Why an adults-only ship suits a first cruise
Virgin Voyages sails adults-only ships, so pools, lounges and restaurants are designed around grown-up travelers. For a first cruise that usually means a calmer pace by day and plenty to do in the evening.
If you've avoided cruising because you pictured crowded water slides and kids' clubs, an adults-only sailing is a very different experience.
How a cruise day works
Itineraries mix port days, when the ship docks and you can go ashore, with sea days spent entirely on board. Each port day has an all-aboard time; if you explore independently, give yourself plenty of margin to get back.
Some ports are reached by small tender boats rather than a pier, which adds time getting ashore. Each sailing's itinerary on our site shows the ports and, when the cruise line publishes them, arrival and departure times.
What to book before you sail
Popular restaurant times, spa treatments and shore excursions can fill up. Check what the cruise line lets you reserve in advance and when booking opens, and do it early for busy sailings.
Travel insurance, flights that arrive the day before embarkation and the right documents for every port are your responsibility. Your travel seller can help you check.
- Restaurant times for the evenings that matter most to you
- Spa treatments, especially on sea days
- Shore excursions at ports with one big sight
- A hotel near the port the night before you sail
- Travel insurance that covers the whole trip
Choosing a first sailing
A shorter Caribbean sailing is an easy way to find out how you like cruising. If you already know you love food and culture, a Mediterranean voyage packs more into each day ashore.
Not sure? The Cruise Matchmaker asks a few questions and ranks real sailings for your dates, budget and style.
Booking through AdultsOnly.Cruises
We're an independent company, not part of Virgin Voyages. You can compare sailings and published fares here; the reservation itself is completed by an authorized travel seller, and nothing is booked until you confirm with them.
Frequently asked questions
Is Virgin Voyages only for adults?
Yes. Virgin Voyages sails adults-only ships. Check the cruise line's age policy for the exact minimum age before you book.
How long should my first cruise be?
A short sailing of a few nights is an easy way to find out whether you enjoy cruising. If you already know you will, a week gives you a better balance of sea days and port days.
Do I need to book restaurants before I sail?
Popular times can fill up on busy sailings. Check what the cruise line lets you reserve in advance and when booking opens, then book the evenings that matter most.
What if I get seasick?
Large ships are stable in most conditions, but motion depends on the route and the weather. A cabin low and in the middle of the ship moves least; ask a doctor or pharmacist about remedies before you go.
Keep reading
First-timersHow many days before a cruise should you arrive?
Why arriving the day before embarkation is the safest plan, when two nights makes more sense, and how to plan your flight home.
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First-timersSea days vs port days: how to make the most of both
What happens on a sea day, how to plan a port day without rushing, and how to pick an itinerary with the balance that suits you.
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First-timersIs an adults-only cruise good for solo travelers?
Why an adults-only ship suits traveling alone, how solo pricing usually works, and how to meet people on board without trying too hard.
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Ready when you are
Find a sailing that fits.
Compare real adults-only sailings by destination, dates and length, or let the Matchmaker shortlist them for you.