What to Pack for Your Virgin Voyages Cruise: The Ultimate List
Planning your first Virgin Voyages sailing and wondering what to pack?
Between epic theme nights, one-of-a-kind onboard events, port days, and Instagram-worthy photo ops, there is a lot to consider!
As a VV First Mate who books Virgin Voyages for clients and someone who’s experienced the ship firsthand, I’ve learned exactly what makes packing for VV different from packing for a traditional cruise. I’ve also collected tips from fellow Sailors and seasoned travelers so you can avoid rookie mistakes and bring exactly what you’ll need for a flawless voyage.
Whether you’re dancing under the stars at Scarlet Night, sweating it out at the VHS Workout, or rocking PJs in The Manor, this Virgin-specific packing list will make sure you’re ready for every unforgettable moment.
Travel Essentials (Don’t Skip These)
Before anything else, make sure these are packed and easy to grab in your carry-on or travel folder so you can breeze through embarkation day.
Passport – Must be valid for at least six months past your cruise dates. Even if you are on a closed-loop cruise, having a passport is strongly recommended.
Required ID for domestic cruises.
Printed or digital boarding documents – The Virgin Voyages app will hold your digital boarding pass, but having a paper copy as backup never hurts.
Credit/debit cards – Let your bank know you will be traveling. Virgin is a cashless ship, so you will use your wristband for all onboard purchases.
Travel insurance documents and health insurance card.
Emergency contact list with phone numbers and email addresses.
Copy of your travel itinerary and flight details.
Any visas or vaccination records required for your itinerary.
Virgin Voyages luggage tags – You can print these at home, but the porters will also have extras on embarkation day.
Luggage tags - I have recently started using these Smart Luggage Tags which provide a little privacy at the airport (and work really well!)
Contact information inside your luggage just in case it gets misplaced.
Virgin Voyages tip: Keep your swimsuit and a change of clothes in your carry-on. Your luggage may not be delivered to your cabin until later in the afternoon, and you will probably want to start your vacation by hitting the pool or enjoying your first cocktail at The Dock.
Stateroom Comfort & Organization
Virgin Voyages cabins are modern, tech-friendly, and thoughtfully designed, but they are still compact. A few small items can make your space feel more organized and comfortable.
Magnetic hooks – Most cabin walls are metal, so strong magnetic hooks are perfect for hanging hats, bags, and light jackets. Make sure to get heavy-duty ones so they do not slide down the wall.
Over-the-door or hanging organizer – Great for storing shoes, accessories, or toiletries in one place.
Refillable water bottle – The cabin air can get dry, and staying hydrated is essential. Every Virgin Voyages stateroom comes with a carafe of water, and your stateroom attendant will make sure it is always full. You can also use your bottle at the refill stations around the ship.
Small fan or white noise machine – Helpful if you are sensitive to sound or want extra airflow.
Travel sized wrinkle-release spray – Cabins do not have irons and steaming services can add up.
Night light – It gets very dark at sea, especially if you have the blackout curtains closed.
Travel-sized Poo-Pourri– Especially useful if you are sharing a cabin.
Travel hangers – Ask your cabin attendant if you need more; they are happy to provide them.
Virgin Voyages tip: Cabins have under-bed storage for suitcases, a roomy closet, and plenty of shelves for folded clothes. Every room also has an in-room tablet for adjusting lighting and temperature, ordering room service, and controlling the TV — so you may find you need fewer gadgets than on other cruise lines.
Toiletries & Health Kit
A ship medical center is available but can be pricey, so it’s smart to bring your own small stash of basics. Virgin Voyages cabins come stocked with high-quality Red Flower shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. These products smell incredible, are spa-quality, and eco-friendly, so you may not need to pack your own unless you have a specific favorite.
Basics:
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (optional if you want to use your own instead of Virgin’s Red Flower brand)
Moisturizer, face wash, and SPF lip balm
After-sun lotion or aloe
Nail clippers, Q-tips, and cotton pads
Razor and shaving cream
Deodorant
Medications:
Prescription medications in original containers
Pain relief (Tylenol, Advil, etc.)
Motion sickness remedies (Bonine, Dramamine, Patches or my personal favorite that I have and wear on every cruise - a Relief Band)
Allergy medicine, antacids, Imodium, or other over-the-counter essentials you may need
Electrolyte powder such as Liquid I.V. for long days in the sun
Eye drops or saline spray for dry air
Blister care and band-aids
Emergency dental repair kit (yes, really — there’s no dentist onboard)
Virgin Voyages tip: The ship’s shops carry a limited selection of personal care items, which can be expensive. Packing your favorites in travel sizes will save you time and money.
