Virgin Voyages RockStar Suite vs Sea Terrace: Which Cabin to Book?

Table of Contents

• The Verdict: We've Sailed Both
• Sea Terrace: The Complete Tour
• RockStar Suite: What You Actually Get
• The Bathroom Reality
• Richard's Rooftop: Worth It?
• Venue Access: The Capacity Problem
• Price Breakdown
• When to Book RockStar
• When to Book Sea Terrace
• FAQ

The Verdict: We've Sailed Both

The cabin steward smiled as she handed us our Sea Terrace key cards. "You're on Deck 10. Great balcony views." We were mildly nervous. Would this feel like a downgrade?

We've now sailed Virgin Voyages twice in 12 months. RockStar Suite on Resilient Lady from Athens (May 2024), Sea Terrace on Brilliant Lady from NYC (November 2024). That gives us proper comparison point, and here's the honest answer: it depends entirely on your priorities and budget.

Both cabin types are excellent. We genuinely loved both experiences. But they serve different purposes, and understanding what you're actually paying for makes the decision much easier.

Quick Answer:

Book Sea Terrace if: You're prioritizing value for money, spending most time outside cabin, or would rather spend extra money on shore excursions and bar tab. Sea Terrace costs $1,500-2,500 per person for 5-night sailing (£1,290-2,150).

Book RockStar if: Sailing at full capacity (venue access matters), celebrating special occasion, you're both tall and need bathroom space, or budget isn't concern. RockStar costs $3,000-5,000 per person for 5-night sailing (£2,580-4,300).

We're choosing Sea Terrace next time unless we're doing special occasion or much longer voyage. The value is just too good, and honestly, we barely noticed the difference once caught up in Virgin's excellent energy.

Read our Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady main review for full sailing experience.

Sea Terrace: The Complete Tour

Right, let's talk about our Sea Terrace cabin on Brilliant Lady. We were genuinely worried after experiencing RockStar's absurdly huge bed and massive bathroom on Resilient Lady. We thought we'd feel like we'd downgraded.

We didn't. At all.

The Bedroom

The bedroom area was generous. Much more space than expected. The bed was queen-sized (not the absurd super-king you get in RockStar, but still very comfortable), positioned against far wall with proper walking space on both sides. No awkward squeezing past each other to get in/out of bed.

Storage was excellent. Wardrobe ran along one wall with enough hanging space for both of us (10-12 items each), plus four shelves for folded clothes and safe for valuables. Under bed, proper storage space where our two large suitcases fit perfectly. We hate clutter, and having suitcases tucked away made cabin feel relaxing.

Lighting was smart. Multiple sources (overhead, bedside, mood lighting) so you could adjust atmosphere depending on whether you were getting ready or winding down. Bedside reading lights were bright enough to actually read by (not always case on cruise ships).

TV was decent-sized (probably 40-inch) and positioned so you could watch from bed or seating area. We didn't use it much (too busy being out), but nice to have for lazy mornings.

The Bathroom

Here's where Sea Terrace cabins show their compromise. The bathroom was small. Functional, yes. Well-designed, absolutely. But small. It's wet room setup—shower, toilet, and sink all in one compact space. Everything works, but if you're both trying to get ready simultaneously, you'll be bumping into each other.

The shower was powerful (excellent water pressure, hot water on demand, rainfall showerhead), but space was tight. Alex is 6'2", and he had to angle himself slightly to avoid hitting elbows on walls. Not dealbreaker, but worth noting if you're taller or broader-shouldered.

Storage in bathroom was limited but clever. Small shelf above sink for toiletries, couple of hooks for towels. We ended up keeping most toiletries in bedroom wardrobe and bringing them into bathroom as needed. Not ideal, but manageable.

Towels were plentiful and refreshed daily. Virgin uses good-quality linens (soft, absorbent, not scratchy cruise ship towels).

The Balcony

The balcony was brilliant. Proper outdoor seating (two chairs and small table), enough space to sit comfortably without feeling cramped, and just enough privacy that we weren't on display to neighbouring cabins. We spent hours out here—morning coffee, evening cocktails, just sitting and watching ocean.

