to seasoned cruisers who’ve tried everything and now want something elevated. If you’ve sailed on a traditional cruise ship before, you’ll sense the difference instantly: Valiant Lady feels like an upscale boutique resort floating at sea.
Before You Book: What Makes Valiant Lady Different
Virgin Voyages built its cruise experience around travelers who don’t like cruising—or at least didn’t think they would. If you’re comparing ships or deciding whether this is the right one for your cruise vacation, here are the biggest differences first-timers should know:
1. No Buffets, Ever
Dining is restaurant-style across the entire ship. Food is included, beautifully plated, and available in more than 20 venues.
2. Tips Are Included
Gratuities aren’t added at checkout, so your cruise booking price is more accurate upfront.
3. Wi-Fi Is Included
You won’t pay extra to stay connected.
4. No Nickel-and-Diming
There are extras, of course, but you won’t see constant sales pitches or upsells while walking through the ship.
5. No Dress Code
You can dress stylish, casual, edgy, or polished. There’s no “cruise formal night.”
6. Entertainment Is Edgy and Immersive
Think more modern cabaret and contemporary theater than Broadway classics.
For many first-timers, these are either major selling points—or reasons to rethink their booking if they prefer traditional cruising.
If You’re Wondering About… (First-Timer Questions Answered)
Staterooms
Cabins on Valiant Lady are efficient, modern, and have a minimalist feel. The Sea Terrace rooms are the most popular option, mainly because of the red hammock on the balcony—they’ve become a signature feature. Cabins aren’t oversized, but they are thoughtfully designed with tech features, storage, and comfortable beds that convert from couch to bed depending on the time of day.
Dining Quality
The food is one of the biggest reasons repeat cruisers choose Virgin. Instead of a buffet or main dining room, you get themed restaurants: Italian, Korean BBQ, vegetarian, steakhouse, elevated tapas, and more. Reservations matter, so make them early.
Nightlife
Virgin is one of the best cruise lines for nightlife right now. Parties take place in multiple venues, with DJs, themed nights, and events that feel more like a trendy rooftop bar than a typical cruise lounge.
What’s Included vs Extra
Included:
- Wi-Fi
- All dining
- Group fitness classes
- Basic drinks (water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, juices)
Extra:
- Alcohol
- Shore excursion activities at your cruise port
- Spa services
- Premium dining upgrades like the tasting menu at The Test Kitchen
Shore Excursions
Virgin’s “Shore Things” are curated to feel more authentic and less tourist-trap-style. If your cruise port includes beach clubs, wellness activities, or adventure excursions, they’re often smaller-group and designed to match the relaxed feel of the cruise.
Crowds
With around 2,700 passengers at full capacity, Valiant Lady rarely feels packed. Because venues are spread out and the ship doesn’t push everyone into a single activity at once, crowd flow is smoother.
The Good, The Quirky, and The Not-For-Everyone
Virgin Voyages embraces personality. That means some things feel brilliantly refreshing, while others may not match every travel style. Here’s a balanced look:
THE GOOD
- Outstanding food quality across all venues
- Adults-only atmosphere without feeling “party cruise”
- Beautiful contemporary design
- Fitness classes included
- No pressure to dress up
- Plenty of quiet spaces to relax
- A modern take on cruising that appeals to younger adults and experience-driven travelers
THE QUIRKY
- The cabin lighting and controls are very smart-home styled
- Entertainment can be avant-garde rather than classic
- Crew interactions are more casual and personal, which some love and others may find unusual
- The app controls everything, including scheduling and messaging
NOT-FOR-EVERYONE
- Traditional cruisers who love set dining times or formal evenings may not connect with the concept
- Families can’t sail (18+ only)
- Entertainment is bold—sometimes unexpectedly so
- If you love the energy of a huge cruise ship with bumper cars, waterslides, and giant shows, this isn’t that
Who Valiant Lady Is Perfect For
This ship is an excellent fit for:
- Adults wanting a modern, elevated cruise
- First-time cruisers who want something non-traditional
- Couples
- Solo travelers
- Food lovers
- Wellness-focused vacationers
- Travelers who dislike crowds
- People who value high inclusivity in their booking price
It’s less ideal for:
- Anyone who wants Broadway-style shows
- Those who prefer lots of structured daytime activities
- Travelers who love casinos (Valiant Lady does have one—but it’s understated)
- People who expect a large waterpark-style pool deck
A Sample Day on Valiant Lady (For First-Timers)
Morning
Grab a made-to-order bowl or breakfast tacos at The Galley before joining a free fitness class—yoga, cycling, HIIT, take your pick. Then lounge in The Dockhouse with a coffee while the ship approaches your next cruise port.
Afternoon
Take a Virgin-style shore excursion such as a beach club day, cultural tour, or wellness retreat. When you return, try a fresh mezze plate at The Dock or relax in your red hammock as the ship sails away.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at Extra Virgin or The Wake before heading to The Red Room for a high-energy show. End the night at The Manor for cocktails and dancing, or enjoy a quiet nightcap outside watching the wake.
This rhythm—calming mornings, immersive excursions, bold entertainment—captures the spirit of the cruise.
Before You Make Your Cruise Booking: Key Things to Know
Here are the essential takeaways first-timers should keep in mind before locking in their cruise booking:
- Book dining early to secure the times you want.
- Explore the included fitness classes—they’re excellent value.
- Don’t expect traditional cruise ship entertainment, buffets, or kids’ areas.
- Think of Virgin as an adult-only lifestyle resort at sea.
- Choose a Sea Terrace if a private outdoor space matters to you—the hammock is worth it.
- Check your cruise port schedule ahead of time so you don’t miss the best shore excursion opportunities.
If you’re the type of traveler who values style, great food, relaxed freedom, and a modern take on vacationing, Valiant Lady delivers in a way few other ships can match.