No Buffets, No Kids, No Stress: 5 Reasons Valiant Lady is the Best Cruise for Grown-Ups

May 15, 2025·By Tina Moczynski

If you’ve ever said, “Cruising isn’t for me”, you’re not alone—and you might be exactly who Virgin Voyages designed the Valiant Lady for.

This isn’t your typical cruise. There are no crowded buffets, no rigid dinner seatings, and definitely no screaming toddlers running around the pool deck. Instead, Valiant Lady offers an adult-only, elevated experience that feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a cruise ship.

As a travel advisor who specializes in experience-first, adult-focused cruising, I’ve helped clients sail on everything from the traditional to the trendsetting—and Virgin Voyages is in a category all its own. Let’s take a look at why Valiant Lady might just be the best cruise for grown-ups who want something fresh, fun, and completely freeing.

1. Adults Only = Elevated Atmosphere

Sometimes, you just want a getaway that’s all about you. No nap schedules. No family-friendly menus. No cannonballs in the quiet pool. That’s exactly what you’ll find onboard Valiant Lady—because every Virgin Voyages sailing is strictly 18+.

This adults-only vibe shifts the whole energy of the ship. Expect chic cocktail lounges, wellness-centric spaces, and immersive entertainment that’s anything but kid-friendly—in the best way. Whether you’re sipping champagne at Sip Lounge, dancing under the stars, or indulging in a sunset massage, the vibe is always cool, curated, and grown-up.

Experience elegant tableside service at The Wake, Virgin Voyages’ premier steakhouse on the Valiant Lady. Guests enjoy expertly prepared cuts like the signature tomahawk steak in a glam-meets-modern dining room that redefines cruise ship cuisine. — A server at The Wake restaurant aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady expertly carving a tomahawk steak tableside in a sophisticated, upscale dining setting.

2. No Buffets, No Dress Codes, No Fixed Dining Times

Forget everything you thought you knew about cruise ship dining. Virgin Voyages replaces the usual mega-buffet with 20+ eateries, each with its own personality—and all of them are included in your fare.

There’s Pink Agave for upscale Mexican, Razzle Dazzle for playful plant-based fare, and the unforgettable Test Kitchen for a true culinary experience. You dine when you want, how you want—no dress codes, no fixed seating, no awkward mingling with strangers (unless you want to!).

This is dining on your terms—elevated, flexible, and utterly delicious. “I always suggest Virgin Voyages for all of my clients who love a great food experiences. I have to admit, out of all of the times that I have cruised on Virgin Voyages, I have not had one meal that hasn’t been as good as or not better than some of the best restaurants in either downtown Milwaukee or Chicago. It’s truly the best dining experiences I’ve ever had on either a cruise ship or an all-inclusive.” – Tina Moczynski, cruising specialist at Shores And More Travel.

3. Gratuities? Wi-Fi? Fitness Classes? Already Included.

Virgin Voyages keeps things blissfully simple with their “Always Included Luxury” model. No surprise charges. No extra tips to calculate. Just one upfront price that covers it all:

All onboard gratuities
Wi-Fi that actually works
Group fitness classes (hello sunrise yoga and spin on the sea!)
Every meal across the ship’s 20+ restaurants
Top-notch entertainment and nightlife

For travelers who love a luxe experience without the nickel-and-diming, this is a game-changer.

4. Design-Driven, Instagram-Worthy Spaces

You know how some cruise ships feel… cluttered? Not here. The Valiant Lady is a design lover’s dream—sleek, modern, and mood-lit to perfection. Think boutique hotel meets luxury yacht.

Each space is carefully curated by award-winning designers (yes, the same minds behind Soho House and The Standard Hotels). The result? A ship that feels intimate, elegant, and effortlessly cool—from the private balcony cabins with color-changing mood lighting to the art-filled lounges and stylish outdoor spaces.

If aesthetics are your love language, this ship speaks it fluently.

5. Entertainment That Breaks the Mold

Broadway-style shows have their place—but on Valiant Lady, entertainment gets turned up a notch. Think immersive, interactive, sometimes outrageous performances that meet you where you are—on the dance floor, by the bar, or front-row at a DJ set.

Signature shows like “Untitled DanceShowPartyThing” break all the rules of traditional cruise entertainment. You’ll also find drag brunches, tarot readings, pop-up performances, and late-night happenings that feel more like a festival than a formal show.

And yes, there's even an onboard tattoo studio, because why not?

✨ Ready to See if Virgin Voyages is Your Perfect Fit?

If you’re craving a vacation that’s equal parts indulgent, stress-free, and completely tailored to your rhythm—not a rigid cruise itinerary—then Valiant Lady might just be your dream escape.

Whether you're ready to plan or just starting to dream, I’ve got you covered.
👉 Contact me today to start planning your next adventure—I’ll help you choose the perfect itinerary, snag the best stateroom, and unlock exclusive perks only available when you book with a travel advisor who knows Virgin Voyages.

Want to browse around first? Explore Valiant Lady and Virgin Voyages right here and get inspired by all the possibilities waiting at sea.

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