Booking a Virgin Voyages cruise? There’s a lot to get excited about—no screaming kids, sleek modern cabins, those signature red hammocks on the balcony, and an all-around vibe that’s adults-only and effortlessly cool.
But let’s be real: one bad cabin choice can turn your dreamy escape into a noisy, sleepless nightmare.
How This List Was Created
I’ve combed through hundreds of real passenger reviews on Cruise Critic, Facebook groups, and Reddit threads to bring you the real scoop—no sugarcoating.
Which cabins offer killer views and peace and quiet? Which ones might leave you regretting your decision from night one? This guide has it all.
Whether you’re dreaming of a Rockstar Suite with sweeping ocean views or just want the best bang for your buck, you’ll find everything you need to book smart and sail even smarter.
Cabins to Avoid on Virgin Voyages
Not all cruise cabins are created equal, and Virgin Voyages is no exception. Some spots on the ship are prime real estate, while others come with serious drawbacks like pounding bass, clanging carts, or views that are more lifeboat than ocean.
Let’s start with the cabins most reviewers say to steer clear of.
Cabins Near Entertainment Venues (The Manor & The Red Room)
You might think you scored an amazing deal—until you’re wide awake at 1 a.m. listening to a DJ set thump through your walls.
That’s the reality for guests booked in XL Sea Terrace or Ltd Sea View cabins near The Manor or The Red Room, especially on Decks 5 and 8 toward the front of the ship.
Virgin Voyages embraces nightlife in a big way—think burlesque shows, late-night dance parties, and live music that doesn’t quit. Great for party lovers.
Not so great if you’re trying to get a solid night’s sleep. Cruisers frequently report hearing music and crowd noise until well after midnight, even with earplugs.
One reviewer said, “It felt like I was sleeping in the nightclub.” If peace and quiet are your vibe, aim for mid-ship cabins on Deck 9 or higher to escape the noise.
Cabins Above Lively Bars & Lounges
Love sipping cocktails under the stars? So does everyone else on board. Bars like The Dock House and The Loose Cannon stay buzzing late into the night, which is fun… unless your cabin happens to be directly above them.
These bars pump out music and laughter well past midnight. And while cabins are designed with soundproofing, reviews say the bass still manages to sneak through. Some even claim they felt it vibrating through the floor.
If you’re a night owl, no problem. But if you’d rather not fall asleep to the beat of someone else’s party, avoid Deck 8 cabins near the aft or center. Deck 9 and above is a safer choice if you want some actual shut-eye.
Cabins Below The Galley
Here’s one you might not expect—cabins beneath The Galley on Deck 14. Virgin ditched the traditional cruise buffet and replaced it with this trendy food-hall-style setup offering fresh, made-to-order dishes. Sounds great, right?
The downside? Kitchen prep starts early and ends late. Guests in Sea Terrace cabins beneath The Galley report being jolted awake by the sound of carts rolling overhead or hearing kitchen activity as early as 5 a.m.
One guest compared it to sleeping below a bowling alley. If restful sleep matters to you, look for cabins away from food service areas—mid-ship on lower decks is usually your safest bet.
And don’t assume the front of the ship is better—those cabins are often directly under the pool deck, which brings its own noise issues.
Cabins Near the Fitness Center
You may think being close to the gym is convenient—and it is, if you’re planning on 6 a.m. workouts. But if your plan was to sleep in, cabins near the B-Complex Fitness Center can be a rude awakening.
Guests report hearing everything from treadmill pounding to weight drops to loud music from group classes. Some said it felt like the ceiling was going to cave in from all the commotion.
Unless you love starting your day with a protein shake and spin class soundtrack, it’s best to book mid-ship between Decks 9 and 13, well away from the fitness area.
Lower Deck Cabins (Close to Engines)
Looking to cruise on a budget? Lower-deck cabins often come with a friendlier price tag, but they’re closer to the engine and mechanical areas.
That means more vibrations, low hums, and occasional clanks, especially at night or when the ship is docking.
Some guests said the sound wasn’t too bad and even found the vibrations relaxing, like built-in white noise. Others, especially light sleepers, found it disruptive.
Bottom line: If you’re looking to save and aren’t picky about noise, it could work. But if you’re a light sleeper or sensitive to motion, aim a few decks higher where the ride is quieter and calmer.
