younglegend

12 hours ago, jakebloke said:

I’ve been eagerly waiting to see actual photos of Scarlet Lady, and now that I have, I can’t help but feel really disappointed.  A few of you posted that you’re even more excited now that actual photos are out, I feel the opposite.  Except for some of the restaurants, everything is very dark and bland...cold even.  There’s nothing about the ship that looks relaxing.  I cringed at the photos of the mega rockstar suites.  People are paying a fortune to stay in these ultra dark boring spaces.  Those cabanas are a joke.  I guess in my opinion the decor of the ship just feels totally off.  There are some great concepts Virgin is bringing to the industry, but they definitely missed the mark on the general aesthetics (not to mention the pools) in my opinion.  Anyone know if Valiant Lady will be an exact twin decor wise?  

 While I think some of what you're observing is modern design as opposed to traditional, it's worth noting that modern, high-design resorts, restaurants, etc., rely on multiple elements/senses to bring an experience to life. This is includes hard surfaces, but also sounds, lighting, smells, touch.   Some of that doesn't easily translate in a mobile phone camera shot.  I would keep an open mind as the actual experience may very well make all of the modern design elements work together in an experience that differentiated, warm and premium.

This is a good article that covers many aspects of the ship and questions that have come up:  https://thepointsguy.com/news/first-look-scarlet-lady-virgin-voyages/

Notable observations:

• Rockstar Suite in-cabin mini bar includes either 200ml or 375ml bottled spirits (I couldn't make out the labels clearly) + wine and mixers.  Some had asked whether they'd be full bottles, looks like they are smaller bottles.  There were four in the image (Tito's Vodka, Bacardi Silver Rum, Hendrick's Gin, Casa Nobel Tequila, and Buffalo Trace Bourbon), not clear on whether you can request others.
• Restaurants are all free, but do have up-charges for certain add-ons (truffle in the Italian restaurant, lobster prawn scallop halibut dish in Agave = $30).
• Cocktails were priced at $10-14, which means "basic cocktails" that are mentioned on the website at $9, may well be mixer + spirit (e.g. Rum and Coke).
• Red Room was shown with a setup that has the performance space in the middle of the room which was cool.
• Standard pre-drawn tattoos $150.
• The writer mentions spa day passes at $125 for sea days and $75 for port days, which seems incredibly high to me for a single day use. I'm used to seeing those prices for the full length of the cruise. Maybe it's all sea days or all port days, not sure.
• Mud Room was mentioned and I hadn't seen that previously.

15 hours ago, garymfreedman said:

I don't see Virgin going after kids market-At least not the younger ones-The ships are not big enough to add kid activities, and the model, of free sodas and such would be more costly with kids....

I could see them lowering the age to say, 16 or older---But then they would have to get rid of the topless area..

Plenty of mass market ships have had topless areas over the years. I'll have to find the article where they mention that they'll be expanding down the road. They'll likely have different features for future ships anyway. 

On 2/20/2020 at 9:03 AM, AlyssaJames said:

I was checking out this Forbes article:

 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryolmsted/2019/02/14/reinventing-cruises-new-virgin-cruise-line-from-richard-branson-sets-sail/#7e97158677fd

 

And caught this quote:

 

"Many ocean goers who are not traveling with the most luxurious and expensive lines (like Crystal, Seven Seas, Oceania, Azamara Club Cruises, etc.) are shocked to discover they are a very captive audience forced to pay high rates for basic necessities like soft drinks and water, even when meals are included. This is especially costly and annoying to families, and the most frequent cruise industry complaint I hear from consumers (though the first season of Virgin Voyages will be 18 and older only)."

First season? What does that mean? Are they already backing off on the adults-only thing?

They have previously said that they might open up to families on subsequent ships.  

57 minutes ago, rbt001 said:

I read the article and it explains the correlation between lower birth rates and poor economic conditions.  Another article on the same website notes that Millennial's are "one of the poorest generations in years."  This is attributed to student debt and poor credit.  And both of those reasons are cited in the article you mention as reasons why Millennial's are deferring both marriage and having children.  

 

So...  in very general terms... broke Millennial's don't have kids nor money to take a VV cruise.  And Millennial's who are financial secure more likely have children.

 

Of course there are financially secure Millennial's without children who are candidates for VV.  But readings suggest this is not the norm.

