The quick answer: Scarlet Night is Virgin Voyages’ signature onboard party — a once-per-voyage event that transforms the ship’s pool deck into an all-red, immersive celebration with DJs, aerial performers, themed cocktails, and a dress code that’s simple: wear something red. According to Steve Griswold, a travel advisor at Pixie Vacations who helps hundreds of clients book Virgin Voyages each year, “Scarlet Night is the single most talked-about experience on any VV cruise. Every client who’s been on one tells us it was the highlight of their entire trip.”
What Is Scarlet Night on Virgin Voyages?
Scarlet Night is Virgin Voyages’ marquee event — a themed party that happens once during every sailing, typically on the second or third night of the voyage. The entire ship transforms for the evening, with the pool deck becoming the main stage for an adults-only celebration that blends live performances, DJ sets, immersive theater, and a high-energy party atmosphere.
Think of it as the cruise equivalent of a top-tier music festival crossed with a Cirque du Soleil after-party. It’s unlike anything offered by Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or any other major cruise line.
When Does Scarlet Night Happen?
Scarlet Night happens once per voyage, usually on night 2 or 3 of your cruise. The exact date is announced at the beginning of your sailing. On a typical 4-5 night Caribbean itinerary, expect it on a sea day evening so the party can run late without an early port arrival the next morning.
The event kicks off around 10:00-10:30 PM and runs until 2:00 AM or later. You’ll receive a notification in the Virgin Voyages Sailor App with the exact schedule for your voyage.
What to Wear to Scarlet Night
The dress code is simple: wear red. That’s the only rule. Some sailors go all-out with red sequined dresses and suits, while others keep it simple with a red t-shirt or accessories. Here are some tips:
- Pack at least one red item — a dress, shirt, tie, scarf, or even red shoes
- Red accessories count — lipstick, sunglasses, jewelry, hats
- Go bold — the more red, the more fun (full red outfits get the most compliments)
- Comfort matters — you’ll be dancing for hours, so wear comfortable shoes
- Don’t stress — if you forget to pack red, the onboard shop sells red items specifically for Scarlet Night
What Happens During Scarlet Night: Hour by Hour
Pre-Party (8:00-10:00 PM)
The ship starts building the atmosphere early. Red lighting takes over the common areas, specialty cocktails appear at the bars, and the energy shifts. This is a great time to have dinner at one of the included restaurants — The Wake or Pink Agave are popular pre-Scarlet Night choices.
Main Event (10:00 PM-12:00 AM)
The pool deck transforms into the main stage. Professional DJs play a mix of electronic, pop, and dance music. Aerial acrobats perform above the pool. Fire dancers appear. The crowd is fully in red, the drinks are flowing, and the energy is electric. This is the peak of the experience.
After-Party (12:00-2:00+ AM)
The main event winds down but the party continues at multiple venues. The Manor (the ship’s nightclub) keeps the music going with a late-night DJ set. The Athletic Club sometimes hosts after-hours events. The Red Room may have a late-night immersive performance.
Scarlet Night Drinks and Food
Special Scarlet Night cocktails are available at bars around the ship — typically red-themed drinks exclusive to the event. The Galley food hall stays open late for post-party snacking. If you have a bar tab or drink package, your Scarlet Night cocktails are covered. If not, expect to pay $12-16 per specialty cocktail.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Scarlet Night
- Eat dinner early — Book your dinner reservation for 7:00 or 7:30 PM so you’re done and ready by 10:00
- Arrive early to the pool deck — The best spots fill up fast; get there by 9:45 PM
- Pre-order drinks — The bar lines get long during the peak; order before the main acts start
- Bring your phone charged — You’ll want photos and videos (the Sailor App also has Scarlet Night features)
- Don’t skip it — Even if you’re not a “party person,” the production value alone is worth seeing for 30 minutes
- Book a sea day sailing — Itineraries with more sea days tend to place Scarlet Night on a day where you can sleep in the next morning
Is Scarlet Night Worth It?
Absolutely. Even sailors who don’t typically enjoy nightlife consistently rate Scarlet Night as a highlight. The production quality, the atmosphere, the crowd energy — it all comes together into something that feels genuinely special. It’s one of the key reasons people book Virgin Voyages over other cruise lines.
According to Steve Griswold at Pixie Vacations, “We’ve never had a single client come back from a VV cruise and say Scarlet Night wasn’t worth it. It’s the one thing every first-time VV cruiser asks about, and it delivers every time.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scarlet Night included in my cruise fare?
Yes. Scarlet Night is a complimentary event included with every Virgin Voyages booking. The only costs are drinks if you don’t have a bar tab package.
Do I have to attend Scarlet Night?
No, it’s optional. But we highly recommend at least checking it out for 30-60 minutes — the production value is spectacular even if you leave before the after-party.
What if I don’t have anything red to wear?
The onboard shops sell red clothing and accessories specifically for Scarlet Night. You can also wear red lipstick, a red scarf, or any red accessory — there’s no strict enforcement.
Is Scarlet Night on every Virgin Voyages ship?
Yes. Scarlet Night happens on all four VV ships: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady. The format is similar across all ships.
Ready to Experience Scarlet Night?
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