Limited View Sea Terrace Cabins
Let’s talk about those Limited View Sea Terrace cabins. On paper, they sound like a bargain—you get a balcony and save a chunk of cash.
But what you might not realize is that part of your “ocean view” might be a lifeboat, a metal wall, or some ship structure hogging the scenery.
These cabins are mainly found on Deck 8 across Virgin’s ships like Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady.
While some travelers say the savings (sometimes over $1,000) made it totally worth it, others felt misled, expecting full views but getting partial peeks through steel rails or solid barriers.
That said, not all hope is lost. A few lucky cruisers ended up getting upgraded views even in these cabins, and many still feature that signature red hammock.
So if you’re on a tight budget and know what you’re getting into, it might be a good trade-off. Just don’t book expecting panoramic views of the sea—you may get more metal than ocean.
Forward-Facing Cabins (Front of the Ship)
These cabins offer cinematic, straight-ahead views of the sea, which sounds dreamy until the ocean gets choppy.
Front-facing cabins tend to feel the most motion since they’re the first to hit the waves. If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s a gamble.
Several cruisers said it felt like being on a rollercoaster in rough waters. Some even had to take meds daily just to get through it.
And while the views are fantastic, strong winds can make the balconies almost unusable at times.
So, unless you’ve got iron sea legs or plan on popping Dramamine like Tic Tacs, you might want to pick a cabin closer to the middle of the ship where the ride is smoother.
Standard & Budget-Friendly Cabins: What to Know
Now let’s shift into the more economical cabin types Virgin Voyages offers—great for solo travelers, couples, or small groups.
These aren’t the flashiest staterooms onboard, but they can still deliver a good experience if you know what to expect.
The Insider Cabins (No Window, No Problem?)
If you’re someone who’s out exploring all day and just wants a place to crash, the Standard Insider cabins might be all you need.
They’re compact, cozy, and get the job done. But… don’t expect views or much natural light. In fact, expect no natural light at all—there are no windows.
Couples or families may find them a bit claustrophobic on longer trips. Storage is limited, the bathrooms are small, and the space starts to feel tight fast.
That said, if you’re doing a port-heavy itinerary or plan to stay out late and only use the cabin to sleep, they can be a solid money-saver.
👤 Solo Insider Cabins (Quiet & Compact)
Cruising solo? Virgin Voyages has you covered with Solo Insider cabins designed just for one.
While they’re snug, they’re well-designed and usually located mid-ship, which makes them some of the quietest spots on board.
Many solo travelers love these rooms for short or port-intensive cruises. They’re budget-friendly and skip the solo supplement that some other lines charge. Just don’t expect to do yoga in your room—it’s pretty tight in there.
Solo Sea View Cabin
Want a solo room that doesn’t feel like a closet? The Solo Sea View cabin adds a porthole window that brings in natural light and makes the space feel less confined.
It’s a step up from the Insider class and still avoids the solo supplement that can hit your wallet hard on other cruise lines.
That said, some guests feel it’s a bit pricey for the square footage you get. But if you value light and a window to the world, it might be worth the upgrade for a better overall vibe.
The Social Insider (4-Person Interior Cabin)
If you’re cruising with your squad and don’t mind sacrificing space for affordability, the Social Insider is Virgin’s dorm-style option.
With bunk beds and tight quarters, it’s definitely not for the privacy-loving crowd.
Reviewers say these rooms can get cramped quickly, especially on longer voyages. You’ll be dodging suitcases and elbowing each other for bathroom time.
But if you’re planning to party at The Manor until 2 a.m. and crash without caring about room aesthetics, it’s a practical pick.
Sea Terrace Cabins & Upgrades: Best Bang for Your Buck?
Now we’re getting to the heart of Virgin’s cabin game—the Sea Terrace rooms. These are the crowd-pleasers.
If you’re dreaming of sipping a cocktail while swaying in that famous red hammock, this is where it starts.
🪸 Standard Sea Terrace: The Virgin Classic
The Standard Sea Terrace is the most popular cabin type on all Virgin Voyages ships—and for good reason.
You get your own private balcony with a full-sized hammock, a comfy queen bed, a sleek modular wardrobe, and ambient lighting that adjusts with your mood (yes, really).
Most guests love the overall layout, especially the vibe-y lighting and convertible sofa bed (you can turn it into a couch during the day).
