Leila Reyes

Virgin Voyages – What’s the hype about?

This is a “practically” new cruise line on the market, completely different than traditional cruise lines as we know them. I have cruised on a total of 5 brands (Carnival, Royal, Norwegian, Princess, Disney) and now 6 including the Scarlet Lady – Virgin Voyages.

There are a couple things you MUST know before even considering this cruise line:

1. Adults Only Cruise Line – 18+

2. Passports are REQUIRED

These are my thoughts, please take into consideration I am an avid cruiser and Yes I will compare with past experiences, because in some cases I’ve seen better things or in others worse. This experience was totally different because I traveled alone; meaning I might have different POV if I hadn’t.

If you are a solo traveler by nature, you will probably have a different perspective than mine, because I do prefer traveling with another friend, spouse, sibling, or adult son/daughter.

• Introverts or Extroverts – there’s a place for you. There were areas around the ship, were loud and hype for all extrovert people, and also were other areas perfect for introverts with more peace and quiet.

• If you have seen videos from past sailors (that’s how guests are referred here), probably will not be at par with what’s the on board experience currently. There have been some changes I’ve found, like for example: while in Bimini, Bahamas they used to do a bonfire and the ship stayed in port until 11pm approximately. Something they have modified due to sailors returning early to the ship after a full sun day and not staying at the Bimini Beach Club Resort for the late stay. For the sailors that returned early to the ship some impatience grew, because many areas, bars, shops in the ship could not open while ship was at port. By law cruise ships can’t open shops until in international waters, so there’s that. 

• Please keep an open mind, many things change sailing by sailing and not every itinerary is the same. The crew and cruise line team tries in the best way possible to “read” the crowd” and give them what they want. I loved the Kari Latin Trio and Ray&Jo Duo (these were 2 Italian siblings, the night turned into “request song showdown” and it was amazing. 

Things I personally loved, compared to past cruises/cruise lines:

• Movies in my room – many say they don’t spend time on their room, I am the opposite. Mostly when I travel with my family it takes long for everyone to get ready. Here I had a wide selections of movies, I was able to watch that did NOT cost me extra.

• Rain Shower – Kudos on making showers a little more comfortable and spacious. If you haven’t cruised before, let me tell you, showers are very small, and you will hit every wall trying to maneuver on its space.

• Balcony and hammock – the main reason I do cruise ships it’s to be connected with the ocean. When I do, I feel my spirit is right there with my family and friends in the land I grew up.

• Room Service – I ordered through the app, I had several items of selection with an estimate time for delivery. (45 min to an hour approx.) They deliver this in bags not trays.  Bag included my items and silverware, food was extra delicious. What blew my mind is how well kept and organized all comes into the bag, same way I received it, is the same way you put it out in the hall when you are finished. Very neat and clean process, no more messy hallways.

• Ports of Call---Virgin Voyages is the first cruise ever stopping at Bimini, Bahamas. This island is Heaven on earth. The shades of water color are insane and honestly hard to describe, you have to experience it by yourself. Another characteristic Virgin Voyages has regarding ports of call is the late stays it has on some ports. Itineraries calling Oranjestad, Aruba, you’ll be able to enjoy nightlife.

• Smaller Ship – yes, I consider this a smaller ship, even though we were at full capacity with approximately 2,500 guests. Never felt crowded, even though the pool is pretty small.

• Thermal Spa Suite – For first time, I booked the Thermal Spa Pass and it was the best decision. The Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady thermal suite offers a main hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, 2 cold plunge pools, 1 heated plunge pool, heated quartz beds, a steam room and sauna. Rates vary per sailing, mine was $39 for 3 hours on port days.

• The Pool --- If for you having a pool it’s on top of your list, this might not be for you. I must tell you pools can feel crowded in ANY cruise ship. I’ve always receive complaints regarding this, but honestly it was really small.

• Dining - Virgin Voyages offers a Food Court like venue called The Galley. This is what other cruise lines have as Buffet Area. I know Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva are offering this new system Virgin is offering. Here the process to get food is different; they offer different cuisines/food stations one of many you might prefer (very similar to buffet areas in other cruise lines).