When it comes to cruise entertainment, you can rely on Virgin Voyages to bring an extra special twist to performance and partying at sea.
Virgin’s musical connections mean great guest bands on monthly onboard residences and the brand’s famous sense of fun extends to retro video games and pyjamas parties.
Depending on which ship your Sailors choose, they might try their luck in a drag queen-hosted game show, see Romeo & Juliet retold through duelling circus performance or enjoy a comic new show from the team behind The Play That Goes Wrong.
On every ship they’ll have a chance to take part in the signature PJs Party and watch festival-style stage acts ranging through magicians, musicians and comedians.
There’s no black-tie night on a Virgin Voyage. Instead, the highlight of each is Scarlet Night when the entire ship is taken over by immersive performances spanning pop-up circus acts, live music and interactive games, all threaded through with a tale of ocean romance. The electric action culminates in a poolside party (and after-party).
Of course, there are plenty of opportunities for Sailors to let their hair down any night of the voyage. Three-bar nightspot The Manor is the main dancing venue. It plunges through two decks and is entered through an Instaworthy mirrored hallway. Sometimes The Manor is transformed into a supper club where Sailors can be entertained while they dine.
Entertainment venue The Red Room is another shapeshifter, turning itself into a late-night dance floor.
As for who is getting the party started – Virgin uses its musical connections to bag DJs who play Ibiza and Vegas and play residences as some of the world’s most famous clubs.
Elsewhere on the ship, the onboard casino is fitted out with roulette wheels, blackjack tables and one-armed bandits. On embarkation day, the friendly dealers here will even give Sailors complimentary lessons in the rules of the games, so they’re all set to try their luck in international waters. If singing is more their style, they can book a private karaoke booth to show off their vocal stylings among friends.
Let’s get physical
But it’s not all about the nightlife. There are plenty of ways to keep active and inspired onboard a Virgin Voyage throughout the day.
Gym bunnies can not only tackle the treadmills, the spin studio and weights but also join unlimited group workouts from Bungee to Barre classes to sunrise yoga out on deck, because alfreso venue The Perch means they can take in the sea air while they downward dog or box.
A big favourite with Sailors are the tongue in cheek 80s-inspired ‘VHS’ workouts led by neon-clad fitness gurus - sure to get even gym avoiders stretching with a smile.
Relax and unwind
For those who like to keep body positive in a more chilled environment, the salt, steam and mud rooms of the large Redemption Spa beckon (with complimentary access for Sailors in Mega RockStar Quarters). Here amongst the hot tubs and heated Hamman seating – and even the first quartz beds at sea – they can take their pick from an enticing menu of Ayurvedic treatments, hot mineral massages and vitamin-infused facials. Even cosmetic tweaks like botox are possible.
Virgin Voyages’ ships have plenty more fun hangouts. Sailors can relax in the beanbag-strewn listening stations of retro record shop Voyage Vinyl. Old favourites like Pacman and Donkey Kong can be revisited into the retro Arcade gaming area.
Your Sailors might even choose to commemorate their time onboard with a cheeky tattoo from the Squid Ink parlour.
Throughout the ship a little musical fun is brought by buskers, while background music is different across 30 zones, so everyone can find their happy place.
Learning experiences are possible in some of the bars and eateries, from tutored coffee tasting and mixology demonstrations to sushi making.
Shore excursions too are far from passive. Much of the sightseeing on offer has a twist of adventure or cultural immersion. Sailors can disembark for pasta making in Italy or kayaking in Rhodes, go deep sea fishing in the Caribbean or clubbing in Ibiza. There’s even a once in a lifetime chance to dive with hammerhead sharks while other Sailors chill in the cabanas at the exclusive Virgin Beach Club at Bimini.
For more Virgin Voyages inspiration, selling tips and advice, explore TTG’s Virgin Voyages Selling Guide or head to firstmates.com.
