What to Pack for a Virgin Voyages Cruise
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If you’ve found us then that means you’re ready to embark on your Virgin Voyages adventure and you want to know what to pack for your Virgin Voyages cruise.
When we went on our first Virgin Voyages last year by cruising on the beautiful Scarlet Lady, we had a lot of insight on what to pack because Amy sells these cruises a lot at her job as a travel agent. However, there were a lot of mistakes that we made too!
That’s why we’re here! To make sure that you don’t make the same mistakes that we did and have everything you need, ready to rock and roll.
Follow this blog post to get your downloadable packing list for your Virgin Voyages cruise, a breakdown on the best things you should take for a Virgin Voyages as well as what is prohibited on board and what a Virgin Voyages dress code looks like!
Quick Packing List
For those of you who are here for the short-time and not the long-time, we’ve created a quick packing list below so that you can get what you came for.
However, we’re sad to say that if you just run with this packing list alone you will miss out on all our tips for cruising on a Virgin Voyages and insider tips from Amy as a travel agent that regularly sells these amazing cruises!
We won’t hold it against you though, seriously! Just click the button below to download your very own Virgin Voyages Packing List.
Why Choose Virgin Voyages
This is the easy part! If you’ve found your way to this packing list then you already know that Virgin Voyages has got it going on! It is the most talked about cruise on TikTok and Instagram for good reason but if you’re still not sure, check our our review of pros and cons to cruising on a Virgin Voyages!
Imagine… Adults only, yep that’s right, no whining kids! Sailing along the ocean on a lush cruise ship designed perfectly to make your cruising experience the best it can be! From awesome parties, gorgeous cabins (especially their sea terraces complete with a hand-woven hammock), beautiful itineraries and let’s not forget some of the most delicious food at sea!
If that’s not convinced you then maybe you need to check out our pros and cons of Virgin Voyages to see if this is the right cruise for you!
However, if you already know why you’re choosing Virgin Voyages then read on to make sure that you’re sea ready!
What to Pack for a Virgin Voyages Cruise
Packing for a Virgin Voyages cruise is easy because a lot of the things you need to pack are no different to any other cruise or holiday. The best part is that there is no luggage allowance with Virgin Voyages so you can take what you want on board. Just be mindful of your baggage allowance if you’re doing a fly-cruise.
The Essentials
1. PASSPORT
This is the most important thing to remember when you’re cruising with any cruise company.
2. Download the Virgin Voyages App
Okay, this is not something that you need to pack but it is essential to get the app downloaded on your phone before you cruise. You will need to fill out all the important information such as your medical information, passport details, insurance info and more.
Not just that but the app is really helpful for booking restaurants, shore excursions, checking your bar tab and much more. Make sure that you have this all sorted before you board the ship!
3. Cash & Payment Cards
Whilst you’re on board, you will use your wristband for any purchases which will be linked to the payment card you registered on your app.
However, when you’re getting off the ship, you will want to spend some money at the different ports getting drinks, souvenirs or taking part in experiences so make sure you have a few different ways to pay.
Whenever we travel, we always take our bank cards, 1 or 2 different currency cards and then a little bit of cash too. We have back up plans upon back up plans!
TIP: If you’re planning to gamble in the on-board casino, make sure that you take dollars on board. This is the only time you would really need cash. The ATMS on the ship charge quite a bit to withdraw money to be able to use the casino and if you use your wristband, it charges even more. Be smart and take dollars with you!
4. Insurance
When you’re booking your cruise, it is so important to make sure that you have travel insurance. Not just that but you will want to make sure that you have a cruise add-on for your travel insurance too!
This covers you for missed ports, cabin confinement, itinerary changes and much more so it is imperative that your insurance also covers you for your cruise as you never know what will happen.
5. Chargers
In this day and age, no matter where you go you want to use your phone. Remembering your phone charger is so important! In the Virgin Voyages cabin there are USB ports for your phone but it is always worth bringing your physical charger as well.
6. Plug Adaptors
In the Virgin Voyages cabins you will find American-style plug sockets so make sure that you also have a plug adaptor handy especially if you’re bring multiple electrical items that don’t have USB chargers.
Clothes
This will depend on how long you’re on the cruise for as to how many pieces of each item you need to take. We’ve based the packing list for clothes on if you’re cruising for 7 nights with Virgin Voyages but if you’re doing more or less then you may want to pack a couple more or less of each item.
Women
– 3 Swimming costumes / Bikinis
– 2 Sets of Workout Clothes (if you’re planning to do the group workouts)
– Underwear
– 3-4 Day dresses
– 2 Pairs of Shorts
– 3-4 Vest tops or pretty day tops
– 3-4 Evening Dresses or Skirt & top Sets
– 1-2 Pairs of Jeans
– 2-4 Nice evening tops
– Make-Up
– 3-4 Pairs of Pyjamas
– Hairdryer, Straighteners and / or Curlers
– Sunglasses
– Hat
– Flip-Flops
– Sandals
– Heels (if you wear them)
– Trainers
– Socks
Men
– 5 Plain T-Shirts
– 2 Pairs of Denim Shorts
– 2-3 Pairs of Swimming Trunks
– 2-3 Evening Shirts
– 2-3 Vest Tops
– 2 Pairs of Workout Clothes
– 2 Pairs of Jeans
– Boxers
– Pyjamas
– Sunglasses
– Hat
– Socks
– Smart Trainers
– Sliders
Toiletries
You’ve got to keep yourself fresh! Whilst Virgin Voyages has toiletries included in their bathroom, it’s always nice to have your own things!
