From enchanting Caribbean itineraries, savory new menu items at Extra Virgin and Gunbae and Brilliant new shows – including the second run of the brand’s hilarious Comedy Fest – Virgin Voyages is heralding in a new era of excitement, even kicking off the festive season with Scarlet’s Valen-tunes Spotify playlist.
Cupid must have an affinity for the world’s No. 1 cruise line as Feb. 14 is a holiday forever etched in Virgin Voyages’ history. Celebrated as the day Richard Branson’s award-winning travel brand took delivery of its first ship, Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages also opened the doors to its palm-grove inspired Terminal V at PortMiami, complete with a 718 street address to earmark Branson’s birthday. Since then, Sailors, Crew, local communities and First Mates (travel advisors) have fallen in love with Virgin Voyages, and this Valentine’s Day, the beloved cruise line is giving fans five (more) sweet reasons to set sail the Virgin way.
Reason 1: Love is better when it’s shared
Solo travel, especially among women, is on the rise, NBC Reports*, and though Virgin Voyages is primed for individual exploration with solo cabin categories and Solo Sailor Meet-Ups on embarkation day, the brand also reigns supreme as the ultimate group getaway. Whether celebrating a milestone birthday with friends, coordinating a multi-generational family reunion or hosting an epic bachelor or bachelorette party, group travel comes with major perks.
For parties of eight or more, a 10% travel discount, up to $300 in free drinks and a dedicated group dinner at one of Virgin’s six Michelin-inspired restaurants are just a few of the benefits of booking together. To take the group voyage to the next level, the brand will soon roll out enhanced welcome amenities including fresh blooms, bubbles (Champagne or prosecco), chocolate and beer buckets to say “bon voyage” in style.
Reason 2: Fall for bold new flavors
Virgin Voyages’ menus are getting a delicious new refresh at both Extra Virgin and Gunbae. At Extra Virgin, the ship’s Italian-inspired trattoria, new pastas, arancini, seafood risotto, and roasted monkfish are just a few of the additions coming to the fleet in May. Gunbae, the only Korean BBQ at sea, will keep a few Sailor favorites while refreshing the menu with the addition of shrimp kimbap rolls, bulgogi fire meat, and bo ssam (whole roasted pork butt with oysters and caviar), all debuting this July. Additional culinary announcements for Brilliant Lady’s inaugural season will be shared over the coming months.
Reason 3: Head over heels for new entertainment
Scarlet Lady’s recent glow-up – complete with new suites, VIP poolside cabanas and a glamorous new mermaid – also brought the addition of two eclectic new shows in the ship’s multi-transformational theater at sea. Bringing it back to New Year’s Eve of 1999 is an interactive Y2K party while the epic, concert-style “It’s a Rock Show-ke” has Sailors belting the entirety of “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and other 80s or 90s classics alongside a live band.
Brilliant Lady, the fourth and final ship in the Virgin fleet, will make her debut in September, premiering several immersive new shows. Among them is an all-out production inspired by Virgin Records’ musical catalogue from the past five decades that celebrates the history, entrepreneurial attitude and rebellious spirit that is Sir Richard Branson. In March, Virgin Voyages will also unveil other entertainment currently in the works for Brilliant Lady’s inaugural North American season.
Reason 4: Set sail on hilarious specialty voyages
When Virgin Voyages fans asked for more comedy, the brand delivered in a big way, amping up its on-board line-up with the LOLz Supper Club series and Festival Stage of rotating comedy driven residencies. Last year, Virgin Voyages introduced Comedy Fest in the UK to overwhelmingly positive reception. This year, Comedy Fest is back by popular demand and returning to British shores. Setting sail Aug. 30 from Portsmouth, the six-night UK edition features headliner Jack Whitehall, the charismatic host of The BRIT Awards. Known for his hilarious Netflix series, sold-out stand-up tours and starring roles in films like the Jungle Cruise alongside Dwyane Johnson and Emily Blunt, Jack Whitehall is bringing his laugh-out-loud comedy to the Virgin Voyages stage.
New for 2025 is a US-based Comedy Festival. Sailors are invited to laugh their aft off aboard this five-night voyage from Miami. Departing Aug. 10 and sailing to Bimini and the sun-drenched village of Costa Maya, this specialty voyage will feature a stacked line-up of can’t-miss comedians.
Reason 5: Enchanting Caribbean itineraries for winter 2026-2027
With watercolor sunsets and ombre blue waters, the picture-perfect backdrops of the Caribbean are enough to make anyone swoon. This Valentine’s Day, Virgin Voyages is mixing things up, unveiling fresh variations of itineraries, all new ports and its first true weekender. Next year, the four-night Fire & Sunset Soirees to Key West and Bimini will adjust schedules. Departing on Thursday and returning on Monday, Sailors can set sail with limited PTO required (or opt for the new Work From Sea wifi should meetings summon).
Virgin Voyages will also add Panama City (Panama) and the gorgeous island of St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands) to its growing list of international ports of call. Winter 2026-2027 also boasts fresh five-night itineraries such as “Jamaican Daze & Bimini Breeze” to Ocho Rios, along with “Cayman Isles & Bimini Beach Miles” to Georgetown.
In one week, Virgin Voyages will also open bookings for the 17-night voyage through the Panama Canal to Miami. The original east-to-west option that went on sale in 2024 was the fastest selling itinerary in Virgin Voyages’ history, so Sailors are encouraged to mark their calendars.
For more information on Virgin Voyages Valentine’s Day announcements or to book a cabin, visit www.VirginVoyages.com or call your First Mate.
