If you're used to packing for family cruises with formal nights and kids running around in swim diapers, Virgin Voyages is going to feel like stepping into a parallel universe. After sailing on the Scarlet Lady twice and the Valiant Lady once in 2026, I can tell you that Virgin's "no kids" policy completely transforms what you need to pack – and it's not just about leaving the goldfish crackers at home.
Here's what Virgin won't tell you upfront: when they say "no formal nights," they don't mean anything goes. I learned this the hard way on my first Virgin cruise when I showed up to Pink Agave wearing flip-flops and board shorts. The host politely but firmly suggested I "elevate my look" before seating me.
Virgin's dress code is best described as elevated casual with context. During the day, you'll see everything from bikinis by the pool to designer athleisure in the corridors. But evenings? That's when the adults-only crowd steps it up significantly.
What "Smart Casual" Actually Means on Virgin:
The key difference from other cruise lines? No one's wearing tuxedos or cocktail gowns, but the overall vibe is definitely more sophisticated than Carnival's main dining room on formal night.
After dining at every specialty restaurant across Virgin's fleet, I can break down exactly what each venue expects:
Test Kitchen (Most Relaxed): This is your safest bet for casual dining. I've seen people in nice shorts and polo shirts here without issue. Think "upscale food court" vibes.
Pink Agave & The Korean BBQ: Step it up a notch. Jeans and a nice top work perfectly. I wore dark jeans and a linen button-down to Pink Agave and felt appropriately dressed among the crowd.
Wake & Gunbae: These are Virgin's most upscale venues. While you won't see ball gowns, expect to see a lot of nice casual wear. Think date night at a trendy downtown restaurant. I wore dress pants and a blazer to Wake and felt right at home.
Razzle Dazzle: The vegetarian restaurant falls somewhere in the middle. Clean jeans or nice pants with a elevated top works perfectly.
Here's an insider tip: Virgin's waitstaff dress casually too – no bow ties or formal uniforms. This gives you a good gauge of the expected formality level.
The biggest packing revelation? Virgin's pool decks feel more like an upscale beach club than a family cruise ship. Without kids splashing around, the atmosphere skews toward sophisticated relaxation.
What You'll Actually See by the Pools:
Don't feel pressured to spend a fortune on swimwear, but do pack pieces you feel confident in. The demographic skews younger and more style-conscious than traditional cruise lines. I noticed significantly more designer labels and coordinated outfits around the pools.
Essential Pool Deck Items:
This is where Virgin's adults-only policy really shines in terms of dress code flexibility. The evening entertainment venues – from the Manor nightclub to Sip champagne bar – expect you to look like you're going out, not attending a family dinner.
The Manor Nightclub: Think Vegas club casual. Dark jeans with a nice top work, but you'll see plenty of short dresses and stylish jumpsuits. Men can get away with dark jeans and a fitted t-shirt, but a button-down looks better.
Sip Champagne Bar: This rooftop venue definitely skews more upscale. I wore a midi dress and felt perfectly appropriate. Men should aim for at least chinos and a collared shirt.
Social Club & Groupie: These bars are more relaxed but still expect "going out" attire. Nice jeans and an elevated top work perfectly.
Pro Tip: Virgin's shows (like Duel Reality and Ships in the Night) don't have formal dress requirements, but the audience definitely dresses up more than you'd see at a Disney or Carnival show. Think theater casual rather than theme park casual.
Based on my three Virgin cruises, here's exactly what worked (and what I wish I'd left home):
Essential Pieces That Worked:
What I Overpacked:
The Adults-Only Advantage: Without worrying about kids' mess or activities, you can pack lighter-colored clothes and more delicate fabrics. I wore white jeans multiple times without the usual cruise ship anxiety about spills.
Virgin does have some themed events, but they're much more subtle than other cruise lines' formal nights or deck parties.
Scarlet Night: This red-themed party happens once per cruise. Pack something red, but don't stress about it. A red top or red accessories work perfectly. I saw everything from red sneakers to full red outfits.
PJ Party: Yes, adults-only cruises have pajama parties, and they're surprisingly fun. Pack cute sleepwear you'd be comfortable wearing in public. Think matching sets rather than ratty college t-shirts.
Shore Excursions: Virgin's excursions tend to be more adventure-focused and Instagram-worthy than traditional cruise offerings. Pack activewear that looks good in photos – think Lululemon rather than old gym clothes.
The reality is that Virgin Voyages has created a unique space in cruising where you can dress for yourself rather than for family-friendly formality. The adults-only policy means everyone's trying a bit harder to look good, but in a relaxed, authentic way rather than forced formal wear.
After three Virgin cruises, I can tell you the dress code sweet spot: pack like you're going to a week-long house party with stylish friends. Comfortable but intentional, relaxed but never sloppy.
Share your Virgin Voyages packing wins and fails in our Virgin Voyages forum – I'd love to hear what worked for your sailing!
The Truth About Virgin's "No Formal" Dress Code
Here's what Virgin won't tell you upfront: when they say "no formal nights," they don't mean anything goes. I learned this the hard way on my first Virgin cruise when I showed up to Pink Agave wearing flip-flops and board shorts. The host politely but firmly suggested I "elevate my look" before seating me.
Virgin's dress code is best described as elevated casual with context. During the day, you'll see everything from bikinis by the pool to designer athleisure in the corridors. But evenings? That's when the adults-only crowd steps it up significantly.
