Virgin Voyages Dress Code: Essential 2025 Guide
In This Guide
- Introduction
- Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
- Evening Dress Codes Explained
- Sourcing Your ‘Dressed Up’ Wear
- Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)
- Common Themed Nights & Special Events
- Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Virgin Voyages Dress Code
- Additional Resources
- Disclaimer
- Affiliate Disclosure
Introduction
If you are wondering what to pack and what the Virgin Voyages Dress Code actually looks like in 2025, you are not alone. Many first-time sailors worry about turning up underdressed (or overdressed) and often assume that all cruise lines still follow the traditional formal-night formula. Virgin Voyages has thrown that rulebook overboard.
Instead of strict dress codes, Virgin Voyages focuses on a relaxed, adults-only atmosphere built around its Come as You Are philosophy. You are encouraged to express your personal style, feel comfortable in your clothes, and enjoy every part of your cruise without packing ball gowns, tuxedos, or a different pair of shoes for every night.
This does not mean that anything goes. There are still a few simple guidelines to keep everyone comfortable, safe, and appropriately dressed in restaurants and indoor spaces. This 2025 guide to the Virgin Voyages Dress Code explains exactly what you can wear during the day and evening, what to pack for Scarlet Night and other themed events, and what you can safely leave at home.
By the end, you will know how to build a practical yet stylish cruise wardrobe that works for warm-weather Caribbean itineraries, cooler repositioning sailings, and everything in between.
Daytime Dress Code: What to Wear from Morning to Evening
During the day, the Virgin Voyages Dress Code is best described as relaxed resort wear. Think about what you would comfortably wear at an upmarket beach hotel rather than a traditional cruise ship with strict rules.
- Warm-Weather Sailings (Caribbean & Mediterranean): Expect to live in swimwear, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sundresses, and linen shirts. Light, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen work best in the heat. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a beach bag are essential extras for pool decks and beach club days.
- Cool-Weather Sailings (Transatlantic & Repositioning): Layers are your best friend. Pack jeans, comfortable trousers or joggers, long-sleeve tops, jumpers, and a light to medium-weight jacket for walking on deck. A cosy hoodie or fleece is ideal for breezy evenings outside.
- Pool Decks: Swimwear is standard around the pool and at the Beach Club. You will need a cover-up (such as a kaftan, t-shirt dress, shirt, or wrap) to pop into a bar for a drink, walk through indoor spaces, or head back to your cabin.
- Indoor Venues (The Galley & Public Spaces): All indoor areas are air-conditioned, so a light cardigan, kimono, or hoodie is a good idea, even on the hottest itineraries. In The Galley (the food hall) and all indoor public spaces, you must wear footwear and a top or cover-up over your swimwear.
What Not to Wear in the Daytime
The Virgin Voyages Dress Code is flexible, but there are still a few things to avoid during the day:
- Revealing swimwear worn without a cover-up in indoor venues.
- Wet swimwear on indoor upholstered seating.
- Bare feet in dining venues and bars.
- Offensive slogans or graphics on t-shirts and caps.
As long as you are covered, comfortable, and respectful of other sailors, you will fit in perfectly.
Evening Dress Codes Explained
Here is where Virgin Voyages stands out from traditional cruise lines. There are no formal nights, no smart casual nights, and no strict casual nights. The evening is simply an opportunity to freshen up after a day in the sun and wear whatever makes you feel confident and relaxed.
Most sailors do make a small effort in the evening, but what that looks like depends on personal style. You will see everything from jeans and fashion trainers to jumpsuits, cool separates, and statement dresses.
The ‘Come as You Are’ Philosophy
This informal standard is the foundation of the Virgin Voyages Dress Code. It is essentially the equivalent of a smart casual dress code every night, without anyone checking or enforcing it. Think about what you might wear to a stylish restaurant, cocktail bar, or night out at home.
- For Women: Stylish jeans with a chic blouse, jumpsuits, maxi or midi dresses, co-ords, and skirts with cute tops are all common. Flat sandals, wedges, or fashion trainers work well with most outfits.
- For Men: Smart shorts or chinos, tailored joggers, polo shirts, casual button-down shirts (long or short-sleeved), and clean trainers, loafers, or boat shoes are all perfect. You will also see smart dark jeans with a nice shirt in most restaurants.
