The Answer is YES!!!! You may be asking yourself, what was the question? The Question was: Was it worth it to go on a Virgin Voyages Halloween Cruise and would you do it again?
Virgin Voyages transforms their ships into floating Halloween festivals during October, offering a unique blend of sophisticated adult entertainment and spooky celebrations. On our Virgin Voyages Halloween Cruise aboard the Valiant Lady, my mom and I experienced firsthand how this adults-only cruise line embraces the Halloween spirit while maintaining its signature rebellious luxury vibe.
Our trip was extra special as we won it through a giveaway hosted by Christine Lozada and Jason JC Carter on the VirginVoyagesTips Instagram account.
Halloween Atmosphere
From the moment you step aboard the Valiant Lady, hints of Halloween are woven into the ship’s design. Tasteful decorations like spider webs, carved pumpkins, marigold flowers and other autumn accents create festive photo spots throughout the ship. While the decor captures a touch of Halloween spirit, I found myself wishing for more. Maybe bolder decorations would’ve helped to amplify the Halloween vibe.
Some areas were a bit lacking Halloween or festive decor. For cabin doors, some sailors were extremely creative and decorated thier doors Halloween Decorations. One door even had a poll asking passersby to choose their favorite scary movie slasher. I chose Michael Myers!
The Halloween Parade Onboard Virgin Voyages Halloween Cruise
The Halloween Parade is the pinnacle of Virgin Voyages’ Halloween cruise experience, turning the ship into a floating costume party. This event was an immersive celebration where every sailor became part of the show. It was such a cool way for solo travelers, friend groups, and families to connect, celebrate, and even make new friends onboard..
There were 3 different prize levels:
3rd Place: 15,000 Virgin Points each
2nd Place: 1 free 2 night stay at a Virgin Hotel anywhere in the US
1st Place: 1 free Virgin Voyages Sailing
It was definitely worth participating in the contest. There were at least 300-400 participants during our sailing. But sadly, the line was long so we decided not to sign up but we had such a great time looking at the hundreds of costumes. So if you decide to book a Halloween sailing and want to participate, make sure to sign up early.
The best part? There’s no holding back. Virgin Voyages encourages creativity, and guests rose to the occasion with elaborate, imaginative costumes that range from the delightfully eerie to whimsical. I was surprised to see how much effort was put into the makeup and costumes. Every sailor is encouraged to participate or simply enjoy the spectacle.
You’ll see everything from sailors dressed as Hollywood icons to inventive takes on classic horror figures. This parade is inclusive and community-driven, so whether you’re dressed to impress or simply cheering on others, you’re part of the fun.
The parade also creates countless opportunities for photos, giving travelers unique memories to share. The Halloween Parade on Virgin Voyages offers a way to experience the thrill of Halloween at sea, all while connecting with fellow travelers who appreciate the spirit of the season as much as you do… and the very best part: No Kids and you can enjoy your drinks without worrying about driving home.
Halloween Dining Experiences on Virgin Voyages Halloween Cruise
The Galley’s Halloween Offerings
The Galley, Virgin’s modern food hall, embraced the Halloween theme with specially crafted desserts. This is where you definitely saw the Halloween vibe.
The desserts were a treat for the eyes as much as for the taste buds. Each one came with playful, intricate Halloween-themed touches—tiny ghost faces, spiderweb patterns, or pops of eerie colors that really brought the spirit of Halloween to life. And while they looked whimsical, the quality was pure Virgin Voyages: rich flavors, perfect textures, and a gourmet feel. It was clear that a lot of care went into making each dessert both festive and delicious, adding a bit of holiday magic to every bite
Halloween Dining
While the restaurants on Virgin Voyages didn’t have Halloween-specific dishes, each dining experience still felt festive. The ship’s ambiance and subtle decor brought a touch of Halloween into the dining atmosphere. I mean, we ate dinner sitting next to a Mexican Catrina while The Pink Ladies were also enjoying their dinner and drinks nearby.
Even without themed dishes, it was easy to get into the spirit of the season while savoring each meal. If they decide to add Halloween-inspired treats in the future, Virgin Voyages could easily elevate their unique dining options with spooky twists. Until then, the outstanding food and atmosphere make every meal feel like a celebration.
