What to Pack for Your Virgin Voyages Cruise: The Ultimate List
Virgin Voyages Packing Guide
What to Pack for Your Virgin Voyages Cruise
Virgin Voyages does cruising differently, and your packing list should too. From Scarlet Night and the PJ Party to port days, pool time and the little things that make your cabin more comfortable, this is what I recommend having with you.
I’m a Virgin Voyages First Mate who books Virgin for clients and has sailed the line firsthand. This guide combines what I’ve learned onboard with practical tips from other experienced Sailors.
Before You Start Packing
Virgin is not a traditional cruise line.
There are no traditional formal nights, but there are themed events worth packing for. You may spend one night dressed in red for Scarlet Night, another in pajamas at The Manor, and part of a sea day in retro workout gear. During the day, you’ll want the same practical basics you would bring on any warm-weather vacation.
The goal is not to bring your entire closet. It is to pack for the things you are actually likely to do.
Still deciding which Virgin Voyages sailing fits?
I can help narrow the ships, itineraries and cabin options before you book.
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Travel essentials
Keep the important things easy to reach in your carry-on or travel folder for embarkation day.
- Passport and any identification required for your itinerary
- Printed or digital boarding documents
- Credit or debit cards
- Travel insurance documents and health insurance card
- Emergency contact information
- Travel itinerary and flight details
- Any visas or vaccination records required for your itinerary
- Virgin Voyages luggage tags
- Smart luggage tags for added privacy while traveling
- Contact information inside your luggage in case it is misplaced
One of the travel essentials included in my original packing recommendations.
In Your Cabin
Stateroom comfort & organization
Virgin Voyages cabins are modern and thoughtfully designed, but they are still cruise cabins. A few compact extras can make the room work better for you.
- Magnetic hooks for hats, bags and light jackets
- Over-the-door organizer or hanging organizer
- Refillable water bottle
- Small fan or white noise machine
- Travel-size wrinkle-release spray
- Night light
- Travel-size Poo-Pourri
- Travel hangers
Health & Comfort
Toiletries & a small health kit
Virgin Voyages cabins include Red Flower shampoo, conditioner and body wash, so you may not need to pack your own unless you prefer a specific product.
Basics
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
- Moisturizer, face wash and SPF lip balm
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- After-sun lotion or aloe
- Nail clippers, Q-tips and cotton pads
- Razor, shaving cream and deodorant
Medications & first aid
- Prescription medications in their original containers
- Pain relief and your usual over-the-counter medications
- Motion sickness options such as Bonine, motion sickness patches, or my personal favorite, a Reliefband
- Electrolyte powder such as Liquid I.V.
- Eye drops or saline spray
- Blister care and bandages
- Emergency dental repair kit
What to Wear
Clothes you’ll actually wear on Virgin Voyages
Virgin can be as casual as you want during the day, while evenings and themed events give you plenty of reasons to have fun with what you pack.
Daytime basics
- T-shirts, tanks or breezy tops
- Shorts, skirts or lightweight pants
- Two or three swimsuits
- Pool or beach cover-up
- Activewear for the gym or shore excursions
- Flip-flops, walking shoes and an evening shoe you actually want to wear
Pack for the events
Scarlet Night: Something red for Virgin’s signature themed celebration.
PJ Party: Sleepwear you’ll be comfortable dancing in at The Manor.
VHS Workout: Neon, leg warmers and retro workout gear.
We Fancy: A dressier look, from cocktail attire to glitter and metallics.
For Sail Away and pool time, a beach-chic outfit or cover-up works perfectly.
Virgin Voyages is a very specific kind of cruise.
If you are not sure whether the line, ship or itinerary fits you, that is exactly where I can help.
Going Ashore
Excursion-day must-haves
What belongs in your day bag depends on where you are sailing. These are the items I would consider first.
Caribbean sailings
- Small backpack or crossbody bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Quick-dry towel
- Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
- Sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen
- Bug spray or wipes
- Snacks or protein bars for longer days
- Wet bags for swimsuits
- Optional snorkel gear
Mediterranean sailings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light scarf or shawl for sites that require covered shoulders
- Compact umbrella or rain jacket
- Refillable water bottle
- Currency or small bills when useful for the destination
Stay Charged
Tech & entertainment
You do not need to bring a lot of technology, but these basics can make the trip easier.
- Phone and charger for the Virgin Voyages app
- Portable power bank
- Cruise-approved, non-surge power strip
- Extra charging cables
- E-reader or tablet
- Headphones or earbuds
- Travel adapter when needed for your international travel
- Camera or GoPro if you prefer one to your phone
- Smartwatch, ring or fitness tracker
Your Virgin wristband is provided at check-in and functions as your cabin key and for onboard purchases. Your cabin also has an in-room tablet.
Before You Zip the Suitcase
Virgin-specific packing notes
- There is no traditional main dining room or formal night, so pack for your own version of comfortable and stylish.
- Basic Wi-Fi is included, with upgrade options if you plan to work or stream.
- The original guide notes Virgin’s allowance of two 750 ml bottles of wine per cabin on embarkation day, with no beer or hard liquor.
- Every cabin has an in-room tablet, so you do not need to pack a separate travel alarm clock just for the cabin.
- Check the schedule for your sailing so you know which themed events and pop-up parties you want to dress for.
Two final packing habits
If you are traveling with someone else, consider splitting some clothing between both suitcases. If one bag is delayed, neither person is left with nothing.
And do not overthink the replaceable stuff. Your passport, medications, required documents and important comfort items belong with you in your carry-on.
Save This for Packing Day
Want the packing checklist?
I turned the list into versions you can print or keep on your phone so you can check things off as you pack.
Ready to Sail?
Planning the cruise should be easier than packing for it.
I help with the part that matters before the suitcase comes out: choosing the right sailing, cabin and itinerary, watching the details, and staying involved through the day you return home.