Scarlet Lady
Lady class · refurbished 2024 · Mediterranean, Caribbean & Bahamas, Other
The first ship from Virgin Voyages, Scarlet Lady began the line's commercial operations in 2021. At about 110,000 GT with capacity for approximately 2,770 guests, it is large but feels more like a boutique hotel than a conventional megaship because it has no buffet or children's facilities and is designed exclusively for guests aged 18 and over. After a 2024 renovation, its interiors and some restaurants were updated. In winter, it operates 4- to 5-night Bahamas and short Western Caribbean cruises from Miami; in summer, it operates Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Athens, giving the ship a markedly different character by season. Main restaurant meals, Wi-Fi, and fitness are included in the fare. From October 7, 2025, gratuities are charged separately at US$22 per person per night, but the additional costs are easy to understand. Its frequent short itineraries also make it approachable for a first overseas cruise.
Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9804801)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Atlas.
For travelers from Japan
A guide to public baths, Japanese food and language support, payment in yen, smoking, dress codes and power outlets, based on available official and other sources. Details may vary by itinerary and season. Check the official website for current information.
Similar facilities, such as a thermal suite
Not stated in official sources
Payment in yen not accepted
Smoking in designated areas only
English text in preparation.
Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Atlas / Not stated: no information found in official sources
At a glance
What is included and what costs extra
- Meals (main restaurants)Included
- AlcoholExtra charge
- GratuitiesExtra charge
- Wi‑FiIncluded
- Specialty diningIncluded
- Shore excursionsExtra charge
Under the new fare structure VoyageFair Choices introduced in fall 2025, fares were reorganized into three tiers: Base (the lowest tier, with basic Wi-Fi only and dining reservations available from 15 days before embarkation), Essential (similar to the previous offering, with Wi-Fi included and reservations available 45 days ahead), and Premium (with a Bar Tab, two-device Wi-Fi, and reservations available 60 days ahead). The previous offering was promoted as broadly all-inclusive, but the current offering breaks down inclusions by fare tier, and from October 7, 2025, gratuities have been displayed separately from the fare.
- Extra chargeDrinks (one beer)$7-9
- Extra chargeSoft drinks and waterComplimentary (soda, sparkling water, and juices are included in the fare)
- Extra chargeDrink packageThere is no flat-rate unlimited drinks package. The advance-charge Bar Tab adds a bonus (for example, a $50 bonus for a $300 charge), and drinks are settled individually as consumed.
- Extra chargeWi‑FiFor the full cruise duration: approximately $50-$210 (varies by cruise length and purchase timing).
- Extra chargeGratuities (automatic service charge)Per Sailor per night: $20 if prepaid; $22 if settled after boarding.
- Extra chargeSpa (60 minutes)From $199 (among the lowest-priced massages; the official price of a menu item explicitly labeled exactly "60 minutes" has not been confirmed)
- Extra chargeLaundryPer bag: regular $55/express $75. Per item: pressing only $7, wash and fold $8, and wash plus pressing $9.
- Shore excursionsThe optional shore tour Shore Things is not included in the fare and is charged separately (self-guided activities at ports are free).
Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.
Boarding, atmosphere, and links
- Japan departures: No
- Home ports: Miami (US; a key year-round home port), Barcelona (Spain; Mediterranean season base)
- Departure ports: Miami, Barcelona, Piraeus/Athens (part of a Mediterranean round trip)
- Ages 18 and over only
- A modern, energetic, playful atmosphere marketed as an onboard boutique hotel. Signature features include a tattoo studio, a record-store-style bar, and original shows by renowned directors.
- An adults-only brand that does not allow guests under 18. The core demographic is Generation X to millennials, averaging around 48 to 49 years old, especially couples in their 40s to 60s with household incomes of at least USD 120,000 who want a child-free vacation. Demand from solo travelers and women's groups is also growing.
Targets carbon neutrality from the first day of commercial operation and converts engine waste heat into electricity using Climeon's technology. It has eliminated single-use plastics and sells no bottled water, offering only refillable Path Water.
