Virgin After Dark: What Really Happens at Night on Virgin Voyages
One of the best parts of being on a Virgin Voyages cruise is what happens after the sun goes down. It’s not just dinners and shows. It’s late-night snacks, surprise parties, secret bars, karaoke, and somehow ending up in the arcade at 1 AM wondering how the night flew by.
So if you’re wondering what you’ll be doing once the lights go low and the music turns up, this one’s for you. Let’s talk Virgin After Dark!
What Bars Stay Open (and Which Ones Don’t)
Richard’s Rooftop
If you’re in Rockstar or Mega Rockstar, you have access. That rooftop bar is gorgeous during the day and perfect for a sunset cocktail, but don’t expect it to be open late. The bar usually shuts down around 7, maybe 8. The rooftop itself stays open though, so if you want to take a glass of wine up there and stargaze in the hot tub or on a lounge chair, it’s one of the most peaceful spots on the ship at night. Just don’t expect a party up there.
The Dock and Dock House
These are stunning in the early evening but they also close early. The dock is the outdoor area at the back of the ship with those dreamy daybeds and the dock house is the indoor version with more lounge seating. Music sometimes plays early but not usually late. I really think Virgin should do more events back there at night because the vibes are amazing.
Athletic Club Bar and Pool Bars
The athletic bar on Deck 16 also shuts down early unless it’s PJ Party night. Same for the pool bars and the Gym and Tonic bar. These all close once the action starts to shift inside, which happens pretty quickly after dinner.
So Where Should You Go? Bars That Stay Poppin’ After Dark
The Social Club
I love this one. It’s a great spot to hang out, grab a snack, and play games. They have every board game you can think of. I’ve played Trouble, Cards Against Humanity, that meme caption game. It’s fun and relaxed and always has people around late at night. Plus the snacks are right there so you can keep the fun going without having to go far.
The Arcade
If I had a dollar for every time I ended up in the arcade tipsy at midnight trying to sober up before bed, I’d be sailing free for life. It’s right next to the Social Club and it’s always open. You’ll find Tapper, Donkey Kong, all the throwback games.
Loose Cannon
This is my favorite hidden gem on the ship. Nobody ever knows where it is. It’s tucked way in the back behind the Social Club and it looks like a nautical dive bar. Total pirate vibes. They have my favorite drink ever called the Shocktopus. It’s served on an octopus stand with five big drinks. Not little shots. These are full pours. It’s technically a group drink. Ask me how I found that out the hard way.
They also do trivia in there sometimes and the whole place feels like a secret. It’s never packed, which is another reason I love it. Great for a chill night with friends or a fun pregame stop before the Manor.
Draught Haus
Craft beer, artisanal brews, and an all-day breakfast sandwich. Yes, please. They also serve a jellyfish shot that looks incredible but tastes like regret. I think it had fireball in it. I’m not doing fireball ever again. But it’s worth ordering once just for the photo.
The Sip Lounge
Elegant, moody, classy, and one of my favorite places for a late night martini. They do acoustic music up there and it’s not stuffy at all. It’s very blue and very beautiful. The bartenders love to get creative so if you ask for something fun, they will make it fun.
Where the Night Really Happens
This is where everything centers once it gets later. Deck 6 and 7 is where the action is.
On the Rocks
This is where the live bands and cabaret acts go wild. It gets loud and rowdy in the best way. The bartenders are fast, the energy is high, and it’s packed every night. You can grab a seat and get served or stand around and vibe with the crowd.
The Casino Bar
Tiny but mighty. This bar stays open late. Real late. It’s where everyone ends up when the Manor closes. It’s small with only a few seats but the drinks come out fast. If you’re still up at 2 or 3 in the morning, you’ll probably end up here.
The Manor
This is the nightclub. It’s where the themed parties happen and it’s open super late. I’ve danced in here until 3:30 in the morning. Scarlet Night After Party, Heartbeat, Studio 72, all the big parties happen in the Manor. The music depends on the DJ. I’ll stay if there’s good bass and lyrics. I’m too old for just the beat.
Nighttime Parties and Events
Scarlet Night
Everyone dresses in red. It’s the biggest night of the cruise and you do not want to miss it. The party starts around 10:45 at the pool and ends at midnight. Then it moves to the Manor for the after party. Go early if you want the best spot and definitely order the Scarlet Night drink called High on Life. It’s red, glittery, and delicious.
PJ Party
This happens in the Athletic Club. It used to lead into an afterparty in the Manor but now it ends upstairs. Still fun, still worth doing. Wear your pajamas and bring your best late night energy.
The Groupie
Private karaoke rooms that stay open until midnight. You’ll need to bring your own drinks from the Sip because there’s no bar inside and no servers. Still, it’s such a good time. Go with your friends and let loose.
The Grog Walk
This is Virgin’s version of a bar crawl. You go from bar to bar playing icebreaker games and getting themed drinks. You’ll meet a lot of people, especially solo travelers. It costs extra but it’s worth it, especially on night one. Just make sure your group signs up for the same grog walk location or you’ll be split up. It usually ends at the PJ Party so you can keep the fun going.
What to Eat Late at Night
The Pizza Place
Get there by 1:30 if you want to avoid the line. It closes at 2. My best friend Kelly has literally dragged me out of the Manor mid-dance yelling that we’re going to miss pizza. It’s fresh, it’s made to order, and they sometimes have daily specials. Don’t miss it.
The Galley
If you miss pizza, your options are limited. You’ll find burgers and breakfast food. But I need to warn you. Sometimes burgers close down and your only choice is eggs. Yes, eggs. I’ve stood there drunk at 2 in the morning eating eggs and questioning everything. Potatoes and bacon are up there too. But eggs at 2 AM just don’t hit the same.
ShipEats
You can always order room service. It costs a small fee unless you order a paid drink with it, like coffee or wine. In that case, you just pay for the drink and the delivery fee is waived. Genius. Use your bar tab for that if you have one.
Social Club Snacks
Hot dogs, wings, popcorn, sweets, Swedish Fish, red vines, cake pops, chocolate bark, marshmallows. Yes, I know everything on that counter. No judgment. It hits just right.
Late Night Entertainment
All the shows happen in the evening and usually have two showtimes so you can pick what works with your dinner plans. No more reservations are required. Just show up early. Especially for Misbehave because that one fills up fast.
Some of the shows you might see:
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Untitled Dance Show Party Thingy
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Dual Reality
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A Ship Show
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Misbehave
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Persephone
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Another Rose
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Lola’s Library
Another Rose is the only one that costs extra but it is so worth it. It comes with dinner and drinks and it is incredible. Use your Sailor Loot and book it early if you’re on Resilient Lady.
Final Thoughts
So for everyone who says there’s nothing to do after dark on Virgin Voyages, I hope this proved you wrong. Between the shows, the bars, the parties, the late night eats, and just wandering the ship in your pajamas playing Tapper at 2 in the morning, I promise there is always something to do.
Thanks for hanging out with me. You can follow me on Facebook at Samantha Fabulous Adventures Travel, join our community in Virgin Voyages Cruise Tips and Deals, and check me out on Instagram at Samantha’s Travels.
And as always, you float our boat!