 

 

Millennials are the largest living generation (overtook Boomers in 2019). To speak about them, their income, their family size in broad swaths is a fruitless exercise. This ship holds 2,800 passengers, there are probably enough high-income, children-less millennials to keep the boat afloat.  That said, I doubt their target is a single age cohort. It is most likely a combination of primary and secondary targets that includes non-cruisers, experienced cruisers who want something different and more modern, couples, and solo travelers. As they expand, they will likely expand their target audience. They've even said so much.

-A marketer who is also a millennial.

5 hours ago, garymfreedman said:

Good job on the pic!  I have not seen this answered: They couldn't send all those bands to everyone, as that would be a waste-So how do we get the bands to go on the electronic device? I know, I can wait one month to find out, but who wants to wait?..

They have said on Instagram that one band is Rockstar and one is all other. They haven't said which one, but my guess would be black is Rockstar.

Love the bands. It also mentions the band is how they know where you are for delivery, which is great, but also means they can track your exact location at all times throughout the ship. Not sure how I feel about that.

On 4/28/2019 at 4:48 PM, Lightngsvt said:

Well, gratuities, all dining venues, and wifi are definitely inclusion most lines don't include so that's a plus.  I really didn't expect excursions to be included, but was curious.  Alcohol, even if just a "standard" package would be a nice touch. It looks like they dont offer drink packages, any idea on the cost of drinks?

From the VV website...

Beer

Heineken, Amstel Light, Kalik, Narragansett 
$5-6 (Tip included)

Basic cocktail

Herradura Plata, Mount Gay, Tanqueray, Jack Daniels
$9 (Tip included)

Wine by the glass

42% of our wines by the glass are under $10 (Tip included)

Virgin just posted typical drink prices in their website...

$5-6 Beers (Heineken, Corona, Narragansett, Amstel Light, Kalik)

$9 Cocktails (Tito’s, Tanqueray, Jack Daniels)

42% of wines are under $10 a glass

All tips are included. 

Very reasonable and certainly less than land-based hotel or NYC prices. 

Found this shot of the pool under construction which seems to show that the actual pool is very small compared to the wading area around it.  If you look closely on the rendering, you'll see that the pool is actually mostly a wading area. Is this the only pool on Scarlet Lady or are there more reveals to come?

Any news on the casino? Any hosts or comps?

Incorrect. Non-Havens Guests are not welcome in the Havens Lounge or Bar area. Yes, they must hurry through the bar area. No they are not allowed to order a pre-dinner drink at the Havens bar. Yes, the bartender should be swiping key cards for every drink. And yes, the bartender should refuse service to those who are not allowed in the Havens bar.

 

This policy was made very clear by the Concierge on the Escape last week.

Correct, they are not allowed in general,but I have previously had guest dining with us join us for drinks in the bar beforehand. Did you specifically ask the concierges whether paying guest would be able to order drinks at the bar beforehand? If asked in general, yes the answer would be no. I've never observed anyone being "carded" individually. You obviously must pay for drinks, but one person could pay for everyone and even that's after the drink has been served.

Yes, you could invite them to dinner ($25 additional per person) and yes, they could have drinks with you in the bar/lounge before dinner. Some people are providing their opinion of whether this is appropriate versus actually policy. It would be pretty ridiculous (and unusual) for NCL to charge non-Haven guest to join Haven guest for dinner and then make them hurry through a bar/lounge to get to the restaurant and receive drinks only while seated in the restaurant (which come from the same bar BTW), but not allow them to order pre-dinner drinks at the bar. There's no one checking IDs at the door, it's really a relaxed atmosphere and as long as you are not causing any trouble, no one will question you. There is no written policy, that I know of, that says that your friends who pay to join you for dinner cannot also join you at the bar beforehand.

One persons reality is not necessarily anothers. ;)

I guess you're right. There's still tons of people walking around with Walkmans and flip phones, and we still open our cabin doors with actual keys.

Not everyone likes the idea of Internet everywhere, but that's not going to stop people from using it -- everywhere.

If they wanted, they could offer it for free without losing revenue or passing along the costs to passengers elsewhere. In fact, they may be able to gain a revenue stream by offering it for free. Just like Starbuck's, McDonalds, and other places that offer free WiFi, the business model is not only to bring in additional customers and make them stay longer, but also to get revenue from advertising that is shown when you log-in to the WiFi. In fact, the WiFi infrastructure isn't even owned by these companies. The more people who log-in, the more the advertising revenue, the more likely the company that runs it will be willing to increase bandwidth for all. Win-Win.