Ship character
- • Adult-only couples
- • Short overseas cruise testers
- • Food and bar enthusiasts
- • Solo travelers
- • Families with children
- • Travelers needing Japanese support
- • Traditional formal-cruise seekers
- • Seniors seeking quiet ships
Cruise stories and videos on external sites
5 linksThese are articles and videos by other publishers, not Cruise Atlas. Their content is their own and has not been reviewed by us. Links open in a new tab.
- ArticleEnglishVirgin Voyages Scarlet Lady - Complete Mediterranean Cruise: Every Port, Every Day, Full Sailing - Castles & Canals
castlesandcanals.squarespace.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishVirgin Voyages Food Review: Restaurants, Bars, And More Aboard The Scarlet Lady - Caffeinated Excursions
caffeinatedexcursions.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishVirgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Review
sarahseeksadventure.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishPR / hosted trip disclosedMy Honest Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Review
thesupermomlife.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
- Personal blogEnglishAffiliate links disclosedReview of my Virgin Voyages Cruise on the Scarlet Lady – 7 nights of bliss on the Mediterranean Sea - SwissMiss on Tour
swissmissontour.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
Sources
- Officialvirginvoyages.com(home page)
- Encyclopediaen.wikipedia.org
- Encyclopediawikidata.org
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (2)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (3)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (4)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (5)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (6)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (7)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (8)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (9)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (10)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (11)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (12)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (13)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (14)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (15)
- Secondary sourcevvinsider.com (16)
- Secondary sourcecruiselowdown.com
Source: Wikipedia “Virgin Voyages” (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Cabins by category
| Cabins | Size | Occupancy and beds | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
The Insider Cabin The most affordable windowless category. In addition to standard types, it offers Solo Insider cabins with no single-occupancy surcharge and Social Insider cabins for groups, with bunk beds and a gaming console. 101 cabins / Decks 5 and 9-14 (Social Insiders for friend groups are on Deck 5). | 15–18 m² (161–194 ft²) | 1–3 guests (solo cabins are available with no additional charge for single occupancy) 1 queen bed (solo cabins have a single bed; the group-oriented Social Insider has a bunk bed + Pullman) | ConnectingSoloAccessible |
Sea View Cabin A mid-range category with a round window (porthole) but no balcony. Some Solo Sea View cabins are also available with no single-occupancy surcharge. 95 cabins / Decks 5 and 9–12 | 18–20 m² (194–215 ft²) | 2–3 guests (some decks have "Solo Sea View" cabins available for single occupancy) 1 queen bed | WindowSolo |
Sea Terrace The most numerous standard category onboard, with square balconies and the brand's signature red hammocks. The higher-tier XL Sea Terrace is slightly more spacious. 1,130 cabins / Decks 8-14 (the most numerous standard category among all 1392 rooms). | 17–21 m² (183–226 ft²) | 2-4 people 1 queen bed (sofa bed can be added depending on configuration) | BalconyConnectingAccessible |
RockStar Quarters A mid-tier suite group comprising several types, including Brilliant Suite, Cheeky Corner Suite, Seriously Suite, and Sweet Aft Suite. RockStar benefits include access to a private lounge on an upper deck. 63 cabins / Decks 8, 11, 12, and 14. | 26–37 m² (280–398 ft²) | 2-4 people 1 queen bed (some are European king beds) | BalconyConcierge |
Mega RockStar Quarters The highest onboard category, comprising Posh, Gorgeous, Fab, and Massive Suite cabins. The largest Massive Suite has a three-room layout and a private terrace with a jacuzzi. 14 cabins / Decks 14-15 (aft side). | 37–79 m² (398–850 ft²) | 2-6 people 1 king bed + living area (top-tier Massive Suite has 3 rooms including bedroom and living room) | BalconyConcierge |
Approximate figures from official and reliable sources. Cabins vary by ship, category, and sailing.
Families, adults-only areas, and practical information
- • Aquatic Club — The main pool area on Deck 15, with a smaller main pool and a large jacuzzi considered one of the largest at sea. It also hosts DJ sessions and Scarlet Night pool parties.
