What to Wear on Virgin Voyages: Dress Code & Themed Nights

There is no formal dress code on Virgin Voyages. No formal nights, no suit-and-tie requirements, no evening gown expectations. This is a deliberate departure from traditional cruise lines like Holland America, Celebrity, and Cunard, where formal nights require passengers to dress up or risk being turned away from the main dining room.

The overall vibe on Virgin Voyages is casual to smart-casual. During the day, you will see swimsuits, cover-ups, shorts, and T-shirts around the pool and casual dining areas. In the evenings, most guests elevate their look slightly for dinner at the reservation restaurants, but "elevate" here means a nice sundress, a collared shirt with fitted trousers, or a stylish jumpsuit. Not a tuxedo.

There are minimal guidelines rather than strict rules:

• Footwear required in all restaurants and indoor venues. Flip-flops are acceptable in casual spots but most guests opt for sandals or sneakers in the evening.
• No swimwear in restaurants. A cover-up or change of clothes is expected for dining, even at casual venues like The Galley.
• Shirts required in restaurants and indoor spaces. No shirtless dining for any gender.

For Canadian travellers used to the "what do I wear on formal night?" anxiety, this is liberating. You can leave the cocktail dresses and blazers at home if you want to. Some guests do dress up because they enjoy it, and that is welcomed too. The key word is choice: wear what makes you feel good, from casual to glamorous, and you will fit right in.

That said, Virgin Voyages attracts a style-conscious crowd. The average guest puts more thought into their wardrobe than you might see on a mass-market cruise line. Think of it as "Toronto King West on a Friday night" energy rather than "formal gala" energy. You do not need designer labels, but most people look put-together for evening activities.

Scarlet Night is Virgin Voyages' signature party, a shipwide celebration that transforms the entire vessel into a festival-like atmosphere with special performances, themed cocktails, and a climactic pool-deck party. It happens once per voyage, typically on a sea day evening.

The dress code for Scarlet Night is simple: wear red. This is enthusiastically encouraged but not strictly required. You will not be denied entry anywhere on the ship if you are not wearing red, but approximately 80-90 percent of guests participate, and you will feel noticeably out of place if you are the only one not in red.

What works for Scarlet Night:

• A red dress or outfit: The most popular choice. Does not need to be formal; a casual red sundress or red jumpsuit works perfectly.
• Red accessories: If you do not want to buy an entire red outfit for one night, add red accessories to a neutral outfit. A red scarf, red shoes, red jewellery, or a red pocket square all work.
• Red lipstick: A popular choice for guests who want to participate in the theme with minimal packing impact. Bold red lipstick with a black outfit reads as "Scarlet Night" and looks fantastic in photos.
• Any shade of red: Crimson, scarlet, burgundy, wine, coral, rust, or even orange-red all count. Do not stress about finding the "right" red.
• Creative interpretations: Some guests go all-out with red wigs, red face paint, red suits, or elaborate costumes. This is embraced and celebrated, but absolutely not expected.

The vibe of Scarlet Night is festive, not formal. Think of it as a themed house party, not a black-tie gala. The evening typically begins with a special dinner experience, transitions to performances and entertainment throughout the ship, and climaxes with a high-energy pool-deck party with a live DJ, fire performers, and sometimes a midnight swim. Dress for dancing and fun, not for sitting still.

For Canadian travellers, a red outfit from Zara, H&M, or a Canadian thrift shop is all you need. You do not need to invest in expensive clothing for one themed evening. The Winners and Marshalls stores across Canada are excellent for finding affordable red dresses and accessories in the weeks before your cruise.

Yes, the PJ Party is real, and yes, you wear actual pyjamas. This is one of the most unexpectedly fun events on Virgin Voyages, a late-night party where guests show up in their sleepwear and dance the night away.

The PJ Party typically takes place in The Manor (the ship's main entertainment venue and nightclub) on a designated evening during the voyage. It starts late, usually around 11:00 PM, and runs into the early morning hours.