The ‘Formal Night’ Replacement: Scarlet Night
The closest thing to a gala evening on Virgin Voyages is the legendary Scarlet Night. Rather than a formal dinner, this is a high-energy, ship-wide party that takes over multiple venues. The only rule is to wear a splash of red.
Your Scarlet Night outfit can be as bold or as subtle as you like:
- Go all out with a red dress, jumpsuit, or suit.
- Choose an all-black outfit with red shoes or a red jacket.
- Keep it simple with red accessories, such as a tie, belt, handbag, or lipstick.
You can expect one Scarlet Night on most voyages, regardless of duration. It is typically held on the penultimate evening of the cruise, but always check the app and daily schedule once on board so you know which night to plan for.
Sourcing Your ‘Dressed Up’ Wear
Just because there are no traditional formal nights does not mean you cannot dress up. Many sailors enjoy making a bit of extra effort for Scarlet Night or for a special dinner at The Wake or Test Kitchen. If you want something special without blowing your budget, you have options.
- Clothing Rental Services: A fantastic way to wear a designer dress, jumpsuit, or sharp suit for a fraction of the cost. Ideal if you want a standout red outfit for Scarlet Night but do not see yourself wearing it again at home.
- Charity & Second-Hand Shops: Pre-loved fashion is perfect for cruise wardrobes. You can find unique evening pieces, such as cocktail dresses, silk shirts, or smart jackets, at excellent prices while also supporting a good cause.
- Outlet Stores: These are a great place to find designer brands and stylish evening wear at a significant discount, especially for shoes, bags, and accessories to finish your look.
For more ideas, we invite you to visit our blog to see The Essential Cruise Shop Blog clothing suppliers partners for a directory of online stores that can help you build your ideal Virgin Voyages wardrobe.
Dress Codes by Venue (Evening)
The overall Virgin Voyages Dress Code is consistent across the ship, but the vibe does vary a little between dining venues and bars.
- Main Restaurants (Pink Agave, Razzle Dazzle, Extra Virgin, Gunbae, and more): Your smart casual evening wear is perfect here. Most sailors are in dark jeans or trousers, stylish tops, dresses, jumpsuits, or collared shirts. Fashion trainers or smart sandals are common.
- Speciality Restaurants (The Wake & Test Kitchen): These are the most upscale venues. Many sailors treat them as an excuse to dress up a little more. A blazer or dressier shirt, a cocktail dress, or a statement jumpsuit would not look out of place, but nothing is strictly required.
- The Galley (Buffet-Style Food Hall): The Galley remains casual into the evening. If you prefer a quick, low-key dinner, smart shorts and a t-shirt or simple dress are perfectly fine. You may feel underdressed if you arrive straight from the pool, so it is still worth throwing on a cover-up.
- Theatres (The Red Room) & Lounges (The Manor and other bars): Whatever you wore to dinner will be fine for evening entertainment and late-night drinks. There is no separate dress code for shows or lounges.
Common Themed Nights & Special Events
Your itinerary will be packed with entertainment, and while themes can vary slightly by ship and sailing, these are the main events to keep in mind when planning outfits.
- Scarlet Night: The headline event and the most important to pack for. Remember to include something red in your suitcase so you can fully join in with the ship-wide celebrations.
- The PJ Party: Usually held on the first night, this fun, casual event lets you embrace your inner child at an adults-only slumber party. Pack pyjamas, loungewear, or a matching set that you would feel comfortable wearing in public.
You may also find pop-up themes, such as retro nights or decade-themed parties. For these, passengers typically make use of items they have already packed, such as printed shirts, bright accessories, or fun sunglasses.
Expert Packing Tips for Any Itinerary
Finalising your suitcase for Virgin Voyages? Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need for the dress code without overpacking.
- Something Red: This is non-negotiable for Scarlet Night. It can be a full outfit or a single standout accessory, but pack at least one red item you will be excited to wear.
- A Set of Pyjamas or Loungewear: Ideal for the PJ Party and also useful for comfortable cabin wear and lazy mornings.
- Multiple Swimsuits: Bringing at least two swimsuits or trunks means one can dry while you wear the other. This makes a big difference on sea days and hot-weather itineraries.
- A Light Layer: A cardigan, light jacket, or pashmina is essential for powerful air-conditioning inside restaurants and theatres, even in very warm climates.
