How You Can Practice Wellness on a Virgin Voyages Cruise

Y’all. I didn’t expect to come back from a cruise feeling like I had just left a spa retreat but that’s exactly what happened.

If you’re anything like me, you probably think of cruises as nonstop buffets, crowded pool decks, and packed schedules. But when I stepped onto my Virgin Voyages cruise, I realized this was not that kind of vacation. This was something different. Something refreshing. Something well.

From the adults-only vibe to the wellness-forward amenities (yes, even on a cruise!), I found real moments of rest, movement, and mindfulness on the ship. Whether you’re new to wellness travel or just looking for a vacation that doesn’t leave you feeling more exhausted than before, you’ll want to keep reading.

Here’s how I practiced wellness every day onboard and how you can too.

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1. Start With an Adults-Only Cruise That Gets It

Let’s start here: Virgin Voyages is a strictly adults-only cruise. That alone creates a whole different type of energy. It’s calm. It’s mature. It’s curated. No screaming kids at the buffet, no running through the hallways. Just grown folks trying to enjoy their time in peace.

And I felt that immediately.

This type of environment is ideal if you’re traveling to rest, reset, or reconnect with yourself. As a wellness travel agent, I’m always looking for spaces that feel intentional and Virgin truly delivers. From the design of the ship to the music choices and programming, you can tell they care about creating a vibe that feels good in your body and your spirit.

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2. Fuel Your Body (Without Sacrificing Flavor)

OK, let’s talk food. Because listen… one thing I do not play about is the food on vacation.

On Virgin Voyages, the food is all included (no surprise fees or weird upcharges) but it’s nothing like the cruise buffets you might be used to. Instead of piles of mystery meat and soggy pasta, you get access to several real restaurants with chef-curated menus (some Michelin-trained too).

And yes, there are healthy options. Every menu had vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and wellness-forward meals. I tried a jackfruit dish that gave me life, and the fresh-pressed juices at breakfast were soo delish. There’s even a spot on the ship called the “Gym and Tonic” where you can grab smoothies and light bites post-workout.

Honestly? I never felt like I was sacrificing flavor to eat well. It felt aligned, like my body and tastebuds were both winning. Loved it.

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3. Move How You Want To Move

One of my favorite things about Virgin Voyages is how they approach movement. You’re not just stuck with a treadmill or some dusty weights in the corner of the ship. They’ve got:

• Outdoor fitness decks with ocean views
• Sunrise yoga and sunset meditation
• Strength training, HIIT, barre, and even bungee classes
• A gorgeous indoor gym that rivals any boutique studio

I’m not even gonna lie…I was intimidated at first. But the energy in the classes was super welcoming, and the instructors made it fun (not like drill sergeant bootcamp vibes). One morning I did yoga while the sun came up over the water. I’m not trying to be dramatic but… it felt spiritual.

And if structured classes aren’t your thing? There’s also a walking track (my absolute favorite part of the ship), bikes, and so many quiet corners to stretch, journal, or just breathe.

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4. Prioritize Rest Without Guilt

This might be the most important part. So many of us, especially professional women juggling work, family, and everybody else’s needs, struggle to actually rest. Like, real, deep rest without guilt.

Virgin Voyages makes that possible.

Every stateroom has blackout curtains, mood lighting, and comfy beds (plus room service that comes fast). But it wasn’t just the physical rest it was the permission to do nothing and not feel bad about it. I had slow mornings, mid-day naps, and nights where I skipped the party to stargaze from my balcony.

And nobody made me feel weird for it.

As a wellness travel agent, I always tell my clients: rest is productive. And this cruise gave me the perfect reminder.

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5. Indulge in Self-Care Without Apology

Because yes, wellness includes luxury too.

I can’t forget about the Redemption Spa. The spa is dark, moody, and peaceful. There’s a thermal suite with hot/cold therapy, a mud room, salt room, and a hydrotherapy pool.

And here’s the best part: Virgin offers wellness packages you can pre-book, so if you want to turn your cruise into a full-on spa retreat, you absolutely can.

Don’t let anybody shame you out of booking the massage, ordering the wine, or skipping the excursion to stay in your robe all day. That is wellness too.

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6. Create Your Own Wellness Escape at Sea

This cruise reminded me that wellness isn’t just green juice and workouts. It’s peace. It’s joy. It’s having options that support your body and spirit instead of draining them.

As a woman who’s often poured into everybody else first, this trip was my chance to pour into me. And I want that for you too.

So whether you’re planning a solo reset, a girlfriends trip, or a couples getaway, Virgin Voyages is a beautiful way to experience a wellness-forward vacation that still feels fun, free, and a little fancy.

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Ready to Cruise Into Wellness?

If you’ve been craving a vacation that actually leaves you feeling better, not more burnt out, I’d love to help you plan the perfect escape. As a wellness travel agent, I specialize in trips that nourish your mind, body, and spirit without sacrificing style or fun.

Ready to start planning? Reach out to me, the travel agent and founder of Elite Wellness Escapes, and let’s design your custom getaway together.

Would you like to browse on your own? Use my Virgin Voyages link to explore your options and book directly.

Either way, don’t wait too long to choose you. You deserve a break that truly restores you.

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