Scarlet Lady launched in 2020 as the first ship in Virgin Voyages’ “Lady” class. With space for around 2,770 passengers, she set the tone for Virgin’s adults-only brand: bold design, no buffet or main dining room, and a heavy focus on food, wellness, and nightlife. Read my full Virgin Voyages Guide for fleet-wide updates and fare options.
I first sailed on Scarlet Lady in 2024, just after it came out of dry dock. It’s the ship where Virgin’s concept for a new approach to cruising was realised for the first time. If you’re considering a cruise with Virgin on board Scarlet Lady, this overview explains what to expect, including cabins, dining, entertainment, and the overall vibe.
Scarlet Lady
Homeports: Miami (Caribbean itineraries), Barcelona (Mediterranean in summer)
Key Facts about Scarlet Lady
- Launched: 2020
- Refurbished: 2024
- Passenger capacity: ~2,770
- Crew: ~1,150
- Length: 278m
- Decks: 17
Cabins and Accommodation
Scarlet Lady cabins are modern and minimalist, with a design unlike most cruise lines. The great majority are Sea Terraces (standard balcony cabins).
- Insider cabins: Compact, designed for couples or solos.
- Solo cabins: Both Inside and OceanView cabins designed for solo cruisers.
- Sea View and Sea Terrace: The majority of cabins come with ocean views and private balconies (called “Sea Terraces”), some (most) with hammocks.
- Suites (“RockStar Quarters”): Larger, with perks like access to Richard’s Rooftop, priority boarding, and premium service.
I have sailed 3 times with Virgin Voyages by now and twice in the Sea Terrace which most people will book. On Scarlet Lady, I had a Solo Oceanview Room right at the front of the ship, meaning I had fantastic views although the room was really small. The main criticism of every cabin type on Virgin is that the bathrooms are tiny. I can confirm they are definitely small, but they are well-designed and fit for purpose.
Dining on Scarlet Lady
Dining is at the heart of Virgin Voyages, and Scarlet Lady launched with more than 20 eateries — all included in the fare.
Dining Options on Scarlet Lady:
- The Wake: Steak and seafood in a dramatic aft-facing space.
- Pink Agave: Upscale Mexican dining with moody decor.
- Razzle Dazzle: Brunch-style dishes served at breakfast and lunch. Now incorporates the Chinese-themed Lucky Lotus at night.
- Gunbae: Korean BBQ where you cook at the table, complete with drinking games.
- Extra Virgin: Fresh Italian dining, heavy on pastas and meats.
- The Pizza Place: Casual, made-to-order pizzas.
- Dock House & Dock: Mediterranean small plates, one of the line’s most praised venues.
The food on Scarlet Lady was better than any other line I had cruised at that point (some Cunard options are strong rivals). There’s a lot of variety: the Test Kitchen is controversial for its experimental tasting menu, but I quite like that kind of thing. The Wake is great for solid meat and fish options and I struggled to get reservations at Extra Virgin because it was simply so popular.
One hot tip: even if you can’t get a reservation for the timeslot you want (you can book ahead using the app, weeks before you board), you can simply show up and it’s likely you’ll be seated within 30 minutes max.
Entertainment and Activities
Scarlet Lady is heavy on nightlife and immersive experiences, like every Virgin Voyages ship:
- Wellness: Free fitness classes (yoga, spin, HIIT) are included, plus a spa and outdoor athletics track with spectacular views.
- The Red Room: A theatre hosting productions that flip the usual cruise show formula. Very lively (occasionally wild!)
- The Manor: 2-story nightclub inspired by Richard Branson’s early music business. The mirrored entrance is Instagram-famous.
- Live music and pop-up shows across the ship, particularly during Scarlet Night (bring outfit options!).
Related: Check out the major updates to Scarlet Lady after Dry Dock (2024)
What’s the Vibe Onboard?
Scarlet Lady doesn’t try to be all things to all people. She’s designed for adults who want something new:
- Adults-only (18+) — strictly no kids onboard.
- Casual but stylish — no formal nights, no dress codes, less adherence to “cruising traditions”.
- Social and energetic — nightlife is central, but there are also quiet corners like The Dock.
On my sailing, the crowd was diverse, with a good mix of ages. Rumour has it that Virgin targets the 25-45 age range, but the reality is much more 35-65. The Australian and British travellers stood out, but there were plenty of North Americans too. The ships are very LGBTQ+ friendly and there’s often a drag performer on board.
Who Scarlet Lady is Best For
- Adults looking for a modern cruise without the endless adherence to ‘cruising tradition’.
- Food lovers who want variety without constant upsells to specialty restaurants.
- Singles, couples and groups of friends who want a social, nightlife-rich environment. LGBTQ+ friendly.
- Less ideal for travellers who prefer formality, traditions, or family cruising.
Does Scarlet Lady have a buffet?
No. Instead, the Galley is a food hall with multiple quick-service counters.
Is Wi-Fi included on Virgin Voyages?
Yes. Basic Wi-Fi is included for all guests, with upgrades available (including via VoyageFaire Choices).
What is VoyageFair Choices?
Virgin’s new three-tier fare system introduced in 2025. It replaces the old “everything included” model with three options: Base, Essential, and Premium.
Does Scarlet Lady have formal nights?
No. Virgin Voyages is casual all the way. But there is a Scarlet Night where you can dress up in Virgin Voyages’ signature red colour.
Final Thoughts
Scarlet Lady was Virgin’s proof of concept, and the ship succeeded in showing that cruises don’t have to follow tradition. There’s certainly bold design, excellent dining, and a party-friendly vibe, but the ship is not for everyone. I loved it, despite eye-rolling slightly at crew’s adherence to Virgin’s “Ahoy Sailor” marketing language in every conversation.
For me, Scarlet Lady’s strengths were in the restaurants and social spaces. If you’re considering your first Virgin cruise, this ship is a great option. With the new VoyageFair Choices fare model, inclusions now vary by tier, so it’s worth checking which level suits you.