Thinking about sailing with Virgin Voyages—or already booked and counting down the days? This post is packed with everything I wish I had known before my first Virgin Voyages cruise. From can’t-miss restaurants and entertainment to what to pack and how to make the most of your time onboard, this guide has you covered. Whether you're still deciding or getting ready to board, I hope it helps you plan an unforgettable, stress-free escape at sea!
One of the absolute highlights of any Virgin Voyages cruise is the food—it’s seriously next-level. Every restaurant is included in your fare (no upcharges!), and the variety, quality, and creativity are phenomenal. These were my favorites, and I’ve included a few personal ordering tips for your next Virgin Voyages dining experience.
👉 Important dining tip: You’ll want to make your dinner and brunch reservations as soon as they open in the Virgin Voyages app—45 days before your sailing. Popular restaurants like The Wake, Pink Agave, and Extra Virgin book up quickly, especially for prime times. If you don’t get the exact time you want, don’t worry—it’s still possible to snag better times once you’re onboard.
Extra Virgin – A cozy, elevated Italian eatery with house-made pastas and an impressive wine list. Each ship has a little different menu. Don’t skip the Oxtail Agnolotti—it’s rich, savory, and unforgettable. I also loved the Carbonara both of these are offered on Resilient Lady. If you are sailing on Scarlet Lady make sure to get the Cacio e Pepe and the Corn Tortellini and the Burrata is a must!
Pink Agave – A moody, upscale Mexican restaurant perfect for date night. The guacamole is a must—ask for extra pomegranate seeds for that perfect sweet crunch. Try the Cochinita Pibil with achiote-smoked pork—it’s incredibly flavorful and tender.
The Wake – A classic steakhouse with panoramic ocean views. This was my top pick for dinner (and brunch too!). The Wedge Salad, porterhouse rolls, and Filet Mignon are all fantastic. Pro tip: mix the green sauce with the American sauce—it’s a game changer.
The Test Kitchen – An experimental tasting menu concept that’s both interactive and adventurous. I tried Menu A and C and had a blast—it’s great if you’re open to trying new things.
Razzle Dazzle – Virgin Voyages has quietly evolved the Razzle Dazzle concept, and it’s no longer the same menu across every ship. While it is still known for its playful vibe and vegetarian-forward roots, some ships now feature themed dinner concepts under the Razzle Dazzle umbrella. For example, Scarlet Lady has introduced Lucky Lotus by Razzle Dazzle, an Asian-inspired dinner menu, and I would highly recommend ordering Pan Roasted Vegetable Dumplings and the Szechuan Hot & Sour Noodles. If you are sailing on Valiant & Resilient Lady don’t miss the Old Bay wings, Nashville hot cauliflower, and ‘V’ fried chicken. The brunch here is also one of the best on Virgin Voyages—the smoked (candied) bacon is unforgettable!
Gunbae – A lively Korean BBQ where you grill at your table and play drinking games with other sailors (non-alcoholic options included!). Try the Kalbi-marinated beef and crispy chicken.
The Galley – Virgin’s version of a chic food hall with sushi, tacos, noodle bowls, burgers, and all-day breakfast. I ate here almost every day for breakfast or lunch—it’s fresh, fast, and delicious.
The Dock House – Mediterranean-inspired small plates and relaxing ocean views. Ideal for an afternoon snack and a sea breeze. This is a hidden gem on the boat. Get the mezze plates: pomegranate walnut dip with the homemade crackers, the watermelon feta mint salad, and the lemon cream dessert.
The Pizza Place – Build-your-own pizzas and creative options, open late. Perfect for lunch or a post-party bite.
Lick Me Till Ice Cream – Rotating flavors of artisanal ice cream and vegan sorbets. A fun, must-try treat!
The Social Club – Carnival snacks, games, and old-school fun. Think hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and air hockey—great between activities.
One of the most iconic nights on a Virgin Voyages cruise is Scarlet Night. Almost everyone dresses in red, and the vibe is electric. Wear whatever feels fun—there’s no dress code—but wearing red helps you get into the spirit.
Virgin Voyages also hosts a PJ Party—a pajama dance party at sea! You can wear silk pajamas, onesies, or whatever feels comfy and fun.
Entertainment is bold, edgy, and unlike traditional cruises. Reserve paid shows in the app, but you’ll also find plenty of free pop-ups and live music throughout your Virgin Voyages ship.
