Virgin Voyages Dress Code + Scarlet Night Outfit Ideas
If you know anything about Virgin Voyages, you probably know that this new cruise line has completely disrupted the world of cruising. Virgin’s four vessels—the Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady—all boast adult-only cruises, world class restaurants, 100% all-inclusive dining, and an innovate approach so many other aspects of the cruising experience. In addition, Virgin Voyages has thrown out the traditional dress code all together.
But there isn’t much about the Virgin Voyages dress code on their website, or app. If you’re trying to prepare for your upcoming voyages and have found yourself searching for a detailed guide on the Virgin Voyages dress code (or lack there-of) and information about what to wear on Virgin’s iconic Scarlet Night and Pajama Party, you’ve come to the right place.
Also, be sure to bookmark my other Virgin Voyages travel guides for future reading.
Strutting down the iconic walkway toward the Manor in my swimsuit coverup (which doubles as a dress when I need it to)
👋🏽 Note from the author: Did this article impact the way you planned your trip? Have any questions? Please comment at the end of the article! It helps this blog grow and helps me know what types of articles to write more. 💛
The Ultimate Guide to the Virgin Voyages Dress Code + Outfit Ideas
My goal with this guide is to equip you with everything you need to know in order to pack outfits for your next Virgin Voyages sailing. I rely on my own firsthand experience as an avid traveler and recent Virgin Voyages sailor. Also, I include links to ethical and sustainable attire (available on Amazon) for on-board events, port days and everything in between.
Does Virgin Voyages have a Dress Code?
If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re wondering this question: what is the Virgin Voyages dress code? The answer is simple:
Virgin Voyages has no dress code! You can wear what you want, when you want, whether its something fancy or casual. However, there are several on-board events where certain attire is suggested, such as Scarlet Night and the Pajama Party.
You definitely will want to pack some special outfits for these events and some of the other on-board entertainment, but don’t worry about whether or not your outfit fits into a dress code. Even during special events when certain attire is encouraged, there is no enforced dress code. You will see sailors wearing everything from ball gown-style dresses to shorts and tee shirts.
That being said, let’s go into what you should consider wearing at each event, and some suggestions for clothing to wear during sea days and port days.
About My Virgin Voyages Outfit Ideas
In this guide I wanted to include outfit ideas for both men and women, and I wanted to make sure that the pieces I recommend are both ethically made and accessible. I recommend ethical and sustainable clothing on this site because I want to know that the people who make my clothes are treated well.
But I also like to recommend products on Amazon that ship quickly for folks with upcoming travels. I know it can be difficult to find clothes that are ethically made on Amazon, so I did the hard work for you and included plenty of links below.
On-Board Events With Suggested Attire
As I mentioned above, although Virgin Voyages does not have a strict dress code, certain attire is suggested at specific events. Here is an overview of the events on board you will want to pack a special outfit for!
1. Scarlet Night
Scarlet Night Virgin Voyages ” Dress Code”
Scarlet Night is the most iconic event on board any Virgin Voyages cruise. The crew encourages sailors to wear something red, though its not required.
During my sailing on board the Valiant Lady, I was surprised to see many people not wearing red. I’m not sure if it was because they didn’t get the memo ahead of time or didn’t want to wear read. Meanwhile, other sailors were dressed in everything from floor-length vibrant crimson dresses to simple red tee shirts. The diversity of attire made it feel like you could really wear anything you wanted without feeling out of place.
But if you ask me, it’s always fun to have a reason to dress up! And if you are to dress up for one single event on your sailing, dress up for Scarlet Night. You don’t have to wear something fancy—just something red.
Need a splash of red ASAP? Here are some Scarlet Night Virgin Voyages outfit Amazon finds. All clothes are ethically and sustainably made (woohoo!).
Women’s Scarlet Night Outfit IDeas:
★ Colorful Bright Red Boho Jumpsuit
★ Red Corduroy Overall Dress
★ Burnt Red Scarlet Night Dress
★ Simple Red Scarlet Night Tank Top
Men’s Scarlet Night outfit Ideas:
★ Simple Scarlet Night Shirt
★ Mens Rusty Red Button-Up
★ Funny Red Mens Graphic Tee
★ Rust Red Short Sleeve Henley
2. Pajama Party
Virgin Voyages “Dress Code” for the Pajama Party
The Virgin Voyages Pajama Party, which typically happens on the first night, is another event where a certain attire is encouraged. Of course, pajamas are not required, but they do make it a little more fun!
A fair warning about the Pajama Party: it usually happens late on the first night of the cruise. My husband and I were exhausted and went to sleep early, missing the pajama party. If you buy pajamas special for the cruise, make sure they’re pajamas you’ll want to wear in the future, just in case you sleep through the party like me!
3. Port Day Outfits
Of course you can wear whatever you’d like during your days in port. It’s a good idea to bring a variety of outfits, including athletic wear and cute casual attire in case your day trip plans change last minute.
Here are some port day clothing ideas (all ethical and sustainably made):
Women’s Port Day Clothing Ideas:
★ Adventure Shorts
★ City Shorts
★ Fun Wide Leg Pants
★ Athletic Dress
★ Cream Dress with Pocket
★ Comfy and Cute Womens Shirt
Men’s Port day Clothing Ideas:
Frequently Asked Questions About Virgin Voyages Dress Code
Are Virgin Voyages Cruises Clothing Optional?
Virgin Voyages cruises are not clothing optional, however, there is a small sundeck (the Perch) where topless sunbathing is allowed. The Perch was one of my favorite spots to relax and read on board, but I didn’t realize it was a “topless” area until after the cruise. If you’re worried about encountering sailors without clothing, don’t worry, you probably won’t unless you spend all day at the Perch.
Should you dress up to visit reservations-required restaurants?
Since there is no Virgin Voyages dress code, there is no need to dress up for any meal. However, if you are visiting one of the reservations-required restaurants like the Wake, Extra Virgin, Gunbae, Razzle Dazzle, the Test Kitchen or Pink Agave, you may opt to wear something a bit nicer than your pool clothes. But full transparency—I dined at some of these restaurants with wet hair and a swimsuit under my clothes, and dressed up to dine at others. I never felt like I was over or under dressed.
What should you wear to group fitness classes?
Some group fitness classes are themed, and you may want to dress according to the theme (ie 90s Boy Band Dance Class). However, most sailors end up wearing regular workout clothes.
Final Thoughts: What to Wear on Virgin Voyages Cruise Ships
My Virgin Voyages sailing was my first cruise, so I’ve never experienced cruising on a ship with a dress code. But I appreciated being able to come back on board after a day of exploring and enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant without having to worry about dressing up. And on other days, I loved dressing to the nines for fun! No matter what I was wearing (swim suit or floor-length dress), I never felt out of place on board.
I’m curious to hear what you think of the “Virgin Voyages dress code”. Do you like having the freedom to wear whatever you want or do you wish that certain venues required sailors to dress up a bit more?
