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March 12, 2024

Our short trip over Halloween on Sir Richard Branson’s first cruise ship has the motto: “No kids, just treats”, which already reveals part of the concept.

At Virgin Voyages, adults keep to themselves: Adults only. Unlike most other cruise lines. Nevertheless, there is an arcade on board for video games and enough space for board and parlor games to allow the child in the man to come to the fore. However, the lack of a children’s club, slides or a water park creates more space on board for the target group of active adults. There are several large fitness studios, even an outdoor fitness area and numerous restaurants, bars and lounges.

With a gross tonnage of 110,000 GT and 1,404 cabins, each of Virgin Voyages‘ three Lady ships offers a very generous space-to-guest ratio. A maximum of 2,762 guests or “Sailors”, as the shipping company calls its passengers, are usually very well distributed on the ship. Virgin Voyages also takes a different approach to pricing. The cruise price includes meals in all restaurants, all gratuities, free standard Wi-Fi, basic drinks and unlimited group classes in the fitness area. We’ll come back to what else is different in a moment. 

Check-in in Miami

Now we check in at the new Virgin Voyages terminal in Miami for our 5-night cruise. This cruise, entitled “Dominican Daze”, takes us from Miami to Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), with a sea day before and after, on to the Beach Club in Bimini (Bahamas) and back to Miami. Due to a previous trip on the Resilient Lady, we are now members of the Sailing Club, the shipping company’s loyalty program, which gives us access to a separate check-in desk. Without further ado, we receive our red wristband with the small gray chip, which serves as an access ticket to the ship and cabin, as well as a means of payment on board. It replaces the conventional cruise card. Those who have booked a suite and are therefore “rock stars” in Virgin parlance not only receive a black wristband as a visual distinction, but also check in directly in a separate part of the terminal with additional amenities. 

Let’s go on board the Scarlet Lady to explore the ship. The extensive, detailed Halloween decorations extend from the terminal to the various areas of the ship and the special Halloween program located directly in the cabin. But stop, that’s the wrong term again. We move into our “Sea Terrace” (balcony cabin), while the inside cabins are called “Insider”. The suites have different names and belong to the Rockstar Quarters or Mega Rockstar Quarters (deck 15), depending on the category. We open our door to the Sea Terrace and at the same time, as if by magic, the closed curtain opens and an inviting lighting scenario also illuminates the room. Wow, what a welcome.  

Cabins with hammocks on the balcony

Our (Standard) Sea Terrace is very attractively and stylishly furnished. Light wood elements alternate with shades of gray and the iconic red. A large TV set and a tablet for light/room and TV control, two filled water carafes, an empty fridge, many practical sockets and USB ports as well as a comfortable chair are among the amenities in the living room. The bed, including a flat chest of drawers, can be converted into a seating combination during the day by the service staff on request. For us, however, this was neither practical nor useful. You will look in vain for a closed closet. It is more of a clothes rail with a curtain and a narrow cupboard with compartments including a safe. With practical laundry baskets, however, the storage space can be well organized, but could become a challenge on longer trips, as there are no classic bedside tables and only a few shelves. Although the bathroom is not large, the generously sized shower with a rain shower head creates a special wellness feeling. An absolute highlight of the Sea Terrace is the bright red hammock on the balcony. We will certainly spend an hour or two there relaxing to the gentle movement of the sea. The clever attachment (suspension) of the hammock makes it possible to use the balcony completely without having to convert it.

The obligatory safety drill runs digitally as a video on the screen or via the Virgin app. And it attracts attention. The safety video is staged like a music video with rock star elements and loud music. Also, different than usual on a cruise. A quick check-in at the muster station and we are ready for the journey and to continue exploring our Scarlet Lady.

Mermaid ship design in brand-defining red and gray

The Lady ships are catching the eye from the outside with their unusual red and grey color scheme and the image of a mermaid. They can also be easily identified from afar thanks to their exciting, sleek shape at the bow and their round superstructure at the stern above the promenade deck. The different shades of gray give the ships a certain Navy look, which is further enhanced by the industrial design, especially on the promenade deck. While the color red is a style-defining element throughout the interior and exterior designs, creating a clear contrast to the grey. The highest deck (17) with the jogging track (Runway), the outdoor yoga studio (Perch) and the large area around the funnel are almost completely designed in the signal color red. One deck below, an oversized red net and a round sofa area at the stern attract attention. These areas were created by the design company Concrete Amsterdam, as was the outdoor area of the Athletic Club with a boxing ring and other training facilities. 

