Frequent Voyager gets Virginized ...

[eroller]

 

Frequent Voyager gets Virginized 

 

For those that like to cut to the chase, attached is my photo link.  There are 440 photos and 8 videos, mostly of the ship.  Also included are some menus, food porn, and the daily programs which I picked up each day from Sailor Services.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/eroller/albums/72177720304720683

 

I started following Virgin Voyages since its inception, and was even one of the very first to put down a deposit.  I love trying out new ships and even better an entirely new cruise brand.  Having flown on Virgin Atlantic, I recognize and appreciate how Virgin manages to differentiate itself.  An instant appeal was that VV was not going to try and be all things to all people, as so many lines try to.  Instead Virgin would focus on the adult market.  Being a married adult with no children the brand had instant appeal.  Then I started reading and hearing more & more about the brand, and the more I read and saw the more I wondered if this 56 year old would feel out of place on Virgin?  I wasn’t enamored with the interiors, as they looked rather simple and IKEA-like to me, at least in renderings.  None the less I was intrigued and booked a lunch onboard SCARLET LADY during her maiden call to NYC.  Well COVID hit, the lunch and entire visit to NY were canceled, and the ship headed straight to Miami never to carry a single paying passenger for well over a year.  Talk about bad timing, I don’t think Virgin Voyages could have picked a worse time to start a new operation.  I canceled my initial deposit and Virgin was put on the back burner.  Unfortunately I get the feeling that VV is still struggling a bit.  With filling their ships and perhaps even with some identity issues.  It’s difficult for a new brand to gain momentum in the marketplace, especially one as competitive as the cruise industry.  Add in the additional challenges of COVID and it’s understandable Virgin has had a rocky start.  Hopefully the worst is behind them now.  

 

After a dismal 2020 with zero cruises (a first since I was a child), I ramped up to two cruises in 2021 and came back with a vengeance in 2022.  Seven cruises, on Celebrity, Cunard, Regent, Holland America, Norwegian, and yes finally Virgin!  It was my turn to try Virgin, and the ship would be VALIANT LADY.  My husband and I sailed December 11 on a 6-day cruise to Roatan, Costa Maya, and Bimini.  Honestly the ports didn’t matter, this was all about the ship, the brand, and the experience.  Ships and the cruise industry have been a big hobby of mine since I was a child.  I love the technology, the innovation, the design, etc of passengers ships, and prototype ships really get my blood flowing.  Virgin was not only a new line, but a new ship as well so it was a win win.  Something totally different.  As the big day approached I found myself getting quite excited, like a first time cruiser which doesn’t happen that often anymore.  This would actually be my 140th cruise on no fewer than 25 different cruise lines, so having that first time excitement and anticipation was like being a kid again.

 

It was easy to tell Virgin was going to be unique and different right from the get-go.  It started with the Virgin app, and how pretty much everything would center around the app both pre-cruise and while on the cruise.  Other cruise lines have apps of course, but Virgin takes it next level.  No paper baggage tags to print.  Not even a boarding pass.  This seemed odd at first but it all worked like a charm.  Granted the app can be glitchy, but when it works (which was most of the time), it works well.  We opted for a 1:30pm check-in time and live only a short drive from Virgin’s new Terminal V at PortMiami.  We dropped off our bags and parked in the adjacent parking lot.  I had read not to arrive early and we didn’t.  In fact a little late.  There were no lines outside the terminal and we walked right in.  The terminal was very cool with great music playing, and we went through the process of security and checking-in.  We were given boarding group #17 and entered the holding area which was filled with people.  I don’t think they had started boarding yet and we anticipated a long wait.  As it turns out they started boarding minutes later and within 30 minutes our number was called.  The first thing we noticed was how young and good looking our fellow “sailors” were.  This was certainly not the typical cruise crowd we are used to.  We also noticed an abundance of LGBTQ+ sailors and this made us feel right at home.  In fact we wondered if this was some sort of group cruise, but it wasn’t.  Virgin just attracts members of the LGBTQ+ community and we would quickly discover why.  

 

Once we boarded I quickly discovered the number one thing that sets Virgin Voyages apart from every other line I’ve sailed.  The crew!  Overwhelmingly young, attractive, and energetic, they were free to be themselves.  How refreshing!  We saw tattoos, purple hair, piercings, even uniforms designed for gender-neutral crew members.  The crew seemed exceedingly happy to be there, and genuinely having a great time doing their jobs.  The interaction with us “sailors” was natural, spontaneous, and sincere.  There was no pretense, no “us and them”, or any feeling the crew had to hide behind a stiff uniform and strict grooming regulations.  During the cruise we saw crew dining in the various restaurants, sitting in lounges, eating in the Galley, in fact all over the place.  It was probably the most visible crew I’ve seen on any ship.  Funny enough there was no way to distinguish the officers as they don’t wear epaulettes.  None of that visible hierarchy.  Even the Captain just wears a polo shirt.  During the 6-days we chatted with many crew members, and even exchanged contact information with two of them that we became especially close with.  They all have unlimited free internet, great crew facilities, many passenger-type privileges, and the vast majority are in single cabins (albeit small) with a connecting bath.  The level of individuality and interaction between crew and sailors is just something I had not experienced before, and I absolutely loved it.   