What people actually wear:

• Fun pyjama sets: Matching pyjama tops and bottoms in bold prints, bright colours, or silly patterns are the most popular choice. Think flannel sets from La Vie en Rose or Peter Alexander-style statement pyjamas.
• Silk or satin pyjamas: For those who want a more glamorous pyjama look. These photograph beautifully and feel luxurious.
• Onesies: Animal onesies, character onesies, and novelty onesies make appearances and always get a great reaction from the crowd.
• Robes: A plush robe over a tank top and shorts is a perfectly acceptable PJ Party outfit.
• Comfortable loungewear: If you are not the "fun pyjamas" type, clean and presentable loungewear (joggers and a nice T-shirt) works fine. You will not be the only one taking a more understated approach.

The event is a genuine dance party with a DJ, not a quiet lounge event. Wear something you can move in. Slippers are fine for the walk to The Manor, but most people end up in bare feet or socks on the dance floor. Bring your cabin key card and ID in a small pocket or crossbody bag.

For Canadian travellers, this is an opportunity to pack something fun that doubles as actual sleepwear during the voyage. A dedicated PJ Party outfit that you also sleep in on other nights is a smart packing move. Canadian brands like Hatley and Little Blue House make excellent printed pyjama sets that are fun enough for the party and comfortable enough for sleeping. La Vie en Rose stores across Canada stock affordable pyjama sets in every style imaginable.

Packing tip: roll your PJ Party outfit inside a pair of shoes in your suitcase to save space. It will not wrinkle since pyjamas are supposed to look relaxed.

Packing for Virgin Voyages is simpler than packing for a traditional cruise line because there are no formal nights. A capsule wardrobe approach works perfectly. Here is a checklist tailored for Canadian travellers on a 5-7 night Caribbean sailing:

Daywear (3-4 outfits, mix and match):

• Shorts or casual skirts (2-3 pairs)
• T-shirts, tank tops, and casual tops (3-4)
• A lightweight coverup for transitioning from pool to casual dining
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for port days
• A hat and quality sunglasses (Canadian winter eyes are sensitive to Caribbean sun)

Dinner/Evening (3-4 outfits, smart-casual):

• Sundresses or jumpsuits (2-3 for women) or collared shirts with fitted trousers/chinos (2-3 for men)
• One slightly elevated outfit for your Wake or Test Kitchen dinner (a nicer dress, a linen blazer, or a polished look you feel confident in)
• Comfortable but presentable shoes: loafers, wedge sandals, clean sneakers, or strappy sandals all work

Themed Night Outfits:

• Scarlet Night: one red outfit or red accessories (see above section for ideas)
• PJ Party: one fun pyjama set that doubles as actual sleepwear during the voyage

Beach and Pool:

• Swimsuits (2, so one can dry while you wear the other)
• Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 50+ (bring from Canada; the ship's shop charges a premium)
• Waterproof phone case (essential for Beach Club at Bimini)
• Water shoes if you plan to explore rocky beaches or snorkel from shore

Fitness and Wellness:

• Workout wear (1-2 outfits). Group fitness classes are included and the gym is well-equipped.
• Running shoes if you plan to use the outdoor running track
• Yoga mat is optional; the ship provides them for classes

Canadian-Specific Essentials:

• A warm layer for the flight home. Returning to Toronto Pearson, Montreal Trudeau, or Vancouver International in January wearing a sundress is a rookie mistake. Pack a foldable down jacket in your carry-on for the return.
• Two bottles of wine (750 mL each) in your carry-on. Remember: wine and champagne only, no liquor or beer. Wrap in thick clothing for protection.
• A no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card (Scotiabank Passport Visa, Brim Mastercard, or similar). This saves 2.5 percent on every onboard and port purchase.
• Travel insurance documentation. Canadian provincial health coverage is minimal outside the country. Ensure you have comprehensive travel medical insurance before departing.
• Your passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your sailing date). Canadian passport processing times can be lengthy; check your expiry date at least 3 months before your cruise.