In general, a great deal of attention is paid to the active program on board. The divided gym “B-Complex” offers a comprehensive range of cardio (burn & bike) and weight (build & balance) equipment. Various courses, from spinning, bungee and bootcamp circuit training to pilates and meditation, take place in separate rooms.

After the activity program, it’s all about relaxation. To this end, the pool deck includes a not-too-large pool that is more inviting for lounging than swimming, as well as another small round pool and whirlpools. Around the pool, the large, comfortable loungers in purple and blue add some visual variety. However, with the number of sun loungers in the pool area known as the Aquatic Club, it can get a bit cramped. But there are other relaxation options on other decks – in the Sun Club, for example, with red beach chairs or private cabanas that can be booked for an extra charge. The first tour of the deck ends in front of the entrance to Richard’s Rooftop, the sun deck and bar exclusively for “rock stars”, i.e. suite guests. As we walk past the Sun Club Café with its delicious selection of healthy bowls and small snacks, we start to feel hungry. We don’t give in to it at this point, but head towards The Galley for a late lunch.

All restaurants are included

Virgin Voyages has dispensed with a classic buffet restaurant and has replaced it with a market hall with various food stations, called the “Galley”. We go there and are surprised by the abundance of food on offer. From the panini store, burger grill, American diner, taco snack, pasta bar, soup and salad counter to the sushi bar and bento box – there is something for every taste. Here, too, you get service at your table, no matter which food station you want to order from. A flag is raised at the table and the waiters know that we want to order. We agree and only get involved at the bakery and dessert counter to pick the right treats. Even here, it’s easy to recognize the Halloween theme of the trip in the sweet’s creations.

There is also no classic main restaurant with different mealtimes. Instead, a total of 20 different restaurants and dining venues are offered on the Scarlet Lady – all of which are already included in the cruise fare. With other cruise lines, some of the restaurants would be rated as specialty restaurants for an additional charge. The evening reservations for the restaurants are crucial. This is where the importance of the app comes into play. Not only food reservations, but also free or paid events, shows or fitness classes can be booked via the app. In this respect, it is advisable to make certain restaurant bookings in advance of the trip as far as possible to get the desired times. The evening shows are only released for reservation on board. In this respect, it is also important to make the appropriate plans and reservations on the first day of the cruise.

Dining at a very high level

For tonight’s dinner, “The Wake”, the steak and fish restaurant, is the most glamorous location with a real wake view. There are other restaurants to choose from, which are primarily located on decks 5, 6 and 7, such as the “Pink Agave” – an upscale Mexican restaurant. Tacos, tamales and tortas transport our taste buds to the streets of Mexico City with original Mexican spices. The “Razzle Dazzle” mainly serves vegetarian dishes with a creative twist, but you can also order a “naughty” version with meat. With its black and white jagged camouflage painting, the interior design of the restaurant is reminiscent of former warships. The “Test-Kitchen“, a laboratory kitchen with a very bright, clean interior, is used for special cooking events and classes during the day. In the evening, all you get on entry is a list of ingredients, which the chef brings to the plate with surprising creations and dishes. For us, this is a visually and tastefully appealing experience. Of course, Italian cuisine is also a must on a cruise ship. At “Extra Virgin”, the trattoria on board, the chefs serve delicious pasta, seafood, meat dishes and tasty Italian desserts. These three restaurant concepts have one thing in common: there are many large, long tables, which inevitably lead to social interaction with the people sitting next to you. As a special feature, we note that each of these restaurants has its own bar, which offers special cocktails to match the food on offer. At “Gunbae”, the Korean grill restaurant, the name says it all. The word is a Korean toast, so drinking games are not only offered between courses as a loud opportunity for interaction, but are also popular with guests. With the side effect that we could spot some guests staggering out of the restaurant. The Asian dishes are freshly prepared by the staff on the round table grills. Highly recommended!

It’s time to set sail from Miami. The Sailaway Party has already started on deck around the pool. The DJ heats up with beats-laden music while a complimentary glass of sparkling wine is served. Now the special guests take to the stage: hostess Milly and the Diva open the cruise with a toast. But more on that in a moment, now it’s time to enjoy the impressive Miami skyline at sunset. This is exactly how we imagine a dreamlike start to a cruise.

