Ship Comparison
Valiant Lady vs Scarlet Lady
For a refined, adults-only voyage that blends vibrant nightlife with serious wellness, both Valiant Lady and Scarlet Lady promise a cruise experience like no other.
The verdict
Virgin Voyages set out to redefine cruising, and both Valiant Lady and Scarlet Lady deliver on that promise with an adults-only, boutique hotel-at-sea concept. While both ships share a similar DNA of exceptional, included specialty dining, immersive entertainment, and a strong focus on wellness and social connection, there are subtle differences. Valiant Lady, as the slightly newer vessel, offers a touch more in its global itineraries, venturing further afield to destinations like Iceland and Canada. Scarlet Lady, while similar in its core offerings, has carved out its niche with strong Caribbean and Mediterranean roots. Your choice will likely come down to your preferred sailing region and whether you lean towards a slightly more established or an evolving experience within the Virgin Voyages fleet.
Choose Valiant Lady if…
Travelers who appreciate a sophisticated, adults-only environment, value diverse culinary experiences, and seek a balance between lively social events and rejuvenating wellness activities. It's ideal for those looking for a contemporary, stylish cruise that ventures to a wider array of international destinations.
Best for
- Travelers seeking diverse global itineraries, including unique Northern European and North American routes.
- Guests who appreciate a slightly newer ship experience with updated touches.
- Individuals balancing vibrant social engagement with strong wellness and recovery options.
Avoid if
- Those who prefer extensive structured daytime activities.
- Travelers sensitive to potential noise, especially in cabins on Deck 8 or aft of Deck 14.
- Cruisers looking for traditional cruise elements like grand buffets.
Choose Scarlet Lady if…
Individuals and couples eager for a hip, energetic, adults-only cruise that breaks from tradition. This ship is perfect for foodies, nightlife enthusiasts, and those who enjoy immersive, unconventional entertainment, primarily exploring vibrant Caribbean and Mediterranean routes.
Best for
- First-time Virgin Voyages cruisers looking for the original 'disruptor' experience.
- Travelers prioritizing Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries with a focus on immersive port experiences.
- Guests who thrive in a lively, energetic, and social environment with ample nightlife.
Avoid if
- Those averse to crowded venues and a consistently high-energy atmosphere.
- Travelers sensitive to potential noise, particularly in cabins on Deck 5 or Deck 15.
- Cruisers who prefer a very quiet, subdued onboard experience.
Overall Vibe
Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady, launched in 2022, represents an evolutionary step in Virgin Voyages' commitment to disrupting traditional cruising. This sleek, 17-deck vessel, carrying 2,700 guests and 1,150 crew, offers a refined 'hotel-at-sea' feel. The atmosphere is curated for social cruisers who enjoy a blend of vibrant energy and opportunities for relaxation. It's designed to be a stylish, contemporary escape where you can both 'detox and retox,' reflecting a thoughtful approach to modern adult travel. The ship feels current and fresh, building upon the foundations laid by its sister ship with a slightly more polished execution.
Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady, launched in 2020, pioneered Virgin Voyages' distinctive 'hip hotel' aesthetic, effectively disrupting the cruise industry. This 16-deck ship, accommodating up to 2,770 passengers with a crew of 1,160, introduced an adults-only experience designed for a demographic new to sea travel. Its vibe is decidedly energetic and design-focused, offering a lively, non-traditional atmosphere. The ship feels like a floating boutique resort, emphasizing unique experiences over conventional cruise structures, making it a compelling choice for those seeking an unconventional vacation.
Atmosphere & Crowd
Valiant Lady
The atmosphere on Valiant Lady is distinctly adults-only, fostering a social and party-focused environment balanced with a strong emphasis on wellness. It attracts a crowd keen on vibrant nightlife and engaging pop-up performances, yet also values moments of recovery. While the ship excels in its evening offerings, some guests have noted a desire for more structured daytime activities during sea days. Despite this, the overall ambiance is one of inclusive revelry, where guests can easily connect and enjoy the curated experiences, from intimate lounges like The Dock to lively deck parties.
Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady cultivates a hip, vibrant, and energetic atmosphere, drawing a crowd that embraces its adults-only, non-traditional approach. The ship buzzes with social interaction, particularly in its numerous bars and lounges, and during its immersive theatrical events. Popular venues can become quite crowded, a testament to their appeal and the ship's lively spirit. Guests are encouraged to be spontaneous, but also to utilize the ship's app for booking the sought-after experiences. It's a place where individuality thrives, and the energy often carries well into the late hours.
Dining
Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady truly excels in its culinary offerings, boasting over 20 included specialty eateries that completely forgo traditional buffets and main dining rooms. Guests can savor Mexican cuisine at Pink Agave, engage in interactive Korean BBQ at Gunbae, or enjoy classic steakhouse fare at The Wake. For lighter options, The Dock House offers Mediterranean mezze, while The Galley presents a diverse food hall concept with fresh-to-order delights like sushi at Bento Baby, tacos from Let's Taco Bout It, and 24-hour American diner classics at Diner & Dash. The Test Kitchen provides an experimental, chef-driven tasting menu, ensuring every meal is a unique adventure.
Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady mirrors its sister in offering an impressive, diverse, and entirely complimentary specialty dining program, eliminating traditional main dining rooms and buffets. Highlights include the trattoria-inspired Extra Virgin for Italian classics, the interactive Korean BBQ at Gunbae, and the vibrant Mexican flavors of Pink Agave. The Test Kitchen offers an experimental, chef-driven tasting menu, while The Galley provides a dynamic food hall experience with options like a sushi bar and a 24-hour diner. Razzle Dazzle stands out with its vegetarian and vegan-focused menu, complemented by a 'naughty' meat-friendly add-on. The culinary journey here is about quality, variety, and personalized choices.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady offers a robust and imaginative entertainment lineup. The Red Room, a transformational multi-form theater, hosts innovative productions like 'Duel Reality,' a high-energy acrobatic retelling of Romeo and Juliet, and 'Untitled Danceshowpartything,' an absurdist dance party. For nightlife, The Manor nightclub, inspired by Richard Branson's first recording studio, transitions from immersive dining to a late-night dance spot. Guests can also enjoy private karaoke at The Groupie, craft beers at Draught Haus, or exclusive cocktail hours at Richard's Rooftop for suite guests, along with spontaneous pop-up performances throughout the ship.
Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady's entertainment is designed to be immersive and unconventional, moving far beyond traditional cruise shows. The Red Room is home to boundary-pushing productions like 'Duel Reality,' an acrobatic spectacle, and 'Ships in the Night,' which uses cutting-edge technology. The Manor nightclub, a two-story space with a 70s punk vibe, transforms from a supper club to a vibrant dance floor hosting events like 'Heartbeat.' Guests can also find lively music at The Loose Cannon, private karaoke booths at The Groupie, or themed parties like Scarlet Night on the pool deck. The ship consistently offers unique, interactive experiences for its adult guests.
Cabins & Suites
Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady features 1,404 cabins, offering a modern and functional design. Standard cabins, from the cozy 105 sq ft Solo Insiders to the 185 sq ft Sea Terraces, include convertible queen beds, mood lighting, and a tablet for room controls. The popular Sea Terrace cabins boast a signature hand-woven red hammock on the balcony. For those seeking more luxury, 'Rockstar Quarters' and 'Mega Rockstar Quarters' range from 236 to 2,147 sq ft, featuring marbled bathrooms, Peek-a-Boo showers, and exclusive perks. It's worth noting that cabins on Deck 8 and the aft of Deck 14 may experience some noise from public areas.
Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady also offers 1,404 cabins, including 36 accessible rooms, designed with a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. Standard categories, such as the 105-177 sq ft Insider and the 185 sq ft Sea Terrace with its unique balcony hammock, prioritize smart use of space and comfort. The 'Rockstar Quarters' and 'Mega Rockstar Quarters' provide a heightened level of luxury, with larger indoor and outdoor spaces, lavish bathrooms, and bespoke amenities. These suites range from 236 to 2,147 sq ft, with the Massive Suite offering a guitar room. Guests should be aware that cabins on Deck 5 and Deck 15, located near public areas, might be more prone to noise.
Service & Onboard Style
Valiant Lady
The service on Valiant Lady, like its sister ships, is attentive and personalized, reflecting a 'rockstar' approach to hospitality. Suite guests benefit from dedicated 'Rockstar Agents' available 24/7, ensuring a seamless and pampered experience, including priority access to venues and spa treatments. The onboard style is consistently chic and modern, with thoughtful design elements throughout. While there's no formal dress code, guests are encouraged to express their personal style, contributing to an atmosphere that feels more like a luxury boutique hotel than a traditional cruise ship. The staff are known for their engaging and friendly demeanor.
Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady embodies a distinctive onboard style that feels more like a hip, modern hotel than a conventional cruise. Service is personalized, particularly for 'Rock Star Quarters' guests who enjoy dedicated 24/7 'RockStar Agents' for all their needs. The dress code is flexible, encouraging individual expression rather than formal attire, which contributes to a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance. Guests utilize wearable tech for room access and payments, streamlining interactions. The crew are integral to the ship's vibrant energy, participating in immersive events and fostering a truly social and engaging environment for all adult 'Sailors'.
Best Itineraries
Valiant Lady
Valiant Lady offers a truly diverse range of itineraries, appealing to explorers seeking varied experiences across the globe. Her offerings include captivating Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona, venturing to destinations like Tuscany, Corsica, and Ibiza. Beyond the Mediterranean, Valiant Lady distinguishes herself with longer, more adventurous voyages, including transatlantic crossings, exciting trips to Iceland and Greenland, and picturesque Fall Foliage cruises in Canada and New England from New York. This broad spectrum of destinations makes Valiant Lady an excellent choice for those desiring a global adventure.
Scarlet Lady
Scarlet Lady primarily focuses on vibrant Caribbean and enchanting Mediterranean itineraries, sailing from her homeport in Miami for many of her Caribbean voyages. Guests can enjoy 'Fire and Sunset Soirées' to Key West and Bimini, 'Dominican Daze' to Puerto Plata, or 'Mayan Sol' to Mexico. In the Mediterranean, she explores Greek Island Glow and Turkish Views, with sailings to iconic cities like Rome, Florence, and Mykonos. Her itineraries are well-suited for travelers looking for sun-drenched, culturally rich experiences in these popular regions, with a strong emphasis on beach clubs and lively port experiences.
What reviewers say
Valiant Lady
4.5/5Valiant Lady is an evolutionary step in Virgin Voyages' goal to disrupt the cruise industry by reimagining how we cruise. This sleek and stylish ship with hotel-like features caters to social cruisers looking to detox and retox.
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.
Itineraries to compare
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Valiant Lady
Scarlet Lady
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