- • Redemption Spa — A thermal suite with a mud room, salt room, steam sauna, and cold plunge, plus paid treatments such as massages and facials.
- • The Casino — Located on Deck 6 between the theater and nightclub, with 115 slot machines, about 10 types of table games, and the first at-sea poker room partnered with World Poker Tour.
- • The Red Room — A theater seating up to 800 guests, with movable seating that converts between multiple configurations including proscenium, arena, and flat-floor layouts. Original productions such as the acrobatic show Persephone are performed here.
- • Squid Ink Tattoo Studio — A full-service tattoo studio described as the first of its kind at sea. Dedicated artists offer flash and custom designs and piercings, making it a popular venue with lines forming before opening.
- • Richard's Rooftop — A rooftop bar at the forward end of Deck 16 exclusively for suite (RockStar) guests. It has hot tubs and lounge beds, and a black soft band serves as the entry key.
- • The Manor — The main onboard nightclub spanning Decks 6 to 7. Its atmosphere shifts from lounge to dance floor throughout the night, with DJ sets and themed parties. It connects directly to the casino through the mirrored Glitter Corridor.
- • Gym — A fitness gym with Technogym cardio machines and free weights. Numerous free group fitness classes are also offered.
- • The Runway — A jogging track offering ocean views and circling the upper deck.
- • The Perch — A relaxing space featuring a large net inspired by a sailing ship's rigging, with 360-degree ocean views on Deck 16.
- • The Roundabout — A central onboard meeting and social space with a bar, located on Deck 6 between the casino and theater.
- Onboard currency
- USD
- Gratuities
- The line used to promote "no tipping required, included in the fare," but for new bookings made on or after October 7, 2025, gratuities (service charges) are shown and charged separately from the fare. However, the principle that you do not need to give extra tips to restaurants, bars or stateroom attendants once you pay this service charge remains in place. Note that a 20% service charge is automatically added to pay-as-you-go bar purchases and spa treatments.
- Payment
- Cashless onboard
- Voltage
- Cabins have 2 types of outlet, North American 110V and European 220V, so devices for either voltage can be used without a transformer.
- Formal nights
- There are no formal nights. Instead, themed casual events are held, such as the signature "Scarlet Night," where guests gather at the pool in red clothes, and pajama parties.
- Medical facilities
- Each ship has a Medical Center staffed by doctors and nurses. Examinations and treatment are charged and are said to tend to cost more than on land, but no specific fee schedule is published on the official website. Because costs such as emergency evacuation are the passenger's responsibility, Virgin Voyages recommends optional travel insurance (Voyage Protection/InVoyage Care).
- Bringing items onboard
- Per cabin, up to 2 bottles of wine/sparkling wine/champagne, each 750 ml or less, may be brought in carry-on luggage on embarkation day only (beer and spirits are not allowed). If you drink it in a restaurant, a corkage fee of $25 per bottle is required (can be paid from your Bar Tab). Alcohol packed in checked luggage is confiscated and returned at the end of the voyage. Alcohol purchased at ports of call is also held at boarding and returned on the final day. The legal drinking age is 21 and over in US waters, 21 and over for everyone on sailings from/to Alaska, and 18 and over on the high seas (except where port-of-call regulations apply).
- Mobile and connectivity
- At sea, regular mobile phone service (calls, SMS, data) is available through "Cellular at Sea," which uses a satellite link, but charges follow the maritime roaming rates of your own mobile carrier and tend to be expensive. The official guidance is to check your carrier's rates in advance, and it recommends using video calls or VOIP over Premium Wi-Fi rather than regular calls.
- Japanese support
- Staff —Menus —Announcements —
Dining
A variation of the signature casual venue Razzle Dazzle, offering a Chinese-inspired menu exclusive to Scarlet Lady. Vegan options are extensive, and events such as drag brunches are held.
Hours: Brunch and dinner are served (specific hours are not officially published).
An included Italian restaurant focused on handmade pasta and antipasti. It has a dedicated wine bar, and dinner reservations are recommended.
