Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady Ultimate Restaurant Guide

Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady. The Pizza Place. mage: Virgin Voyages

 

Comprehensive Guide To Valiant Lady Dining Options

VIRGIN VOYAGES | VALIANT LADY | DINING | EAT | DRINK | FOOD | MENUS | RESTAURANTS | PHOTOS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RESTAURANTS & DINING ON VIRGIN VOYAGES’ VALIANT LADY

Restaurants on Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady

Image Collage of Dining Options on Virgin Voyages

20 Plus eateries onboard Valiant Lady - ALL included in your cruise fare! Find them all here with menus and photos.

Wake - Elegant Steak & Seafood;

Razzle Dazzle - Naughty & Nice Vegetarian/Vegan

The Test Kitchen - Cooking Lab

Pink Agave - Upscale Mexican;

Gunbae - Korean BBQ;

Extra Virgin - Upscale Italian;

The Galley - Food Court with 8+ eateries;

The Dock House - Casual Mediterranean/Meze

The Pizza Place - Pizza Parlour

Grounds Bar - Coffee Shop/Bar

Lick Me Till Ice cream - Ice Cream Kiosk

The Social Club - Sports Bar/Casual Eats

Sun Club Café - Alfresco Casual Snack Bar/Café

Virgin Voyages Dining Overview

  1. No Buffet Lines - There are no buffet restaurants onboard Virgin Voyages ships. Food is prepared fresh and to order.

  2. Michelin-Starred Chefs - Virgin Voyages commissioned world class chefs to design the Virgin Voyages’ menus

  3. 24 Hour Dining/Room Service - The Galley has options 24/7 and you can order in your cabin from the Ship Easts menu. Note there is a $5 cover charge for room service.

  4. Restaurant Reservations - The main restaurants can be booked on the Virgin Voyages App from 45 days before embarkation and once onboard.

  5. No Additional-Fee Specialty Restaurants – Sailors can go to any of the 20 plus restaurants on board and not pay any cover charge, although each venue will offer a few Premium menu items for a small supplement.

  6. Dietary Needs/Food Allergies - Speak to crew who will try to accommodate any special dietary needs you have. Worth noting, however, Virgin Voyages’ kitchens are not allergen-free environments.

  7. Non-alcoholic Beverages Included – unlike many other cruise lines, fresh juices, soda, and premium coffees are included in the cruise fare.

  8. No drink packages – Virgin Voyages doesn’t currently have a drink package. They do have the option to pre-pay for drinks at a discount using Bar Tab, but there is no unlimited drink option on Virgin Voyages’ sailings.

You won’t find extra cost select specialist add-on dining venues onboard Valiant Lady - they are ALL special, and ALL free. You won’t find a buffet onboard a Virgin Voyages ship either - no such cruising cliche; but don’t worry you won’t go hungry with so many fabulous eateries on the ship.

So what restaurants are onboard Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady? Well, there are over 20 places to indulge your tastebuds included in the price of your Virgin Voyage, Valiant Lady has everything you need to satisfy the most voracious of appetites. In this post I will introduce some of the restaurants on Valiant Lady, including (where available) sample menus.

Whether your style is scoff and off, leisurely chilled dining, or lively eats with friends, there is something to suit the mood.  Don't expect buffets and main dining rooms however - it's more a "Soho by the sea" vibe with The Galley providing food-truck inspired options for quick snackage, 24 hour room service for when you get the munchies, and a belly-full of cool restaurants to tempt you.  Whatever you choose you just know it will have the Virgin injection of taste, style and innovation.

Are there Vegan/Vegetarian Options on Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady?

Whilst you will find vegetarian and some vegan options clearly marked on most of the restaurant menus, Razzle Dazzle is Valiant Lady’s dedicated Vegan/Vegetarian restaurant with an exciting Plant-based menu (see below).

Gluten-Free on Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady

You are advised to notify the wait staff if you have any dietary requirements, which is of course worth doing. However, menus usually have clear GF marking against dishes. Others that look gluten-free but not marked as such may have gluten in a sauce so beware. The best restaurant choice for my gluten free buddies would appear to be Pink Agave where every menu item is marked up GF - including elusive desserts. All menus clearly state that the kitchens on Valiant Lady are not allergen free so if you have severe allergies you may wish to take this into account

How Do You Make A Restaurant Reservation on Valiant Lady?

It is advisable to book your preferred restaurants in advance of boarding to avoid disappointment (not necessary for casual eateries). Reservations can be made via the Virgin Voyages Sailor App or through a travel agent starting 45 days before departure, (if you have booked in Mega Rockstar and Rockstar Quarters will have the ability to book starting 60 days before). Worth noting that initially guests can only book each restaurant one per voyage, although there may be capacity once on board so worth checking with Sailor Services on Deck 5.

