Updated 2026-03-19 · By Sean Mills

Virgin Voyages vs Celebrity Cruises — A Canadian's Comparison

The Verdict

Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises are the two closest competitors in the premium-contemporary space. Virgin Voyages wins on dining inclusion (all 20+ restaurants free) and adults-only atmosphere. Celebrity wins on cabin luxury (especially suites), itinerary variety, and availability for families. For Canadian couples and adult groups, Virgin Voyages typically offers more value.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Feature	Virgin Voyages	Celebrity Cruises
Adults Only	Yes — 18+ only	No — all ages welcome
Dining Included	All 20+ restaurants, no surcharges	Main dining + buffet included; specialty costs $45-$75+ extra
Wi-Fi	Basic Starlink included	Included in some fare packages; otherwise $15-$20/day
Gratuities	$20/day prepaid	$18.50-$21.50/day auto-charged
Dress Code	No formal nights	Evening Chic nights (smart casual to semi-formal)
Ship Size	~2,770 guests	2,100-3,400 guests
Fleet Size	4 ships	17+ ships
Loyalty Program	None currently	Captain's Club (tiered benefits)

Choose Virgin Voyages If You Want...

✓ Adults-only guarantee
✓ All dining included (20+ restaurants)
✓ Casual, no-formal-nights atmosphere
✓ Canadians who want to book in CAD with Agent Loot
✓ First-time cruisers who think they don't like cruises

Choose Celebrity Cruises If You Want...

✓ Travellers who want a wider range of itineraries
✓ Guests who value cabin luxury and suite-class experience
✓ Groups that include guests under 18
✓ Cruisers who prefer a quieter, more traditional premium atmosphere
✓ Travellers who want loyalty program benefits (Captain's Club)

Dining: Where Virgin Voyages Pulls Ahead

Virgin Voyages includes all dining at 20+ restaurants with no cover charges or supplements. Celebrity Cruises includes the main dining room and Oceanview Cafe (buffet), but specialty restaurants like Le Petit Chef, Raw on 5, and Steakhouse at The Lawn Club carry surcharges of $45-$75 per person.

For Canadians who enjoy trying multiple restaurants on a cruise, Virgin Voyages delivers significantly more included value.

The Atmosphere Difference

Both lines target a similar demographic — premium-seeking adults — but the execution is different. Virgin Voyages has a younger, festival-influenced energy with DJs, Scarlet Night, and a no-formal-dress-code policy. Celebrity has a more refined, traditional premium feel with Evening Chic dress codes and a quieter onboard atmosphere.

Canadian couples who enjoy a livelier atmosphere lean toward Virgin Voyages. Those who prefer a calmer, more sophisticated environment often prefer Celebrity.

Not sure which line is right for you?

Sean sells both Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises. He'll give you an honest recommendation based on your group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Virgin Voyages or Celebrity better for Canadian couples?

Both are excellent for couples, but they offer different experiences. Virgin Voyages guarantees an adults-only environment with all dining included. Celebrity offers a more refined atmosphere with suite-class perks but allows children on board.

Which has better value — Virgin Voyages or Celebrity?

Virgin Voyages typically offers better total value because all dining at 20+ restaurants is included. Celebrity's base fares can be lower, but specialty dining surcharges ($45-$75/person) and Wi-Fi charges add up quickly.

Comparison by Sean Mills — the only Canadian Virgin Voyages First Mate in the Top 100 for three consecutive years. Sean is also a top seller of Celebrity Cruises and can help with bookings on either line. About Sean →