Virgin Voyages is adding a new type of cruise

Virgin Voyages was built on the idea of ​​changing the way cruises work.

The cruise line has made many changes to what people expect from a cruise. It does not offer, for example, a main dining room. Instead, the cruise line’s “specialty” restaurants are part of the base fare.

Related: Royal Caribbean is quietly making big changes that adults won’t like

Virgin Voyages has also replaced the traditional self-service buffet with a food court offering a collection of different restaurants. The cruise line also includes most non-alcoholic beverages, except specialty coffee, as part of your fare.

In its effort to reshape the cruise industry, Virgin Voyages also only serves passengers over the age of 18. That means not only are there no children on its ships, but the cruise line doesn’t have to dedicate space to younger cruisers.

It’s a work in progress, and Virgin Voyages has shared plans to continue remaking the industry, this time changing where some of its ships will go, while also offering new programming on some of those ships.

Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or first) cruise.

Virgin Voyages will offer what it calls “Ast

Image source: Virgin Voyages.

Virgin Voyages reaches for the stars

In addition to its on-board changes, Virgin Voyages wants to offer a different kind of cruise that taps into an emerging trend.

“Virgin Voyages looks to the stars (and the sun) as inspiration for the brand’s future journeys. Astrotourism—wonderful travel getaways for the sole purpose of stargazing—has taken off in recent years, reports National Geographic. The next few years are expected to provide some of the most stunning auroras, solar eclipses, constellations and comets,” the cruise line said.

Richard Branson, who owns the cruise line, also owns Virgin Galactic, a company that takes passengers into space. The two companies are not affiliated, but Virgin Voyages will also reach for the stars with its first Eclipse Voyages as part of its newest series: Marvelous Voyages.

“A total solar eclipse is one of the most spectacular astronomical phenomena to witness, right up there with the aurora. There’s a reason eclipse watchers travel the world to see them! During the total solar eclipse of 2026, much of the path of totality has come to an end. sea, making a cruise one of the best ways to catch the show,” said space and travel journalist Stefanie Waldek in a comment shared by the cruise line.

READ ALSO: The best travel agents tell you how to get the best price on your cruise

Eclipse Voyages are scheduled for August 2026, giving sailors (Virgin Voyage’s term for passengers) the opportunity to sail into the path of totality.

“While these epic 12- and 15-night itineraries are incredible on their own – stops include Dublin, Glasgow and Reykjavik aboard Valiant Lady and the Amalfi Coast, Mallorca and Cannes on Scarlet Lady – Virgin Voyages ups the ante with on-board specials. events and appearances to mark the spirit of the voyage,” the cruise line added.

Taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to get all your questions answered.