Halloween-Themed Entertainment on Virgin Voyages Halloween Cruise
Virgin Voyages pulled out all the stops for their Halloween cruise, creating an atmosphere filled with spooky, fun-filled events that perfectly balanced their signature style with the spirit of the season. Here’s a taste of what you could expect:
- Sirens & Sailors Costume Ball
An epic costume ball where guests went all out, dressing as everything from classic vampires to mythical creatures. This was the ultimate Halloween party at sea, allowing sailors to show off their creativity and join the festive atmosphere. - Sirens & Sailors After Party
For those who didn’t want the night to end, the after-party kept the Halloween energy going with music, dancing, and a lively crowd well into the night. - Scarlet’s Wicked Night
A Virgin Voyages exclusive, this evening brought a dose of mystery and intrigue to the festivities, with special performances and an eerie ambiance that had everyone captivated. - Festival of Frights: A Spooky Cabaret
A theatrical Halloween cabaret featuring impressive performances with a ghostly twist. Set in The Manor, this show mixed comedy, dance, and a dash of horror to tell a quirky “love” story that kept the audience entertained from start to finish. - Zombie Grog Walk – Paid Event ($35-$50)
A zombie-inspired bar crawl around the ship, where sailors enjoyed spooky-themed drinks at different bars, meeting fellow “undead” cruisers along the way. - Eerie-sistible Trivia
Trivia with a Halloween spin! Guests tested their knowledge on everything spooky, from horror films to classic ghost stories, in a fun and interactive quiz. - Monster Mind Benders
This was a unique, Halloween-themed puzzle experience that challenged guests to think outside the box. Whether you’re a puzzle fanatic or just curious, it added a bit of brain-teasing fun to the festivities. - Griffin and Jones – Audience with the DEAD
A magic show that was witty, made the audience a bit squeamish at times, and overall had great mindbending tricks. - Spell-binding PJ Party
A late-night pajama party with a twist, where cruisers came dressed in their spookiest sleepwear for a relaxed, fun night with Halloween-themed snacks and activities. - Ghoulish Painting & BOO-zy Bevs Paid Event ($35-$50)
A Halloween art session where sailors could paint creepy masterpieces while sipping on festive drinks. Perfect for unleashing your creative side in a relaxed, social setting. - KISS Tribute – Rock & Roll Over
A rock ‘n’ roll party celebrating the legendary band KISS with a Halloween flair. Guests enjoyed a tribute concert complete with costume-clad performers, paying homage to the rock icons and their larger-than-life presence.
With so many events and themed activities, Virgin Voyages transformed the Halloween cruise into a truly unforgettable experience. From costume contests to eerie trivia and themed cocktails, this cruise was packed with entertainment that left no Halloween enthusiast disappointed.
Tips for Future Halloween Cruisers
Based on this experience, here are some recommendations for future Halloween cruise sailors:
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Costume Planning
- Pack multiple costumes for different events. If you want to do the VHS class, dress in 80s attire. This is a standard Virgin Voyages events that people dress in theme for. If you have a disco night on your lineup and want to dress accordingly, plan for that too.
- Bring something red for Scarlet Night even if it is the same night as the Halloween Parade OR better yet, choose a red themed costume (I chose to be Valentine’s Day).
- Consider the weather when planning costumes. It can get really hot very quickly. We were blessed with beautiful weather in the mid 70s to low 80s and it was very hot in costumes.
- Bring backup costume elements. I think Virgin misses an opportunity by not selling costumes or costume accessories during these sailings.
- Bring things to fix costumes in case of tears or rips. You can bring a thread and needle or fabric adhesive (if you don’t want to carry a silicone glue gun.)
- Pack comfortable shoes for all events. I love a good heel but they are not really needed unless they make a part of your costume. Otherwise I would recommend you to be the most comfortable you can. Halloween onboard Virgin Voyages is a very busy day.
Event Planning
- Make dinner reservations around Halloween events that you don’t want to miss.
- Check the daily schedule for special activities. Activities are moved or added based on weather and other factors.
- Plan photo opportunities during daylight hours. Scarlet Night’s lighting is the absolute worst (red lighting everywhere) to take pictures.
- Reserve spots for special Halloween shows early. Most shows were on a first come first serve basis but if there is a show that requires a ticket, make sure to reserve as soon as you board.
