If you’re sailing with Virgin Voyages and want great photos without wandering the ship aimlessly, these are the best photo spots on Virgin Voyages that consistently work. Some are obvious, some are hidden in plain sight, and a few are places people walk past every day without realizing they’re perfect for photos.
Before diving in, if you’re planning your cruise and want more helpful onboard advice, see my full guide to Virgin Voyages Cruise Tips & Tricks: Ultimate Guide Before You Sail.
And if you’re staying in Miami before your cruise, I usually browse hotels near the Port of Miami here so embarkation day is easy and stress-free and I always find the best deals on this site.
Now let’s get to the fun part — where to take the photos.

The dramatic staircase in the main atrium — called The Roundabout — is one of the most recognizable spots on the ship and makes a great backdrop for photos.
This staircase sits right in the center of the ship, which means you’ll pass it constantly. It has a big, open design with sweeping curves and great lighting, so photos here almost always turn out well.
The best time for photos is early morning or later at night when fewer people are walking through. During busy hours it’s basically cruise ship Grand Central Station.

The Manor nightclub has bold lighting and a glowing hallway that creates a really fun nighttime photo spot.
This is one of those locations where lighting does most of the work for you. The glowing walls and colorful lights give photos a dramatic look without needing much effort.
If you’re already dressed up for dinner or Scarlet Night, it’s the perfect time to stop in and grab a few photos. Just embrace the nightclub lighting — it’s not subtle, but it’s definitely memorable.

Inside Sip Lounge there’s cozy couch seating that works surprisingly well for photos.
The lounge has a stylish backdrop with soft lighting and elegant decor, so photos here feel relaxed instead of staged. It’s also a great place to grab a photo with a glass of champagne.
Which, honestly, is one of the easiest photo props on the ship.

The bold bubble lights in the hallway at Pink Agave creates a dramatic and unique background for photos.
This is one of the most overlooked spots on the ship. People walk through it on their way to dinner without realizing how cool the lighting looks in photos.
The glow gives photos a really striking look, especially if you’re dressed up for dinner. Just take a quick photo on the way into the restaurant and you’ll look like you planned it.

Sometimes the best photos happen in unexpected places.
The mirrors inside (or outside) the elevators are perfect for quick cruise selfies, especially when you're dressed up for dinner or heading out for the evening.
It’s simple, fast, and honestly one of the easiest photo spots on the ship. If you’ve ever taken a mirror selfie before leaving the house, this is the cruise version.

One of the most recognizable spots on the ship is the Virgin Voyages sign on the top deck.
This is the classic “I’m on a cruise” photo. Ocean behind you, wind in your hair, and a giant sign confirming that yes, you did indeed make the excellent life decision to be here.
It’s especially nice around sunset when the lighting is softer and the ocean backdrop looks even better.

Located at the back of the ship, The Dock has beautiful ocean views and relaxed seating that make for great sunset photos.
This area is designed to feel more like a beach club lounge than a typical cruise deck. There are daybeds, shaded seating areas, and uninterrupted ocean views behind you.

Sunset photos here are especially good because the wake of the ship creates a dramatic background.
It’s also a great place to sit with a drink afterward and pretend you’re going to post that photo immediately instead of three weeks later.

The swings near The Social Club are a fun and playful photo spot.
They’re casual and a little unexpected, which makes photos here feel different from the usual cruise ship poses. It’s an easy spot to grab a quick photo while walking through the area.
And honestly, if there’s a swing somewhere, people are going to take a photo on it.

The staircase leading down to The Wake restaurant is a beautiful photo location, especially with the ocean behind you.
This area feels much more elegant than most cruise staircases. The clean design, combined with the chandelier at the back of the ship, creates a great backdrop.
If you’re already heading to dinner at The Wake, take advantage of the location and grab a photo before going in.
Speaking of food, if you want to plan where to eat onboard, check out my Virgin Voyages Restaurant Guide where I break down my favorite restaurants and what to order.