“Bar Tab” as a separate drinks account

Now we need to talk about the drinks. Water, soft drinks, juices and filter coffee are included in the cruise fare in all restaurants and bars. Alcoholic drinks and premium soft drinks (coffee specialties, mocktails, certain juices, energy drinks) are billed individually against payment via a specific on-board account for drinks. For this purpose, a corresponding drinks account (“Bar Tab”) must be filled in advance of the trip. The account can be topped up in $100 steps and is usually rewarded with an on-top bonus (e.g. 10% of the value) from Virgin Voyages. This account will not be deducted from the total on-board account at the end of the trip. If there is still a credit balance, this expires. This is a rather unusual model. In our case, we did not use all the promotional credit that we received free of charge when we booked the trip due to our low alcohol consumption. We are rather atypical guests, as others drank and partied a lot on board, which was also encouraged by the following entertainment program. By the way: shake your smartphone once while the Virgin app is open, the bubbles alarm starts and a waiter comes directly to the guest with a bottle of champagne via location recognition.

Comprehensive entertainment program & extravagant parties

On the “mermaid” fleet, crew roles in the entertainment area are assigned differently. There is no traditional cruise director on board. On Virgin Voyages, a happening cast consisting of twelve characters provides entertainment and guidance on board. Hostess, Diva, Gamer, Charmer, Foodie, Artist and Balancer. Each of these roles is assigned specific tasks and characteristics. The Hostess, who is just as much a singer and master of ceremonies. The Diva provides glamor and fun with extravagant performances at the PJ Party and Scarlet Night or her own cabaret show. From the Charmer, who regularly presents magic shows in the “On the Rocks Bar”, to the Foodie, who offers cocktail courses and introduces the food and drink highlights, to the Wellness Guru (Balancer), who leads yoga classes, group workouts and 80s aerobics. In addition, the very lively characters Flare, Spark, Hype, Glow and Bounce as dancers and entertainers ensure that there is an interactive, sometimes exuberant atmosphere at all events on board. 

Scarlet Night – the red party

On our cruise, the classic Scarlet Night becomes Scarlet Wicked Night. Every voyage celebrates an exuberant night “in red”. Scarlet Night tells the story of the love of a giant female octopus for a brave sailor who sails the oceans in the darkest night. The octopus can be found as an oversized inflatable figure on the pool deck and the dance interludes of the Happening Cast create a great atmosphere around the pool. It can be extravagant and a bit kinky – “adults only”. No wonder so many sailors jump into the pool in their outfits. This is the craziest party on a cruise that we have ever experienced.

Unfortunately, due to a bad weather front, most of the Halloween “scary” edition must take place inside the ship. However, this hardly dampened the mood. The attention to detail with which the predominantly American guests present their Halloween costumes is fascinating. The parade is an absolute eye-catcher – so I get infected too and slip into my zombie outfit. The party starts in the Red Room and then gets even more exuberant in the Manor. As an integral part of every cruise, the pyjama party is one of the most popular events. This time I’m prepared and put on my orange Halloween PJs. From creative to lascivious, a variety of nightwear is on offer. If you want to travel with Virgin Voyages, you should be prepared.

The show program on board is performed in the flexible Red Room (from classic theater seating to free disco space). In the song story “Ships in the Night”, the dancers flow together with the digital projection in the stage set. The show “Duel Reality” is particularly action-packed as a reinterpretation of Romeo & Juliet in which two acrobatic groups literally compete against each other and are loudly cheered on by the audience on each side. 

The Dock – Quiet lounge at the stern 

On the way to the Dominican Republic, I use the sea day to work up a good sweat early in the morning with a circuit training boot camp class. Afterwards, breakfast on the private balcony and, above all, time to relax. “The Dock” on deck 7 is a lounge area with wooden furniture and large, comfortable daybeds. From here, you have a view of the stern wave, while small snacks in the form of mezze with seafood on a skewer are offered at lunchtime. A very chilled atmosphere is created under the real olive tree. This is almost only topped at night during a so-called Stargazers Night. Here, the lights are switched off while you gaze at the starry sky and listen to a gentle storytelling about the constellations. Yes, Virgin Voyages can also have quiet moments. Not only there, but in various places, everyone can follow their own quiet rhythm, away from the party and music.  

Colorful Puerto Plata

The morning entrance to the harbor of Puerto Plata is spectacular. We turn and moor aft at the pier. The Taino Bay harbor was only recently opened and offers a huge pool area, restaurants and bars under thatched huts. Stores and even free-living parrots can also be found in the area, which is completely free to use. But we start our excursion with a tour of the old town followed by a stay on the beach. Puerto Plata attracts visitors with its tradition at Central Park and provides numerous photo spots and shopping opportunities in the nearby streets. Umbrella Street and the pink Paseo de la Doña Blanca, decorated with beautiful flowers, are well worth a visit. Of course, we also try some local cocoa before the bus takes us to a relaxing stay on the beach – to soak up the Caribbean sun, sea and Dominican joie de vivre.  

