Virgin Voyages vs Royal Caribbean
Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean couldn't be more different. Virgin offers an adults-only boutique experience, while Royal Caribbean delivers family-friendly mega-ship entertainment.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Category | 🔴 Virgin Voyages | 👑 Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price (7-night) | $930/person (dining included) | $630-$680/person (base)✓ |
| Age Restriction | Adults only (18+) | All ages welcome |
| Ship Size | ~2,770 guests | Up to 7,600 guests |
| Dining | 20+ restaurants, all included✓ | Main dining + buffet, specialty extra |
| Onboard Activities | Yoga, DJ sets, tattoo parlour | FlowRider, zip line, ice skating |
| Entertainment | DJ sets, live music, intimate shows | Broadway, ice shows, AquaTheater✓ |
| Private Island | Beach Club at Bimini | Perfect Day at CocoCay |
| Kids Programmes | None (adults only) | Adventure Ocean (industry-leading)✓ |
| Fleet Size | 4 ships | 29 ships✓ |
| Dress Code | Very casual, modern | Casual |
🔴Choose Virgin Voyages if you...
- •Couples wanting adults-only
- •Foodies (all dining included)
- •Those preferring intimate ships
- •Modern design enthusiasts
👑Choose Royal Caribbean if you...
- •Families with children
- •Mega-ship activity lovers
- •First-time cruisers
- •Those wanting maximum entertainment variety
💡 The Bottom Line
Virgin Voyages is ideal for adult couples wanting included dining and a boutique atmosphere. Royal Caribbean is the clear choice for families, activity lovers, and those wanting the world's largest, most entertaining ships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Virgin Voyages or Royal Caribbean cheaper?
Royal Caribbean has lower base fares, averaging $630-$680 per person compared to Virgin Voyages' $930 for a 7-night cruise. However, Virgin Voyages includes all dining (20+ restaurants) in their fare, while Royal Caribbean charges extra for specialty restaurants. For travellers who enjoy dining at multiple venues, Virgin Voyages' inclusive pricing can represent better overall value.
Can you bring children on Virgin Voyages or Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean welcomes all ages and operates Adventure Ocean, one of the industry's leading kids programmes. Virgin Voyages is strictly adults-only with no passengers under 18. If you are travelling with children, Royal Caribbean is your only option. If you specifically want a child-free cruise, Virgin Voyages guarantees that experience.
Which has bigger ships, Virgin Voyages or Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean builds far larger ships, with Icon-class vessels carrying up to 7,600 guests. Virgin Voyages ships carry around 2,770 guests. Royal Caribbean's mega-ships have more venues, activities, and entertainment options. Virgin Voyages' smaller ships offer a more intimate, boutique-hotel atmosphere where you can find quieter spaces more easily.
Which has better entertainment, Virgin Voyages or Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean offers a broader entertainment programme with Broadway shows, ice skating performances, AquaTheater aqua shows, and parades. Virgin Voyages focuses on DJ sets, live music, and intimate performances with a contemporary, festival-like energy. Royal Caribbean suits families wanting variety; Virgin Voyages suits adults wanting a trendy night-out atmosphere.
Which has a better private island, Virgin Voyages or Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay features waterslides, a freshwater pool, zip lines, and extensive beach areas, making it one of the most developed private destinations in cruising. Virgin Voyages' Beach Club at Bimini offers a more relaxed, adults-only beach club experience with DJ sets and a pool. CocoCay has more attractions; Bimini has a more exclusive, laid-back vibe.