Good news first: Virgin Voyages has no formal nights and no strict dress code. You won't need a suit, a gown, or a second suitcase just for dinners. A little planning still goes a long way, though, especially for Scarlet Night and the PJ Party. Here's what to wear, what to pack, and what to leave at home.
No formal nights on Virgin Voyages, so you can pack light and leave the suit at home.
Does Virgin Voyages Have a Dress Code?
Not really. Virgin keeps it relaxed and asks sailors to dress with other people's comfort in mind. There are no formal nights, and you can wear what you like to every restaurant, including The Wake.
The only real guidelines:
Wear more than a swimsuit in restaurants. A cover-up or shirt over your swimsuit is fine at casual spots.
Wear shoes indoors.
Save the bold party looks for the party. Themed outfits are welcome at events, then change before heading elsewhere on the ship.
Most sailors go casual during the day and dress up a little at night because they want to, not because they have to. Think date-night casual: jeans or nice shorts with a good shirt, a sundress, or a jumpsuit.
What to Wear for Scarlet Night
Scarlet Night is Virgin's signature party, and it's the one night you'll want to plan an outfit for. The whole ship goes red, so wear something red. That's the only rule.
Sailors go all out in every style: red dresses, red suits, red sequins, red shirts, or just a red accessory. If you don't want to buy anything new, a red shirt, hat, or scarf gets you in the spirit. Pack your outfit somewhere easy to reach, since the date depends on your itinerary.
Scarlet Night is optional, but it's one of the best nights of the sailing. For more on the parties, see my Virgin Voyages Party Guide.
What to Wear for the PJ Party
The PJ Party is exactly what it sounds like. Bring pajamas, loungewear, a robe, or a matching set. Keep it fun but wearable in public, since you'll be out on deck with everyone else.
The Virgin Voyages Packing List
Daytime
Swimsuits (at least two, so one can dry)
Cover-ups
Shorts, tanks, and T-shirts
Sandals or slides
A sun hat and sunglasses
Reef-safe sunscreen
Evenings
Two or three date-night outfits
A red outfit or accessory for Scarlet Night
Pajamas or loungewear for the PJ Party
A light layer, since the ship's air conditioning can run cool
Comfortable shoes you can dance in
Fitness and Spa
Workout clothes and sneakers for the gym and group classes
An extra swimsuit if you plan to use the thermal suite
Shore Things and Port Days
Comfortable walking shoes
A small day bag or backpack
Water shoes for beaches and snorkeling
Anything your excursion calls for, like a rain jacket or quick-dry clothes
Check the forecast for each port before you pack. For excursion ideas, see my Shore Things Guide. Heading to The Beach Club? See The Beach Club at Bimini Guide.
Documents and Essentials
Your passport or required travel documents. See Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?
A credit card for your onboard account
Prescription medications in your carry-on
A phone charger and portable battery
Handy Extras
Magnetic hooks to hang bags and hats on the cabin walls
A reusable water bottle
A multi-port USB charger without surge protection
Motion sickness remedies, just in case
You don't need a lanyard for a key card. Virgin uses The Band, a wristband that works as your cabin key and onboard payment. See How the Sailor Wristband Works.
Pack Your Carry-On for Embarkation Day
Your checked bags may not reach your cabin until later in the afternoon. Keep these in your carry-on so you can start your vacation right away:
Travel documents and medications
A swimsuit and sunscreen
A change of clothes
Chargers and valuables
Any wine you're bringing (see below)
What Not to Pack
Virgin has a prohibited items list, and a few items catch people off guard:
Surge-protected power strips and extension cords. These have to be inspected and approved by the ship, so they are easier to leave home.
Appliances that heat up, like irons, steamers, and kettles. Hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners are allowed.
Candles and incense.
Drones.
CBD products, even if they're legal at home.
Liquor and beer. Any found in your bags are collected and returned at the end of your sailing.
Can You Bring Alcohol on Virgin Voyages?
Yes, a little. Each cabin can bring two 750 mL bottles of wine in carry-on bags. Beer and liquor aren't allowed. You can also bring up to 12 sealed cans or cartons of water or soft drinks per person in your carry-on, but no bottles. For everything else, a prepaid Bar Tab gets you bonus credit on drinks onboard.
Packing for Alaska or Europe
Cooler destinations need a different bag. For Alaska, plan on layers, a waterproof jacket, and a warm hat and gloves for glacier day. See my Virgin Voyages Alaska Cruise Guide for the full list. For Europe, pack comfortable walking shoes and something that covers your shoulders and knees for visiting churches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virgin Voyages have formal nights?
No. Virgin has no formal nights and no formal dress code.
What do you wear to dinner on Virgin Voyages?
Whatever you're comfortable in. Most sailors wear smart-casual outfits at night, but there's no requirement. Just wear more than a swimsuit and wear shoes.
What do you wear for Scarlet Night?
Anything red. Go as big or as simple as you like.
Can I wear shorts to dinner on Virgin Voyages?
Yes. There's no rule against shorts, hats, or hoodies in Virgin's restaurants.
Can you bring wine on Virgin Voyages?
Yes. Each cabin can bring two 750 mL bottles of wine in carry-on luggage.
Can I bring a power strip on Virgin Voyages?
Power strips and extension cords have to be inspected and approved by the ship, so I recommend leaving them home. A multi-port USB charger without surge protection is the easier option.
Ready to Start Packing?
PTO Passport is an independent cruise travel agency and Gold Tier Virgin Voyages First Mate. I'll help you pick the right sailing and cabin, and make sure you're ready for everything from Scarlet Night to your first Shore Thing. Same price as booking direct.