What is the dress code on Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady?

Unlike a more traditional cruise, there is NO DRESS CODE on a Virgin Voyages ship. So what should you wear? Well in the daytime, resort casual is ideal - you can even go topless at The Perch on Deck 17! If you do, it would probably be wise to cover up if you go to eat - ketchup down your cleavage isn’t a great look. In the evenings, wear what you like although most people dress up a bit for dinner. In fact, some fashionistas will go all out in their runway-perfect outfits. No-one is going to stop you entering a restaurant wearing shorts, trainers or even sandals with socks (tbh you are unlikely to find many of those on a Virgin Voyage). However, you may get the odd frown from people who have made an effort, particularly in the fine dining restaurants like The Wake, Pink Agave, Extra Virgin etc. or if they are celebrating a landmark event. Definitely bring something red to wear on Scarlet Night.

What Drinks are Included on Valiant Lady?

Alcoholic drinks are not included in your fare, although they are very fairly priced. However you won’t go thirsty - you can stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and coffee. Virgin Voyages don’t offer drinks packages, but you can set up a pre-paid bar tab.

What is Virgin Voyages Bar Tab?

Bar Tab is a non-refundable onboard credit that’s able to be spent on premium beverages all around the ship and at The Virgin Voyages Beach Club at Bimini. Currently, for every $300 pre-purchased for your Bar Tab, you receive a bonus of $50. (Note: Bar tab can only be used to buy premium drinks). Unlike some other cruise lines, you can use your bar tab to buy drinks for whoever you wish, and not everyone in your cabin has to have their own bar tab. So if you are sailing with a cruise-buddy for example, you could pool resources and get one bar tab to use for both of you. The Bar Tab can be used in every bar/restaurant on Virgin Voyages.

Wake (Deck 6 Aft)

Steak & Seafood

Brunch 8 am-1 pm Dinner 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

I’ve dined in Wake on sister ship Scarlet Lady, and also on Valiant Lady, and I have to say the food was awesome. This is the nearest you will get to the vibe of an MDR with fine dining, although it’s far more intimate and fancy, with its elegant staircase and grand piano.

Designed for Virgin Voyages by Roman and Williams, the two-storey Wake is arguably Valiant Lady’s most glamorous and sophisticated restaurant. Ideal for romantic nights, special occasions or just because you’re worth it, The Wake offers steaks and seafood in a fabulous mid-twentieth century chop-house atmosphere, together with a raw bar (supplement) - a sort of posh surf and turf.  With table-side drink cart service (our mixologist created a fabulous martini), and champagne poured by the glass from a magnum bottle, every meal is a celebration (although alcoholic drinks are not included).

On both occasions I enjoyed a fine razor-clam chowder, followed by the tenderest filet mignon I’ve ever sampled (so good on Scarlet, I just had to have it again. John had the same starter, but opted for the New Zealand lamb chops which were delicious. We also dined here at breakfast when they offer a delicious brunch menu. You can even add a Bottomless Brunch drink option for $25.

Example Menus - Wake

Razzle Dazzle (Deck 5 Mid-Aft Port)

Plant-Based with Non-Veggie Options

Breakfast 7-9:30 am, Lunch 11:30 am - 2 pm. Dinner 6-9:30 pm.

Razzle Dazzle named after camouflage d warships. Image Credit: Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages stunning new restaurant, Razzle Dazzle is another first at sea for the Lady Ships (debuting first on Scarlet lady) - a restaurant where catering for Vegetarian and Vegan Sailors is not an afterthought - in fact it’s very Nice! However, all dishes can be made “naughty” with meat add-ons or boozy shots.

Designed for Virgin Voyages by Concrete Amsterdam, Razzle Dazzle takes its name from the camouflaging pattern painted on warships from WWI and WWII which provided inspiration for Its stunning red and white and monochrome optical illusion effect decor.

Monochrome interior of Razzle Dazzle. Image Credit: Virgin Voyages

Razzle Dazzle offers vibrant and creative twists on a largely plant-based contemporary American menu plus juice bar.  With the “nice” menu offering vegetarian and vegan versions of classic dishes such as the Impossible Burger, even meat-eaters might be tempted. On Scarlet Lady, Razzle Dazzle was host to the ship’s regular drag brunch, where sailors are treated to a performance by the resident drag performer and friends. I do so hope this will also be the case on Valiant Lady - watch this space for updates!

The Impossible Burger - can’t believe it’s plant-based! NICE! Image Credit: Virgin Voyages

Example Menus -Razzle Dazzle

The Test Kitchen (Deck 6 Mid-aft Port)

Cooking Lab

Dinner 6-10 pm


More of an experience than a restaurant, this laboratory-like eatery designed by Concrete Amsterdam is part cooking school and part restaurant, making it the ultimate chance for discovery through food. With an atmosphere that is educational, experiential and social all in one, this is a very hands on eatery.

