I got access to the VIP lounge on a Virgin Voyages cruise ship and thought it was the most relaxing place on board

Joey HaddenAug 16, 2023, 04:02 IST

Insider's reporter took a luxury cruise with Virgin Voyages and lounged on Richard's Rooftop.Joey Hadden/Insider<ul class="summary-list"><li>I cruised with Virgin Voyages and spent some afternoons on Richard's Rooftop, the ship's VIP lounge.</li><li>At the front of deck 16, Richard's Rooftop was full of cabanas and round, shaded beds.</li></ul>A plethora of empty beds to choose from on a quiet deck with ocean views and full food and drink service — this was my luxurious experience on Richard's Rooftop. Richard's Rooftop is the VIP lounge on board <a href="https://www.insider.com/virgin-voyages-sea-terrace-room-balcony-photo-cruise-cabin-tour-2023-8" rel>Virgin Voyages' cruise ships</a>. The rooftop is reserved for passengers staying in suites — known as "Rockstars" <a href="https://www.virginvoyages.com/cabins/suites" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">by the cruise line</a>. During a recent cruise on Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady, I got access to the exclusive area. To me, it was easily the most relaxing part of the ship.

During my first Virgin Voyages cruise on the Valiant Lady, I got a peek at the VIP lounge known as Richard's Rooftop.

The author cruised with Virgin Voyages.Joey Hadden/Insider

The lounge is reserved for VIP suite guests, but Virgin Voyages gave Insider exclusive access with a card that scans into the entry.

The author's card to access Richard's Rooftop.Joey Hadden/Insider

The rooftop was at the front of deck 16 on my ship. According to Virgin Voyages, it was named for and inspired by founder Richard Branson.

The entrance to Richard's Rooftop on board Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady ship.Joey Hadden/Insider

Inside, the space was filled with cabanas, pool chairs, and round loungers that felt like beds to me.

Lounging areas on Richard's Rooftop.Joey Hadden/Insider

Each grouping of seats had a food and drink menu for the rooftop bar, and crew members served guests at their lounging spots.

The author sips a virgin strawberry daiquiri on Richard's Rooftop.Joey Hadden/Insider

Iridescent glass dividers added colorful hues to the white furniture. I thought this was a captivating detail by the designer, Tom Dixon.

Multicolored hues reflect on the lounging area.Joey Hadden/Insider

There were two hot tubs in the lounge. During my visits, I never saw both being used at the same time.

One of the hot tubs in the lounge.Joey Hadden/Insider

In fact, there was always enough empty seating for me to settle into a spot where I couldn't see or hear anyone else.

A secluded spot on the rooftop.Joey Hadden/Insider

Richard's Rooftop was the only place on the ship where I could lie in the sun and feel like I was in bed at the same time. It was the most relaxing part of the whole cruise.

The author relaxes on the rooftop.Joey Hadden/Insider

Richard's Rooftop was the only place on the ship where I could lie in the sun and feel like I was in bed at the same time. It was the most relaxing part of the whole cruise.

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I got access to the VIP lounge on a Virgin Voyages cruise ship and thought it was the most relaxing place on board

During my first Virgin Voyages cruise on the Valiant Lady, I got a peek at the VIP lounge known as Richard's Rooftop.

The lounge is reserved for VIP suite guests, but Virgin Voyages gave Insider exclusive access with a card that scans into the entry.

The rooftop was at the front of deck 16 on my ship. According to Virgin Voyages, it was named for and inspired by founder Richard Branson.

Inside, the space was filled with cabanas, pool chairs, and round loungers that felt like beds to me.

Each grouping of seats had a food and drink menu for the rooftop bar, and crew members served guests at their lounging spots.

Iridescent glass dividers added colorful hues to the white furniture. I thought this was a captivating detail by the designer, Tom Dixon.

There were two hot tubs in the lounge. During my visits, I never saw both being used at the same time.

In fact, there was always enough empty seating for me to settle into a spot where I couldn't see or hear anyone else.

Richard's Rooftop was the only place on the ship where I could lie in the sun and feel like I was in bed at the same time. It was the most relaxing part of the whole cruise.