The railing was glass rather than metal, which gives uninterrupted ocean views. Small detail, but makes difference. You feel more connected to sea.

One thing we loved: balcony door slid open fully, creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow. On warm days, we'd leave it open and let breeze flow through cabin. Made space feel much larger and more luxurious than it actually was.

Storage Breakdown

Wardrobe space: Hanging space for 10-12 items each, plus four shelves for folded clothes
Under-bed storage: Fits two large suitcases (we had carry-on each as well, stacked in wardrobe)
Bathroom storage: Minimal—one small shelf above sink
Safe: Standard size, fits passports, cash, cards, small electronics
Bedside tables: Small wall-mounted ledges (enough for phone and glasses)
Desk area: Small vanity with mirror and one drawer

What We Loved

The space felt bigger than it actually was. Smart design, good use of mirrors, and open balcony connection all contributed to cabin that never felt cramped.

Bed was genuinely comfortable. We both slept well (helped by gentle rocking of ship and blackout curtains that actually blocked light).

Balcony was game-changer. Having private outdoor space made cabin feel much more luxurious. We'd sit out there in evenings, cocktails in hand, just watching ocean and decompressing.

What Could Be Better

Bathroom. It works, but it's tight. If you're travelling as couple and both trying to get ready for dinner simultaneously, you'll be negotiating space.

Bedside storage was limited. Those wall-mounted ledges are fine for phone and glasses, but if you like books, water bottles, and random bits within reach, you'll need to get creative.

No minibar or fridge. Not dealbreaker (ice machines and water stations around ship), but would've been nice to keep drinks cold in cabin.

WORTH IT? Absolutely. Sea Terrace delivers brilliant value. Space is well-designed, balcony is lovely, and while bathroom is small, it's not dealbreaker. If you're prioritizing experiences over cabin luxury, Sea Terrace is excellent choice.

Cost: $1,500-2,500 per person 5-night sailing (£1,290-2,150) | Size: Approximately 190-215 sq ft | Bed: Queen-sized | Balcony: Yes, approximately 50 sq ft

RockStar Suite: What You Actually Get

We sailed RockStar Suite on Resilient Lady from Athens in May 2024. Here's what you're actually paying for, because the price difference is significant (often double or more compared to Sea Terrace).

The Cabin Itself

Significantly larger bedroom: Roughly 50% more space than Sea Terrace. You can actually spread out without feeling like you're playing Tetris with your luggage.

That ridiculous super-king bed: Genuinely massive. Absurdly comfortable. Probably 6'7" long. We're both over 6 feet and had room to spare. This bed alone made mornings feel luxurious.

Much larger bathroom: Separate toilet area, bigger shower, more counter space. Two people can get ready simultaneously without bumping into each other. Grown Alchemist bathroom products (premium rather than standard Virgin toiletries).

Larger balcony: Better furniture, more space to lounge. Same glass railing for uninterrupted views.

More storage: Bigger wardrobe, more drawers, more shelf space. If you're travelling with lots of clothes or equipment, this matters.

In-cabin bar setup: Not stocked, but glassware and ice bucket provided. Nice touch for pre-dinner drinks.

Nespresso machine: Unlimited coffee pods. If you're serious about morning coffee, this saves daily trips to The Dock.

The Perks

Unlimited Richard's Rooftop access: Private sundeck for RockStar passengers only. We'll discuss this properly in next section.

Priority everything: Embarkation, restaurant bookings, show access. You feel looked after rather than processed.

Guaranteed entry to all venues: Even when they hit capacity. This became crucial on Brilliant Lady's full-capacity sailing where we missed shows in Sea Terrace because venues were full.

Exclusive RockStar events: Special parties, meet-and-greets. We attended couple on Resilient Lady—nice but not transformative.

Dedicated RockStar coordinator: Helps with bookings, answers questions, sorts problems. Genuinely useful if you have specific requests.

Faster service: Staff prioritize RockStar passengers. Noticeable during busy times.