- Comfortable Footwear: Pack a pair of trainers or supportive sandals for exploring ports, plus something a little smarter for evenings. Many sailors live in comfortable fashion trainers day and night.
- Port-Specific Gear: Check your itinerary. You may need comfy walking shoes for exploring Mediterranean cities, water shoes for rocky beaches in the Caribbean, or a warmer layer for breezier Atlantic crossings.
- Prohibited Items: Do not pack clothing irons, travel steamers, or any surge-protected extension leads. These are not allowed on board and will be confiscated for safety reasons. Consider wrinkle-resistant fabrics instead.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe for Virgin Voyages
To keep packing simple, think in terms of a cruise capsule wardrobe. Choose a limited colour palette that mixes and matches easily, such as black, white, and red with one or two accent colours. Aim for pieces you can dress up or down by changing shoes and accessories. This approach keeps your case lighter while still giving you plenty of outfit choices for both sea days and evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Virgin Voyages Dress Code
Here are quick answers to the most common questions about the Virgin Voyages Dress Code.
Can I wear jeans on Virgin Voyages?
Yes, absolutely. Jeans are perfectly acceptable on Virgin Voyages, including in the evenings. Smart or designer jeans paired with a nice top, polo shirt, or blouse are common in most dining venues and bars. Darker denim tends to feel slightly dressier if you are unsure what to choose.
Are shorts allowed in the dining rooms in the evening?
Tailored shorts (such as smart chino or dress shorts) are generally acceptable in most restaurants for dinner, especially in warmer climates. However, swimwear, athletic shorts, and very casual beach shorts are not appropriate for evening dining in the more upscale eateries like The Wake or Test Kitchen.
How many formal nights will there be on my cruise?
There are zero traditional formal nights on Virgin Voyages. Instead, you can expect a signature Scarlet Night party on most sailings. The only expectation is that you wear a splash of red, not that you dress in black tie.
Do I really need a dinner jacket or a gown?
No, you do not need a dinner jacket, tuxedo, or full evening gown for Virgin Voyages. You are very welcome to dress up if you enjoy that style, but it is not required. For the most upscale restaurant, The Wake, a collared shirt and trousers for men or a cocktail dress or smart jumpsuit for women is more than sufficient.
What is the dress code for children and teenagers?
This one is easy: there is not one. Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line, exclusively for sailors aged 18 and over. You only need to worry about packing for yourself and any other adults in your party.
Is the dress code strictly enforced?
The dress code is very relaxed, but basic standards of decency and safety are enforced. The key rules are wearing footwear and covering up swimwear in indoor public areas and dining venues. You will not be turned away for being too casual in smart jeans and a t-shirt, but you may feel underdressed if you show up for dinner in beachwear.
Additional Resources
The following are affiliate links; we will receive a commission for any qualifying orders or bookings at no additional cost to you.
Travel Booking
Expedia: USA | UK | Canada | Australia
Hotels.com: USA | UK | Canada | Australia
Vrbo.com: USA | UK | Canada
Trip.com: Book Travel Services
Kiwi.com: Book Flights, Trains, and Buses
WayAway: Flight Aggregator
Tours & Activities
Get Your Guide: Book Tours & Attractions
Tiqets: Museums and Attractions
Transport & Transfers
AutoEurope Car Hire: Click Here to Book
Economy Bookings Car Hire: Click Here to Book
Welcome Pickups: Airport Transfers
Kiwitaxi: Private Transfers and Tours
Other Services
Compensair: Flight Delay Compensation
Radical Storage: Luggage Storage
Yesim: eSIM Provider
Disclaimer
The Essential Cruise Shop Blog provides this guide for informational purposes and is not a travel agency. The information contained in this guide is for general guidance only. While we do our best to ensure the information is up-to-date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind about its completeness or accuracy.
Cruise line policies, including dress codes, are subject to change without notice. We strongly recommend that you verify all details directly with your cruise line or a certified travel agent before making any bookings or financial commitments.
We cannot be held liable for any financial loss due to the reader’s failure to follow the above advice.
Affiliate Disclosure
Many of the links on this page are affiliate links. The Essential Cruise Shop Blog may receive a commission from qualifying clicks, orders, or bookings. This income helps support our efforts to provide and improve our site and turn it into a one-stop resource for travellers with a bias towards cruising.