Clothes You’ll Actually Wear on Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages cruises are casual when you want them to be, but they also have some of the best theme nights and entertainment at sea. You’ll want outfits that keep you comfortable during the day but make you feel confident and stylish for the evenings.
Daytime basics:
T-shirts, tanks, or breezy tops
Shorts, skirts, or lightweight pants
Swimwear (at least 2–3 suits so you’re never putting on a damp one)
Pool/beach cover-up
Activewear for the gym or shore excursions
Evening looks:
Virgin doesn’t do formal nights, so think “stylish and fun” over tuxes or gowns.
Must-pack for Virgin’s iconic events:
Scarlet Night – Something (or everything!) red. This is the night where the ship transforms into a jaw-dropping, high-energy celebration. Think bold, playful, and Instagram-worthy.
PJ Party at The Manor – Chic sleepwear you’re not embarrassed to dance in. Matching sets, silky robes, or fun onesies are all fair game.
VHS Workout – Neon, leg warmers, retro headbands, or anything that screams 1980s fitness video. You’ll sweat, laugh, and get incredible photos.
We Fancy – Virgin’s take on “dress to impress.” Think sleek cocktail attire, glitter, metallics, or anything that makes you feel like a rock star.
Sail Away & Pool Party Looks – A cute cover-up or beach-chic outfit for sail away cocktails or lounging at The Dock.
Footwear:
Flip-flops for the pool deck
Comfortable walking shoes for port days
Dressy sandals or shoes for evenings
Excursion Day Must-Haves
Virgin Voyages itineraries often feature late stays, overnight ports, and unique beach clubs. Packing smart for your days ashore will make them even more enjoyable.
For Caribbean sailings:
Small backpack or crossbody bag for wandering through port towns or heading to The Beach Club at Bimini.
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in the heat.
Quick-dry towel (Virgin provides them at the gangway, but some Sailors prefer their own compact version).
Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag for beach and water activities.
Sunglasses (polarized lenses help with that bright island sun).
Reef-safe sunscreen for protecting your skin and the ocean.
Bug spray or wipes, especially for evenings ashore.
Snacks or protein bars if you plan to explore away from main dining areas.
Ziploc or wet bags for swimsuits after beach or pool time.
Optional snorkel gear if you prefer your own over rentals.
For Mediterranean sailings:
Comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic towns and archaeological sites.
Light scarf or shawl for covering shoulders when visiting religious sites.
Compact umbrella or rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
Refillable water bottle for long walking days.
Currency or small bills in local denominations for small purchases and tips.
General Virgin Voyages tip: Virgin often docks later in the morning and stays late into the evening, so bring a small bag with an outfit change if you want to go from a daytime beach adventure to an evening cocktail ashore without returning to the ship first.
Tech & Entertainment
You will not need a lot of tech on Virgin Voyages, but a few key items will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Phone & charger – Essential for the Virgin Voyages app, which holds your boarding pass, dining reservations, daily schedule, and excursion details.
Portable power bank – Great for long days in port or when you are snapping lots of photos and videos.
Cruise approved power strip – Outlets are limited, so a non-surge-protected strip can be helpful.
Extra charging cables – At least one backup in case one stops working.
E-reader or tablet – Preload with books, shows, and movies for sea days.
Headphones or earbuds – Perfect for relaxing on deck or in your cabin.
Travel adapter – Needed only if you are sailing internationally and bringing electronics from outside North America.
Camera or GoPro – Ideal for capturing Scarlet Night, the PJ Party, or underwater shots in Bimini.
Smartwatch, ring, or fitness tracker – Helpful for tracking steps during active port days.
Virgin wristband – This will be given to you at check-in and is your key for entering your cabin and making onboard purchases.
In-room tablet – Every cabin has one, so you can adjust lighting, curtains, temperature, and even order ShipEats without leaving your bed.
Virgin Voyages tip: Basic Wi-Fi is included for all Sailors, but you can upgrade for faster speeds if you plan to work, stream, or upload a lot of photos and videos during your trip.
Virgin-Specific Pro Tips
There is no main dining room. Restaurants are included and amazing, so you do not need “formal night” wear. Pack for comfort and style instead.
Virgin includes basic Wi-Fi in all sailings, but you may want to upgrade if you plan to work or stream.
You can bring two bottles of wine per cabin (750ml each) on embarkation day, but no beer or hard liquor.
Every cabin has an in-room tablet to control lights, curtains, and room service. There is no need to bring a travel alarm clock.
Plan your outfits ahead based on the Voyage Well app schedule so you are ready for theme nights and pop-up parties..
Final Pro Tips
If you're traveling with a partner or friend, split your clothes between both suitcases. That way, if one gets lost, you both still have enough to get by.
And lastly, don't overthink it. Most things are replaceable. But the key stuff—your passport, meds, documents, and comfort items—should always be with you in your carry-on.
