The PJ Party is the perfect first night event on a Virgin Voyages sailing — which is exactly when it’s scheduled. Night 1, after the Grog Walk, when most Sailors are still finding their sea legs, still meeting each other, and still acclimating to the ship’s energy: that’s when Virgin throws a pajama party.
The genius of the PJ Party as a first-night event is that it removes the pressure of getting dressed up while creating an immediate shared experience among strangers. Everyone is in pajamas. Everyone looks slightly ridiculous. That’s the point. The barriers come down fast, and by midnight, people who boarded as strangers are dancing together in their onesies. It works.
What Actually Happens
The PJ Party typically kicks off around 11pm on Night 1 at the Athletic Club on Deck 16 — an outdoor space that transforms into a giant, low-key dance party under the stars. When weather sends the party indoors, it moves to The Manor, which gives it a different but equally energetic club atmosphere.
The Happenings Cast — particularly The Hostess and The Diva — perform and host throughout the evening. There’s a PJ contest with prizes for the most creative pajama choices. There are characters that crash the party, including oversized “dog” appearances during a “Who Let the Dogs Out” moment that somehow manages to be exactly as fun as it sounds. Warm cookies appear at some point. PJ-exclusive cocktails are on the menu at the bar.
On Brilliant Lady, the PJ Party has been reimagined as a more produced, larger-scale event that has received consistently strong reviews from early Sailors.
What to Wear
Pajamas. Any pajamas. Cozy sets, zany novelty prints, silk robes, onesies with ears — all styles welcome and encouraged. The more committed the better, but showing up in any sleepwear earns full participation rights.
Outfit Ideas: Classic PJs
- Matching silk or satin pajama set — elevated and photogenic
- Cotton button-up pajama set in a bold print
- Classic striped or plaid pajamas
- Nightshirt over shorts or leggings
- Fitted loungewear set (matching top and bottom in a single color)
Outfit Ideas: Fun and Theatrical
- Animal onesie — bears, dinosaurs, unicorns, sharks are perennial favorites
- Character pajamas (Sonic, Star Wars, Disney, etc.) — popular and immediately social
- Novelty print PJs (food prints, cartoon patterns, retro TV shows)
- Vintage-inspired glamour: silk robe over matching set
- Oversized sleep shirt with sleep shorts and fun slippers
Practical Considerations
Night 1 pool deck weather varies by sailing and departure season. Caribbean sailings from Miami in summer: warm enough for minimal layers. Mediterranean sailings in spring: can be cool at 10 PM. Check the weather forecast for your departure city and first sea night. A light layer or robe you can shed when dancing heats up is the practical choice.
The pool party portion of the PJ Party is optional — you can dance on the deck without getting in the pool. If you want to swim (some Sailors do), bring PJs you are happy getting wet, or plan to change into swimwear for the water portion.
What NOT to Wear
- Your best or most expensive pajamas — it is an outdoor dance party and things get sweaty
- Anything with a lot of fragile embellishment that will not survive a night of active dancing
- Items that require complex management in warm weather or crowd conditions
Insider Tips from Joel and Erin
- Pack dedicated PJ Party pajamas. Your cabin pajamas and your PJ Party pajamas do not have to be the same thing. Bring something specific for the party.
- Do the Grog Walk first, then the PJ Party. The Grog Walk and PJ Party are designed to flow together on Night 1. The Grog Walk builds your social momentum; the PJ Party lets it loose.
- The PJ Party is your best chance to meet fellow Sailors. The shared absurdity of the pajama format accelerates social connection faster than any other event on the ship. Use it.
Ready to Sail?
Joel and Erin are certified Virgin Voyages First Mates. Let them help you plan a sailing where Night 1 sets the tone for an unforgettable voyage.
Book your Virgin Voyages cruise at CruisePlanner.pro — and show up in your finest pajamas
