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Your First Night On Board

The initial evening on the ship is packed with events like the Sail Away, Grog Walk, and PJ Party, don’t forget essential tasks to complete before embarking on your voyage.

Three people eating pizza
Grab Pizza at the Pizza Place © Photo by Virgin Voyages

Getting on Board (1:30pm – 4:00pm)

Before you set sail for your first night you’ll need to step aboard! If you don’t have early boarding privileges, ensure you adhere to your selected boarding time. Choose this time as soon as you book your voyage to maintain order during boarding.

Booking Events and Restaurants

Upon boarding, secure reservations for additional events like Bungee Classes, Grog Walk, events, restaurants, and shore excursions. Plan your voyage by reserving exciting experiences and dining options to ensure an easy time on board.

Getting Lunch

As soon as you get on board lunch will be served. either head to The Galley, food court for lunch with stations offering paninis, tacos, noodles, salad, and more. The Pizza Place and Social Club are also open for fresh pizzas and hot dogs.

Two people drinking milkshakes and eating popcorn at a diner-style bar
The Social Club on board© Photo by Virgin Voyages

Muster Drill (4:00pm – 5:30pm)

International Maritime Law dictates that you must visit your muster station before the vessel can sail. You will find the name of your muster station in the Virgin Voyages app and should watch the safety video in the app or on your cabin TV before hand. There will be a ship-wide announcement when it is time to visit your muster.

When you arrive at your muster station you will check-in with your wristband. You will need to watch a short demonstration of the lifejackets. Once this is over you can start enjoying your vacation!

Solo Sailor Meetup (5:00pm-5:30pm)

For solo sailors, a meetup will be hosted at The Athletic Club just before the sail-away party. This is a perfect chance to connect with other solo travelers before the main event. The Happenings Cast will guide everyone to the “Let’s Set Sail” party together.​

Let’s Set Sail: Sail Away Party (5:30pm – 7:00pm)

Late in the afternoon you should start heading to the pool deck. The Sail Away Party is an excellent way to start your voyage. Free bubbles will be served around the pool and there is a special toast to celebrate sailing ahead, courtesy of The Happenings Cast.

The resident DJ will get the party started with poolside dancing and good vibes from the mingling Happenings Cast around the Aquatic Club.

Dancers dressed in red in a pool
The sail away party, ‘Let’s Set Sail’ is your first opportunity to meet all of your fabulous Happenings Cast© Photo by VVInsider

Dinner

With so much going on you may want to opt for an early dinner reservation on your first night around 6:30pm – 7:00pm to take advantage of the night’s activities. Other options include quick meals at The Galley or Ship Eats: Room Service for ease.

Grog Walk (9:00pm-10:30pm)

A great way to meet fellow sailors on the first night is by joining The Grog Walk, a bar crawl led by members of The Happenings Cast. With games and activities designed to get you talking to other sailors, this is a great way to socialise. It’s a must-do event with unique games and scavenger hunts, offering a fantastic start to your voyage.

PJ Party (11:00pm – Late)

Another first night must-do is the PJ Party. A ’90s and ’00s inspired disco with dancing and singing provided my The Happenings Cast. There is even an impromptu PJ competition for those that want to shine brightest!

A group of people dressed in red partying in a red room
Virgin Voyages’ unique entertainment is just one of the reasons they were voted number one© Photo by Virgin Voyages

Your First Night

Your first night aboard is bound to be eventful. Whether you choose to participate in various activities or prefer a relaxing time at the Redemption Spa with Ship Eats Room Service in the cabin, the choice is yours. Enjoy your vacation on Virgin Voyages!

About the author

Co-Founder and Editor. An iOS developer and writer with a passion for theme parks and extensive cruise experience, blending technical know how with a love for Virgin Voyages nearing 15 sailings around the world.

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9 Comments

  1. Claire says:

    Is there no Richards rooftop happy hour on night one 5-6 due to the muster drill flowing into the Sail away party? That kinda makes sense now that i type it.

    1. Rob Sammons says:

      Richard’s Sunset Happy Hour is still offered on the first day for rockstars. Personally I recommend grabbing a drink from there then heading to the main sail away 🙂

  2. Margie RolamM says:

    I’m a solo cruiser and a widow I’m scared, but I have to get out this depression.I need help.My computer skills are awful.

    1. Rob Sammons says:

      Hi Margie, you’re going to have an amazing time on board just go with the flow and also know that even if you don’t have computer skills they have people on hand to assist and to help with reservations etc. Lot’s of resources on our website to help learn too

      1. Chrissie Gay says:

        Hi Margie , well done on taking this step – I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time ! There’s a couple of solos meet-ups and a WhatsApp group for the solo sailors if you wanted to join that.
        See you on board! Chrissie

  3. Kenny Havenar says:

    This will be our first VV! Can’t wait to get this party started!!! Thanks for the info!

    1. VV Insider says:

      Have an amazing time !

      1. Kathy says:

        Day 2 on Nov. 10 sail from Miami is my bday! So ready to celebrate with my fellow sailors!

  4. barbara says:

    so much to do, see, find! sounds a bit awesome! excited!

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