More attentive housekeeping: Twice-daily service with more frequent towel changes.

The Experience

RockStar felt luxurious in ways Sea Terrace didn't. That huge bed, the extra space, the priority service—it enhanced special occasions. We were celebrating Alex's birthday on Resilient Lady, and RockStar made it feel properly celebratory.

But here's reality: you're barely in your cabin. We'd roll out of bed, shower, get dressed, head out. We'd come back late at night, collapse into bed, repeat. The cabin is lovely, but we weren't lounging in it for hours.

WORTH IT? If celebrating something special, doing longer voyage (10+ days), sailing at full capacity, or you can afford it without stress. Otherwise, Sea Terrace delivers 80% of experience for half the price.

Cost: $3,000-5,000 per person 5-night sailing (£2,580-4,300) | Size: Approximately 300-352 sq ft | Bed: Super-king | Balcony: Yes, approximately 70 sq ft

The Bathroom Reality

This is one area where RockStar makes genuine day-to-day difference. Let's be specific because this matters when you're living in cabin for week.

Sea Terrace Bathroom

Size: Compact wet room, approximately 30-35 sq ft total
Layout: Shower, toilet, sink all in one space
Shower: Powerful rainfall head, but tight space
Storage: One small shelf above sink
Counter space: Minimal—barely room for toiletries
Getting ready: One person at a time unless you enjoy intimacy

The Sea Terrace bathroom works. Everything functions. But if you're both tall or broad-shouldered, you'll be bumping into each other. If one of you takes ages to get ready (hi, Alex), the other person will be waiting.

RockStar Bathroom

Size: Approximately 60-70 sq ft total
Layout: Separate toilet area, distinct shower space, generous counter
Shower: Same powerful rainfall head, but room to move
Storage: Multiple shelves, counter space for days
Counter space: Two people's toiletries fit comfortably
Getting ready: Simultaneous preparation without stress

RockStar bathrooms eliminate getting-ready stress. Less negotiation, more comfort, genuinely easier. Is that worth double the price? Depends how much getting-ready stress bothers you.

For us? We managed fine in Sea Terrace. We adjusted our routines (one person showered while other made coffee on balcony), and it worked. But we won't pretend RockStar's bathroom wasn't significantly nicer.

Richard's Rooftop: Worth It?

Richard's Rooftop is RockStar's biggest selling point—private sundeck with unlimited drinks, hot tubs, and quieter atmosphere. We had access on Resilient Lady. We thought we'd miss it desperately on Brilliant Lady. We didn't.

What Richard's Rooftop Offers

Private sundeck: RockStar passengers only, never crowded
Unlimited drinks: Free-flowing cocktails, champagne, beer, wine
Hot tubs: Multiple hot tubs with ocean views
Loungers: Comfortable seating with cushions and towels provided
Quieter atmosphere: Much calmer than main pool deck
Attentive service: Staff bring drinks to your lounger

The Reality

Richard's Rooftop is lovely. Genuinely lovely. The unlimited drinks are excellent. The hot tubs are relaxing. The quieter vibe is pleasant.

But here's what we learned: Virgin has enough public deck space, bars, and pools that Richard's Rooftop, while nice, isn't essential. Yes, it's quieter. Yes, the free-flowing drinks are brilliant. But honestly? We preferred energy of main pool deck most of time.

Richard's Rooftop can feel a bit sedate. Everyone's very chilled, very horizontal, very quietly sipping cocktails. Main deck has more life, more energy, more sense of celebration. That's what we wanted on holiday.

When Richard's Rooftop Matters

Longer voyages (10+ days): Having quiet retreat when main ship gets overwhelming would be valuable. On week-long sailing, main ship never felt overwhelming.

Peak season sailings: When main pool deck is packed, Richard's Rooftop offers escape. We sailed off-peak, so this wasn't issue.

If you prefer calm: Some people genuinely prefer quieter spaces. If that's you, Richard's Rooftop justifies RockStar upgrade.

Unlimited drinks appeal: If you drink a lot and value not paying per drink, Richard's Rooftop makes financial sense (though Virgin's bar tab system means you're essentially pre-paying anyway).