The Manor – The ship’s glittery nightclub and post-Scarlet Night hotspot. The mirror tunnel entrance is iconic for photos!
Keep an eye on the Virgin Voyages app for spontaneous shows and live entertainment throughout the ship.
The Redemption Spa on Virgin Voyages is a total must-do. The thermal suite includes a mud room, salt room, sauna, steam room, plunge pools, and heated marble hammam benches—like a mini wellness retreat at sea.
Pro tip: Book treatments (massages or facials) on port days for lower prices. You can reserve spa services in the app before your cruise or once onboard and I'd recommend the latest slot so you will have less people to deal with in the spa.
Basic Wi-Fi is included on every Virgin Voyages cruise, and I found it perfectly fine for messaging, browsing, and using the app.
Virgin also surprises guests with great in-room entertainment—tons of shows, movies, and binge-worthy series. It’s perfect for a relaxing night in.
Documents & Must-Haves
Passport, app check-in, travel insurance, credit card, meds, charger, portable charger
Clothing Tips
Daywear for excursions, resort-chic dinner outfits, red for Scarlet Night, PJs for the pajama party, and a light jacket for evenings.
Extras You’ll Love
No lanyards—Virgin uses wristbands! Bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, magnetic hooks, and white noise machine.
What Not to Pack
No irons, surge protectors, candles, or heating devices.
• Shore Things (excursions)
• Spa appointments
• Bar Tab (Virgin Voyages’ drink credit system)
• Photo packages and wellness services
Pack a small carry-on with essentials—your luggage might take a few hours to arrive.
You’re going to fall in love with the Virgin Voyages cruise experience. Bon voyage! 🚢✨
Once you’ve got your packing list handled, don’t forget to bookmark my Virgin drinks to order guide for when you’re onboard. Whether you’re going alcohol-free or just want a good mocktail moment, you’ll find plenty of creative options to try.
There’s a version of Gatlinburg that’s all fudge shops and tourist crowds, and then there’s the version that actually makes you want to come back.
Here’s everything worth doing downtown, in the order I’d do it: 🏔️
✨ Start at @gatlinburgskypark before the crowds hit
✨ Walk the strip mid-morning when it’s still manageable
✨ @googooclusters stop (see my post from Tuesday: don’t skip it)
✨ Dinner at one of the local spots off the main drag
✨ Wander back out at night when the lights are on and it gets actually pretty
This isn’t your overscheduled Smoky Mountain itinerary. It’s more of a “here’s what I’d actually do if I had one solid day” kind of list.
Full downtown Gatlinburg guide linked in bio. 🔗
If someone told me I’d spend five hours at SkyPark, I would not have believed them. And yet. 😅
Gatlinburg SkyPark sits above the strip and it’s one of those places that looks like a quick stop on paper and turns into most of your afternoon. The SkyBridge alone is worth it — longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, and yes, you will look down.
✨ SkyBridge (longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America)
✨ SkyLift ride up with views of the Smokies
✨ Walking trails with mountain views in every direction
✨ Way less crowded than downtown
Fair warning: if heights genuinely freak you out, the bridge might not be your thing. The rest of the park is still 100% worth it. Full guide with tickets, tips, and what to skip linked in bio. 🔗
I walked into Goo Goo Cluster in downtown Gatlinburg thinking I’d spend five minutes and leave with a small piece of candy. I was wrong on both counts. 😅
You build your own chocolate cluster at a kiosk: caramel, sea salt, pretzels, cocoa pebbles, you name it, and then watch them make it right in front of you. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes and costs $15.
The caveat? This is not a snack. This is a full-size brick of chocolate that I was still eating two days later.
If you’re already walking the Gatlinburg strip, this is an easy yes. Especially if you have absolutely no self-control around caramel. (Asking for a friend.) Full experience breakdown linked in bio. 🔗
Your Knoxville Airport survival guide, from someone who’s flown through TYS 100+ times is now up on my blog🛫
Parking, TSA wait times, where to grab food before your flight, rental cars, all of it, from someone who actually knows this airport. No guessing, no googling at the last minute.
TYS is small, easy to navigate, and honestly one of the less stressful airports I’ve been through. You just need to know a few things going in.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗
Hundreds of motorcycles. Tweed suits. Tennessee roads.🏍️
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a global charity event, classic and vintage bikes, dressed-up riders, raising money for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The bikes are stunning. The outfits are even better.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗 | @gentlemansride
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