What You Need to Know about Sailing Virgin Voyages
What You Need to Know about Sailing Virgin Voyages
Most cruises are fairly standard… there’s a main dining room serving buffet-style food, you get a bit nickel-and-dimed, and entertainment is Broadway-style shows. But then, in 2014, Virgin Voyages entered the game to change the cruising industry and introduce a new and different kind of product for cruise travelers.
Virgin Voyages’ fleet, known as the “Lady Ships,” includes the Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and the upcoming Brilliant Lady. These ships are celebrated for their sleek design, modern luxury, and innovative amenities.
Virgin’s port of departure in the US is Miami, and their itineraries focus mostly on the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. These often include stops at Virgin’s private beach club in Bimini. Virgin also offers some Mediterranean, European, and transatlantic voyages.
While Virgin offers a ton of great benefits, making it an attractive cruise option, this line isn’t for everyone. Here are the pros and cons of sailing with Virgin:
Pros of Sailing Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages offers an upscale, adults-only cruising experience with high-quality dining options and innovative features, and the all-inclusive pricing covers wifi, gratuities, and in-room entertainment are other perks.
Adults-Only Experience
Virgin Voyages caters exclusively to adults, ensuring a serene and sophisticated atmosphere on board. This adults-only policy creates a peaceful and refined environment, perfect for those looking to relax without the hustle and bustle of families and children.
While I personally love Carnival, I don’t love the issue of kids, for example, splashing water aggressively in the pools and romping down hallways in the middle of the night. These things are never an issue on Virgin.
Highbrow Dining and Sophistication
The culinary offerings on Virgin Voyages are exceptional, focusing on high-quality, sophisticated dining options. The ship boasts various gourmet restaurants, each offering unique and exquisite dishes. From an upscale steakhouse to international cuisine and innovative vegan options, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The dining experience is enhanced by the chic and stylish decor of each restaurant, adding to the overall sophistication.
Further, the way Virgin approaches dining is very different. Instead of traditional buffets and main dining rooms (or “MDR“), Virgin offers unique and upscale dining experiences with over 20 distinctive eateries, each with its own culinary theme and ambiance.
Inclusive Dining: All dining options are included in the cruise fare, meaning there are no additional charges for dining at any specialty restaurant. This all-inclusive approach allows guests to explore and enjoy various culinary experiences without worrying about extra costs.
No Buffets: Unlike most cruise lines that rely heavily on buffets for casual dining, Virgin Voyages opts for made-to-order dishes from various specialty restaurants. This ensures that every meal is freshly prepared and of high quality. This approach reduces food waste and enhances the dining experience by providing freshly cooked meals tailored to individual preferences.
Specialty Restaurants: Virgin Voyages features a range of specialty restaurants, each offering a unique culinary experience. For example:
- The Wake: A sophisticated steak and seafood restaurant with a stunning view of the ship’s wake.
- Pink Agave: An upscale Mexican eatery with a modern twist, offering a diverse menu of authentic Mexican dishes.
- Razzle Dazzle: A vibrant restaurant known for its plant-based dishes, catering to vegetarians and vegans and offering “naughty” options for meat lovers.
- Gunbae: A lively Korean BBQ restaurant where guests can cook their own food at the table, promoting a social and interactive dining experience.
- The Test Kitchen: A unique restaurant that combines dining with experimentation, offering a multi-course tasting menu designed to surprise and delight.
- Casual Eateries and Cafes: Instead of the traditional cruise line buffet, Virgin has various casual eateris and the Galley. The Galley is set up similarly to traditional cruise line buffets, where you come in and seat yourself, but instead of self-serve buffet stations, you raise a little red flag at your table when you're ready to order, and a member of the Virgin waitstaff will take your order, and bring your food to you. There are also other food options, including a made-to-order pizza spot, retro diner, and others.
Truly All-Inclusive
One of Virgin Voyages’ standout features is its all-inclusive nature. Unlike many other cruise lines, Virgin includes basic Wi-Fi (premium is $30 per day), gratuities, and excellent in-stateroom movie and TV options in the fare at no additional cost. Soda is also included, which is a nice perk.
Additionally, room service is free, but with a $10 delivery fee. My insider tip about getting around this fee is to order a beverage with it, and there are some coffee options as low as $4. Virgin's policy with room service is that they waive the delivery fee with any included beverage purchase.
One thing I really appreciate about Virgin Voyages is their commitment to paying their employees a fair wage and ensuring that crew members are well-compensated and valued for their work. This is in stark contrast to the other lines, which tend to exploit labor, an issue that I personally wrestle with significantly when it comes to cruising.