We used Richard's Rooftop maybe twice on our Athens sailing. Lovely both times. But we didn't miss it at all on Brilliant Lady Sea Terrace sailing.

Venue Access: The Capacity Problem

This is where RockStar genuinely shines in practice. On Brilliant Lady's full-capacity MerMaiden sailing, several venues hit capacity during peak times. We couldn't get into couple of shows because they were full. RockStar passengers walked straight in.

That's frustrating. You're paying good money for cruise, you want to see show, and you're turned away because venue's full. RockStar guarantees entry. For some people, that alone justifies upgrade.

When Venue Access Matters

First sailings: When ship's learning capacity management (like our MerMaiden experience)
Peak season sailings: Summer, holidays when ship runs at full capacity
Popular routes: Caribbean, Mediterranean in high season
Specific shows: If there's performer or show you absolutely want to see

When It Doesn't Matter

Off-peak sailings: Lower capacity means easier venue access
Established routes: Where Virgin's worked out capacity management
Flexible attitude: If you're happy attending whichever shows you can get into

On Resilient Lady Athens sailing (ship had been in service longer), venue access wasn't problem in Sea Terrace. We got into every show we wanted. On Brilliant Lady first sailing, it became genuine issue.

Our advice? If sailing first few months after ship launch or peak season, venue access benefit of RockStar is significant. If sailing established ship off-peak, less important.

Price Breakdown

Let's talk actual numbers because understanding what you're paying makes decision easier. Prices vary wildly depending on sailing date, route, and how far in advance you book, but here's rough guide:

Sea Terrace Pricing

5-night sailing: $1,500-2,500 per person (£1,290-2,150)
7-night sailing: $2,000-3,500 per person (£1,720-3,010)
Often on sale: Virgin runs promotions frequently
Best value for money

RockStar Suite Pricing

5-night sailing: $3,000-5,000 per person (£2,580-4,300)
7-night sailing: $4,500-7,000 per person (£3,870-6,020)
Rarely discounted: RockStar stays premium priced
Includes perks but you're paying for them

The Reality

For two people on 5-night sailing, you're looking at extra $3,000-5,000 (£2,580-4,300) to upgrade to RockStar. That's lot of money.

What could that money buy instead?

• Shore excursions in every port
• Spa treatments for both of you
• Significantly more bar tab credit
• Specialty dining at Wake multiple times
• Even another shorter cruise

If budget isn't concern, RockStar is lovely. If you're stretching budget to upgrade, spend that money on experiences instead.

When to Book RockStar

We'd upgrade to RockStar again if:

Sailing at full capacity: Guaranteed venue access becomes genuinely valuable when shows sell out. We missed performances on Brilliant Lady because we couldn't get in. RockStar would've solved it.

Longer voyage (10+ days): Richard's Rooftop more valuable on longer sailings when you need quieter retreat. On week-long trips, main ship never felt overwhelming.

Celebrating something special: Anniversary, birthday, big life event—RockStar feels like treat. That huge bed, extra space, priority service enhance special occasions.

Both tall/need bathroom space: If you're claustrophobic, mobility-limited, or just need more room to feel comfortable, RockStar's extra space worth it.

Can afford it without stress: Key point. If price difference doesn't bother you, RockStar is lovely. But if stretching budget, spend money on experiences.

When to Book Sea Terrace

We'd book Sea Terrace again if:

Prioritizing experiences over cabin luxury: Money you save on Sea Terrace funds shore excursions, spa days, extra bar tab, or even another cruise. We'd rather have more experiences than bigger bathroom.

Sailing isn't at capacity: If venue access isn't concern, RockStar's biggest practical perk disappears. Sea Terrace gives you everything else.

Barely in cabin: We spent maybe 2-3 hours in cabin each day (sleeping doesn't count). Rest of time exploring ship, at parties, or in port. Why pay for space we're not using?

Want brilliant value: Sea Terrace cabins are genuinely fantastic for price. Spacious, comfortable, lovely balcony—everything you need without paying for perks you might not use.

