Adults-only cruise entertainment: What you actually get at sea

Adult only cruises have sparked plenty of heated discussions as travelers try to discern what lies in wait onboard such a cruise.

Virgin Voyages is the newest adults only cruise line to launch in recent years and it’s certainly, if you’ll excuse the pun, making waves.

But what can you expect on a Virgin cruise and what does “adults only” mean? Sailawaze investigated.

The reality of an adults only cruise is actually as simple as it sounds – only adults over the age of 18 can sail. Everything from drinks to entertainment is geared towards grown-ups and children are not allowed to travel onboard.

Nevertheless, jet-setters are fully encouraged to dig out their inner child when sailing on Virgin Voyages adult only cruises. Why not visit The Arcade where you can enjoy epic childhood arcade games or tuck into photogenic milkshakes piled high with cookies and sweets in The Social Club Diner?

Yup, there’s no denying this is an adult’s playground. Design-forward eateries and bars are great for mingling or cosying up with loved ones without any noise or interruptions from kids, while food and drink is targeted at a mature palate (milkshakes aside).

No turkey dinosaurs here – instead expect hibachi crudo and filets at The Wake, carpaccio and truffle pasta at Extra Virgin, and mezcal pairings at Pink Agave. Plus, you can eat as much as you like (and leave the table the table whenever you want too) on an adult only cruise with Virgin as it’s all included in your fare.

Boundary-pushing entertainment options will also titillate the adults – without any concerns of suitability for little ones!

In fact, Virgin voyages recently revealed an amazing array of entertainment in store for guests sailing on adults only cruises 2023.

On Resilient Lady, Another Rose is a “decadent feast for the senses”- equal parts cabaret, world-class dining experience and theatre spectacle; Lola’s Library is a cocktail party-cum-immersive cabaret; and Persephone is a cutting-edge retelling of the famous Greek myth complete with a rock-n-roll underworld outfitted with lavish costumes and dramatic action.

On all ships there’s comedy, game shows, soirées, acrobats and more, too. Don’t miss theatre venue The Red Room on your adults only cruises. Come for the boundary-pushing performances on the traditional Proscenium stage and stay for the late-night dance parties on the flat-floor configuration.

Alternatively call in at The Manor, a two-storey, three-bar space hosting groundbreaking shows before transitioning into a mind-blowing nightclub. Tequila time!

For further adult only cruise fun with a splash of risk check out The Casino featuring 115 slot machines plus table games such as craps, roulette, single-deck blackjack, three-card poker, Baccarat and more.

There are plenty of low-key ways to keep busy onboard as well during adults only cruises. With no worrying about the kids getting bored, guests can hurl themselves into the fabulous wellness world onboard Virgin Voyages ships.

Get fit in the gym, join one of the (many!) included gym classes or go it solo on The Runway, the Virgin-red jogging track.

To relax on your adult only cruise, laze in the Aquatic Club, a pool deck with a circular Well-Being Pool exuding the sophisticated glam of a contemporary yacht.

Or, for the ultimate R&R, there’s Redemption Spa, home to a Thermal Site with a mud room, salt room, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools and heated marble hammam benches.

Fancy a beauty treatment? The Tune Up offers a variety of luxurious manicures and pedicures, from organic soaks to decorative nail art, and you can get your hair done onboard too.

Want a more permanent reminder of the holiday? Swing by Squid Ink, Virgin’s very own tattoo studio. Maybe do this one before the Tequila.

Oh yes, this is undeniably an adult experience but with absolutely all of the giddy fun of a golden (and perhaps just slightly misspent) youth.