Ship Comparison
Scarlet Lady vs Resilient Lady
Both Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady offer Virgin Voyages' signature adults-only, vibrant experience, but their itineraries and subtle entertainment nuances cater to slightly different explorations and moods.
The verdict
Virgin Voyages has truly carved out a distinct niche with its 'Lady Ships,' and Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady exemplify this vision. They share the core DNA: an adults-only playground, a refreshing absence of traditional buffets and main dining rooms, and a commitment to diverse, included specialty dining. While Scarlet Lady, as the inaugural ship, set the tone with its disruptive 'hip hotel at sea' vibe and Caribbean sailings, Resilient Lady has refined the experience, particularly shining with its Mediterranean routes and a slightly evolved entertainment lineup. Choosing between them often comes down to your desired destination and whether you prefer the original trailblazer or its slightly more seasoned sibling.
Choose Scarlet Lady if…
Travelers seeking a high-energy, adults-only escape with a 'rockstar' edge, who appreciate diverse, included dining and immersive, unconventional entertainment, particularly in the Caribbean or select Mediterranean routes.
Best for
- First-time Virgin Voyages cruisers seeking the original experience
- Caribbean beach club enthusiasts
- Travelers who enjoy a lively, 'hip hotel' ambiance
- Those looking for diverse, included dining options
Avoid if
- You prefer traditional cruise entertainment with Broadway-style shows
- You dislike high-energy, immersive party atmospheres
- You are sensitive to noise, especially on lower decks near entertainment venues
Choose Resilient Lady if…
Adults looking for an upscale, social cruise experience with a strong emphasis on unique, boundary-pushing entertainment and exceptional dining, ideal for exploring the Mediterranean or the Caribbean.
Best for
- Mediterranean explorers seeking unique experiences from Athens
- Guests prioritizing cutting-edge, interactive entertainment
- Foodies who appreciate award-winning specialty dining
- Independent travelers who enjoy self-guided exploration
Avoid if
- You prefer structured, traditional cruise activities and announcements
- You are looking for a quiet, subdued atmosphere at all times
- You expect all dining to be perfectly synchronized, as the food hall can be inconsistent
Overall Vibe
Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady, launched in 2020, introduced Virgin Voyages' distinctive 'adults-only lifestyle ship' concept, embodying a hip hotel at sea with a playful, rock-and-roll spirit. Spanning 16 decks and measuring 38 meters wide, she was designed to disrupt traditional cruising norms. Her atmosphere is vibrant and energetic, focusing on curated experiences rather than conventional cruise activities. From the moment you step aboard, the ship's modern design and unique features, like the 'Shake for Champagne' service, signal a departure from the ordinary, promising a voyage filled with unexpected delights and a youthful, contemporary flair.
Resilient Lady
Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages' third ship, carries forward the line's adults-only ethos with a name that speaks to resilience and a fresh perspective. Also 38 meters wide and boasting 17 decks, she offers a continuation of the modern, sophisticated design established by her sister ships, with a top speed of 22 knots. While maintaining the core Virgin Voyages spirit, Resilient Lady often sails from Piraeus (Athens), Greece, offering a Mediterranean flavor to its voyages. The ship's overall vibe is one of upbeat luxury, a place to gather, celebrate, and explore with a refined yet energetic social pulse.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady cultivates a lively, adults-only atmosphere that feels more like a boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship. With a capacity for 2,770 passengers and a dedicated crew of 1,160, the ship maintains a personalized service ratio while fostering a vibrant, social environment. There are no children's facilities, ensuring a mature ambiance where guests aged 18 and over can freely enjoy the energetic spaces, from the high-volume DJ sets at The Roundabout to the interactive performances. The design-focused aesthetic and 'rockstar' vibe attract a crowd eager for a hip, modern vacation.
