When Virgin Voyages launched its inaugural ship the Scarlet Lady in late 2021, the company promised a different style of cruising: elevated dining with nary a buffet on board; edgy, irreverent entertainment; an everyone-is-welcome vibe; and even a tattoo parlor to get inked with an anchor or mermaid. Today the adults-only cruise line operates two additional ships (the Valiant Lady and the Resilient Lady), with the Brilliant Lady set to launch in 2024.

Before you step on board Richard Branson’s floating Caribbean playground, here are eight things that’ll make for smoother sailing:

© Kelly Magyarics

Spring for a Cabin with a Terrace

Yes, these are more expensive than an inside cabin, but most of them also come not only with a table and chairs but also a red hammock. Trust me when I tell you you’ll want to laze or nap on it every afternoon. It’s worth the splurge.

Be Strategic About Your Dining 

Book reservations well in advance through the app (though walk-ins are accepted if space allows) and know which restaurants to book on port days and at sea days. The aptly named Wake, for example, is at the aft of the ship and overlooks the ship’s wake, so it’s most dramatic on a sea day. Razzle Dazzle doesn’t have too many windows, and I think their breakfast/lunch menus are better than those for dinner. Test Kitchen is a prix-fixe molecular gastronomy experience that will make gourmands giddy but may not appeal to picky eaters or anyone not into experimental dining. Gunbae serves Korean barbecue at communal round tables with the only central cooktops at sea; it’s great fun; but keep in mind that unless you have a large group, you will probably be seated with strangers. It’s a great option for the first night: On both sailings I met people we ended up hanging out with at other times during the cruise.

Pink Agave © Kelly Magyarics

Sample Must-Try Dishes at Each Restaurant

Dining on board Virgin Voyages is elevated, creative and fun. The most Instagrammable dish at Razzle Dazzle is rainbow churros with ube ice cream and strawberry caramel sauce, while mushroom stands in for beef in a trompe l’oeil tartare with tarragon salsa verde and homemade crostini. Dishes on the tasting menu at Test Kitchen are simply named for single ingredients such as Egg and Scallops. At steak and seafood restaurant The Wake, creamy clam chowder is poured tableside, and pan-roasted Ora king salmon with roasted beets, grilled leeks, caviar and lemon yogurt sauce proves a swimmingly great alternative to beef. The succulent roasted duck with black mole over sweet potato purée is the single-best thing on the menu at Pink Agave; and while it’s difficult to select just one of the freshly made pastas at Extra Virgin, oxtail agnolotti with tangerine conserva and beef tendon crisps should be on your list.

… and Hit This Spot for a Quick Bite

There are no buffets on the ship, but The Galley is the closest thing to all-you-can-eat cuisine at any hour. At this food hall you’ll find options like bento boxes with sushi rolls and edamame, salads, all-day breakfast, burgers and fries, ramen, tacos and pressed sandwiches. There are plenty of tables, but more fun is to grab something to go and find a quiet spot on the deck or take it to the pool.

© Kelly Magyarics

Here’s How to Drink Well On Board

Unlike some cruise lines, Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer a beverage package, but drinks are reasonably priced and cocktail menus vary depending on the concept. You’ll find a huge selection of tequila and mezcal at Pink Agave, an old fashioned infused with popcorn at Razzle Dazzle, and an entire menu of spritzes and low ABV sips at The Dock. A fun selection of canned wines, cocktails and cider is also available.

Remember to Pack Something for Theme Nights

On Scarlet Night, a celebration of the fabled love between the goddess of the sea and the sailor who won her heart, the ship is awash in red, and pop-up performances and entertainment culminate in a dance party by the pool. You’ll definitely feel left out if you forget to pack something red to wear. From ball gowns and suits to swimwear and silk pajamas, anything goes as long as it’s crimson. Speaking of pajamas, there’s also a dance party on PJ Night, so bring your coziest, sexiest or craziest nighttime attire … even onesies will do.

Head to This Spot, Arguably the Prettiest on Deck

My absolute favorite spot on the Scarlet Lady is The Dock. Its location, at the aft of the ship, allows you to watch the mesmerizing wake trailing the ship. The alfresco restaurant serves Mediterranean meze from lunch through the afternoon. Order one of each of them (they’re small plates), then nosh on a daybed or at a cozy table. It also offers a quiet place to take your morning coffee or enjoy a late-night pizza and some beers while you stargaze.

© Kelly Magyarics

Get Outside of the Gym

VHS (Videotapes, Headbands, Simmons) is a 1980s-themed exercise class where instructors are dressed in retro garb, the soundtrack includes “Eye of the Tiger” and “Physical,” and a segment using Shake Weights makes for lots of double entendres. I also took a 90s boy band dance class where we learned the choreography to “Bye Bye Bye” from NSYNC. These and other options, including an aerial acrobat class, are more engaging than the treadmill at B-Complex Gym — as well-appointed as it is.

If Your Budget Can Swing It, Book a Rockstar Suite

These baller accommodations come with amenities including access to Richard’s Rooftop, the V.I.P. top deck with loungers, daybeds, hot tubs, its own bar and free Champagne during happy hour. Other niceties include a dedicated restaurant and V.I.P. area at the Bimini Beach Club, V.I.P. boarding and RockStar Agents to cater to your every whim. Depending on the category, suites are stocked with private bars, turntables and guitars, and may have sprawling outdoor spaces and Jacuzzis.