Virgin Voyages ships have a unique look, but there's a lot more differentiators once guests step on board.gettyVirgin Voyages has always had a clear identity in the cruise world. From the moment Richard Branson’s adults-only cruise line launched, it positioned itself as a more modern, playful alternative to traditional cruising.The result is a brand often associated with younger travelers, late nights, bold design, and a more social onboard atmosphere.But that reputation only tells part of the story. Virgin Voyages’ real point of difference is that it has rethought many of the systems that define mainstream cruising.As its newest ship Brilliant Lady brings the brand into Alaska in 2026, Virgin Voyages is no longer just a Caribbean and Mediterranean disruptor. It is now taking its adults-only, more inclusive, less formal approach into one of the world’s most established cruise regions.Here are seven ways Virgin Voyages does cruising differently.It Is Adults-OnlyThe most obvious difference is also one of the most important. Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line, with a minimum guest age of 18.That immediately changes the onboard atmosphere. There are no kids’ clubs, no family splash zones, and no programming built around school vacation patterns. Instead, the ships are designed around adult social spaces and activities.But that does not mean every sailing is a floating nightclub. The adults-only policy appeals to a wide range of travelers, including couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and parents taking a break from family vacations.But it does give Virgin a clear distinction in a market where many large ships are increasingly designed to appeal to every generation at once.Dining Works Very DifferentlyOn most big cruise ships, dining usually follows a familiar pattern. There’s a main dining room, a casual buffet restaurant and a collection of specialty restaurants that cost extra.Virgin Voyages has changed that model. There is no traditional main dining room and no standard buffet. Instead, the ships feature more than 20 eateries, ranging from Korean barbecue and Mexican food to a food-hall-style venue and more experimental restaurant concepts.Perhaps most importantly, Virgin has made specialty-style dining part of the core product rather than an upgrade category. The idea is not that every single thing onboard is free, but that guests do not have to pay a cover charge simply to access the most interesting restaurants.There Is No Traditional Drinks PackageCruise beverage packages can be convenient, but they can also be confusing and expensive. They often come with daily limits, exclusions, package rules and the pressure to drink enough to justify the cost.Virgin Voyages takes a different approach. Essential drinks such as still and sparkling water, basic coffee, tea, soda, and juices are included. Alcohol and premium drinks are generally paid for as you go, or through a prepaid Bar Tab system that offers savings.More Is Included In The FareVirgin Voyages is often described as more inclusive than many mainstream cruise lines. That is fair, provided it is not confused with fully all-inclusive luxury cruising.The fare includes Wi-Fi, group fitness classes, entertainment, essential drinks, and dining across the ship’s core restaurant lineup, all things that cruise passengers can often find themselves paying more once onboard.Gratuities require a little more careful explanation. Virgin now displays service gratuities separately at booking, with a lower rate for guests who prepay before sailing. Once that service gratuity is covered, however, the line says no additional tipping is expected onboard.The result is not a cruise without extra costs. Shore excursions, premium drinks, spa treatments, casino play and retail purchases can still add up, but there’s fewer upsells than many mainstream lines.Entertainment More Festival Than TraditionalVirgin Voyages entertainment is another clear break from the familiar cruise format.There are shows, live music, DJs, comedy, pop-up performances, theme nights, and late-night events, but the overall style feels closer to a festival, nightclub, or immersive resort than a conventional cruise ship program.Scarlet Night is the brand’s signature example. Rather than a standard theatre show, it is a shipwide evening built around red clothing, live performance, music, and a pool-deck finale.There are also pajama parties and other informal events that encourage participation without the feel of a traditional cruise director-led schedule.There Are No Formal NightsFormal night remains one of cruising’s great dividers. Some passengers love dressing for dinner. Others see it as an outdated obligation that takes up too much suitcase space.Virgin Voyages has taken a clear position. There is no formal night and no rigid dress code. Guests can dress up if they want to, especially for restaurants or Scarlet Night, but the emphasis is on personal style rather than tradition.This makes the experience feel more relaxed and contemporary. It also helps Virgin distance itself from some of the rituals that first-time cruisers may find intimidating.Modern Design And TechnologyVirgin’s ships do not try to recreate the look or feel of classic ocean liners. They use contemporary design, bold interiors, flexible public spaces, and cabins with touches such as mood lighting and the brand’s distinctive balcony hammocks.Technology also plays a visible role. Virgin’s wearable wristband functions as a cabin key, payment device, and boarding tool, while the app is central to booking restaurants, managing the onboard account, and navigating the daily schedule.Virgin Voyages is not for every cruiser. Travelers who love formal nights, big buffets, traditional dining rooms, family-friendly facilities, and classic theatre entertainment may prefer other lines.But for those who have been curious about cruising while put off by some of its conventions, Virgin’s appeal is easy to understand.MORE FROM FORBESForbesBritish Cruise Lines Are Divided Over Adults-Only CruisingBy David NikelForbesWhy A Cheap Cruise May Cost More Than You ThinkBy David Nikel