This year, I took the plunge and hopped aboard my very first Virgin Voyage cruise ever. Spoiler alert – it won’t be my last! We sailed the Scarlet Lady on a sold-out Dominican Daze sailing. Just for context, I’m a seasoned cruiser, having sailed with the likes of Princess, Cunard, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean. But Virgin? It’s the swanky new kid on the block, courtesy of the globe-trotting maverick Richard Branson. Virgin promises to sail to the beat of its own drum—and boy, do they fulfil that promise.
The Ship
We were fortunate to have priority boarding, and it was a breeze. Once boarding began, we were on board in less than fifteen minutes. The staff were helpful, cheerful and funny.
The ship design is terrific. My cabinmate and I kept exploring and talking about how lovely it was. There are very few times that you feel like you are on a ship with 3,000 people. Partly, it is because there is no huge dining hall where you eat with 500 others. I’ll discuss more about dining in a future post.
Because the ship is designed with small intimate spaces everywhere, inside and outside, you feel like it is made for quiet conversations with a friend or two. The only large venues are the two entertainment spots.
Fun Things
In the Virgin Voyages Social Club you can play Foosball, there’s an 80’s style video arcade, and a big pile of board games you can use, and more—all at no charge. I loved seeing if I was still any good at Space Invader. As I learned, those skills atrophy.
Trivia games, which can get extremely competitive on some cruises, were goofy and fun. We had super fun in a competition to put together a 300-piece jigsaw puzzle. We came in second.
Duel Realty, an acrobatic themed show, was excellent. In fact, they are headed to a theater tour.
There is karaoke without the public embarrassment. Virgin has three private rooms. There is a paper outside of the rooms with time slots. You just put your name down then show up for your time.
The casino is mercifully non-smoking. I didn’t use it, but it seemed full and happy. Maybe I will try my luck next voyage.
Need a new tattoo? You can get one as well as more traditional spa services.
Fitness and Fun
Your fare includes group fitness classes which other cruise lines charge for. Classes consist of a mix of stretching and relaxation, yoga, cardio, spin, body weight exercises, and interval training. You can find a punching bag, a small basketball court that was used for a vicious game of dodgeball and more. There is also a well-equipped gym. The running deck is on top with great views.
There are usually two giant parties. First is a Pajama Party where you will see many interesting outfits. The cookies are very popular.
The big event is Scarlet Night when events happen all over the ship–it’s wild. You may end up in the pool at the end of the night. While you are encouraged to dress in PJs or in red, no one cares if you are in a T-shirt, shorts, and flip-flops. No dress code.
No Kidding No Kids
When people hear “adults only” they get all sorts of ideas. While it is adults-only, it is not a singles pick-up cruise. While there are certainly singles and people who meet and have a great time, the clients are amazingly diverse and friendly.
I found it nice to have a cruise focused on adults having fun. I also enjoyed having the entertainment focused on a variety of shows and games that would appeal to fun-loving adults.
What was the age mix of sailors? There were many people in their 20s, 30s, or 40s, but a 70- or 80-year-old never felt out of place.
Is Virgin Expensive?
People looking only at the list price may feel it is expensive compared to other lines. They would be wrong as Virgin includes much more in their fare. Other lines will charge you for:
- Crew gratuities, usually $15-20 per person per day
- Wi-fi, usually $10 per day per device
- Soda, brewed coffee, non-pressed juices, still and sparkling water are included, usually $3-$4 plus tip for a soda
- Group fitness classes, usually $20 or more per class
- Specialty dining charges. Every dining venue is included in your Virgin fare, which usually costs $15 to $60 per person per meal on other lines. And there are over 20 places to choose from.
Virgin Voyages is VERY LGBTQ+ Friendly
Step aside routine cruises, Virgin has raised the rainbow flag higher, pioneering a fresh wave of welcoming vibes for LGBTQ+ adventurers! This is a sanctuary where self-expression reigns supreme. No need to hide your colors here! Compared to your typical cruise, a Virgin Voyage cruise overflows with radiant LGBTQ+ vacationers. Every sea voyage features a dazzling drag queen wooing the crowd. Hold on tight, the fun just got unapologetically fabulous!
How’s the Service on Virgin Voyages?
Virgin pays its crew better than the other premium cruise lines so they can hire the best. Talking with crew, most had worked for other high-end lines. The service was as good or better than on any other cruise I have sailed. And the crew seemed happy not scrapping for tips.
Not Only Do They Treat Their Staff Well
Virgin Voyages has a genuine commitment to sustainability. You won’t find one-use bottles of water; instead, there are carafes in your cabin and water available all around the ship. Unnecessary single use plastics, including straws, water bottles, shopping bags, food packaging, stirrers and takeaway cups are banned from the sailor experience. You can read more about their commitment here.
Don’t Take a Virgin Voyage If…
- You are offended by drag shows
- You don’t think it is funny to name the ice cream shop Lick Me ‘Till Ice Cream
- You are not comfortable in a very diverse setting
A Virgin Voyage Cruise is not for everyone, and it doesn’t try to be.
If You Do Want to Go
You can contact us for more information or to book. Or, you can book directly through this link making us your travel advisor for the sailing.
On certain upcoming sailings we can provide you an additional $100 Sailor Loot (On-board credit) per cabin. Contact us for details.
More About Virgin
Read our post about Virgin’s Deals. And you have missed the last one, but we’ll let you know when you can sail with Richard Branson.
Want to know about Food and Drink on Virgin Voyages?
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