Photo: Virgin Voyages
Scarlet Night, explained
One night on every voyage, the whole ship wears red and the evening builds from a storytelling show to a pool party under the stars. Here is what to pack, where to be and when, and how to enjoy it whether you are a dance-floor person or not.
The short answer
- It happens on every voyage. The night varies by itinerary and shows in the app’s event line-up once you board, usually with a day or two of notice. (Virgin Voyages)
- Wear red. Virgin calls it “Keep it Red,” and it is the only dress suggestion on the ship. Head to toe or a red accessory, casual or glam, costume or tuxedo. There is no dress code rule. (Virgin Voyages entertainment FAQ)
- It is a shipwide activation across Decks 6 and 7, with pop-ups, secret bars, a storytelling show and performances, ending at the Deck 15 pool party, weather permitting. (Virgin Voyages entertainment FAQ)
- You do not have to get in the pool. Most people do not. Dancing on deck in dry clothes is normal.
What Scarlet Night is
Virgin describes it as “a full ship activation, complete with pop-ups, flash mobs, secret bars, karaoke, shadow performances, pool parties, and high-energy beats.” The story behind it is Virgin’s own legend about the moon, the sea and an Octopus Goddess, told through music and dance, including an honorary wedding between the Goddess and her Sailor. (Virgin Voyages Scarlet Night guide; entertainment FAQ)
In practice it is the one night the ship feels like a single party rather than a dozen venues. It is also the night the Happenings Cast is everywhere.
How the night runs
Times vary by ship and voyage. This is the typical shape from published event line-ups; your app has the exact times.
| Time (approx.) | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Dinner | I book Pink Agave every Scarlet Night; a 7:00 pm slot leaves time for the show | Any restaurant |
| About 8:00 pm | The Myth of Scarlet Night, the storytelling show that opens the evening | The Roundabout, Deck 6 |
| 8:30 to 10:30 pm | Pop-up performances, secret bars, karaoke, the Octopus wedding, the ship fills with red | Decks 6 and 7 |
| About 10:45 pm to midnight | The Pool Party, the main event | Aquatic Club pool, Deck 15 |
| After | Afterparty | The Manor, Deck 6 |
If the weather is bad, the pool party moves indoors to The Red Room as the “Remix Party.” (Virgin Voyages entertainment FAQ)
Photos: Virgin Voyages
What to wear
Virgin’s own guidance: “We always encourage our Sailors to ‘Keep it Red’ on Scarlet Night, whether it be a head-to-toe color commitment, or just a subtle splash… there are no dress code rules here.” (Virgin Voyages entertainment FAQ)
My practical advice:
- Two red outfits if you plan to swim. One for dinner and the show, one you do not mind getting soaked. Heavy fabrics and sequins do not dry in a cabin overnight.
- One red outfit if you do not. A red shirt or dress and comfortable shoes you can dance in for three hours. The pool deck is wet even if you are not in the pool.
- Costumes are welcome. You will see everything from full costumes to ballgowns to a red tee and shorts. Nothing is too much, and nothing is too little.
- Forgot red? The onboard shop usually carries red tees and accessories, though selection is not guaranteed. Virgin’s Sailor Conduct Policy still applies at the pool party: no nudity or indecent exposure.
- Full list on my Virgin Voyages packing list.
Wear what feels like you. My first Scarlet Night I wore a black shirt covered in red roses, and I was as much a part of it as the people in head-to-toe sequins. The point is participation, not a uniform.
If parties are not your thing
Scarlet Night is loud on Decks 6, 7 and 15 and quiet almost everywhere else.
Watch the show, skip the pool
The Myth of Scarlet Night and the early pop-ups are the creative part. Many sailors leave after the wedding.
Book a late dinner at The Wake or Extra Virgin that night
A long dinner ends as the pool party starts. Walk the deck, look at the crowd, go to bed.
The Perch and the Sun Club deck stay calm
, as do the aft of the ship and your own terrace hammock. Aft suites are among the quietest places on board on any night.
Solo sailors
This is the easiest night of the voyage to meet people. Red is a conversation starter. See my solo guide.
Tips I give every client
- Check the event line-up on day one. Which night it falls on affects your dinner reservations and how early you want to be up the next morning.
- Book that night’s dinner for 7:00 pm or earlier. 8:30 pm reservations miss the show.
- Get to the pool deck by 10:30 pm if you want a spot near the pool. The raised ends of the pool are the best vantage without going in.
- Leave your phone in a waterproof pouch or in the cabin. People get pulled in.
- Order drinks before 10:45 pm. The Aquatic Club Bar is the busiest bar on the ship during the party.
- It is not the PJ Party. That is a separate theme night, and one of my favorite places to meet people, along with Sail Away. (Virgin Voyages entertainment)
- If the weather moves it indoors, go anyway. My first three Scarlet Nights were all indoors because of weather, and they were still the best night of each sailing. When it does happen poolside, lean in.
Quick answers
What night is Scarlet Night?
It varies by voyage. Check the event line-up in the app once you board; it is usually posted by the end of day one.
Do I have to wear red?
No. Nearly everyone does, and you will feel more part of it if you do.
Is there a Scarlet Night dinner?
No special menu. Every restaurant is open as usual. Pink Agave is my pick because it is lively and ends in time for the show.
Can I bring my own red costume props?
Yes, within the normal prohibited items rules. No glass, no open flames, nothing that could be mistaken for a weapon.
Is the pool party cancelled in bad weather?
It moves to The Red Room as the Remix Party.
Is there a Scarlet Night on every ship?
Yes, on all four ships, every voyage. (Virgin Voyages)
Sources I checked
Virgin changes its policies often. I checked these on November 8, 2026, and you should confirm anything time-sensitive with me before you rely on it.
- Virgin Voyages, Your Guide to Scarlet Night
- Virgin Voyages, Entertainment FAQ
- Virgin Voyages, Best nightlife cruise for adults
- Virgin Voyages, How to dress on a Virgin Voyages cruise
- Virgin Voyages, Why Virgin Voyages
- Virgin Voyages, Cruise entertainment (Scarlet Night, PJ Party)
- Derek's Scarlet Night comments: r/VirginVoyages: Derek’s comment on “first time virgin voyagers whats the best tip”; r/VirginVoyages: Derek’s comment on “help cant find a proper fit for scarlet night”
At Ease Travel Co. is an independent travel advisory affiliated with Fora Travel, a Virtuoso member agency. Virgin Voyages, Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, Brilliant Lady, Sailor Loot, Scarlet Night and My Next Virgin Voyage are trademarks of Virgin Voyages. This guide is independent advisor commentary and is not endorsed by Virgin Voyages.
Planning your first Scarlet Night?
Tell me your sailing and I will tell you which night it is likely to fall on, which dinner to book and where the quiet spots are. Pink Agave is my pick, and I will book it for you.
Derek Gebelhardt, At Ease Travel Co. · derek@ateasetravel.co · 202-802-0990. 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. Eligible bookings made at least 121 days before sailing also get Virtuoso Sailor Loot, which I confirm in writing before you pay.