General Tips
- Participate in as many themed activities as possible
- Don’t miss the parade – either as participant or spectator
- Try all the special Halloween menu items
- Take advantage of photo opportunities
- Pack some Halloween accessories even if not planning full costumes. Don’t forget to pack red clothing or accessories for Scarlet Night.
Is worth it to book a Virgin Voyages Halloween Cruise?
Virgin Voyages goes beyond the usual “costume party at sea.” Their approach creates an atmosphere that transforms the entire ship into a playground for Halloween enthusiasts, all while maintaining the upscale, adults-only environment that sets Virgin Voyages apart. Halloween aboard Virgin Voyages is a fully immersive Halloween experience crafted with Virgin’s signature attention to detail. Every event, from interactive shows to themed dining experiences, were designed to feel sophisticated and thoughtful, appealing to travelers who crave something unique.
The attention to detail shines through in every aspect, from special effects and professional performances to the bold themes that only an adults-only cruise can offer. Each event feels fresh and intentional, engaging guests with a level of quality and creativity that elevates the experience. Even if Halloween isn’t your favorite holiday, you’ll find the atmosphere, events, and Virgin’s signature “rebellious luxury” style create a memorable escape far from the typical cruise fare.
The adults-only policy also allows Virgin to play with themes that are edgier and more theatrical, creating an exclusive vibe perfect for the young and the young at heart! This is an ideal getaway for Halloween lovers and those who want a unique, unforgettable experience. The memories you’ll create here—laughing at a spooky cabaret, dancing under the stars at a themed party—are the kind that will stay with you long after Halloween ends. And yes, it’s a great choice for solo travelers, too! Find out why sailing with Virgin Voyages is a perfect solo adventure.
I won this cruise in a giveaway hosted by @VirginVoyagesTips on Instagram but would I book a Virgin Voyages Halloween Cruise ever? Absolutely. I would consider booking other themed cruises as well.
Whether you’re sailing solo or with friends, I highly recommend gathering a group for the full experience. There’s nothing like enjoying nights of costume parties and cocktails without the worry of driving or kids running around. The adults-only setting creates the perfect environment for a fun, carefree celebration where you can relax and fully enjoy the Halloween spirit.
One note: Virgin Voyages fosters an inclusive atmosphere, which includes a welcoming environment for ALL guests. If you’re open-minded and can respect the diversity of love and lifestyles—including many LGBTQ+ couples—you’ll feel right at home. However, if that’s not something you’re comfortable with, this may not be the cruise for you.
Other Themed Virgin Voyages Cruises for 2025 and 2026
Solar Eclipse Voyages
Virgin Voyages has announced an exciting lineup of themed cruises for 2025 and 2026, offering unique travel experiences:
Two special cruises in August 2026 will sail directly under the path of totality for the solar eclipse:
- Total Eclipse of the (Med): A 12-night journey from Barcelona to Civitavecchia, departing August 10, 2026.
- Eclipse in the Land of Fire & Ice: A 15-night roundtrip voyage from Portsmouth, departing August 5, 2026.
These voyages will include:
- Guest appearances and interactive workshops
- Talks led by astronauts and astronomers
- Designated viewing areas with telescopes and binoculars
- Limited-edition eclipse merchandise, including viewing glasses
Summer Season Pass
In summer 2025, travelers can set sail on a month-long adventure aboard the Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, and Valiant Lady.
Brilliant Lady
A new addition to the Virgin Voyages fleet, the Brilliant Lady, will debut in 2025 and feature routes across the United States.
Marvelous Voyages
In 2026, Virgin Voyages will introduce a series of itineraries visiting 12 new destinations, including:
Greenland
Salerno (Amalfi Coast, Italy)
Edinburgh (Scotland)
Stockholm (Sweden)
Hamburg (Germany)
Oslo (Norway)
Tangier (Morocco)
Make sure to get a quote on your sailing by visiting www.BookwithCL.com.
Resource List
? Interested in Virgin Voyages? Get the BEST DEAL and a price quote on your sailing at www.BookwithCL.com
? Do you want to make the MOST out of your Virgin Voyages sailing? Make sure to pick up this pocket guide created by Christine Lozada.
? Get answers to all of your Virgin Voyages questions at Christine’s Hub Page. Find it here!
?. If you are considering Virgin Voyages for a solo trip, check out why it is a good idea to book a solo cruise!
ES