Calling all amateur sleuths and podcast junkies. Virgin Voyages is setting sail on an unforgettable adventure. Setting sail Oct. 10, Travel + Leisure's No. 1 mega-ship ocean cruise line is debuting its first-ever True Crime Voyage, a groundbreaking cultural experience that taps into one of the most compelling storytelling phenomena. This five-night Caribbean sailing promises a haunting experience on the high seas, blending the spine-tingling intrigue and cultural resonance of true crime storytelling with the elevated, kid-free experiences Virgin Voyages has perfected, giving "chilling on-board" a whole new meaning.

Evolving far beyond standard entertainment, true crime has become a cultural force that connects millions through shared fascination with justice, human psychology and the search for truth. From water cooler conversations to social media deep-dives, true crime storytelling has created communities of engaged listeners who crave authentic and gripping narratives. Virgin Voyages recognizes this cultural moment and is pioneering its own take on an immersive true crime experience at sea.

In an electrifying partnership with iHeartPodcasts and its cult-favorite podcasts – including Betrayal, Buried Bones and Stuff They Don't Want You to Know  – Virgin Voyages is transforming its Dominican Daze itinerary into a thrilling, Halloween-season escape aboard Valiant Lady. Departing from Miami, this specialty five-day voyage brings gripping tales and curated content to the high seas with a gorgeous splash of sunshine and unforgettable experiences.

True crime podcasts coming aboard:

• Betrayal: One of iHeartPodcasts’ most gripping and emotionally raw series, Betrayal pulls back the curtain on real-life stories of deception, heartbreak and resilience. From explosive secrets to shocking double lives, each season follows individuals blindsided by the people they trusted most and their journey to reclaim power and find justice. With millions of listeners and a devoted following, Betrayal delivers jaw-dropping twists and deeply human stories that stick with listeners long after the final episode.
   
• Buried Bones: From the Exactly Right podcast network and hosted by legendary cold case and forensic investigator Paul Holes and true crime historian and journalist Kate Winkler Dawson, Buried Bones exhumes some of history’s most riveting true crime cases and reexamines them through a modern forensic lens. From unsolved murders to infamous scandals, this hit series blends historical intrigue with investigative expertise, bringing fresh perspective to decades-old mysteries. With its rich storytelling and chilling insights, Buried Bones is a must-listen for true crime fans who crave depth, drama, and a little historical detective work.
   
• Stuff They Don’t Want You To Know: With more than 1,300 episodes and millions of monthly downloads, this wildly popular show has kept fans questioning everything since 2008. Hosts Ben Bowlin, Matt Frederick and Noel Brown unpack history’s most bizarre and unexplained events, from UFOs and psychic powers to government cover-ups, cults and lost civilizations. Equal parts spooky and thought-provoking, Stuff They Don’t Want You To Know explores the strange, surreal, and suspicious sides of the world, including crime, and what might be hiding just beneath the surface.

This immersive experience goes far beyond a typical podcast binge. Throughout the journey, Sailors can anticipate live podcast recordings of their favorite shows, behind-the-scenes “How to Podcast” workshops, exclusive meet-and-greets with top hosts, special giveaways and themed cocktails and bites inspired by infamous cases. In true Virgin fashion, there’s also an entire lineup of Halloween-inspired programming: costume contests, bar crawls, eerie entertainment and a special edition of the ship’s beloved Happenings Cast show. Of course, a specialty voyage wouldn’t be complete without a spooky version of Virgin Voyages’ signature Scarlet Night soiree.

The true crime twist amplifies every aspect of Virgin's signature experiences. The elevated dining, award-winning entertainment and transformative wellness Sailors expect are still at the heart of the journey, now wrapped in a layer of mystery. For podcast obsessives, Halloween lovers and curious thrill-seekers, it’s a fall getaway that’s as immersive as it is unexpected.

Beyond the onboard chills and thrills, the Dominican Daze itinerary adds a sun-drenched counterpoint to the voyage’s darker delights. Between true crime tales and mystery-filled moments, Sailors will explore the white-sand beaches and colorful colonial charm of Puerto Plata before retreating to the Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin’s private Bahamian hideaway. Framed by turquoise waters and swaying palms, the Beach Club offers luxe daybeds, a lagoon-style pool, locally inspired flavors and restorative wellness experiences like beach yoga.

This limited-edition True Crime Voyage marks the start of a bold new evolution in Virgin Voyages’ immersive experience platform, one that brings the cultural conversations, trends and fandoms shaping pop culture to sea. Building on Virgin’s signature approach to storytelling and connection, the sailing introduces a new way to fuse entertainment, access and travel through a growing lineup of genre-driven voyages that celebrate what the Sailors are most passionate about, from true crime and comedy to wellness, music, food and beyond. 

With exclusive access to podcast hosts and programming crafted specifically for this five-night journey, the True Crime Voyage offers unparalleled connection to the true crime community’s most beloved voices and stories. It’s an experience Sailors simply can’t get anywhere else.

To secure your alibi and book an experience that’s guaranteed to give you goosebumps, visit virginvoyages.com/truecrime.