Virgin Voyages Dress Code: What to Wear (And What You Won’t Find Here)

There is no formal dress code on Virgin Voyages. No black-tie nights, no formal dining dress requirements, no enforced smart casual policy at restaurants, no gala dinner, no captain’s table tradition with a white-glove dress standard. Virgin Voyages’s stated philosophy is simple: wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself. The only things that are genuinely not allowed are nudity, indecent exposure, and wet swimwear dripping through the restaurants.

Daily Daytime Dress

During the day, Sailors wear the full spectrum from activewear and gym gear to casual resort wear. Pool areas: swimsuits, cover-ups, board shorts, sundresses. Interior venues (Galley, bars, lounges): anything from gym clothes to casual smart. The general vibe is elevated casual resort — people look put-together but comfortable. No one is underdressed in shorts and a nice top; no one is overdressed in linen trousers and a blazer.

Restaurant Dress

Virgin Voyages’s own guidance: ‘your casual threads are probably nice enough to pass for dinner in any eatery.’ The one actual restriction: come dressed — no walking directly from the pool in wet swimwear and bare feet. Beyond that, the restaurants have seen everything from sundresses and jeans to cocktail attire and tailored suits. The right answer is whatever you are comfortable in that is not pool-wet.

Themed Nights: The Only “Dress Code” Virgin Voyages Has

• Scarlet Night: Wear something red. The entire ship participates. There is no enforcement, but arriving with no red at all on Scarlet Night feels like missing the point of the most distinctive Virgin Voyages event. A red accessory counts. A full sequined gown counts. Both are right.
• PJ Party: Night 1 on every sailing. Pajamas encouraged but not required. Most Sailors participate at some level — from simple sleep shorts to elaborate onesies. The more you commit, the more fun you have.
• We Fancy (select ships): Gold and glitter theme. Optional participation. Gold sequins, metallic accessories, and festive evening wear work.
• Klub Rubiks (Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady): 80s inspired. Neon, bold patterns, leg warmers — entirely optional but very popular.

Night Two and Beyond

After Night 1’s PJ Party and the Scarlet Night mid-voyage, evenings settle into a relaxed smart-casual rhythm. Sailors who enjoy dressing up do so. Sailors who prefer casual beach wear wear that. The Manor (nightclub) sees the widest range — from clubwear to jeans and sneakers — all coexisting comfortably.

Insider Tips from Joel and Erin

• Do not overthink it. Virgin Voyages dress culture is genuinely relaxed. The energy you spend worrying about what to wear is better spent enjoying yourself.
• Over-dressing is never wrong on Virgin Voyages. If you love a reason to dress up, Virgin Voyages will never make you feel overdressed. Scarlet Night in particular celebrates the full spectrum from simple red tee to elaborate theatrical costuming.
• Pack for themed nights first, then fill in the rest. The Scarlet Night and PJ Party outfits are the only Virgin Voyages-specific packing requirements. Everything else is standard resort casual.

Ready to Pack the Right Things?

Joel and Erin are certified First Mates. Let them walk you through what your specific sailing calls for based on the ship, itinerary, and any special themed events on your voyage.

Book your Virgin Voyages cruise at CruisePlanner.pro — and arrive ready for every occasion