Walking down that grand, curved staircase at the back of the Scarlet Lady or Valiant Lady feels like a movie scene. It’s dramatic. The floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the ship’s wake—hence the name—and honestly, the view is enough to distract you from the fact that you’re about to eat a massive amount of protein. But here’s the thing: most people treat the Wake Virgin Voyages menu like a standard, run-of-the-mill cruise ship steakhouse.
They’re wrong.
If you walk in expecting a boring "surf and turf" and a baked potato, you’re missing the point of what Virgin is trying to do here. This isn't your grandma’s formal night dinner. It’s a sophisticated, slightly moody, high-end chop house that balances classic preparation with some surprisingly modern twists. You've got to know how to navigate it, though. If you order the wrong thing, you might leave feeling like you just had a heavy meal you could've gotten at any local chain back home.
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The Wake is easily the most popular "upscale" spot on the ship. Because of that, getting a reservation is a nightmare if you don't book the second you get on the ship's Wi-Fi.
Decoding the Dinner Options on the Wake Virgin Voyages Menu
When you sit down, the first thing they bring out is the bread. Don't skip it. It’s a brioche-style pull-apart bread with a marrow-infused butter that is, frankly, dangerous. It sets the tone for the rest of the meal.
The menu itself is split into several distinct sections: "Starting Acts," "The Sea," "The Land," and "Treats." It’s designed to be a multi-course experience, but because Virgin Voyages includes all specialty dining in your cruise fare, there’s a temptation to order everything. Don't do that. Quality over quantity matters here because the portions are deceptively large.
For starters, the Clam Chowder is a massive talking point among frequent sailors. It’s not the thick, glopy stuff you find in a can. It’s poured tableside over a base of smoked bone marrow, potato, and celery. It’s rich. It’s silky. If you’re not a fan of heavy cream, maybe pivot to the Wedge Salad. Virgin’s version uses a blue cheese dressing that actually tastes like real cheese, topped with crispy "pork lardons" that are basically high-end bacon bits.
The Raw Bar and Seafood
A lot of people ignore the raw bar because they’re saving room for steak. That’s a mistake. The Hamachi Crudo with yuzu and chili is probably the lightest, most refreshing thing on the entire menu. It acts as a necessary palate cleanser before the onslaught of butter and red meat.
If you’re feeling fancy, there is a Grand Plateau seafood tower. This is one of the few items on the ship that carries an extra "upcharge." It’s loaded with lobster tails, crab claws, oysters, and shrimp. Is it worth the extra $50 to $80? Only if you’re celebrating something. Otherwise, the included seafood options like the Salt-Crusted Branzino are spectacular on their own. The branzino is flaky, perfectly seasoned, and feels much more "Mediterranean chic" than "cruise buffet."
The Heavy Hitters: Steaks and Chops
This is why you're here. The "Land" section of the Wake Virgin Voyages menu is dominated by high-quality cuts. The Filet Mignon is the most popular choice. It’s a 7-ounce cut, lean, and usually cooked exactly to the temperature you request—which is rarer than you'd think on a cruise ship.
But if you want flavor, you go for the Ribeye. It’s fattier, sure, but the marbling means it stays juicy. They also offer a New York Strip and a Lamb Chop seasoned with rosemary and garlic.
One thing that surprises people is the "Table-Side" service for certain premium cuts. If you want the Tomahawk Steak, be prepared to pay extra. It’s a massive 32-ounce bone-in ribeye meant for sharing. Honestly? Unless you are a professional competitive eater or you really want to post a photo of a giant bone on Instagram, the included filet or ribeye is more than enough. The quality of the "free" meat is high enough that the upcharge steaks feel like an unnecessary flex.
The Sides You Actually Want
Sides are served family-style.
- The Mushrooms: Roasted with garlic and thyme. Get these. Even if you think you don't like mushrooms.
- The Creamed Spinach: It’s topped with a crispy egg. It’s weird, but it works.
- The Twice-Baked Potato: It’s huge. It’s loaded. It’s a meal in itself.
Don't Forget the Wake Brunch
Everyone talks about dinner, but the Wake Virgin Voyages menu for brunch is secretly the better experience. There’s something about eating eggs Benedict while watching the ocean trail behind the ship in the daylight that feels peak luxury.
