Virgin Voyages - A Guide to the Dress Code

Sailing with Virgin Voyages is all about freedom and casting off the stuffy traditions of classic cruising. This philosophy extends to their dress code, which is refreshingly simple and modern. For your upcoming 7-night Caribbean cruise, this guide will help you pack the perfect wardrobe to be stylish, comfortable, and ready for anything.

Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening

Your daytime attire for a Caribbean sailing is all about relaxed, resort-style comfort. Think light, breathable fabrics to keep you cool under the tropical sun.

General Public Areas (Lounges, Atrium, Cafés)

Inside the ship, the vibe is casual and cool. T-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and casual trousers are all perfect. The air conditioning can be powerful, so packing a light cardigan, hoodie, or wrap is always a smart move.

Pool Decks and Outdoor Spaces

This is where your best swimwear shines. Bikinis, one-pieces, and swim trunks are the standard uniform. Don't forget essential sun protection like a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. A stylish cover-up is a must for grabbing a drink from the bar or walking back to your cabin.

Daytime Dining (Main Dining Room & Buffet)

For a casual lunch at The Galley (Virgin's innovative food hall) or other daytime eateries, the dress code is very relaxed. However, there are a couple of key rules to remember:

• You must wear a cover-up or shirt over your swimwear. You cannot dine in just your swimsuit.
• Footwear is required at all times inside any dining venue. Flip-flops and sandals are perfectly acceptable.

Evening Dress Codes Explained

Virgin Voyages famously ditches the rulebook, so you won't find traditional, rigid dress codes. Instead, the evening is an opportunity to express your personal style. The general guideline is to elevate your look slightly from what you wore during the day.

Casual Evenings (or the cruise line's equivalent term)

On Virgin, almost every evening is what other lines might call casual. Their official motto is "Come as You Are." This means you can be comfortable and yourself. There's no pressure to dress up, but most sailors do choose to change into something a little smarter for the evening.

• For Women: Casual dresses, skirts, stylish jeans or trousers with a nice top, or fashionable jumpsuits.
• For Men: Nice t-shirts or polo shirts, casual button-down shirts, shorts, or trousers.

Smart Casual / Evening Chic (or the cruise line's equivalent term)

This is the sweet spot for most evening dining and drinks on board. Think of it as what you might wear for a nice dinner out in a trendy city restaurant. It’s polished but not formal. Virgin calls this simply "getting cleaned up."

• For Women: Cocktail dresses, elegant jumpsuits or playsuits, smart trousers or dark jeans with a chic blouse, and stylish footwear like heels, wedges, or dressy sandals.
• For Men: Collared shirts (long or short-sleeved), smart polo shirts, chinos or trousers, and smart-looking jeans. Footwear should be clean and tidy, such as loafers, boat shoes, or fashionable trainers.

What Not to Wear

While rules are few, it's best to avoid the following in the more upscale restaurants in the evening:

• Swimwear (even if covered)
• Very casual beach flip-flops
• Athletic wear or tank tops (for men)
• Baseball caps

Formal Night / Gala Evening (or the cruise line's equivalent term)

Here's the big news: Virgin Voyages does not have a formal night. You can leave the tuxedos, ball gowns, and dinner jackets at home. Instead of a stuffy gala, they host their signature event, Scarlet Night.

On your 7-night cruise, expect one Scarlet Night. This is an immersive, ship-wide party. While not mandatory, everyone is encouraged to wear a "splash of red" to get into the spirit. This can be anything from a full-on red dress or suit to a red pocket square, scarf, shoes, or lipstick. It's about participation and fun, not formality.

Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)

Different venues have slightly different vibes, influencing what you might want to wear.

• The Main Dining Room(s): For restaurants like Razzle Dazzle (vegetarian-forward) or Pink Agave (upscale Mexican), a "Smart Casual" look is perfect.
• Speciality Dining Restaurants: For the most elevated dining experience at The Wake (steak and seafood), many sailors choose to dress up a bit more. A jacket for men or a cocktail dress for women would not be out of place, but it is not required.
• The Buffet / Lido Marketplace: The Galley remains casual in the evening, much like it is during the day. It's a great option for a quick, low-key dinner where shorts and a t-shirt are fine.
• The Main Theatre or Show Lounge: Attire for shows in The Red Room is relaxed. Wear whatever you have on for dinner.
• Bars and Lounges: From the classy Sip Lounge to the lively Athletic Club, your evening attire will fit right in. No specific dress codes apply beyond the general ship-wide guidelines.

Common Themed Nights & Special Events

Your 7-night Caribbean itinerary will be packed with entertainment. Beyond Scarlet Night, look out for other events where you can have fun with your outfits:

• The PJ Party: The Pajama Party is a signature event held on the first night. Pack your most stylish or fun pyjamas for this comfortable, social gathering.
• We Fancy: Sometimes hosted on the same night as Scarlet Night, this event is another chance to dress up a bit more if you feel like it, often around the Sip Champagne lounge.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Virgin Voyages Dress Code

Can I wear jeans on Virgin Voyages?

Yes, absolutely! Jeans are perfectly acceptable on Virgin Voyages, even in the evenings. Smart or designer jeans paired with a nice top, polo shirt, or blouse are common in most dining venues and bars.

Are shorts allowed in the Main Dining Room in the evening?

While Virgin Voyages has a relaxed dress code, tailored shorts are generally acceptable in most restaurants for dinner. However, swimwear, athletic shorts, or very casual beach shorts are not appropriate for evening dining in the more upscale eateries like The Wake.

How many formal nights will be on my cruise?

There are zero traditional formal nights on Virgin Voyages. They have a "Come as You Are" philosophy and have replaced the stuffy gala evening with their signature Scarlet Night. On your 7-night cruise, you can expect one Scarlet Night, where sailors are encouraged to wear a splash (or a lot) of red.

Do I really need a dinner jacket or a gown for a formal night?

No. Since there are no formal nights, a dinner jacket, tuxedo, or evening gown is not required. You are welcome to dress up if you wish, but it is not expected. For the most upscale restaurant, The Wake, a collared shirt and trousers for men or a cocktail dress for women is more than sufficient.

What is the dress code for children and teenagers?

This is an easy one: there isn't one! Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line, exclusively for sailors aged 18 and over. Therefore, you don't need to worry about packing for anyone but yourself.

Is the dress code strictly enforced?

The dress code is very relaxed, but basic standards of decency and safety are enforced. The main rules are ensuring you wear footwear and a cover-up over swimwear when inside public areas. In the evening, while you won't be turned away for being too casual in most spots, you may feel underdressed in the more elevated dining venues if you're in beachwear.

Expert Packing Tips for Your Caribbean Cruise

Finalising your packing list? Here are some last-minute tips for your 7-night adventure in the Caribbean.

• Pack for the theme nights: Don't forget your splash of red for Scarlet Night and a fun pair of pyjamas for the PJ Party.
• Focus on breathable fabrics: Cotton, linen, and jersey are your best friends in the Caribbean humidity.
• Bring two swimsuits: One can be drying while you wear the other. A Caribbean cruise means lots of time in the water.
• A reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated on shore excursions and around the ship. There are plenty of water stations to refill.
• Don't forget prohibited items: Leave personal clothing irons, steamers, and any surge-protected extension leads at home as they are not permitted on board.
• Disclaimer: This information is believed to be correct at the time of publishing. However, policies can change at short notice, and their implementation may vary from ship to ship. Always check the cruise line's official website for the most current guidelines before you sail.