If you’ve sailed with me before, you know I love talking about food. And while everyone always wants to know which restaurant is the best, some of my favorite Virgin food tips have nothing to do with the restaurants people spend months trying to book.

These are the things I find myself getting over and over again on Virgin Voyages.

My Favorite Virgin Food Tip: Get the Filet at The Wake for Lunch

I feel like nobody talks about this enough.

Everyone knows The Wake is great for dinner, but hear me out: go for lunch and order the filet mignon.

Not only is it delicious, but lunch at The Wake has a completely different vibe. It’s more relaxed, easier to fit into your day, and you still get one of the best steaks on the ship. Every time I do it, I wonder why more people aren’t talking about it.

I Will Die on This Hill: The Popcorn Is Amazing

I know how ridiculous this sounds.

Out of all the incredible food on Virgin Voyages, why am I talking about popcorn?

Because it’s that good.

I don’t know what they put in it, and I don’t care. If I’m walking by and smell it, there’s a very good chance I’m stopping. It’s become one of those little Virgin traditions for me.

Don’t Sleep on the Galley Burger

Can we talk about the burger for a second?

Everyone gets so focused on the specialty restaurants that they forget some of the best food is sitting right there in The Galley.

Sometimes after a busy port day, I don’t want a fancy meal. I want a burger. And Virgin’s burger never disappoints. It’s one of those things I end up craving before my next sailing.

You Don’t Get Extra Points for Trying Everything

This might be my most controversial Virgin food tip.

If you find something you absolutely love, order it again.

I see so many first-time sailors trying to maximize every meal because they don’t want to miss out. Meanwhile, I’m over here happily ordering my favorite thing for the second or third time because I know it’s going to make me happy.

There are no food awards being handed out at the end of the cruise. Eat what you love.

Final Thoughts

Virgin Voyages has some incredible restaurants, but some of my favorite food memories onboard come from the little things. The lunch filet at The Wake, a bag of popcorn between activities, or that burger from The Galley that somehow always hits the spot.

Trust me on these Virgin food tips. Your future cruise self will thank you.

Samantha Robichaud is a Top 10 Virgin First Mate 4 years in a row and has sailed over 50 times! Check out her podcast, Talk Virgin to Me, if you would like more Virgin Voyages tips and tricks!