– Shampoo
– Conditioner
– Body Wash
– Toothbrush
– Toothpaste
– Razor
– Aftershave
– Perfume
– Deodorant
– Sun Cream
– Aftersun
Digital Items
We’ve included this section for digital items because we are certain that there are digital nomads or aspiring digital nomads like us reading this. Your blogging equipment is important too for people like us!
– Go Pro
– Camera
– Tripod
– Laptop
– Spare Camera Batteries
– Battery Pack
Misc
For those small items that you don’t need but are nice to have…
– Kindle or Book
– Headphones
– Two Bottles of Wine (if you wish)
– Reusable Water Bottle
Whilst alcohol is not allowed on board, you are permitted to take two bottles of wine in your hand luggage for your cabin if you choose to do so. We wish we had known this prior to our last Virgin Voyages as this would have been handy but we know we will be doing this for our next one! However, we had purchased the Splash of Romance package so we had a bottle of champagne delivered to our door so we can’t grumble!
Special Events
Scarlet Night
Before you go on a Virgin Voyages, you need to know a little bit about Scarlet Night so that you can prepare for it! On each ship, there will be one night called Scarlet Night where everyone dresses up in red and parties the night away.
When we say that people go extra for this night, we mean it! That’s not to say that you have to go all out but it’s definitely worth packing a red outfit for the evening.
Even though we knew about Scarlet Night, as this was part of our honeymoon straight after our wedding, we can’t say we were prepared for it. Our intentions were to go shopping during one of the port stops and get something red whilst we were at it! Getting something red wasn’t part of our wedding prep unfortunately!
Oh how we wished we had got something ready in advance. We spent so much time at multiple different port stops trying to find something red that would be fitting for Scarlet Night. In the end, Amy found a beautiful red dress to wear but we really struggled for Liam. He ended up wearing a red sports top and red swimming trunks!!
Not only that but the items you can purchase at the shops on the ship are amazing BUT they are very expensive!
Top Tip: Order your Scarlet Night outfit BEFORE getting on the cruise.
Below we’ve listed a couple items that you may want to pack to get in the Scarlet Night festivities.
– Red Outfit
This should be the minimum item to pack for a Virgin Voyages whether it’s a red dress, red shirt or whatever takes your fancy, just something red will do!
– Glitter
You can get glitter done whilst you’re on the ship at one of the stalls but there were such long queues that we recommend saving yourself time and taking your own!
– Red Masquerade Mask
Lots of people were wearing masquerade masks on Scarlet Night and you can also purchase them on the ship but they are pricey! If you fancy wearing a mask on Scarlet Night then try to get it before boarding the ship.
– Face Paint
This might seem a bit extra but face paint is commonly used across the ship for Scarlet Night. Again, you can do this on the ship and queue up for the booths that they have set up.
However, if you’re able to do your own then it is worth taking your own paints with you!
Pyjama Party
The pyjama party on Virgin Voyages was great fun and definitely something that you should prepare for! Amy opted for her newly wed pyjamas for the cruise that she hadn’t worn as it was our honeymoon after all and Liam went for his comfy long checkered trousers and t-shirt.
However, we saw so many people dressed up in amazing pyjamas! We saw someone with a dinosaur onesie, others in vibrant exciting pyjamas and so much more. The creativity was on point!
What Not to Pack for a Virgin Voyages Cruise
When you’re on a Virgin Voyages, you don’t want to under or over pack for the cruise so whilst we’ve given you good guidelines on what to take with you, here are some things on what you shouldn’t pack and below that you will find some of the prohibited items as well!
– Too Many Clothes
Whilst the cabins on Virgin Voyages are a very good size when it comes to cruising, they are still not big enough to take too much in the cabin (unless you’re made of money and staying in a Rockstar Suite).
With that in mind, don’t pack too many clothes otherwise you will find that this lovely spacious cabin will become cramped very quickly.
– Negativity
Leave that s**t at home! Virgin Voyages is a very vibrant, fun-loving cruise line so get on board with the best attitude and you’ll have a great time, trust us!
Prohibited Items
– Alcohol
Whilst you are allowed to take two bottles of wine per cabin on the ship, other alcohol is prohibited.
– Firearms, drugs etc.
Any illegal substances are understandably illegal so don’t bring these with you!
– Hand-Cuffs
Whether you’re searching for upside-down pineapples or not, handcuffs are not allowed on a Virgin Voyages Cruise and are to be left at home!
– Aerosols (other than deodorant) or flammable items
Of course you can bring deodorant on the ship but other than that leave all the flammable items at home!
Virgin Voyages Dress Code
There isn’t really a dress code on a Virgin Voyages Cruise like there is on other cruise ships. The main aim of a Virgin Voyages is to just be yourself, embrace who you are and dress like yourself!
Unlike other cruise ships, there isn’t a formal night where men are required to wear suits and women need to be dressed in long dresses and uncomfortable heels.
This is one of the things that we love the most about Virgin Voyages Cruises because you are free and empowered to wear what you want!
Get Ready For Your Time on Virgin Voyages
There we have it! The ins and outs of what to pack and what not to pack for your first Virgin Voyages Cruise!
Now all that you need to do is to get yourself packed and ready to embark on a wonderful cruising adventure.
Not sure what to expect? Check out our Scarlet Lady review that will give you our insight on our first Virgin Voyages cruise and get excited for your cruising adventure!