The brunch menu is a mix of savory and sweet. You have the Steak and Eggs, which uses a smaller picanha steak. It’s salty, tender, and pairs perfectly with the crispy potatoes. Then there's the Crepes. They’re thin, delicate, and filled with a hazelnut spread that makes you feel like you’re in a Parisian cafe rather than in the middle of the Caribbean.
The "must-order" item at brunch, though? The Brioche French Toast. It’s thick-cut, soaked in a custard-like batter, and topped with caramelized bananas. It’s essentially dessert for breakfast. If you’re trying to be "healthy," there is an avocado toast option, but let’s be real—you didn't book a Virgin Voyage to eat plain toast.
The Beverage Program
The wine list at The Wake is curated to match the heavy hitters on the menu. They have a significant focus on bold reds—Cabernets, Malbecs, and some really interesting Syrahs. If you aren't a wine person, the cocktails are leaning into the classic steakhouse vibe. Think Old Fashioneds with premium bourbon and Martinis that are ice-cold.
The "Wake Martini" usually features a touch of something unique, like a hint of sea salt or a specific botanical gin, to tie back into the ocean theme. It’s sophisticated. It’s the kind of drink you sip slowly while wearing your "Scarlet Night" red outfit.
Real Talk: The Limitations and Nuances
Look, no restaurant is perfect, even on a luxury-leaning line like Virgin. The biggest complaint people have about the Wake Virgin Voyages menu isn't the food quality—it's the pace. Because everything is cooked to order, dinner can easily stretch into a two-hour affair. If you have a show booked at The Manor or the Red Room right after, you might find yourself checking your watch.
Also, the acoustics in the room are... interesting. Because of the high ceilings and all that glass, it can get loud. If you're looking for a hushed, romantic whisper-only dinner, try to get a table right by the windows, away from the center of the room.
Vegetarians often feel left out at steakhouses, but The Wake tries. The Roasted Eggplant or the Mushroom Tart are the primary plant-based entrees. They’re fine. They’re well-executed. But let's be honest: you’re in a room where 90% of the people are cutting into a filet. If you're strictly vegan, Razzle Dazzle is still your better bet for a main meal, but The Wake is a great spot for your "fancy" night out regardless of your diet.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
To get the most out of the menu, you need a strategy. This isn't just about showing up; it's about maximizing the experience without getting overwhelmed.
- The "Hidden" Request: You can actually ask for a mix of sauces. Don't just settle for the Peppercorn. Ask for the Chimichurri on the side of your steak—it cuts through the richness of the meat beautifully.
- Timing is Everything: Book your "Wake Brunch" for a sea day around 10:30 AM. You get the best light for photos and the service is generally smoother than the rush at 12:00 PM.
- Dress the Part: While Virgin doesn't have a strict dress code (no tuxedos required), The Wake is the one place where people actually dress up. Throw on a blazer or a nice dress. It fits the "Old Hollywood" vibe of the decor.
- The Dessert Pivot: Everyone orders the Chocolate Tart, which is great, but the Meyer Lemon Cheesecake is the actual winner. It’s light enough that you won't feel like you need to be rolled back to your cabin.
- Check the Daily Specials: Occasionally, the chef will have a specific "catch of the day" that isn't on the standard printed menu. Always ask. Sometimes it’s a fresh snapper or grouper that beats the standard menu items.
The Wake is a cornerstone of the Virgin Voyages experience for a reason. It bridges the gap between the traditional cruising past and the modern, "no-buffet" future the brand represents. Whether you're there for the tableside clam chowder or the perfectly seared ribeye, just make sure you take a second to actually look out the window at the ocean. That's the real star of the show.
Once you've secured that reservation, focus on the "Starting Acts." Choosing two smaller appetizers instead of one heavy one is the best way to sample the range of the kitchen without hitting a "food wall" before the steak arrives. Stick to the included cuts of meat unless you are a true connoisseur of dry-aged beef, as the standard filet is consistently one of the best inclusive meals at sea. After dinner, skip the coffee at the table and head up to the Dock House for a nightcap under the stars—it’s the perfect way to transition from the intensity of the steakhouse to the chill vibe of the rest of the ship.
Don't overcomplicate it. It's just dinner, but in this room, it feels like an event. Treat it like one.