Scarlet Night on Virgin Voyages: what it is and what to wear
Checked against the cruise line’s own pages. Policies change, so we confirm the details on your booking before you pay.
Scarlet Night is Virgin Voyages’ signature party: a ship-wide night of pop-up performances, live music and storytelling that moves across Decks 6 and 7 and ends with a pool dance party on Deck 15. What to wear is simple: something red. It’s included in your fare (drinks are charged as usual), and Virgin lists it on all four of its ships. It is the one night worth packing a specific outfit for.
What Scarlet Night is
Virgin frames Scarlet Night as a fabled holiday honoring the moon, the sea and the people who travel on it. The story centers on the Octopus Goddess and her Sailor, and the evening retells it in music, dance performances and even an honorary wedding between the two.
You don’t have to follow a script. Virgin says what you do is up to you, and that every Scarlet Night can be different depending on where you explore. Follow the whole story or drift between the parts you like.
How the night unfolds
Virgin’s own Scarlet Night guide lays the evening out in this order:
| Part | Where | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| The Myth of Scarlet Night | The Roundabout | A storytelling opener hosted by the Happenings Cast |
| Opening Event | The Roundabout | Music, dancing, a toast and the first play of the Scarlet Night theme song |
| Activations | Decks 6 and 7 | Surprise performances, acrobatics and secret happenings around the ship |
| The Octopus Garden | The Red Room | The Octopus Goddess tells the tale in a music-driven performance |
| The Pool Party | Deck 15, around the pool | The finale, weather permitting. Expect to get a little wet |
| The After Party | The Manor | Pop hits for anyone who wants to keep going |
That guide says the opener is typically held at 8 PM and the opening event at 9 PM. Treat those as a starting point and confirm the times in the app on the day: Virgin publishes the full lineup daily under Discover > Lineup.
Our advice: start at the Roundabout, as Virgin suggests, and follow the cast. If you only catch one indoor moment, make it the Red Room. Then go up for the pool party, which Virgin calls a highlight of the night.
What to wear
Virgin’s ask is to “Keep it Red.” That can mean head-to-toe red or a subtle splash, and you can dress casually, elegantly or anywhere in between. There are no dress code rules, so nobody will turn you away for wearing the wrong thing.
A few practical notes from us:
- Pack it from home. One red outfit you like is enough. You’ll want it to work both indoors and on a pool deck at night.
- Think about your shoes. The night moves between decks and ends around the pool, so wear something you can walk, dance and stand in.
- Use the Glam Station. Virgin sets up a Scarlet Night Glam Station before the party if you want extra sparkle.
- Get the photo. If you use the Scarlet Night photo booth, type your email carefully, because pictures are delivered digitally. Check your spam folder, and grab them during the trip: Virgin says it doesn’t keep photos after the voyage ends.
Fitting dinner around it
Scarlet Night doesn’t replace dinner, so plan your evening around it. We suggest an earlier dinner reservation that night so you’re finished before the opener at the Roundabout.
Because the lineup appears in the app once you’re onboard, you may have booked dinners before you know which night it is. If your reservation clashes, change it in the app’s Planner tab or at the restaurant. If you’d rather not sit down at all, The Galley, The Dock and The Pizza Place need no reservation. Our dining reservations guide explains when booking opens on each fare.
The PJ Party
Scarlet Night isn’t the only dress-up night. Virgin lists the PJ Party on every ship too, and the dress code is exactly what it sounds like: pajamas. Cozy, zany and onesies are all welcome. If your sailing has one, pack something you’re happy to be seen in outside your cabin.
Where to go next
For the rest of your days onboard, read a perfect sea day. Sailing on your own? Scarlet Night is one of the easiest nights to meet people, and our solo sailing guide covers the rest. For the full packing list, start with know before you go.
Quick answers
What is Scarlet Night on Virgin Voyages?
It is Virgin's signature ship-wide party: pop-up performances, live music and music-driven storytelling across Decks 6 and 7, ending with a red-themed pool dance party on Deck 15, weather permitting.
What should I wear to Scarlet Night?
Something red. Virgin's line is "Keep it Red," whether that means head to toe or a small splash of color, and you can go casual or elegant because there are no dress code rules. A Scarlet Night Glam Station is available before the party if you want extra sparkle.
Is Scarlet Night on every Virgin Voyages ship?
Yes. Virgin lists Scarlet Night among the entertainment on all four of its ships. Once you're onboard, the daily lineup in the Virgin Voyages App under Discover > Lineup shows when it starts.
Where do I go for Scarlet Night?
Virgin's tip is to meet at the Roundabout on Deck 6 or 7 at the start time and follow the Scarlet Night cast. Catch the Octopus Goddess telling the story in the Red Room, then head up to the finale around the pool on Deck 15.
Does Scarlet Night cost extra?
No. Scarlet Night is included in your fare, like the other shows and experiences. The extra-cost exceptions are the dinner shows (Another Rose and It's a Ship Show) and certain eat and drink classes. Drinks you order during the party are charged as usual.
What is the PJ Party on Virgin Voyages?
It is Virgin's other dress-up night, also on every ship. The dress code is pajamas: cozy, zany or even onesies.