The signature red hammock on the balcony is one of the most iconic Virgin Voyages photo spots.
Every Virgin Voyages balcony cabin includes one of these hammocks, and it’s easily one of the best features of the room.
Photos here feel relaxed and very “cruise life.” Morning coffee, sunset views, or just lounging with the ocean behind you all work perfectly.
If you’re deciding which cabin to book, I explain the options in my Virgin Voyages Cabin Guide: Which Room Should You Book.

The large windows near the pool deck create a great photo opportunity with the ocean stretching out behind you or a fun opportunity when you are in port.
These windows frame the water perfectly and bring in great natural light. That combination almost always leads to better photos.
Try standing slightly off to the side of the window so the ocean fills the background instead of standing directly in front of it.

This is a spot many people walk past without realizing how good it is for photos.
The large windows across from the Roundabout on Level 7 give you beautiful natural light and ocean views. Because it’s not a major photo location, it’s usually much quieter too.
Which means you can actually take your time and get a good photo without feeling like you’re holding up a line of people.
If you’re flying to Miami before your cruise, I usually compare flights using Skyscanner flight searches to see which routes are easiest.
And if you want to explore Miami before boarding, renting a car through DiscoverCars makes it easy to get around the city or visit places like South Beach and Wynwood before embarkation day.
Once you're onboard, keep your camera ready. Some of the best photos happen when you’re just walking around the ship and suddenly realize the lighting, view, or background is perfect.
And if you’re looking for more ways to enjoy your cruise days, my Sea Day on Virgin Voyages Guide shares exactly how I spend a full day onboard. Because between the food, views, and surprisingly good photo spots, there’s always something worth capturing.


Right in the heart of Idaho City, The Gold Mine is one of the town’s most recognizable historic buildings. It leans into its gold rush roots but still feels clean, comfortable, and well kept.🤍
Think: themed rooms with personality.
Historic charm that doesn’t feel gimmicky.
A town that still feels refreshingly untouched when you wake up.
One of the best perks? How walkable everything is. Dinner and breakfast were both an easy stroll, which, in a small mountain town, makes the whole experience feel even more relaxed.
If you want your overnight stop to feel memorable (not generic), this checks the right boxes.✈️✨
This Trudy’s Kitchen review is coming from someone who had… low expectations.🫢 Idaho City has a population of 548. Charming? Yes. Food destination? I wasn’t convinced. But this ended up being one of the most surprisingly good meals of the day, and that’s saying something.
Trudy’s is the definition of a hidden gem. The kind of place you don’t see coming until you’re halfway through your plate wondering how this exists in a tiny mountain town.
If you’re road-tripping through Idaho City, put this on your list. Some stops surprise you, this is one of them.✨
5 days at @fontainebleaumiamibeach is the easiest way to experience South Beach without overthinking the itinerary.🌴 The resort is iconic, the food is incredible, and the location puts you right in the heart of Miami Beach. One minute you’re poolside, the next you’re getting dressed up for dinner, and by night you’re out enjoying everything Miami Beach has to offer.
Go full glam. Go fully relaxed. Do both in the same day. That’s the beauty of staying here.☀️
Three days in Miami is all you need to fall in love with the city. 🌴☀️ The perfect Miami weekend itinerary? Beach mornings, amazing food in the afternoon, and getting a little dressed up for dinner at night. That’s the formula.
If you’re planning a trip soon, this is exactly how I’d spend a weekend in Miami (plus where to eat, shop, and explore). Full itinerary on the blog ✨
If Miami has a “see-and-be-seen” dinner spot, it’s @carbonerestaurants Miami Beach. Old-school Italian glamour, moody lighting, a buzzing bar, and some of the most iconic pasta in the city this is not your average casual pasta night.🍝✨
We went for date night and quickly understood why reservations here are so coveted. From the spicy rigatoni to the table side Caesar, every dish feels like part of the experience.
If @carbonerestaurants is on your @visitmiami list, this guide covers what’s actually worth ordering.
Read the full review + what to get on the blog!✈️🍸
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.