Virgin Voyages Cruises: Party Cruise or Laid-Back Escape? Where to Find Relaxation on Board.
Is Virgin Voyages a Party Cruise?
It definitely can be, but honestly, I found myself relaxing more on Virgin Voyages than on any other cruise I’ve taken in over a decade.
For me, it strikes the perfect balance between high energy fun and total relaxation.
Could you tip the experience more toward one side? Absolutely.
If you’re all about unwinding (maybe even meditating), there are plenty of serene spots onboard.
“The Dock,” Redemption Spa, The Dock House, The Tune Up (for mani-pedis), the tucked-away Sun Club, and so many other tranquil spaces make it easy to find your own slice of calm at sea.
Prefer to party? There’s no shortage of nightlife and events, with a full schedule of parties and entertainment to keep the energy high.
During my time on the Valiant Lady, I genuinely had a blast… whether I was relaxing or living it up.
Below, I’ll break down the best spots and experiences for both Yin (relaxation) and Yang (party vibes), so you can find your perfect cruise balance.
Virgin Voyages Reviews
Virgin Voyages quickly landed in my top three cruise experiences.
Bottom line: I loved what Virgin brought to the table. Are there things they could do better? Definitely.
Relaxation Amenities on Virgin Voyages Cruises
While Virgin Voyages is gaining a reputation as a “party” cruise line (and, yes, there’s truth to that), there’s another side that often goes under the radar—even though many guests, myself included, rave about it.
Virgin actually offers some of the best relaxation amenities at sea, even if they don’t shout about it in their marketing (probably because they’re targeting a younger crowd).
What really surprised me, though, is just how well Virgin delivers on those laid-back, chill vibes.
Let’s take a closer look at the top places and experiences for relaxation onboard:
The Dock
You’ll find The Dock at the aft of Deck 7, perfectly positioned to soak in those stunning views as the ship sails away.
It’s the ideal spot to unwind and snack while watching the world drift by.
No reservations needed here.
The Dock is totally first come, first served. Just a heads up: it can fill up quickly, especially on sea days when everyone’s looking to lounge.
There are plenty of daybeds and chairs, all with umbrellas so you can choose sun or shade.
In true Virgin Voyages style, the food is fantastic. I’m a huge fan of the Shrimp Skewers and Grilled Chicken Thighs.
A fun side note: my sister just sailed with Virgin Voyages for the first time and declared the hummus at The Dock “the best she’s ever had.” So, that’s definitely worth a try!
The vibe at The Dock is easily one of my favorites onboard.
There’s nothing quite like relaxing here, feeling the gentle movement of the ship, the sun on your skin, and the waves rolling by.
The Dock House
The Dock House is essentially an indoor extension of The Dock, offering similar laid-back vibes but in a cozy, sheltered setting.
Picture it as the “inside” version of The Dock, with décor that makes you feel like you’re lounging on a private sailboat.
One thing to note: since it’s a main walkway, it can get a bit lively at times as fellow sailors pass through on their way to other parts of the ship.
I found The Dock House to be the perfect retreat when you want to relax without worrying about the sun or unpredictable weather. It’s also a great spot to catch up on some work or just chill out with a good book.
Overall, The Dock House felt like our own little “chill zone” onboard—a comfortable escape whenever we needed it.
The Sun Club (A Hidden Gem)
The Sun Club is a bit of a hidden treasure on the ship, which means it rarely gets crowded.
Tucked away just behind Richard’s Rooftop (the exclusive area for suite guests), the Sun Club Cafe is open to everyone.
The food here is excellent, and the atmosphere is effortlessly relaxed.
It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the main pool deck—not your typical poolside spot, but more of a peaceful retreat.
What I loved most about the Sun Club was the chill, secluded vibe.
It’s an ideal place to unwind and soak up a sense of tranquility, almost as if you’ve discovered your own private getaway at sea.
Aquatic Club (a.k.a. The Pool Area)
Most days, the pool area had a really laid-back atmosphere.
While I do have my own personal gripes with the pool itself (you can read more about that here), I generally found it to be a relaxing spot—especially when we managed to snag our own seating area.
Virgin Voyages has also designed a section of the pool deck that feels a bit like a VIP lounge at a nightclub.
These shaded areas are perfect for groups who want to gather, chill, and enjoy some downtime together in comfort.
Overall, the Aquatic Club offers a great mix of chill vibes and social spaces, making it easy to relax or hang out with friends depending on your mood.
The Perch
The Perch is a serene rooftop space dedicated to wellness and relaxation.
Located on the top deck, it’s designed for guests who want to focus on mindfulness and self care.
This area is especially popular for its morning meditation and yoga sessions, offering the perfect setting to reconnect with your body and mind while enjoying panoramic ocean views.
If prioritizing your energy, balance, and mental clarity is important to you, The Perch is definitely the place to be.
No need for reservations here.
The “Net” & The Athletic Club Bar
Located on Deck 17, The Net is a unique feature:
A suspended, free-floating net stretched high above the water and the lower decks.
Standing or lounging here gives you a thrilling perspective as you gaze straight down at the ocean below. It’s definitely an experience you won’t forget!
