Virgin Voyages theme nights and what to pack

Quick answer: Virgin Voyages has two nights where it asks you to dress the part: Scarlet Night, when the ship wears red, and the PJ Party, when it wears pajamas. There are no formal nights and no dress code. Pack one red look, one pajama look you are happy to be seen in, and otherwise relaxed resort clothes.

The two theme nights Virgin names

Virgin is upfront that it does not run the usual cruise parade of themed parties. Its FAQ says it builds themes into the entertainment instead, and the two it names as dress-up occasions are these.

Our Scarlet Night guide covers that evening in detail. Virgin does not publish which night of a sailing either party falls on, so wait for the Lineup in the Virgin Voyages app before you plan around them.

Virgin’s entertainment page also lists party and show titles such as Klub Rubiks (billed as not your average 80s party), Y2K, Club Caliente and It’s a Rock Show-ke: 90’s(ish). It does not publish dress guidance for those, and your sailing’s Lineup shows which ones are on, so treat them as a bonus rather than something to pack for. If a decade night is on your Lineup, an accessory or a T-shirt is plenty.

What Virgin says about dress code generally

Virgin’s line is that there are no strict dress codes, no formal nights and no formal dining rooms, including at its steakhouse. It asks for two things: wear more than a swimsuit in the restaurants, and wear shoes indoors. Beyond that, it suggests dressing like yourself while keeping shared spaces comfortable for everyone. Virgin’s own packing advice describes evening clothes as elevated casual: collared shirts, tailored trousers, jeans, dresses and skirts.

A packing list that covers both nights

This assumes a 4 to 5 night Caribbean sailing. Add a day’s worth of basics for each extra night, or plan one laundry bag mid-voyage.

• One red look. A red dress, shirt, jumpsuit or set, or neutrals plus one strong red piece (shoes, a jacket, a scarf). Red lipstick or a red accessory counts.
• One pajama look. Something you would not mind being photographed in on a dance floor: a matching set, a silky robe over shorts, or a onesie.
• Shoes you can dance in. Both nights are on your feet, and Scarlet Night moves between decks.
• Three or four daytime outfits. Shorts, tanks, T-shirts, light dresses and a cover-up.
• Two or three evening outfits. Elevated casual is the ceiling.
• Two swimsuits, so one dries while you wear the other.
• A light layer for air-conditioned venues and breezy decks.
• Walking shoes for port days, plus sandals.
• Wrinkle-release spray and a laundry bag, both on Virgin’s own suggested list.

What to leave at home

• A clothing iron. Clothing irons are not allowed. Think twice about a travel steamer too: Virgin’s prohibited items list bans appliances with a heating element, with hair curling irons, hair straighteners and hair dryers as the stated exceptions. Use the ship’s pressing service instead; see our laundry guide.
• Formalwear. No black-tie nights means no gown or tuxedo needed, unless you want to wear one in red.
• Replica weapons as costume props. Replica firearms and ammunition are on Virgin’s prohibited list.
• Extra power strips. Virgin says extension cords and multi-plug strips are subject to inspection by the ship’s electrician.

If you are sailing with a group

Theme nights are where a group shows up together in photos, so decide early how coordinated you want to be. Some groups match exact colors or prints; others agree on one shared accent and leave the rest to each person. Settle it before anyone shops, especially if people are flying in from different cities and cannot swap pieces at the last minute. Groups on our hosted group sailings meet in the Nautir app before boarding, which is a natural place to sort out who is wearing what.

Cabin-mates should also share the plan for getting ready. One mirror and two outfits changes at 8 PM is a real constraint. Take turns, or have one person get ready first and hold seats at the opening event.

If you are sailing solo

Both nights are easy to attend alone. Everyone is in costume, which takes the edge off walking into a room by yourself, and a red outfit or a ridiculous pajama set is an easy conversation opener. Virgin also runs meet-ups for solo Sailors. See our solo sailings page for Virgin voyages with other solo travelers already booked.