But that bed setup is kind of a love-it-or-hate-it thing. Some say it creates more space, others find it fussy and prefer to leave it as a bed full-time.
The bathroom is another talking point. It’s functional but small, and the shower design gets mixed reviews.
If you want a little more room to breathe (especially in the bathroom), consider bumping up to an XL Sea Terrace.
🛁 XL Sea Terrace: More Room, Same View
If you like the idea of a Sea Terrace but want a bit more elbow room inside, the XL version is your go-to.
The layout is more spacious overall, especially in the bathroom, which many cruisers say is worth the extra dollars alone.
However, don’t expect a bigger balcony. That’s the kicker. You’re paying for more indoor living space, not more terrace space.
If a roomier cabin matters more than outdoor lounging, it’s a nice upgrade. But if the main draw is that dreamy balcony hammock, a Standard Sea Terrace might be all you need.
Want the best of both worlds? Some say it’s better to grab a well-placed Standard Sea Terrace in a quieter, mid-ship area than splurging on XL in a noisy location.
⚓ Central Sea Terrace: Location, Location, Location
If you want to be close to the action without sacrificing sleep, the Central Sea Terrace might be your sweet spot.
These cabins are typically located mid-ship, which means you’ll feel less motion, enjoy a more stable ride, and be close to key venues without being right on top of them.
Cruisers say Decks 9 to 13 are the best bets—especially toward the aft, away from elevators and stairwells. It’s like booking the “Goldilocks” of balcony rooms: not too loud, not too far, just right.
Bonus tip: These cabins are popular and sell out fast, so if you’re eyeing one, book early.
💎 RockStar & Mega RockStar Suites: Worth the Hype?
Now let’s get into the high-roller cabins—the Rockstar and Mega Rockstar suites. These are for cruisers who want that VIP treatment, extra space, and access to exclusive perks like Richard’s Rooftop and personal RockStar Agents (yep, that’s a thing).
But not all suites are created equal, and not every upgrade is worth it. Let’s break them down.
Mega Rockstar Suites: Virgin’s Most Luxurious Cabins
If you’re going all in on the VIP lifestyle—or just curious what it’s like to cruise like a celeb—Virgin Voyages’ Mega Rockstar Suites are where things get fancy.
These suites come with serious perks, sprawling layouts, and terrace views that could rival a boutique hotel.
Let’s break down the top-tier cabins to see which one might actually be worth the splurge (and which are more style than substance).
🚿 Seriously Suite: Rockstar Luxury Without Overkill
This one’s a fan favorite among cruisers who want a taste of luxury without blowing the entire cruise budget.
The Seriously Suite offers more space than a Sea Terrace, with a gorgeous peek-a-boo walk-in shower, a plush bed, and priority everything—from boarding to reservations.
Guests love the design, but some found the minibar setup confusing—not everything is included, and restocking comes at a cost.
Still, this suite hits that sweet spot: upscale comfort, Rockstar perks, and a big balcony, without going full “Massive Suite” mode.
If you’re ready to upgrade but don’t want to go all the way to Mega Rockstar, this is your cabin.
Sweet Aft Suite: Wake Views & Massive Terraces
If you’re all about outdoor space, the Sweet Aft Suite is a showstopper. These cabins are located at the very back (aft) of the ship and give you a panoramic view of the ocean’s wake—and it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
But here’s the fun part: not all Sweet Aft Suites are created equal. The deck you choose changes everything.
- Decks 8 & 9: The biggest terraces and the least ship motion. Best of the bunch.
- Decks 10 & 11: Still roomy, but slightly smaller balconies and a bit more motion.
- Decks 12–14: The smallest terraces and the bumpiest ride in rough seas.
Despite the differences, all seven Sweet Aft Suites across the ship are stunning. You’ll get Rockstar perks, a rain shower, mood lighting, and access to Richard’s Rooftop.
Just don’t expect total silence—being at the aft means you might feel some hum and vibration.
💅 Gorgeous Suite: Premium Vibes in a Compact Package
Want Rockstar glam without going full-blown palatial? The Gorgeous Suite might hit the mark. It’s the smallest of the Mega Rockstar Quarters, but still loaded with luxury.
Think: outdoor shower, stylish double-depth balcony, and comfy seating both inside and out. Cruisers love the design, but some note that it feels pretty similar to the Brilliant Suite, just with better outdoor space.
