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: Cruising with Virgin? Get my comprehensive Virgin Voyages Guidebook for everything you need to know to maximize your experience! 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. Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady 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: There are numerous casual eateries and cafes for those looking for a more laid-back dining experience. The Galley, for example, is an international food market with various food stations, each serving different cuisines, from sushi to tacos to classic American diner fare. What other cruise line offers a gourmet charcuterie board?! Truly All-Inclusive One of Virgin Voyages’ standout features is its all-inclusive nature. Unlike many other cruise lines, Virgin includes Wi-Fi, gratuities, and excellent in-stateroom movie and TV options in the fare at no additional cost. Additionally, room service is free, with the caveat that you order at least a beverage, making it a hassle-free experience. This means fewer surprise charges and a more relaxed onboard experience, knowing most expenses are covered upfront. Protip: Ordering a non-alcoholic beverage like a canned soda is cheaper than paying the room service delivery fee, so always add this to your order to save money. 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 that 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! Virgin offers on-board tattoos. 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