Increase in Internet speeds will become a necessity moving forward. While we may think that use of the Internet is voluntary, the fact is that more and more of our lives is reliant on the Internet and as the ship (and we) become more connected, NCL will need to keep up. It's not a question of whether, it's a question of when. That key card to get into your room and pay for things is so 2010.

Amex website is clear about pending versus charged. I've never had an actual charge reversed or "drop off"

I've been in the FWD and AFt Penthouses. I would book again in a heart beat. The rooms are so much better and you won't miss easy access to the Haven. Unless you're someone who spends all of your time secluded in the Haven, I don't think it makes that much of a difference.

I've stayed in the Fwd and Aft penthouses on the Breakaway. The walk or elevator ride up to the Haven from the Fwd is no problem at all. It's a much bigger room with a separate living room and larger bathroom. Haven penthouses aren't much bigger than standard balconies. I would recommend Fwd.

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What room type? In the FWD suite on Breakaway, the "sofa bed" was nothing more than the sofa cushion and pillows rearranged with bed sheets. As you could imagine, it was not at all comfortable.

Gross. A restaurant with margarita in its name, but not a fresh lime to be found in any of its drinks. Unless you count the garnish.

The diversity of opinions, some shocking, on this thread are indicative to the people butlers and anyone working in the service industry has to deal with on a daily basis. I spoke to my butler last month on Breakaway at length and they have a very tough job. They deal with demanding, sometimes unrealistic, rude, racist customers on a regular basis. Some specific examples he gave me:

1. Customers consistently opening the door and not saying so much as hello. Just bring what I asked for and don't say anything to me. No conversation.

2. Customers thinking that they have an exclusive butler and treating them as such.

3. Customers who wanted everything for free and thought their butler should be able to get it for them regardless of policy. e.g. Soda, Speciality Restaurant Meals, Laundry, etc.

He also enlightened me that on the Breakaway, one butler covers all of the FWD suites (10!), one covers all of the AFT Suites (12!). I assume butlers on the Haven floors cover a similar amount. The night butler covers (on Breakaway) 40 suites!

They wake up at 6 AM and work until 10 PM.

They share a bathroom with 3 other people. So if they all have to start work at 6 AM, then someone has to wake up much earlier.

They live in what is essentially a closet, where they can touch all of the walls by extending their arms.

They deserve every penny they get in tips and probably more to put up with idiots.

I had the same reservations as you prior to taking the Bermuda trip. It's different than island hopping, but in my opinion feels much more relaxing as you aren't on a tight schedule and I like being able to come and go from the ship like a hotel, especially at night. Aside from that Bermuda is beautiful.

Thanks for those extra tips, were in a forward M6 on the 8th floor (Large balcony) 12 day Jan 4th we always do Aft, or Aft Penthouse, this will be first time forward as well as side of ship, praying for smooth waters. But did get a script for meclizine Just in case, never took sea sick pills before, but others who have taken this say it's the best!

I kept watching your cruise saying the sun has to come out!!! those seas need to calm down!! But all and all sounds like you didn't let it darken your cruise! Is it really a LONG walk to elevators Or is it just like being Aft to get forward... LOL

Both elevator banks on the Breakaway are centrally located, so it's never too long of a walk. It's the same distance from both ends. Helps make the ship feel smaller than it is.

The FWD Penthouse is still very nice so enjoy! Hopefully you have Jonathan as your butler. He was great!

Not sure how long its been since you've been there, but we were there last week and there was a ton of construction at the resort and on the beach. Most of the pool deck was under construction and what's remaining was very run down.

I am going on the Breakaway 12/7, and with the great fares we sprang for an aft balcony, which I know I will love. That being said, I am looking to keep expenses very low. What fun things are there to do in Nassau that aren't official excursions and aren't expensive. If you have any tips for Port Canaveral, I'd love to hear those as well. Thanks!:D

I would say Cable Beach, but it is under construction with a large new hotel being built there. If you want to try local food don't miss The Fish Fry. It's a strip of locally owned restaurants that are all inexpensive. Also check out the rum cake factory. Both are not too far from the port.