Next time, we'll probably book Sea Terrace again unless doing special occasion or much longer voyage. Value is just too good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Virgin Voyages RockStar Suite worth the extra cost?

Depends entirely on priorities. RockStar costs $3,000-5,000 vs $1,500-2,500 for Sea Terrace per person on 5-night sailing. You get huge bed, massive bathroom, Richard's Rooftop access, and guaranteed venue entry. But Sea Terrace cabins are genuinely fantastic with spacious bedrooms, lovely balconies, and excellent value. We've sailed both and loved both. Worth it if sailing at full capacity or celebrating special occasion. Skip if prioritizing experiences over cabin luxury.

What's the difference between RockStar Suite and Sea Terrace?

RockStar Suites are 50% larger with super-king beds, much bigger bathrooms with separate toilet areas, larger balconies, Nespresso machines, and priority service. Sea Terrace cabins have queen beds, compact wet-room bathrooms, smaller balconies, but same quality finishes and access to all ship facilities. Storage is good in both. Main practical difference is bathroom size and venue access guarantees.

Can Sea Terrace passengers access Richard's Rooftop?

No. Richard's Rooftop is exclusively for RockStar Suite passengers. It's private sundeck with unlimited drinks, hot tubs, and quieter atmosphere. We had access on Resilient Lady Athens sailing. It's lovely but not essential. Virgin has enough public deck space, bars, and pools that we didn't miss it on Brilliant Lady Sea Terrace sailing.

Do RockStar passengers get guaranteed show access?

Yes. RockStar guarantees entry to all venues even when they hit capacity. On Brilliant Lady's full-capacity MerMaiden sailing, we missed couple of shows in Sea Terrace because The Red Room reached maximum occupancy. RockStar passengers walked straight in. This matters on first sailings and peak season when capacity is genuine issue.

How big is the bathroom difference between RockStar and Sea Terrace?

Massive. RockStar bathrooms have separate toilet area, bigger shower, much more counter space. Two people can get ready simultaneously without bumping into each other. Sea Terrace bathrooms are compact wet rooms where shower, toilet, and sink share one small space. Alex is 6'2" and had to angle himself in Sea Terrace shower. Functional but tight. This is biggest practical day-to-day difference.

Should I book RockStar for first Virgin Voyages sailing?

Not necessarily. Sea Terrace cabins are excellent and we genuinely loved ours on Brilliant Lady. Book RockStar if: sailing at full capacity (venue access matters), celebrating special occasion, you're both tall/broad and need bathroom space, or budget isn't concern. Book Sea Terrace if: prioritizing value, spending most time outside cabin, or would rather spend extra money on shore excursions and bar tab.

What's Richard's Rooftop like on Virgin Voyages?

Private sundeck for RockStar passengers with unlimited free-flowing drinks, hot tubs, loungers, and quieter atmosphere than main pool deck. Lovely for relaxing but can feel sedate. We preferred main pool deck energy most of time on Athens sailing. On longer voyages (10+ days), Richard's Rooftop would be more valuable as quiet retreat. On 5-7 night sailings, not essential.

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Both cabin types are excellent. We loved our RockStar experience on Resilient Lady. We loved our Sea Terrace experience on Brilliant Lady. The right choice depends entirely on your priorities.

Choose RockStar if: Guaranteed venue access matters, you value extra cabin space and luxury touches, Richard's Rooftop sounds appealing, you can afford it comfortably.

Choose Sea Terrace if: Prioritizing value for money, spending most time outside cabin, venue access isn't major concern, you'd rather spend money on experiences.

For us? Sea Terrace next time unless doing special occasion or much longer voyage. Value is just too good, and honestly, we barely noticed difference once caught up in Virgin's excellent energy.

The cabin matters less than the experience. And Virgin Voyages delivers brilliant experiences regardless of which cabin you're in.

Related: Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady Main Review | Brilliant Lady Dining Guide | Brilliant Lady Parties Guide

Travel with us, always with love and a little luxe 🌈✈️