I Went on an Adults-Only Cruise for the First Time, and 8 Things Surprised Me 😲🤯
There are vacations, and then there are cruises. But what happens when you strip away the families, the screaming kids, the lifeguard whistles, and opt for a completely adults-only experience at sea? That’s exactly what I did — and I came back with more than just sunburn and a suitcase full of souvenirs. I returned with eight surprises that completely shattered my expectations of what a cruise could be. Virgin Voyages’ adults-only cruise gave me more than a holiday — it gave me perspective, laughs, a little scandal, and a whole lot of stories I’ll never forget.
Here are the eight things that shocked, amused, and ultimately delighted me aboard my first grown-ups-only voyage.
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1. The Absence of Kids Was… Blissful 😌🛳️
Let’s start with the obvious: no children. At first, I didn’t think this would make that much of a difference. But oh, how wrong I was. The entire cruise felt like one long exhale. There were no tantrums at dinner, no toddlers splashing water into your cocktail by the pool, and no “Mommy, look at me!” every five minutes. The ambiance was serene — even when the music was loud.
The absence of kids didn’t just change the noise level; it transformed the mood. Conversations felt deeper, interactions more intentional. Everyone seemed relaxed in a way you rarely see on mixed-age cruises. And I felt like I could fully be an adult — unfiltered.
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2. People Dressed to Impress — But Not in the Way I Expected 👗🕺
I imagined formal gowns and tuxedos, maybe something akin to a floating gala. Instead, what I got was creativity, flair, and individuality. Virgin Voyages encourages “come as you are” — and people really took that to heart.
One night, a guy wore a glitter jumpsuit and matching boots. Another evening, a woman rocked a feather boa and combat boots. The Scarlet Night party turned the ship into a sea of red and costumes ranging from sultry to downright surreal.
There was no dress code — and that made it exhilarating. You weren’t dressing to impress others; you were dressing to express yourself. And that energy was contagious.
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3. The Food Was Unlike Anything I’d Had on a Cruise 🍽️✨
Forget buffet lines and lukewarm trays. This was a culinary event. Virgin Voyages ditched the traditional cruise buffet for a dining concept that felt more like hopping between trendy restaurants in New York or Barcelona.
From Korean BBQ at Gunbae (complete with drinking games led by the staff) to elevated vegetarian cuisine at Razzle Dazzle, each meal was an experience. And everything was included — no specialty dining fees. The food was so good, I found myself planning my day around meals instead of excursions.
Oh, and the 24-hour diner served truffle fries at 2 a.m. Enough said.
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4. There Was an Underlying Vibe of Freedom (and a Little Mischief) 😈🍸
Without kids onboard, a cheeky, flirtatious atmosphere crept in — in the best possible way. It wasn’t sleazy; it was liberating. Adults were able to be… well, adults. There were burlesque shows, pajama parties, and late-night drag karaoke that turned into a full-blown dance battle.
Even the staterooms had “mood lighting” and a red hammock on the balcony. It felt like the cruise line knew its passengers might want to have fun in more ways than one — and made space for it without ever being crass.
Whether you were single, coupled, poly, or just curious, there was a space — and a wink — for everyone.
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5. The Wellness Options Were Seriously Next-Level 🧘♀️💪
With the party atmosphere, I expected a sea of hangovers and greasy breakfasts. But surprisingly, the wellness offerings were just as strong — and just as popular.
There were sunrise yoga sessions on the upper deck, spin classes in dark rooms with club beats, and even an on-board tattoo studio where people were lining up for commemorative ink. (Yes, I almost got one.)
The ship had a full spa, a meditation room called the “Redemption Cave,” and even IV vitamin drip services. People genuinely balanced indulgence with wellness, and it created an oddly harmonious energy: detox by day, retox by night.
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6. The Crew Treated Me Like a Rockstar (and Not in a Phony Way) 🌟🚢
Sometimes cruise staff can be overly chipper or robotic. But on this cruise? It felt like they were genuinely happy to be there. They knew guests by name, remembered drink orders, and cracked jokes like we were all old friends. One bartender even made up a cocktail on the spot based on my favorite flavors — and it was better than anything on the menu.
There was no tipping culture, which made every interaction feel more sincere. The vibe was more boutique hotel than mega cruise. It felt intimate and authentic.
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7. It Was Surprisingly Inclusive and Non-Judgmental 🏳️🌈👫
I saw couples of all kinds, solo travelers, LGBTQ+ groups, seniors in love, and younger folks just vibing. Everyone was welcomed, and more importantly, celebrated. The “Scarlet Night” party was a perfect example: a red-hued fever dream of inclusivity, where everyone danced freely — and no one cared who you were dancing with.
Virgin Voyages built a cruise line that gets the modern traveler. Labels were irrelevant. Whether you wanted to lounge with a book or dive into a group body-painting class, there was no pressure. Just acceptance.
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8. It Changed What I Thought a Cruise Could Be 🌊🧠
Before this trip, “cruise” conjured up images of bingo, buffets, and tired tourists. But this cruise shattered those expectations. It was dynamic, bold, immersive — and sometimes downright weird in the most fabulous way. It felt like a floating festival, a resort, a luxury retreat, and a wild night out rolled into one.
Sure, it wasn’t for everyone. If you crave structure, peace, or a family setting, you might feel out of place. But if you want freedom, connection, and a splash of the unexpected? This cruise delivers.
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Final Thoughts
Going on an adults-only cruise with Virgin Voyages wasn’t just a vacation — it was an awakening. I rediscovered how fun adults can be when they’re not filtered by family roles. I danced under the stars, made friends I’ll never forget, and leaned into spontaneity in a way I hadn’t in years.
If you’re on the fence, I’ll say this: take the plunge. It’s not just about the destination or even the ship — it’s about the freedom to be whoever you want to be at sea.
Just don’t forget to pack something red. You’ll thank me later. 😏🌹