If you’re a sun-lover who spends more time on the balcony than in the room, the Gorgeous Suite is a solid choice. But if square footage is what you’re chasing, you might want to look one level up.
✨ Brilliant Suite: The Hidden Gem
Not as flashy as the others, the Brilliant Suite flies a bit under the radar—but seasoned Virgin cruisers say it’s a sleeper hit.
You get Rockstar perks, a roomy layout (482 square feet), and a touch of luxury without the Mega Rockstar price tag.
The only minor letdown? The balcony isn’t that much bigger than the Seriously Suite. So while the living space is a nice upgrade, the outdoor area might not wow you.
Bottom line: If you’re after a plush, private vibe and want Rockstar treatment without paying top dollar, this one’s worth a look.
🎤 Posh, Fab & Massive Suites: The Ultimate Rockstar Experience
These are Virgin’s most over-the-top suites—and they’re not shy about it. They’re perfect for honeymooners, influencers, or anyone ready to drop serious cash for serious space.
- The Posh Suite: Spacious with a huge terrace, lounge seating, rainfall shower, and VIP perks galore. Great if you want high-end comfort without going all the way to Massive Suite territory.
- The Fab Suite: Bigger balcony, more glam. Features a peek-a-boo shower and upgraded amenities. A favorite for couples who want luxury and fun.
- The Massive Suite: The crown jewel. Two bedrooms, a private hot tub, a music room (!), an in-room bar, and a huge terrace. If you want to live like a rockstar—and have the budget—this is it.
Pro tip: These Mega Rockstar Suites also come with a RockStar Agent (basically your own personal concierge) and full access to Richard’s Rooftop, an exclusive sundeck with premium drinks and views.
Cheeky Corner Suite: Big Balcony, Back of the Ship
If watching the ship’s wake is your thing, the Cheeky Corner Suite might just be your happy place.
Located at the very back corners of the ship, these suites have wraparound balconies that are among the largest you’ll find, perfect for sunset drinks or morning stretches in your robe.
But there’s a trade-off. Because it’s at the aft, you may feel more vibration and motion, especially at night.
Some guests said they noticed a steady hum, while others found it soothing, like background noise that helped them sleep.
If you love outdoor space and don’t mind a little rumble, this one’s a winner. Otherwise, check out the Seriously Suite on a higher, more central deck.
💡 How to Choose the Best Cabin on a Virgin Voyages Cruise
Choosing a cabin on a Virgin ship isn’t just about price—it’s about the kind of trip you want to have. Here’s what to keep in mind before you book:
💰 Watch for Hidden Costs
Even in Rockstar Suites, not everything’s included. Some minibar items cost extra, and certain “priority” perks may come with limits or fees. Always double-check what’s actually included with your fare.
🎭 Decide Your Vibe: Party or Peace?
Want to be steps away from The Manor for late-night dance parties? Or are you more into quiet mornings on your balcony with coffee? Cabin location makes all the difference.
Party people should aim near the action; light sleepers need to steer far, far away from Deck 5 or 8 near clubs, gyms, or The Galley.
🎯 Book Smart with These Tips
- Bid Upgrades: Occasionally, Virgin offers upgrade bidding. You might score a better cabin for cheap, but don’t count on it. Early booking usually beats last-minute bids.
- Call Before You Commit: Some obstructed views aren’t clearly labeled. If the balcony view is a dealbreaker, call to confirm before locking in your cabin.
- Solo Travelers: While Solo Insider and Solo Sea View cabins are great, a Standard Sea Terrace may be a better long-term value, and you get that glorious hammock.
- Mock Bookings: Use Virgin’s website to compare cabin locations and pricing by running multiple fake bookings. It’s a sneaky way to find better options.
🧳 Final Thoughts: Book Smart, Sail Better
Virgin Voyages offers some of the most thoughtfully designed cruise cabins out there, with a vibe that’s fun, fresh, and undeniably adult. But your cruise experience can totally hinge on where you sleep.
With a bit of research (and now, this guide), you can dodge the noisy nightmares and land a cabin that fits your vibe and budget.
Whether you’re sailing solo, living large in a suite, or just hanging in your Sea Terrace hammock—book smart, relax harder, and enjoy the ride.
