The Wake on Virgin Voyages: Worth the Wait
Last Updated on 2026-07-29 by Linda
If there’s one restaurant every Virgin Voyages sailor tries to reserve before boarding, it’s The Wake. Located at the aft of the ship with sweeping ocean views, The Wake combines the feel of a classic mid-century steakhouse with modern luxury. Best of all? It’s included in your cruise fare.
After hearing countless rave reviews, we finally settled in for dinner to see if it lived up to the hype.
Spoiler alert… it absolutely did.
First Impressions of The Wake on Virgin Voyages
The atmosphere is elegant without feeling stuffy. Warm lighting, crisp white table settings, polished wood accents, and attentive service immediately set the tone for a memorable evening.
The restaurant overlooks the ship’s wake—hence the name—and although our sailing was after sunset, the ambiance still felt intimate and sophisticated. If you can snag an earlier reservation, sunset from these windows is said to be spectacular.
Fresh Parker House Rolls
Every great steakhouse begins with bread, and The Wake on Virgin Voyages is no exception.
The warm Parker House rolls arrived fresh from the oven with whipped butter and disappeared almost instantly. They’re soft, buttery, and just indulgent enough to remind you that vacation calories don’t count.
Starting with a Classic Wedge Salad
I chose the classic wedge salad, topped with bacon, blue cheese, tomato, egg, and a generous sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs.
It was fresh, crisp, and rich without being overly heavy—the perfect way to begin the meal.
Steakhouse Sides Worth Ordering
One thing I love about traditional steakhouses is sharing sides, and The Wake on Virgin Voyages delivers beautifully.
We ordered:
- Creamed spinach
- Rich, cheesy potatoes au gratin
Both arrived in charming little copper serving dishes that looked as good as the food tasted.
The potatoes were creamy and decadent with a beautifully browned cheese topping, while the spinach was silky and perfectly seasoned.
The Main Event: Perfectly Cooked Steaks
When you visit The Wake on Virgin Voyages, steak is naturally the star.
We ordered two different cuts so we could compare.
Both steaks arrived cooked exactly as requested with a gorgeous seared crust and tender, juicy interiors.
Accompanied simply by roasted garlic and fresh greens, the quality of the beef really shined without unnecessary embellishments.
Sometimes simple really is best.
Save Room for Dessert at The Wake on Virgin Voyages
Even after a filling dinner, dessert was impossible to resist.
The Wake Chocolate Tart
Rich chocolate ganache inside a buttery pastry shell, topped with silky chocolate mousse, hazelnuts, and caramel.
This dessert is beautifully balanced—not overwhelmingly sweet—and every chocolate lover’s dream.
Meyer Lemon Cheesecake
The surprise favorite of the evening.
Served as an elegant lemon sphere with blackberry compote and cinnamon crumble, it was light, creamy, refreshing, and absolutely stunning.
The presentation alone deserves applause.
Service
One of the things Virgin Voyages consistently does well is service, and The Wake was no exception.
Our server paced each course perfectly, offered helpful recommendations, and never made us feel rushed. Dinner felt relaxed—exactly what vacation dining should be.
Is The Wake Worth Booking?
Absolutely.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, enjoying a date night, or simply appreciate a great steak, The Wake deserves a reservation.
Highlights
Beautiful upscale atmosphere
Excellent service
Perfectly cooked steaks
Delicious shareable sides
Outstanding desserts
Included with your cruise fare (premium selections are available for an additional charge)
My Final Rating
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Atmosphere: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Overall: ★★★★★
The Wake manages to feel like a premium steakhouse without the premium price tag. Between the elegant atmosphere, beautifully prepared food, and attentive service, it’s easy to see why so many Virgin Voyages guests rank it among the very best restaurants onboard.
If you’re sailing with Virgin Voyages, this is one reservation you won’t want to miss.
Have you dined at The Wake?
I’d love to know your favorite dish. Was it the steak, seafood, or did one of the desserts steal the show? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
More Virgin Voyages Inspiration
If you’re planning your own Virgin Voyages adventure, be sure to explore my growing collection of guides, reviews, and tips. From honest restaurant reviews like The Wake to ship tours, cabin insights, stylish evenings onboard, port guides, and packing inspiration, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned to help you make the most of your voyage. Whether it’s your first sailing or you’re already hooked on Virgin’s adults-only experience, you’ll find plenty of ideas to inspire your next cruise.
You may also enjoy:
- My First Virgin Voyages
- My complete Virgin Voyages Ship Review
- Scarlet Lady Restaurant Guide
- What to Pack for a Virgin Voyages Cruise
- Life Onboard: Entertainment, Parties & Experiences
- Virgin Voyages Cabin Review
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- My Favourite Virgin Voyages Moments
- Mediterranean Virgin Voyages Itinerary Guide (coming soon)
- Shore Excursion Reviews (coming soon)
Be sure to bookmark this page, as I’ll continue adding new Virgin Voyages reviews, travel tips, dining experiences, and destination guides after each sailing. My goal is to create one of the most comprehensive Virgin Voyages resources for travelers looking for honest advice, beautiful inspiration, and practical planning tips.