Resilient Lady
Resilient Lady echoes the adults-only, energetic, and upscale atmosphere of her sister ships, drawing a social and upbeat crowd. While specific passenger and crew numbers aren't provided in the payload for Resilient Lady, the ship is designed to foster intimate connections and spontaneous fun among its adult guests. The ambiance is contemporary and design-savvy, appealing to those who appreciate a self-guided, inclusive environment. The emphasis is on creating a dynamic community experience, whether through shared meals, interactive shows, or simply lounging in carefully crafted social spaces.
Dining
Scarlet Lady
Dining on Scarlet Lady is a culinary adventure, entirely included with no main dining room or buffets. Guests can savor Mexican cuisine at Pink Agave, enjoy interactive Korean BBQ at Gunbae, or explore chef-driven tasting menus at The Test Kitchen, which also hosts mixology and coffee labs. For more casual bites, The Galley functions as a lively food hall with diverse options like a burger grill, taco shack, sushi bar, and a 24-hour diner. Razzle Dazzle uniquely offers vegetarian and vegan-focused dishes, while The Wake provides an upscale steak and seafood experience, and Extra Virgin serves authentic Italian pasta. Later in 2024, Scarlet Lady will debut Lucky Lotus for Chinese-inspired gastronomy.
Resilient Lady
Resilient Lady continues the Virgin Voyages tradition of exceptional, included specialty dining across all venues. Foodies will appreciate the diverse offerings, from the vibrant Mexican street food at Pink Agave to the participatory Korean BBQ at Gunbae, complete with complimentary soju. The Test Kitchen pushes culinary boundaries with molecular gastronomy tasting menus and included drink pairings, while The Wake provides an elegant steak and seafood experience. Razzle Dazzle serves its renowned New American cuisine with a veggie-forward focus for all-day dining. The Galley offers a variety of casual options, and The Dock House provides Mediterranean small plates, ensuring a rich and varied culinary journey.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady's entertainment is far from conventional, leaning into immersive and interactive experiences. The Red Room, a transformational theater, hosts boundary-pushing shows like the acrobatic 'Duel Reality.' For late-night revelry, The Manor nightclub, named after Richard Branson's first recording studio, offers a two-story, two-bar space with a '70s punk vibe, transitioning from immersive dining entertainment to a dance party. Signature events like 'Scarlet Night' transform the pool deck into a vibrant red-drenched party. Guests can also enjoy private karaoke at The Groupie, craft beers at Draught Haus, elegant moments at Sip Lounge, or try their luck at The Casino.
Resilient Lady
Resilient Lady elevates the entertainment experience with its focus on unique, boundary-pushing shows and vibrant nightlife. The Manor, a two-story, three-bar space, hosts ground-breaking performances and transforms into a lively nightclub. The Red Room features immersive shows like 'Persephone' and the interactive 'Miss Behave Show,' offering a fresh take on theatrical experiences. Ship-wide events such as 'Scarlet Night' encourage participation and high energy. Guests can also enjoy karaoke at The Groupie, unwind with a craft beer at Draught Haus, or savor Champagne at Sip, ensuring there’s always an engaging option for every evening.
Cabins & Suites
Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady offers 1,404 cabins, including 1,192 with balconies and 36 wheelchair-accessible options. Standard cabins, from Interior 'Insiders' (105-177 sq ft) to 'Sea View' porthole rooms and 'Sea Terrace' balcony cabins (185-225 sq ft), feature a unique patented design that converts the double bed into an L-shaped sofa during the day, maximizing space. All come with interactive TVs, iPads for room controls, and signature red hammocks on balconies. The 78 'Rock Star Quarters' suites, designed by Tom Dixon, boast luxurious amenities like fully stocked bars, record players, and exclusive access to Richard's Rooftop. The 'Massive Suite' stands out with 830 sq ft interior space and a 1317 sq ft terrace with a hot tub.
