Virgin Voyages doesn't do formal nights. Instead, it throws parties. Each sailing has a few themed nights where the whole ship dresses up, from the famous all-red Scarlet Night to a pajama party and glitter-covered celebrations. Here's a guide to Virgin's theme nights, what to wear, and how to pack for them.
Party lineups vary by ship and sailing, and Virgin updates them from time to time. Check the Virgin Voyages app onboard for your sailing's schedule.
Scarlet Night: the whole ship turns red and the party goes late. Pack something red.
Scarlet Night (Every Ship)
Scarlet Night is Virgin's signature party and the biggest night of the sailing. The whole ship turns red, with music, performances, and a party that runs late into the night.
Dress code: red, in any style. Red dresses, red suits, red shirts, red accessories, anything goes.
Do you have to wear red? No, but most sailors do, and it's more fun when you're part of it.
Tip: pack your red outfit in your carry-on in case Scarlet Night falls early in your sailing.
PJ Party (Every Ship)
A pajama party with a throwback dance soundtrack, usually early in the sailing. There's often a pajama contest, so this is the night to bring your best (and most ridiculous) sleepwear.
Dress code: pajamas, onesies, robes, matching sets
Tip: keep it club-friendly. You'll be dancing, so skip anything you'd trip over.
Ship-Specific Theme Nights
Beyond Scarlet Night and the PJ Party, each ship has its own themed parties. Recent lineups have included:
We Fancy (Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady): a dress-up night in gold, glitter, and sequins, often near the end of the sailing
Club Caliente (Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady): a Latin dance party. Wear something colorful and comfortable enough to dance in.
Sun Society (Valiant Lady): new in October 2026, a 90-minute retro, old Hollywood pool party on select sea days, with pastel parasols, bubbles, and a live performance by The Hostess. See Sun Society on Valiant Lady.
Klub Rubiks (Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady): an '80s party with neon and bold patterns
Y2K Party (Scarlet Lady): a '90s and 2000s throwback with a New Year's Eve 1999 twist
Electric (Brilliant Lady): a glow party with neon and UV-friendly outfits
Disco Circus (Brilliant Lady): a '70s disco party
There's also a VHS Workout class on every ship, a free '80s-style workout. Bring your best retro gym gear.
What to Pack for Theme Nights
Something red for Scarlet Night (the one theme night on every ship)
Pajamas for the PJ Party
Something sparkly or gold if you're sailing Valiant Lady or Resilient Lady
Neon or glow accessories for Brilliant Lady
Pastel resort wear for Sun Society on Valiant Lady, like linen, a caftan, or retro swimwear
Comfortable shoes for dancing
You don't need a full costume for every party. One or two pieces, like a red shirt or a sequin top, are enough to join in.
Tips for Theme Nights
Check your ship. Theme nights vary by ship, so pack for the ones on yours.
Check the app onboard. Exact nights and times are listed in the Virgin Voyages app.
Eat first. Book an earlier dinner on party nights so you're ready when the music starts. See the Virgin Voyages Restaurant Guide, or make dinner part of the night with one of the dinner shows.
Use your Bar Tab. Party nights are when a prepaid Bar Tab pays off. See Virgin Voyages Bar Tab Explained.
Go all in. The sailors who dress up have the most fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virgin Voyages have formal nights?
No. Instead of formal nights, Virgin has themed party nights like Scarlet Night and the PJ Party.
What is Scarlet Night on Virgin Voyages?
Virgin's signature party night, held on every ship. Sailors dress in red for a ship-wide celebration with music and performances.
Do I have to dress up for theme nights?
No, but most sailors do. Even one themed piece, like a red shirt for Scarlet Night, is enough to feel part of it.
Which theme nights are on every Virgin ship?
Scarlet Night and the PJ Party are on every ship. Other parties vary by ship.
Planning Your First Virgin Voyage?
See Virgin Voyages for First-Timers for everything else to know, or request a free quote and I'll find the right sailing for you, at the same price as booking direct.