Hours: Dinner: 18:00-22:00.
A food hall where guests order from multiple specialty stands serving sushi, burgers, tacos, and more through an app, instead of using a traditional buffet.
Hours: Breakfast: 6:30-11:00; lunch: 12:00-15:00; dinner: 17:00-22:00 (some venues remain open until late night; 24-hour service is available).
A casual stand serving freshly baked pizzas from margherita to white truffle and egg until late at night.
Hours: Lunch: 11:30-18:30; late-night service: 21:00-1:30.
A house-made ice cream stand offering six rotating flavors each day.
Hours: 11:30-22:00.
A casual snack bar and game lounge serving hot dogs and pretzels, with table tennis, quizzes, and more. Only shakes cost extra.
A coffee stand serving a collaborative blend with Intelligentsia Coffee. Cakes are also offered free of charge.
A casual cafe on Deck 16 serving poke bowls with a choice of chicken, tuna, or salmon.
Hours: 12:00-17:00.
A casual Mediterranean-style dining venue focused on small plates and skewers. The same menu is available on the outdoor terrace, The Dock.
Classic steaks such as filet and New York strip are included in the fare, while only some premium dishes, such as aged tomahawk steak and seafood platters with lobster, cost extra. One of the most popular restaurants on the ship and one of the hardest to book.
- Aged tomahawk steak (one dish)$65–75
- Grand plateau (seafood platter with lobster, oysters, and more)About $70
- Raw oysters (half dozen/one dozen)$20/$40
A Mexican restaurant distinguished by interiors overseen by designer Tom Dixon. Signature dishes such as tlayudas and memelas are included, while paid tastings of a wide selection of mezcal and tequila are popular.
- TlayudaIncluded
- Mezcal/tequila tasting experience "Beyond Tequila"$50 (experience program)
A laboratory-style space inspired by chef Auguste Escoffier's experimental spirit. It serves a course meal designed as a surprise: only six main ingredients are shown, and the actual dishes are not revealed until the day.
- Six-item seasonal tasting menuIncluded
- Drink pairing (choose wine/beer/cocktail/non-alcoholic)$25–35
A Korean restaurant where guests enjoy grilled meat on smokeless grills built into each table. One glass of soju for toasting is complimentary, while additional alcohol and Korean-style drinking games add to the atmosphere. This concept is shared by Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady.
- Korean BBQ grill (choose beef short ribs, pork belly, squid, shrimp, and more; includes banchan)Included
- One glass of soju for a toast (at the start of the meal)Included
- Additional soju cocktailAbout $9-14
Facilities and activities
The main pool area on Deck 15, with a smaller main pool and a large jacuzzi considered one of the largest at sea. It also hosts DJ sessions and Scarlet Night pool parties.
A thermal suite with a mud room, salt room, steam sauna, and cold plunge, plus paid treatments such as massages and facials.
Located on Deck 6 between the theater and nightclub, with 115 slot machines, about 10 types of table games, and the first at-sea poker room partnered with World Poker Tour.
A theater seating up to 800 guests, with movable seating that converts between multiple configurations including proscenium, arena, and flat-floor layouts. Original productions such as the acrobatic show Persephone are performed here.
A full-service tattoo studio described as the first of its kind at sea. Dedicated artists offer flash and custom designs and piercings, making it a popular venue with lines forming before opening.
A rooftop bar at the forward end of Deck 16 exclusively for suite (RockStar) guests. It has hot tubs and lounge beds, and a black soft band serves as the entry key.
The main onboard nightclub spanning Decks 6 to 7. Its atmosphere shifts from lounge to dance floor throughout the night, with DJ sets and themed parties. It connects directly to the casino through the mirrored Glitter Corridor.
A fitness gym with Technogym cardio machines and free weights. Numerous free group fitness classes are also offered.
A jogging track offering ocean views and circling the upper deck.
A relaxing space featuring a large net inspired by a sailing ship's rigging, with 360-degree ocean views on Deck 16.
A central onboard meeting and social space with a bar, located on Deck 6 between the casino and theater.