Gretchendz

Virgin is very different (in good ways IMHO) from other cruise lines. However, I do not recommend it to people who are not into an open and accepting atmosphere. People who are offended by drag shows should not sail Virgin. If you are offended by the fact they call theirfree gelato place "Lick Me Till Ice Cream" you should not go.

There are two sizes of the plastic luggage tag holders...Cunard uses the skinnier ones, but you could certainly manage with the wider ones. Besides using the plastic covers makes you look like a veteran knowledgeable cruiser 🙂

Congratulations! That will be a very special experience! We sail the QM2 transatlantic at least once a year. It looks like others have covered the sheltered balcony question. Cunard does offer insurance, but honestly you are likely to get more for less money with a third party insurer as Cunard will only cover the cruise itself, not all the other expenses that go with such a trip like hotel, flights, etc. (Unless you buy them through Cunard) Any good travel advisor can quickly get you some quotes and help you choose one that is right for you. There are a number of travel advisors who book Cunard and sail it themselves. They can answer a zillion questions for you. It costs no more than if you book it yourself directly. Many will add some on board credit for you as well. Incidentally, if you do decide to use a TA you can transfer the booking to them if it is less than 60 days from when you made the booking. Generally buying a precruise hotel is more expensive through cruise lines. But you are right to plan to come in at least a day early! Normally, with Cunard you will pay a 25% deposit, typically refundable (unless you booked with a nonrefundable deposit, which I do not recommend, especially this far out). The typical final payment date should be 120 days precruise. Of course, the good people of Cruise Critic will have your back as well. Hopefully you got your questions answered! There so many special secrets and fun things about QM2. The history, the magnificent library, and Homer Simpson, among others.

Here is what is posted on the TA First Mates site: Brilliant 4 You Pass Overview We have created a bundle of voyages (similar to our Summer Season Pass), for Sailors to enjoy all four of the Brilliant Lady MerMaiden Voyages during her inaugural season. With these deposits, Sailors can sail in luxury in a Seriously Suite RockStar Quarters. Sailors will also receive exclusive perks and benefits when they book a Brilliant 4 You Pass. This special offer has a limited availability and is available while supplies last. It will be announced on May 1st and we will start accepting deposits on May 8, 2024. Pricing & Deposit Breakdown Sailors will be able to put a deposit down on this collection of voyages starting on May 8, 2024. Seriously Suite: ● Deposit amount: $10,000 ● Total amount: $40,000 NOTE: The total amount does not include any applicable taxes and fees. Perks & Benefits RockStar Quarters ● Secure the same Seriously Suite on each voyage ● One (1) complimentary Shore Thing per voyage ○ This excludes premium tours. ● Exclusive invites to our launch events in NY, Miami, and LA ● Richard’s Rooftop access ● Curated in-room bar on us ● Priority booking for Shore Things ○ These Sailors will be able to book their Shore Things 140 days prior to the Voyage Start dates ● Rockstar agents ○ This includes access to the RockStar Agents pre-voyage and during Sail Dates Please keep in mind that these Voyages are being sold as a package with the “Brilliant 4 You Pass” offer, however they are NOT Back-To-Back Voyages. The Sail dates are as follows: ● New York City MerMaiden - Sept 5, 2025 ○ 5-Night Bermuda ● Miami MerMaiden - Oct 17, 2025 ○ 8-Night to San Juan, Philipsburg, Tortola, Bimini ● Los Angeles MerMaiden - April 7, 2026 ○ 5-Night to Santa Barbara, San Diego, Ensenada ● Seattle (Alaska) MerMaiden - May 2026 ○ The dates and itinerary are still being finalized for this MerMaiden Voyage, however, it is included in the Brilliant 4 You Pass. Process First Mates will call Sailor Services to book the “Brilliant 4 You Pass” offer on or after May 8, 2024.

Alaska Fron(tier) Of The Line Overview On May 8, 2024, we will start taking deposits from our Sailors so they can secure their spot on any sailing during the Alaska Brilliant Lady Summer 2026 season (including the Seattle MerMaiden). These deposits will provide our Sailors with a 1-week priority booking window access and a guaranteed spot on one of our new Alaska itineraries before they are opened for public sale. We are putting the finishing touches on the itineraries included in the Alaska Season, but it will be Sailing in May 2026. More details will be provided when they are available later this year. Pricing & Deposit ● Deposits will be collected on a per-cabin basis ● Required deposit amount per cabin (shown in USD, but will be converted and offered in multiple currencies): ○ Sea Terraces and Below - $500 ○ RockStar Quarters - $1000 ○ Mega RockStar Quarters - $2,500 ● Deposits are only available for our inaugural Alaska season sailings ○ This excludes the Voyage prior to the Seattle MerMaiden (From Cali to Canada May 3 - May 11, 2026) ● Sailors must sail by the end of September 2026 Process You will be able to fill out the Alaska Front(ier) of the Line form once it is open on May 8, 2024. Check back here for the link to the form on May 8, 2024. More information coming soon.

But people love those darn things so we'll see if it balances 🙂

P.S. For you hammock lovers, they will have a new type of Sea Terrace with two hammocks 🙂

They just announced. You can see the whole video at virginvoyages.com NYC to Bermuda and Canada itineraries Sept-Oct 2025 MIA October 2025-March 2026 Caribbean MIA to LA (Canal) 16 nights Match 2026 LA April to May 2026 Mexico, California itineraries Seattle Alaska sailings May to Sept 2026 May 8 there is supposed to be an Alaska pass/deposit available to reserve a spot on Alaska sailings but details were not specified

Ok..the month stays for 10k has been available and advertised for quite some time now. They just got new investors (Bain Capital) last fall: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/virgin-voyages-announces-550-million-in-funding-led-by-ares-management-to-further-accelerate-growth-301921522.html

It's too peppery for me, for sure! But it has many fans.

Probably the easiest way is to find a TA who has a client who wants one. If the TA books lots of Virgin we can usually find someone for it in a few days or weeks. Then you call Virgin and keep your name on it but have the TA added as the TA. Then either the TA or the client reimburses you the $300 and the TA arranged to replace your name with the new client's. When I have done this I warn the new person that it cannot be transferred again so they need to be sure!

I have used VPN successfully on Lesser Antilles and Dominican Daze.

In case anyone is reading this thread, please know that MNVVs and their use changed for those purchased after January 31, 2024. To get the full $600 OBC benefit, you must book the new cruise within 60 days of purchase. The other old rules apply. It is still good for 2 years but the OBC is $300 if you book after the first 60 days.

Other online travel forums that focus on Virgin allow recommendations for TAs. Cruise Critic does not.

Yes