What to pack for Virgin Voyages
Packing for Virgin is easier than for most cruise lines, because there are no formal nights and no dress code. There are still a few things that catch people out. This is the list I send my clients.
The short answer
- No formal nights and no dress code. Smart casual covers dinner everywhere.
- Pack something red for Scarlet Night and something fun to sleep in for the PJ Party.
- Cabins have at least 4 U.S. outlets, 1 European outlet and 6 USB ports, so leave the power strip at home (it is banned).
- A hairdryer and toiletries are provided. Irons are not, but steamers are available on request.
- Bring government ID for every day ashore, and your Band.
What to wear on Virgin
Virgin has no formal nights, and you will not see tuxedos (Virgin entertainment FAQ). Virgin welcomes self-expression but asks that what you wear stays considerate of the people around you in shared spaces (Virgin onboard policies).
| Moment | What I pack |
|---|---|
| Days on board | Swimwear, a cover-up and sandals. Workout clothes if you will join the free group classes. |
| Dinner | Smart casual. A nice shirt or dress is plenty, even at The Wake. |
| Scarlet Night | Red. Virgin says “Keep it Red,” and how far you take it is up to you. There is no dress code. |
| PJ Party | Fun pajamas or loungewear. It is a theme, not a requirement. |
| Ports | Comfortable walking shoes. In Europe, something that covers shoulders and knees for churches. |
| Evenings out on deck | A light layer. It gets windy on Deck 15 and up. |
What is already in your cabin
- At least 4 North American (110v) outlets, 1 European (220v) outlet and 6 USB ports (Virgin cabin FAQ).
- A hairdryer and toiletries.
- An in-room safe that fits a 17-inch laptop.
- No iron or ironing board, but steamers are available on special request (Virgin cabins FAQ).
- Pool towels are up at the Aquatic Club on Deck 15, so you do not need to bring them.
- There is no self-service laundry, but full laundry and pressing service is available for a fee (Virgin housekeeping FAQ).
What not to pack
Power strips and surge protectors, irons, candles, drones, CBD and THC, and Starlink or travel routers are all banned. Drones are confiscated at check-in and returned at the end of the cruise. Fresh flowers are not allowed either. I list every rule in my onboard rules guide.
Wine and drinks
Each cabin can bring two 750 ml bottles of wine or champagne in carry-on luggage on embarkation day. If you open them in a restaurant or bar, the corkage fee is $25 (Virgin drinks FAQ). Liquor and beer are not allowed.
My packing checklist
Documents and money
- Passport book (or the ID your itinerary allows; check my passport guide)
- A credit card for your onboard account
- Printed luggage tags, if Virgin emailed them
- Travel insurance details
Carry-on for embarkation day
- Medication for the whole trip
- Swimsuit and sunscreen, since your bags may arrive late afternoon
- Phone charger and a small USB charging cube
- Your two bottles of wine, if you are bringing them
Easy to forget
- Something red
- Pajamas you do not mind being seen in
- Seasickness remedies, if you are prone (see my seasickness guide)
- A reusable water bottle
- A European plug adapter for hotels before or after a Mediterranean sailing
Quick answers
Does Virgin Voyages have formal nights?
No. There are no formal nights and no dress code. Smart casual is fine everywhere.
What should I wear for Scarlet Night?
Something red. Virgin's guidance is 'Keep it Red,' from a full outfit to a small splash of color. There is no dress code.
Are there outlets in Virgin Voyages cabins?
Yes. Every cabin has at least four North American 110v outlets, one European 220v outlet and six USB ports.
Can I bring a power strip on Virgin Voyages?
No. Power strips and surge protectors are banned. Bring a small USB charging cube instead.
Do Virgin Voyages cabins have irons?
No. Irons are banned, but steamers are available on request, and there is a paid laundry and pressing service.
Sources I checked
Policies change. I checked these on October 20, 2026, and you should confirm anything time-sensitive with me before you rely on it.
- Virgin Voyages FAQ: Entertainment (Scarlet Night, themes)
- Virgin Voyages FAQ: Onboard policies
- Virgin Voyages FAQ: Choosing your cabin
- Virgin Voyages FAQ: Cabins (outlets, safe, steamers)
- Virgin Voyages FAQ: Housekeeping (laundry, towels)
- Virgin Voyages FAQ: Drinks (corkage, wine, RockStar bar)
- Virgin Voyages: Prohibited items
Want me to plan this one with you?
I'm a Top 100 Virgin Voyages First Mate (2024 and 2025). Virgin sets the fare, so the same cabin, fare type and promotion is the same fare with me as on virginvoyages.com, and I charge no planning fee. What you get is a person: I hand-pick your cabin where your fare allows, book dining and Shore Things the day your windows open, watch for upgrades and fare changes, and answer your texts before and during the trip. I also arrange hotels before and after the cruise, private excursions and group plans, and I deal with Virgin for you when a booking or benefit needs sorting out. I take the stress. You take the photos.
Derek Gebelhardt, At Ease Travel Co. · derek@ateasetravel.co · 202-802-0990. Sailor Loot through Virtuoso is $50 per cabin on 4–5 night voyages, $100 on 6–8 nights and $200 on 9+ nights, for eligible bookings made at least 121 days before sailing; promotions and eligibility can change, so I confirm yours in writing before you pay.