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The Ultimate Insider’s Guide: Unlocking 6 Secret Venues on Virgin Voyages
Stepping onto a Virgin Voyages ship is like being let in on a brilliant secret. There’s an immediate, electric feeling that you’ve left the world of ordinary cruising far behind in your wake. Sure, everyone talks about the Michelin-star-inspired dining, the Shake for Champagne™ service, and the blissful reality of an adults-only sanctuary. But the true magic of Virgin Voyages lies in the layers, in the unexpected corners and hidden havens designed to surprise and delight you.
Most travelers just scratch the surface. But you’re not most travelers. You’re looking for the stories no one else will have, the experiences that make a vacation truly legendary.
As certified Virgin Voyages First Mates and avid sailors on these very ships, we at CamJon Travel do more than just book cabins. We hand you the secret map. We’ve explored every deck, opened every unmarked door, and we know where the real magic happens. Consider this your exclusive guide to decoding the decks and unlocking the full, phenomenal potential of your voyage.
1. Squid Ink: A Story Etched in Seawater and Style
Floating in the middle of the ocean might be the last place you’d expect to find a high-end tattoo studio, but on Virgin Voyages, the unexpected is the itinerary. Squid Ink, located on Deck 6, isn’t a novelty—it’s the real deal. This is a state-of-the-art, impeccably clean tattoo parlor housing some of the most talented hands in the industry, including a roster of celebrated guest artists who come aboard for limited runs.
The vibe is chic and professional, banishing any old-school, back-alley stereotypes. Imagine the gentle hum of the tattoo machine harmonizing with the faint, distant rhythm of the sea. It’s the ultimate juxtaposition: the permanence of ink set against the ever-moving backdrop of the ocean. Sailors get everything from delicate nautical symbols to bold, commemorative works of art, creating the most profound souvenir possible.
The best artists have their appointment books fill up hours after boarding. Being among the first to book a consultation is critical. As your travel partners, we provide our clients with a clear strategy on exactly when and where to go the moment you step on board, maximizing your chance to score a spot with your preferred artist. It’s this level of detailed planning that sets a CamJon Travel voyage apart.
2. The Groupie: Your Private, Soundproof Rockumentary
Cast away all notions of cringe-worthy public karaoke. The Groupie is your own personal, soundproofed music sanctuary. These private karaoke booths, which can be booked for you and your chosen “sailor crew,” are stylishly designed dens of fun. The moment the door closes, you’re in your own world—a world of plush, comfortable seating, moody lighting, and a shockingly extensive songbook at your fingertips.
This is where you create your own main event. Form a supergroup with the friends you came with or the new ones you just met at The Dock. There are no strangers judging your high notes here. It’s pure, unadulterated joy, whether you’re channeling your inner rock star, reliving ’90s pop glory, or attempting a power ballad duet. It’s the perfect pre-dinner icebreaker or a raucous, hilarious finale to an evening.
Celebrating a milestone like a birthday, anniversary, or bachelorette party? We can help you weave a surprise Groupie session into your celebration plans. Imagine walking your partner into a private, decorated room ready for a duet. It’s these curated, personal moments that transform a good trip into an unforgettable one, and it’s precisely the kind of detail we love to arrange.
3. The Net: The Thrill of Lounging Over the Abyss
Perched at the very stern of the ship on Deck 16 is one of its most breathtaking and daring features: The Net. This is not merely a design element; it’s an experience. A massive, sturdy catamaran-style net is suspended high above the ocean, allowing you to lounge, quite literally, over the ship’s powerful, churning wake.
The feeling is multi-sensory and absolutely exhilarating. You feel the taut rope beneath you, the sun on your skin, the sea breeze in your hair, and you hear the mesmerizing sound of the ocean rushing by many decks below. For the brave, it’s a thrilling photo-op. For the contemplative, it’s a meditative space unlike any other—a place to feel truly connected to the sea.
The Net is no secret, so it can get busy during peak sun hours. Want it all to yourself for that perfect, serene photo? Try heading there during the early morning golden hour or while most sailors are at dinner. We provide our clients with a guide to the ship’s rhythm, helping them find those quiet moments in the most popular spots.
4. The Arcade: Free-to-Play Nostalgia
In a world where almost everything costs extra, step back in time to a place where fun is brilliantly included. Tucked away near The Social Club on Deck 7, The Arcade is a glowing wonderland of nostalgia. The best part? There’s no swiping of key cards or fumbling for tokens. It’s all free to play.
This is your chance to reclaim your title as the Pac-Man champion, challenge your partner to a frantic game of air hockey, or introduce a friend to the vintage joys of Galaga and Donkey Kong. The flashing lights and classic 8-bit sounds are a guaranteed portal back to simpler times. It’s a testament to Virgin’s philosophy that a vacation shouldn’t involve being nickel-and-dimed for every little bit of fun.
The “brilliantly included” value is one of Virgin’s top selling points. When we plan your voyage, we ensure you see the full picture. The gourmet food, the group fitness classes, the tips, the Wi-Fi, the basic beverages, and fun like this arcade—it’s all in there. We help our clients understand the incredible, transparent value they get from the moment they book.
5. Voyage Vinyl: The Ship’s Analog Soul
In an ode to the brand’s deep roots in the music industry with Virgin Records, Voyage Vinyl on Deck 6 is the ship’s soulful heart. This is more than a store; it’s a cultural experience. A beautifully curated record shop at sea, it invites you to slow down and savor music in its purest form.
Flip through a diverse collection of LPs, from punk rock classics to brand-new indie releases. Pick a record that intrigues you, slide it from its sleeve, and take it over to a personal listening station. The simple, satisfying act of placing a needle on a record and getting lost in the rich, warm sound is a rare luxury. You can purchase your discoveries to take home, bringing a piece of the ship’s vibe back with you.
Voyage Vinyl is a perfect example of the specific “vibe” that makes Virgin Voyages unique. Not every traveler is looking for the same thing. Our job is to listen to you, understand the experience you’re dreaming of, and match you with the ship, itinerary, and onboard culture that will feel authentically you. We know the nuances, and we ensure your vacation is a perfect fit.
6. The Athletic Club: An Adult Playground in the Sky
High up on Deck 16, you’ll find another space that shatters cruise ship norms: The Athletic Club. This isn’t your typical gym. It’s an outdoor, adult playground designed for fun as much as fitness. Flanked by the largest daybed at sea, you’ll find a boxing ring, strength training equipment, and, most whimsically, adult-sized seesaws and swings.
It’s a place to be active, playful, and social. Challenge a friend to a light-hearted sparring session, get in a workout with an incredible ocean view, or simply relax on a swing and feel like a kid again. It perfectly captures the Virgin ethos: wellness doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be joyful and communal.
Your Voyage, Curated to Perfection
A Virgin Voyages ship is a destination in itself, rich with layers of experiences waiting to be peeled back. You can have a phenomenal time simply sticking to the main attractions, but a truly transcendent voyage comes from discovering the secrets that make it yours.
Why navigate it alone?
Planning a trip with this many incredible options can be overwhelming. At CamJon Travel, we eliminate the stress and amplify the excitement. We are your personal concierges for the sea, using our deep, firsthand knowledge to craft an itinerary that reflects your personality. We handle every detail, from cabin selection to dinner reservations and providing the insider tips that unlock experiences like these.
Don’t just book a cruise. Invest in a perfectly curated experience.