Resilient Lady
Resilient Lady provides 1,404 cabins, with 94% offering ocean views and 83% featuring balconies. Standard cabins, including 'Insider,' 'Sea View,' and 'Sea Terrace' categories, are sharply designed with modern aesthetics and flexible L-shaped bed configurations. They come equipped with tablets for mood lighting and room controls, 43-inch TVs, and Malin+Goetz toiletries. The 'Rockstar Quarters' suites offer an elevated experience with curated in-room bars, turntables, luxurious marble bathrooms, and access to Richard's Rooftop. Mega Rockstar suites further enhance the experience with private agents, larger living areas, and outdoor 'Peek-a-View' showers. It is important to note that some cabins on Deck 8 may experience noise from the entertainment venues on Deck 7 below.
Service & Onboard Style
Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady champions a relaxed, informal onboard style, doing away with strict dress codes and formal nights. The service is attentive yet unobtrusive, designed to enhance the 'rockstar' experience without being stuffy. Gratuities, basic beverages, and Wi-Fi are all included, simplifying the guest experience. The ship's app is central to planning, allowing guests to book dining, shows, and even order champagne with a 'Shake for Champagne' feature. Wearable tech replaces traditional key cards, streamlining access and payments, all contributing to a self-guided, highly Personalized journey.
Resilient Lady
Resilient Lady maintains Virgin Voyages' commitment to an independent and social onboard style, where guests are encouraged to be themselves without formal dress codes. The service is designed to be seamless, with included gratuities, basic Wi-Fi, and a comprehensive app for managing reservations and activities. While the Wi-Fi is generally fast enough for social media and chat, a premium upgrade is available for streaming. The boarding process is self-guided, reflecting the ship's philosophy of allowing guests to curate their own experience. Rockstar Quarters guests benefit from dedicated Rockstar Agents, offering a highly Personalized level of service.
Best Itineraries
Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady primarily offers vibrant Caribbean itineraries from Miami, including popular routes like 'Dominican Daze,' 'Fire and Sunset Soirées,' 'Mayan Sol,' and 'Grand Turk & Bimini Beach Club,' often featuring stops at Virgin's private beach club in Bimini. She also embarks on longer Transatlantic voyages and a selection of Mediterranean cruises, such as 'Greek Island Glow' and 'Croatia, Montenegro, Greece & Albania,' providing diverse options for sun-soaked adventures and cultural explorations. Her diverse offerings cater to those looking for both lively beach days and enriching port calls.
Resilient Lady
Resilient Lady is well-suited for exploring the diverse landscapes of both the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. From her homeport in Athens, she offers captivating Mediterranean itineraries like 'Italy, Spain & French Riviera' and 'French Riviera, Spain & Ibiza Overnight,' providing opportunities for cultural immersion and vibrant nightlife ashore. During other seasons, she sails from Miami to the Caribbean, with cruises such as 'Eastern Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club' and 'Western Caribbean & Bimini Beach Club,' ensuring a mix of relaxation and exploration. Her routes are designed for travelers eager to discover new destinations with an emphasis on unique experiences.
What reviewers say
Scarlet Lady
4.5/5Scarlet Lady redefines cruising for a new demographic, offering an adults-only experience with on-trend food, late-night shows, and unique activities like tattoos. It's designed for those seeking a hip, non-traditional vacation, diverging from set dining times and formal nights.
Resilient Lady
4.5/5Resilient Lady is an energetic, upscale, adults-only ship designed to entertain at every turn, fostering a social and upbeat atmosphere. Entertainment is the real star, pushing boundaries with unique shows, complemented by some of the best included specialty dining at sea.
Itineraries to compare
Pick an itinerary on either ship to see all available departure dates.
Scarlet Lady
Resilient Lady
Read our guides
In-depth guides on the ships and cruise lines in this comparison.

Ship Guide
Scarlet Lady: Virgin Voyages' Adults-Only Cruise
Discover a vibrant, kid-free escape with included dining, Wi-Fi, and gratuities aboard this premium ship.

Ship Guide
Resilient Lady: Energetic Adults-Only Voyages
Enjoy an upbeat, social cruise with boundary-pushing entertainment and included specialty dining.
Compare different ships
Swap either side to generate a new side-by-side comparison.
Ship A
Ship B