Virgin Voyages: A New Era in Cruising

Stepping aboard a Virgin Voyages (VV) ship, it’s evident from the outset that this isn’t your typical cruise experience. With its adult-only atmosphere and modern approach to seafaring, VV sets itself apart in a myriad of ways. As someone well-versed in traditional cruising, I embarked on my first VV voyage with an open mind, ready to embrace the differences and discover what makes this cruise line truly special.

Smaller Venues and Dynamic Activities

One of the defining features of VV cruises is the emphasis on smaller venues and a vibrant array of daily activities. From immersive performances to intimate dining experiences, the ship’s venues offer a diverse range of entertainment options. However, with popularity comes demand, and it’s essential to plan ahead to secure reservations for sought-after activities. Utilizing the Virgin app, guests can access the daily schedule and make reservations for dining, shows, and activities, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable vacation experience.

VV limits guest reservations at the same restaurant, so everyone has a chance to try each restaurant. For instance, if Extra Virgin (Italian) is your favorite restaurant, you can dine there nightly, the app just won’t allow you to make a standing reservation. How many times you can reserve the same restaurant depends on the length of your sailing.

If you reserve a suite, your Rockstar agent can make all your reservations for you. There is a meet and greet, the first day for suite guests, which I recommend attending. Complimentary bubbles are served, you meet your Rockstar agent and have all reservations scheduled.  

One challenge of having smaller venues is the limited seating available for shows, often resulting in guests queuing up and waiting for the doors to open. This difference from the traditional cruise style, with its single large theater, may take some getting used to.

Restaurant Menus

Unlike traditional cruises with rotating daily menus, VV’s dining experience focuses on quality and consistency. While the menu offerings remain relatively stable, the culinary team delivers exceptional dishes that showcase their expertise and creativity. Special themed dishes and occasional menu changes add excitement to the dining experience, reflecting VV’s commitment to culinary excellence.

Themed Nights

Additionally, themed nights add to the fun onboard, with activities like the pajama party kicking off the festivities. The above image is an example of what might take place on your voyage. Keep an eye on the daily schedule, as themed nights are often announced once onboard to keep things exciting. Remember, participation is optional, but embracing the themes can enhance your cruise adventure.

Fitness & Wellness

Meanwhile, those who like to stay active can participate in a wide variety of fitness classes and wellness demonstrations. Fitness classes are included in the fare price and these aren’t your typical fitness classes. For instance, there’s an 80’s VHS workout and yes you’re welcome to dress the part. Your sailing may also offer bungee workout classes, dodgeball matches, and pickleball.

Many of the wellness talks are complimentary and some have a small fee. If you’re thinking about relaxing in their thermal spa or enjoying a massage, you may be able to get a discount by attending one of their wellness seminars.

Bar Tabs & Sailor Loot

Bar tabs and sailor loot are typically linked to the main guest's account, but you can easily link accounts at Sailor Services to share expenses among cabin mates.

Karaoke

Looking to gather with fellow travelers and belt out your favorite tunes? Virgin Voyages offers complimentary karaoke rooms for an unforgettable singing session. This unique amenity is often overlooked, as the dedicated karaoke spaces are tucked away like hidden gems, providing a more private and intimate experience compared to other cruise lines' group karaoke setups.

As I reflect on my maiden voyage with VV, I'm struck by the unique blend of innovation, luxury, and creativity that defines this cruise line. While there are undeniable differences compared to traditional cruising, these distinctions serve to enhance rather than detract from the overall experience. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or embarking on your first voyage, Virgin Voyages offers a refreshing take on seafaring that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

Feel free to contact me with Virgin Voyage specific questions. When you’re ready to experience the modern comfort of Virgin Voyages, call or email me and I’ll curate your unforgettable cruise adventure!

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Bianca Ramos - Travel Advisor

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