By: Trena D Holloway, SR. Travel Consultant
I just completed my first Virgin Voyages Cruise. Being a first time cruiser with Virgin…I was a Virgin to this cruise line. So glad I got to experience this great cruise line, it exceeded my expectations!
First of all can you say Adults ONLY? Yes, and it was nice!
Adult entertainment, no not strippers, but excellent entertainment at night more for adults themed type shows. Very different and fun. Shows that had everyone going, wow I am so glad I did not miss this show.
Upon arriving into Port you could see her in the distance, and the port was spotless, and very easy Check in. They were so happy to see us, and gave us bracelets to use for all expenses, door access, leaving and entering the cruise, mine said feelin nauti, it was awesome, no keeping up with keys and losing them.
Our ship was called the Scarlet Lady.
So our theme was Scarlet night where everyone wore red , and there was a party throughout the decks with performers and acts,, it was very fun. You can choose from many different itineraries. We chose 4 night Fire and Sunset Soirées which consisted of a day in Key West and also their privately owned Resort in Bimini Beach and a day at sea. So when you ordered drinks at their beach resort, we could use our wristbands and no money was needed, it was just credited to our online account.
When you sign up you go online and add on your OBC which is called Sailor Loot, You pay 300.00 you get an extra 50.00 so for me, 350.00 was great for the entire cruise. Also meals are speciality dining in which you choose what restaurant you want to dine in each night.
You need to make sure you do this in advance since they do sell out for certain times for each restaurant. The dining restaurants were each different and very good. If you love Italian then go to Extra Virgin with homemade pasta and great drinks If you like Korean BBQ , enjoy a fun group dining at Gunbae..and then you have shot games after dinner, Get ready for a good time.
If you are into Mexican food then Pink Agave is your place, great drinks…learn about 100’s of Mezcal dinner pairings.
Next is Razzle Dazzle, They have a bottomless brunch, and they offer lunch and dinner. It is Vegetarian inspired and very good, and I am not a vegetarian but loved every item I chose, they also have a nauty menu that offers chicken and waffles and more.
Next is the Test Kitchen and the name says it all. It’s dining with a twist, Surprises and what a yummy experience, it was my #2 favorite on the ship, also taking advantage of the wine pairings with your tasting menu.
My number one favorite was the Wake, elegant and delicious food on the back of the ship overlooking a beautiful sunset. We did a celebration bash there for my friend’s birthday, which is optional but you get a lot for this celebration, and I can say, we were stuffed and a little tipsy after leaving this restaurant. Starting with a bottle of champagne, which I had to give to the next table since we could not finish that and wine pairing for each course. Seafood tower, and delish steaks and wonderful desserts. I would not miss this one at all. So book this one early.
Casinos were smoke free, but dont worry smokers, they had an oceanview room with ventilation right next to it, but it was nice not to smell smoke while gambling!
Pajama Parties , themed nights so much. Hungry late at night go to the homemade pizza place and go get your individual hand tossed pizza made to order in their fire brick oven, watch them toss the dough in the air right in front of you.
Remember the big buffets with all the people lined up to get food? Not on Virgin, you go to stations on deck 15 and choose from the food stations, for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and grab individual prepared meals ready to pick up and go. Fresh rolled sushi stations, Bloody Mary and Mosa bars, beer and wine, just ready to start or end your day with. Want a chutacurury board then just grab one and go.
I can’t say enough about this ship, and the staff, ok the best I have ever had on any ship I have been on. So nice, so accommodating.
Want to be a kid again? Enjoy fun games back in the day? They have it! I seesawed. overlooking the ocean, yes adult size, swinging on swings and boxes in a ring, Punching bags outside on the upper decks, basketball courts on and on. On your private veranda they have private hammocks on your deck, yes I can fit in it and another person if I wanted too. Fun! Exercise is your thing, pick many classes for fitness , too many to list, they have it all.
So let me say one thing else before closing, this was a very short 4 day cruise, and on a brand new ship and you could tell. Most 4/5 day cruises are full of children and lots of people everywhere, and old. Not on Virgin Voyages, Adults only, No Children , new Ship and very fun! They have many itineraries to choose from, 4, 5 , 7, 14 , including European salings.
So join your fellow sailors, get some loot and get sailing!