The Test Kitchen offers a six course tasting menu with only a list of ingredients provided to guests before they dine and their meal is put in the hands of the chef to deliver incredible cuisine. There is also a choice of four optional drinks pairings to accompany each course (beer, wine, cocktails or non-alcoholic) at an additional cost ($25-$35).

Sounds fun - although don’t wait till you are famished, and don’t expect a hearty meal - think more nouvelle cuisine. Great fun though and you can channel your Gordon Ramsay (but perhaps tone down the language).

Example Menu - Test Kitchen

Pink Agave (Deck 5 Mid-Aft Starboard)

Posh Mexican

Dinner 6:30 pm-10:30 pm

Spicy-nicey! This upscale Mexican restaurant, accessed through a stunning light portal, offers sailors an extra dimension to their dining experience. Designed by Tom Dixon, Pink Agave transports them to the vibrant streets of Mexico City through immersive void lighting. Offering a wide variety of contemporary Mexican specialties that inspire sailors to discover authentic Mexican flavours including tlayudas, memelas, sopes, tortas, esquires, tamales and an expansive array of smokey mezcals. You had me at ”tiayudas”! Why not grab a pre-dinner margarita from the Mezcal Bar?

Example Menu - Pink Agave

Gunbae (Deck 15 Aft Port)

Korean Style BBQ

Dinner 5:30-10 pm

We know to expect the quirky and the entertaining from Virgin Voyages, and this restaurant is no exception. If you love BBQ and drinking games then you won’t want to miss this one.

A social, hands on, interactive, fun dining experience, Gunbae features specially engineered flameless grills built into each table so sailors can grill meats to their preference, paired with their favorite banchan. Destined to be the loudest eatery on board, each meal will begin with a complimentary round of *soju for the table and throughout the evening sailors are encouraged to take part in lively Korean drinking games.
*A clear Korean alcoholic spirit - not a card game apparently. 🤷‍♀️

Example Menu - Gunbae

Extra Virgin (Deck 6 Mid-Aft Starboard)

Classy Italian

Dinner 6-10 pm

Every Virgin loves an Italian right? Extra Virgin is Valiant Lady’s trattoria serving regionally-inspired food, deeply rooted in Italian culinary traditions. The space features communal tables and a private dining room, inspired to be a mobster’s lair where the atmosphere of the night is amped up as the hours grow thinner.

Example Menu - Extra Virgin

The Galley (Deck 16 Midships/Aft Port/Starboard)

Food court

Open 24 Hours

Firstly, The Galley is NOT a buffet - anything but (OK well, it is but in a different guise). However you will be faced with lots of different cuisines to tempt you. This stylish food hall features a mix of more than eight shops and food carts, including the following:

Well Bread - a dedicated bakery

The Sweet Side - pastry shop serving breakfast pastries in the morning and desserts in the afternoon

Hot off the Press - panini shop serving a variety of breakfast and lunch paninis and sandwiches

The Burger Grill serving pancakes and french toast at breakfast, and delicious all-day burgers

Let’s Taco About It - a taco shack serving breakfast burritos and tacos for lunch (highly recommend the fish taco)

Bento Baby - a sushi bar with bento boxes (fruit in the daytime and Sushi at night)

Noodle Around - a noodle bar serving ramen and miso soups

The Daily Mix - a soup and salad stand serving soups, salads, cereal, bagels, and more

Diner & Dash - a 24-hour American diner serving all day omelets and breakfast options. Fantastic for when you just want a quick bite or a more casual meal without sacrificing quality. Equally good if you want something a bit more hearty for a casual dinner - think diner favourites like Hot Beef Sandwiches or

The Galley is a very cool, contemporary space plus you can grab a great drip coffee when you are passing.


The Dock House (Deck 7 Aft)

Casual Mediterranean/Meze

This is a really laid back space with beach house vibes. Designed by Roman and Williams, The Dock House is a rustic beach club-inspired space. Carts of Mediterranean-inspired small plates, dips and mezzes are on offer while an array of fresh meat and seafood skewers will be flame grilled to order.

Example Menu - The Dock House

The Dock (Deck 7)

Alfresco Casual Mediterranean/Meze

If, like me, you get peckish whilst sunbathing, but hate to leave the rays, then The Dock House is just the place to refuel alfresco in style. The Dock has the same menu as the indoor Dock House, so you can enjoy your Meze and kebabs out in the sunshine, without fear of missing out. See above for menu.

