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Halloween Sailings – What to Expect from Virgin Voyages 2023 Spooky Season

October approaches and with it comes the chilly allure of Halloween — that time of year when spooky legends, creepy decor, and candy corn reign supreme. But while many of us are used to the same trite celebrations, Virgin Voyages® offers an enticing alternative: a Halloween celebration at sea.

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Two people dance with skeleton face paint wearing long sparkling dresses in an outdoor settings under bright lights at night.
Don your spookiest costume for Halloween at sea! © Photo by Virgin Voyages®

Spooky Season is Nearly Here

October approaches and with it comes the chilly allure of Halloween — that time of year when spooky legends, creepy decor, and candy corn reign supreme. But while many of us are used to the same trite celebrations, Virgin Voyages® offers an enticing alternative: a Halloween celebration at sea. If the idea of trading in cobwebbed living rooms for the vast expanse of the ocean sends shivers down your spine, then read on.

a packed dance floor with bright lighting in the foreground
The Manor nightclub will awaken for the ‘Fright Night’ costume party© Photo by Virgin Voyages®

Trading Land for Waves

As most of us have experienced, the traditional Halloween party can, unfortunately, end up being more lackluster than spine-tingling. Cue the entrance of Virgin Voyages® and their ambitious plan to revamp the Halloween experience. Promising an adults-only voyage, the Scarlet Lady, departing from Miami, will be at the forefront of these unique Halloween celebrations, closely followed by the Resilient Lady and Valiant Lady ships.

More Treats, Fewer Tricks

Virgin Voyages® seems to be appealing to those looking for a more mature take on Halloween. Their 18+ cruises are boldly shying away from typical trick-or-treating. Instead, they introduce a “Charmer,” a character that remains intriguingly vague but is likely there to serve guests with magic tricks or perhaps some alluring dance performances. While it’s an intriguing touch, the success of this feature will depend on its execution.

The culinary experience, always a standout on Virgin Voyages®, will be geared towards a more mature audience as well, with specialty treats and themed drinks across their bars and eateries.

Two colourful cocktail drinks against a brightly lit bar background
Keep an eye on bar menus for speciality cocktails during the events© Photo by kofookoo.de

Halloween Highs and High Seas

But the crux of Virgin’s Halloween offering is undoubtedly its events. The Haunted Halloween Costume Party promises high-value prizes for the most jaw-dropping costumes. So if you were fretting about missing that neighborhood house party, Virgin seems confident that their offering will more than make up for it.

“Fright Night” is another promising feature. Dubbed as the “Scarlet Night Halloween takeover”, it teases the sailor with heart-pounding surprises. While the specifics remain elusive, given Virgin’s reputation for immersive experiences, one can expect a memorable night.

Dates and Details

For the meticulous planner, the Halloween voyages on the Scarlet Lady will stretch from Friday, October 13th, through to November 1st, while the Resilient Lady and Valiant Lady have reserved October 31st for their Halloween festivities. While it’s a tad disappointing that the latter two ships offer a more limited Halloween experience, the onboard itinerary still boasts a line-up designed to keep spirits high, including costume parties, Halloween trivia, and the ambiguously titled ‘Halloween Happenings show’.

You can find a list of Halloween sailings on the Virgin Voyages® website.

In Conclusion

Virgin Voyages® is attempting to redefine the Halloween experience. It’s an ambitious move, trading the familiar settings of home and neighborhood for the unpredictable allure of the high seas. While there are many tantalizing teasers, much remains under wraps. As always, the real success of such ventures lies in their execution. But given Virgin’s track record, sailors can be cautiously optimistic about a Halloween that might just be more treat than trick. Only time, and perhaps a few brave VV Insiders, will tell.

About the author

Co-Founder and Director. David has a background in web design and development and writes travel content, vacation guides and tips about Virgin Voyages.


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