While the net itself adds a touch of adventure, the surrounding area is surprisingly relaxing.
You’ll find plenty of sun chairs and comfy lounge seats in the Athletic Club Bar, making it a great spot to unwind.
Grab some snacks or a meal from The Galley and settle in. You’ll get to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and incredible views in a laid-back setting.
Whether you’re looking for a little excitement or just a peaceful place to chill, The Net area is a must-visit. Trust me, you won’t regret spending time here!
The Manor
In the early evening, The Manor offers a surprisingly relaxed vibe before it transforms into the ship’s ultimate nightclub.
It’s a great spot to grab a drink at the bar and unwind with your friends or fellow sailors in a laid-back “lounge” type setting.
Just a heads up—once the night gets going, The Manor quickly shifts gears into a lively party scene with shows and music.
So if you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere, be sure to enjoy it earlier in the evening and keep an eye on the schedule!
Your Balcony Room
If you’ve booked a balcony room, you’ve already secured one of the best spots to unwind on the ship.
There’s nothing quite like having your own private space to kick back and soak in the ocean views.
While some people online might call the hammock “gimmicky,” I found it to be the perfect addition.
It’s incredibly comfortable and adds a unique touch to the balcony experience. Ideal for lounging with a book or just swaying gently while watching the waves.
Most days, the weather was just right, making it even more enjoyable to spend time out on the balcony. Whether you’re starting your morning with coffee or winding down in the evening, your balcony becomes a personal oasis at sea.
Beach Club at Bimini (Resorts World)
The Beach Club at Bimini—Virgin Voyages’ private resort—is set on one of my all-time favorite islands: Bimini, Bahamas.
From what I’ve seen, Bimini has the clearest, most pristine water in the entire Caribbean. It’s honestly unmatched.
During the day, the Beach Club’s pool area gets pretty energetic, but if you’re looking for something more laid-back, the beach is calm and incredibly relaxing.
You can rent a cabana for your group, complete with plush day beds and your own dedicated drink and food service. It’s a great way to elevate the experience.
If you want to explore beyond the club, you can rent a golf cart and tour the island at your own pace. I’ve done both—kicked back on the beach and cruised around Bimini by golf cart.
We even stumbled onto our own quiet, secluded spot on the island. It was pure serenity—like something straight out of a movie.
The Tune Up – Manicure/Pedicure (Additional Charge)
If your nails need a little attention, the “Tune Up” service has you covered.
Think of it as your onboard pit stop for hands and feet—just like a classic spa manicure or pedicure, but with a cruise twist.
It’s the ideal spot to step away from the onboard hustle and take a moment for yourself.
Pricing here is in line with what you’d expect at a resort, so it’s not the cheapest option. But if you want to relax and let someone else handle the details, this is your go-to.
Redemption Spa (Additional Charge)
Virgin Voyages takes a different approach to spas compared to most cruise lines.
A few things to know up front: locker and changing areas are unisex, and you can’t bring in outside food or drinks (water is provided inside).
When you book spa access, you pay a flat fee for a 3-hour block. Here’s what’s included and what costs extra:
Thermal Suite Access (included with your entry fee):
- Heated marble hammam benches
- Steam room
- Sauna
- Salt room
- Cold plunge pools
- Heated pool and experiential showers
Spa Treatments (extra charge):
- Massages (multiple styles)
- Facials
- Body wraps and scrubs
- Acupuncture
- Medi-spa treatments (like fillers and Botox)
Beauty Services (extra charge):
- Hair salon
- Barber services
- Manicures and pedicures
- Makeup services
Relaxation Lounges:
Unwind in tranquil spaces before or after your treatment.
Fitness Offerings:
Group fitness classes (some included, others extra) and personal training sessions (extra charge).
A few important notes:
- Thermal suite access isn’t included in your cruise fare—you’ll need a day pass or a qualifying treatment package.
- All treatments and beauty services are additional.
- If you book any service, you get access to the spa’s relaxation lounges.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Virgin Voyages is what you make of it.
If you’re looking for non-stop parties, there’s no shortage of nightlife, events, and high-energy spaces.
But if you’re after true relaxation, you’ll find plenty of hidden gems and relaxation spots that let you completely unwind—sometimes in ways you might not expect from a cruise line with such a bold reputation.
During my time on Valiant Lady, I found myself leaning more into the laid-back side, and honestly, I was surprised by just how many options there were for peace and quiet.
From the Dock and Sun Club to the spa and even my own balcony, relaxation was always within reach.
So, is Virgin Voyages a party cruise or a laid-back escape? It’s both—and the choice is entirely yours.
Whether you want to dance until sunrise or find your own slice of serenity at sea, you’ll have no problem tipping the scale in whatever direction feels right for you.
About the Author:
Kam is a passionate traveler with a decade of cruising experience, having explored the world by sea for over ten years.
He has immersed himself in the unique offerings of all the major cruise lines, from popular favorites to luxury experiences.
Kam’s journeys span Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises, Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Oceania, MSC, and many more you’re sure to recognize.
His firsthand knowledge and love for adventure bring a seasoned, insightful perspective to every travel story he shares.