What "Smart Casual" Actually Means on Virgin:
- Men: Dark jeans or chinos with a collared shirt or elevated t-shirt
- Women: Sundresses, nice tops with jeans, or casual jumpsuits
- Footwear: Sneakers are fine, but make them clean ones
- Avoid: Gym clothes, flip-flops in restaurants, or anything you'd wear to mow the lawn
The key difference from other cruise lines? No one's wearing tuxedos or cocktail gowns, but the overall vibe is definitely more sophisticated than Carnival's main dining room on formal night.
Restaurant-Specific Dress Expectations
After dining at every specialty restaurant across Virgin's fleet, I can break down exactly what each venue expects:
Test Kitchen (Most Relaxed): This is your safest bet for casual dining. I've seen people in nice shorts and polo shirts here without issue. Think "upscale food court" vibes.
Pink Agave & The Korean BBQ: Step it up a notch. Jeans and a nice top work perfectly. I wore dark jeans and a linen button-down to Pink Agave and felt appropriately dressed among the crowd.
Wake & Gunbae: These are Virgin's most upscale venues. While you won't see ball gowns, expect to see a lot of nice casual wear. Think date night at a trendy downtown restaurant. I wore dress pants and a blazer to Wake and felt right at home.
Razzle Dazzle: The vegetarian restaurant falls somewhere in the middle. Clean jeans or nice pants with a elevated top works perfectly.
Here's an insider tip: Virgin's waitstaff dress casually too – no bow ties or formal uniforms. This gives you a good gauge of the expected formality level.
Pool and Deck Areas: Where Adults-Only Makes a Difference
The biggest packing revelation? Virgin's pool decks feel more like an upscale beach club than a family cruise ship. Without kids splashing around, the atmosphere skews toward sophisticated relaxation.
What You'll Actually See by the Pools:
- Designer swimwear (both men and women dress to impress)
- Stylish cover-ups and kaftans
- Higher-end sunglasses and accessories
- Coordinated beach outfits for Instagram photos
Don't feel pressured to spend a fortune on swimwear, but do pack pieces you feel confident in. The demographic skews younger and more style-conscious than traditional cruise lines. I noticed significantly more designer labels and coordinated outfits around the pools.
Essential Pool Deck Items:
- At least two nice swimsuits (rotation is key)
- A versatile cover-up that works for grabbing lunch
- Comfortable sandals that look intentional
- A wide-brim hat (sun protection that photographs well)
Evening Entertainment: Dressing for Virgin's Nightlife
This is where Virgin's adults-only policy really shines in terms of dress code flexibility. The evening entertainment venues – from the Manor nightclub to Sip champagne bar – expect you to look like you're going out, not attending a family dinner.
The Manor Nightclub: Think Vegas club casual. Dark jeans with a nice top work, but you'll see plenty of short dresses and stylish jumpsuits. Men can get away with dark jeans and a fitted t-shirt, but a button-down looks better.
Sip Champagne Bar: This rooftop venue definitely skews more upscale. I wore a midi dress and felt perfectly appropriate. Men should aim for at least chinos and a collared shirt.
Social Club & Groupie: These bars are more relaxed but still expect "going out" attire. Nice jeans and an elevated top work perfectly.
Pro Tip: Virgin's shows (like Duel Reality and Ships in the Night) don't have formal dress requirements, but the audience definitely dresses up more than you'd see at a Disney or Carnival show. Think theater casual rather than theme park casual.
What to Actually Pack: My Tested Virgin Voyages Wardrobe
Based on my three Virgin cruises, here's exactly what worked (and what I wish I'd left home):
Essential Pieces That Worked:
- 3-4 pairs of dark jeans (your wardrobe foundation)
- 2-3 casual dresses that work day to night
- Linen button-down shirts (wrinkle-free and versatile)
- One blazer for elevated dining
- Comfortable but stylish sneakers
- Dress sandals for evening
- Versatile swimwear cover-ups
What I Overpacked:
- Formal dresses (seriously, you won't wear them)
- Too many "cruise casual" polo shirts
- Dress shoes (wore my nice sneakers 90% of the time)
- Multiple evening bags (crossbody worked everywhere)
The Adults-Only Advantage: Without worrying about kids' mess or activities, you can pack lighter-colored clothes and more delicate fabrics. I wore white jeans multiple times without the usual cruise ship anxiety about spills.
Special Occasions and Theme Nights
Virgin does have some themed events, but they're much more subtle than other cruise lines' formal nights or deck parties.
Scarlet Night: This red-themed party happens once per cruise. Pack something red, but don't stress about it. A red top or red accessories work perfectly. I saw everything from red sneakers to full red outfits.
PJ Party: Yes, adults-only cruises have pajama parties, and they're surprisingly fun. Pack cute sleepwear you'd be comfortable wearing in public. Think matching sets rather than ratty college t-shirts.
Shore Excursions: Virgin's excursions tend to be more adventure-focused and Instagram-worthy than traditional cruise offerings. Pack activewear that looks good in photos – think Lululemon rather than old gym clothes.
The reality is that Virgin Voyages has created a unique space in cruising where you can dress for yourself rather than for family-friendly formality. The adults-only policy means everyone's trying a bit harder to look good, but in a relaxed, authentic way rather than forced formal wear.
After three Virgin cruises, I can tell you the dress code sweet spot: pack like you're going to a week-long house party with stylish friends. Comfortable but intentional, relaxed but never sloppy.
Share your Virgin Voyages packing wins and fails in our Virgin Voyages forum – I'd love to hear what worked for your sailing!