Comprehensive offer – stylish photo spots 

On the second day at sea, we try The Pizza Place for lunch and then the ice cream parlor with the tempting name “Lick me til…”. On board, people like to play with somewhat lascivious naming and language and play with the “adults-only” concept in themed shows. How about a tattoo? No problem, at Squid Ink you can have a lasting memory tattooed directly onto your own skin. Not for me. Nor am I drawn to the casino, which is manageable by American standards, or the WPT’s new poker room. Unfortunately, our program on this short voyage is so packed, that we give the Redemption Spa (extra charge) just a short visit. There are several very stylish and fun areas on board for a few souvenir photos. In the entrance to the Manor Nightclub, you seem to be floating in an endless glitter room, while various swings are waiting for snapshots in the Social Club Lounge. Deck 7 is our next port of call for a coffee specialty in the Grounds Club. We continue to the central point of the ship – the “Roundabout”. This large circular staircase between decks 6 and 7 is surrounded by shops, the “Draught Haus” (brewery bar), the “On the Rocks” bar, a record store that embodies the Virgin roots and then another very elegantly designed “Sip” champagne lounge. On ships of other cruise lines, this area would be the large atrium – on Virgin this is smaller, but various activities of the Happening Cast also take place here.  

Relaxation at the Bimini Beach Club 

The next day, the Bahamas are on the itinerary with a private beach from Virgin Voyages. A free shuttle takes us directly to the beach resort Bimini Beach Club. Pool party with DJ or relaxing on the beach – anything is possible. We decide to do both. First, we grab an inflatable pool chair and mingle with the crowd. The happening cast and DJ Lian step on the gas. The party atmosphere with bubbles, dance interludes and dynamic beats lasts for more than an hour. Afterwards, we enjoy a small snack and drinks. Food is included in the Beach Club and drinks are served via the bar tab, while the wifi can be used free of charge in the same way as on the boat. There is also plenty of time for quiet moments on the fine white sandy beach and a dip in the turquoise blue water. With a cocktail in hand, we sit on a beach shell and enjoy the moment in the Caribbean, as our trip comes to an end the very next morning.

New ideas for the cruise industry

Virgin Voyages entered the market in 2020 as a newcomer among cruise operators, presenting new perspectives and interesting solutions. The offer appeals to a younger audience, some of whom did not even have cruises on their wish list. Small details such as the clear labeling in the cabin corridors, which are divided into A and Z for starboard and portside with consecutive cabin numbering, help newcomers find their way around more easily. And let’s be honest, how many of us don’t take a wrong turn from the stairs or elevator to get to our cabin? 

It is interesting to note that the captain hardly appears in the public eye, nor does he make any daily announcements. He and his officers do not wear traditional uniforms, making it almost impossible for guests to identify their rank or function when they meet them. Once again, the colors red and grey predominate in functional clothing. In general, the crew is allowed a great deal of individuality, which is accompanied by many openly visible tattoos and often very extroverted personalities. As already explained in some places, Virgin Voyages does things differently. Not everything, but many aspects revitalize the offer and create added value for the guests or a unique position for the shipping company. 

Personally, I particularly remember the disembarkation day as a positive example. As a guest, you often feel as if you are being pushed off the ship as quickly and early as possible. Not so with Virgin Voyages. We can use our Sea Terrace until the end of the trip at 10.30 am on the day of departure. So there is no stress about packing the evening before and putting the suitcases outside the door, as is usual with other shipping companies. You can, but you don’t have to. We see how many guests take the opportunity to roll their suitcases off the ship. Including us. It’s already “Bye” Scarlet Lady. Our decision is made we will definitely be back for a cruise on one of the Lady ships.

Conclusion

Virgin Voyages offers a premium cruise product with many inclusive services. I particularly like the varied and excellent food on offer and the unique atmosphere created by the crew in conjunction with the entertainment and ship design. With the Lady ships, the brand offers a different, unique cruise experience that appeals to new target groups in particular. It remains to be seen how the value-for-money and the variety of routes will develop. 

In my eyes it´s a great pity that Virgin Voyages has so far had little presence in Germany and some other European countries and cannot be booked via the usual channels such as travel agencies or online portals. The exclusive direct booking via website or call center holds back many a guest in these markets.

Don’t miss more updates, news and reviews about Virgin Voyages on Cruising Journal.

Josef Eisenberger

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