The Pizza Place (Deck 7 Midships Port)

Casual Pizza Parlour

Lunch 11:30 am - 6:30 pm Dinner 9 pm - 1:30 am.

The Pizza Place. Image: Virgin Voyages

To get your pizza fix, head down to deck 7, The Pizza Place is where sailors can follow their pie along and build it to their liking from dough, to sauce, cheese and of course all of their favorite toppings. Perfect - anchovies and pineapple anyone?

Example Menu - The Pizza Place

  • The Classic (Mozzarella, Tomato Sauce) (V)

  • White Truffle & Egg (V)

  • Chicken Pesto (basil pesto, mozzarella, red onions fresh tomatoes)

  • Pretty Fly for a White Pie (Mozzarella, rocotta, parmesan, roasted garlic, oregano) (V)

  • Pepperoni (mozzarella, tomato sauce, pepperoni)

​Grounds Club (Deck 7 Midships)

Ministry of Ground. Image: Virgin Voyages

Grab your caffeine fix with a custom Virgin Voyages blend and a clear conscience at one of the ship’s two dedicated coffee bars located in the heart of the ship on deck 7. Expert baristas craft your beverages at Ministry of Ground and with the Virgin partnership with Intelligentsia Coffee, you can be assured of their green credentials  (Read more on this partnership in my earlier post here).

Ministry of Ground. Image: Virgin Voyages

Designed by Softroom of London, Ministry of Ground features large porthole-style windows designed with their very own window seat. Sailors can gaze out at the ocean whilst enjoying their coffee.  Decorated in earth-tone finishes and furnished with aquamarine and purple hues for seating, tables and loungers the space is contemporary and relaxing.  In addition to great hand-crafted specialty coffees, Sailors visiting Ministry of Ground can indulge in complimentary light cakes and bites. Ministry of Ground Too is located in The Galley food market, so Sailors can sip their favorite specialty coffee while grabbing a quick bite. 

Lick Me Till Ice cream (Deck 7)

Retro Ice Cream SHOP

Served Daily 11:30 am - 10 pm

This is a complimentary retro ice cream parlour (yes proper ice cream - not frozen yoghurt) serving up 6 flavours of this homemade dairy deliciousness.

The Social Club (Deck 7)

Carnival Fare/Soda fountain

A cool place to hang out during the day or evening, with bar games, indoor shuffle board, quizzes and more. All that fun can make you peckish so there is a hotdog menu plus you can grab some pretzels or savoury cracker jacks (for UK Sailors, its a mix of popcorn and nuts - Valiant Lady’s take is a bit more sophisticated and extra delicious (obviously). You can also get floats and shakes at an extra cost.

Example Menus Virgin Voyages Social Club

Sun Club Café (Deck 16)

Hawaiian-inspired Poke Bowls

Daily 12-5

This alfresco café offers a fresher, more healthier (but no less tasty) option from the ubiquitous deck burger bar. The Sun Club Café serves up Hawaiian-inspired Poke Bowls. For my European readers, a poke (pronounced Poke-ay) bowl is a staple in the Hawaiian islands and usually consists of sliced (raw) fish or (cooked) chicken, with sticky rice, vegetables and sauces.

Afternoon tea at Sip (Deck 7 mid-Forward Starboard)

Served between 1pm-4pm daily,

Although I’ve said that there are no speciality restaurants as such on Valiant Lady, I don’t really count this as a select restaurant as Sip is a Champagne Bar which just happens to offer this nice little extra.. For a modest fee, you can indulge in a fancy (not-so-traditional) afternoon tea experience in Sip Champagne Bar. There is an additional cost of $19 per person ($39 with a glass of fizz), which includes a large choice of loose leaf teas (in a pot of course - Virgin Voyages aren’t savages after all!) to compliment a selection of savoury sandwiches with a VV twist, scones (served with strawberry jam and clotted cream of course - jam or cream first, your choice), plus a selection of little cakes.

I am all about a champagne afternoon tea and this one is up there with the best of them.

Ship Eats (Room Service)

Ok sometimes you may feel a little delicate after all the partying the night before, or fancy breakfast in bed, or even get the munchies in the middle of the night. That’s fine as Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady offers you room service 24/7 in the form of “Ship Eats”. With a range of breakfast, dinner and snack options plus drinks (extra) your every culinary whim is catered for. Note there is a $5 cover charge for cabin Ship Eats service.

Sample Room Service Virgin Voyages Ship Eats Menus

 
 
 
 

I am so hungry after writing this, and it is my mission to try all of the venues I’ve yet to experience on my next Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady cruise.

Share your reviews in comments of any or all of the restaurants on Virgin Voyages Lady Ship.

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram so you don’t miss any updates!

Photo Credits: Virgin Voyages