Innovative Features
Virgin Voyages is at the forefront of innovation in the cruising industry. From wristbands (The Band) that replace traditional keycards to customizable LED lights in the staterooms, every detail is designed with modern convenience in mind. The staterooms feature state-of-the-art amenities, including mood lighting that can be adjusted to suit your preference, a tablet for controlling room functions, and a hammock on every balcony. The ship also offers cutting-edge entertainment options, such as immersive theater experiences, a record shop, and a tattoo parlor.
Fun fact… I got my first (and only) tattoo on Virgin’s Scarlet Lady; of course, it’s cruise-related (a compass). Getting a tattoo on a cruise ship was an unforgettable experience!
It’s important to note, though, that new tattoo ink must be protected from the elements, like sun and water, so schedule yours on one of the last days of your sailing so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of protecting your tattoo on beach days and avoiding the pool. Unfortunately, appointments have to be made in person once you’re on the ship, and those later-in-the-itinerary appointments go quickly.
While I personally love Carnival, I don’t love the issue of kids, for example, splashing water aggressively in the pools and romping down hallways in the middle of the night. These things are never an issue on Virgin.
Diverse and Inclusive Clientele
The cruise line prides itself on welcoming a diverse and inclusive group of passengers. This commitment to diversity ensures a vibrant and enriching onboard community where everyone feels welcome and valued, and this is personally one of my favorite aspects of Virgin Voyages.
Virgin Voyages actively promotes inclusivity, with events and spaces designed for people of all backgrounds and orientations, fostering a sense of community and acceptance, and it’s especially LGBTQ+-friendly.
Negatives of Sailing with Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages offers a high-end and inclusive cruising experience, but its higher price point and sophisticated dining may not suit all tastes. Additionally, its unique vibe and smaller fleet with limited itineraries may not appeal to those seeking a more traditional cruise.
Higher Price Point
While Virgin Voyages offers a premium experience, it comes at a higher price than many other cruise options, especially for the somewhat limited and shorter itineraries (more on that in a moment).
However, when you factor in the included gratuities and Wi-Fi, the price difference isn’t always as significant as it may initially appear, so I always urge cruisers to consider all costs and make sure they’re doing an apples-to-apples comparison. The value for money is evident in the quality of service, amenities, and overall experience, but it might still be a stretch for those on a tighter budget.
Food Might Not Appeal to All
While Virgin is known for its elevated approach to dining and higher-quality food, it may not be to all cruisers' tastes. I personally find Virgin's food to be high-quality, but the problem is the lack of variety, namely in The Galley. The menu there is quite limited and doesn't change, and after even a couple of days, it can start to feel very boring. Similarly, the room service choices are also quite limited, and can start to feel repetitive.
Sexy, Innovative, and Irreverent Vibe
Virgin Voyages’ sexy, innovative, and irreverent atmosphere is not for everyone. While many appreciate the unique and modern approach, others might prefer a more traditional and conservative cruising experience. Look, nobody’s going to be humping in the hallways, but this is a more adult vibe. The ship’s nightlife, with its themed parties and edgy entertainment, appeals to those looking for a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, which might not suit travelers seeking a quieter, more laid-back experience. If the idea of a drag show as entertainment or someone possibly wearing a skimpy negligee to the PJ Party makes you clutch your pearls, Virgin probably isn’t the cruise line for you.
Smaller Fleet and Limited Itineraries
As a relatively new player in the cruise industry, Virgin Voyages currently has a smaller fleet compared to more established lines. This means fewer itineraries and departure ports to choose from. Personally, this is the reason why I’ve only sailed Virgin once. I can only go to Cozumel and the Bahamas so many times, and as a seasoned cruiser, I’m at the point where I seek out new ports of call, and I won’t find that with Virgin.
While I don’t love Virgin’s limited options, their available routes are carefully curated to offer the best of these options, making each voyage a memorable adventure. Plus, their exclusive Bimini Beach Club experience is always a standout.
Conclusion
Virgin Voyages offers a distinct and upscale cruising experience tailored to adults looking for sophistication, innovation, and inclusivity. While the higher price point and unique vibe might not be for everyone, those who appreciate high-quality dining, modern amenities, and a diverse community will find a lot to love about sailing with Virgin Voyages.
Whether you’re drawn to the cutting-edge technology, the elegant dining options, or the inclusive and vibrant atmosphere, Virgin Voyages promises a cruise experience like no other. It truly is unique and distinctive and different than the “same old, same old” cruise.
What to Know About a Virgin Voyages Cruise