 

We were lucky to have two friends from Miami onboard visiting the ship for the day, and they met us at the gangway and gave us Virgin 411.  They are huge VV fans and wanted to make sure we had a great time.  They had nothing to worry about!  After some drinks in On the Rocks, we ventured to our cabin.  12310Z.  Great location and very quiet, I highly recommend this cabin.  Our luggage was already waiting, and how fun to experience that first grand entrance.  When you scan your Sailor Band and open the door, the curtains automatically open, a/c kicks in, and the lights come on.  It’s a great feature that is not only fun but conserves energy as well.  The cabin was much nicer than I expected, and didn’t feel IKEA-like at all.  In fact I’ll smash that preconception all together.  The entire ship was much nicer than I expected, and none of it felt like IKEA.  I didn’t even mind the curtain in place of closet doors.  It somehow just worked in the space.   We had no difficulty storing all our belongings and the luggage fit easily under the bed.  We never tried out the beds in the sofa arrangement.  Honestly I just didn’t want to give our cabin stewardess extra work.  She was lovely and kept everything tidy and in good order.  Virgin Voyages only offers cabin service once a day, but if you need anything else at anytime just request it on the app.  It’s quickly delivered without fuss.  No need to even speak with anyone and no waiting on hold by phone.  It’s brilliant.  There is a control panel in the room that pretty much controls everything.  The lighting (there are several mood settings - see my video in the pictures link for my favorite), the a/c, the curtains, and the TV.  I’m a bit of a tech-nerd so I really enjoyed playing around with it.  There was an excellent selection of on-demand movies that my husband took advantage of, but I missed a navigation channel.  I love to know where we are and how fast we are going.  Two glass water carafes are filled daily (flat and sparkling) and I highly recommend bringing your own refillable water bottle, as there are water stations around the ship to refill at no charge.  There are no single use plastic bottles used anywhere on Virgin Voyages.  This is fantastic IMO.  The balcony was a decent size and yes the hammock is a nice touch.  I would have preferred more comfy balcony furniture instead of the hard metal seats, but I guess that is what the hammock is for.  The bathroom is small but functional.  The shower is great with overhead rainforest style or handheld shower-head.  Easy to switch between the two options.  What is needed is more shelving in the bathroom.  This would be easy to accomplish and is really my only major flaw with the cabin setup.  Room service (aka Ship’s Eatz) is a treat and is very efficient.  Once again you use the app to order and it quickly arrives in some very unique delivery packaging.  I highly recommend it, but the $5 delivery fee is a little off-putting for a cruise line that advertises that so much is included.  It was the only time on the entire cruise I felt a little gouged, so honestly that is not too bad but it does go against the grain of what Virgin stands for.  You can offset the fee by ordering something with a charge, like a cocktail.  In that case the $5 delivery fee is waived.  Also the app knows your location on the ship, so you can order Ship Eatz pretty much anywhere you desire on the ship, not just your cabin.    

 

I pre-booked dining on the app prior to the cruise, so we had a different restaurant lined up each night.  The dining experience is unique on VV because there is no main dining room.  Instead there are what I would call six main dining venues plus The Galley (their version of a buffet) and several other smaller fast bite options.  Razzle Dazzle, Pink Agave, The Test Kitchen, Extra Virgin, The Wake, and Gunbae are the main dining venues, and each offers a unique experience and a different style of cuisine.  We enjoyed them all but Razzle Dazzle and The Wake were my two favorites.  Service was excellent in them all, and I tried things I probably never would have in each and every venue.  This cruise was all about trying out new things, and that included the cuisine.  The Test Kitchen was probably the most adventurous, and it’s group style dining so we really enjoyed our time there with a honeymoon couple from England.  One night we opted for “it’s a Ship Show” which is a dinner theater style experience in The Manor.  We quite enjoyed it.  Think variety show meets the high seas with dinner thrown in for extra measure.  Other options include a dedicated pizza parlor, ice cream parlor, coffee shop, and several other casual dining options for a quick bite.  Special mention must be made of The Galley.  I hate to call it a buffet because it really isn’t, but it’s the Virgin version of one.  In actuality it’s a food hall with around 10 different cuisine options.  You sit in one spot, a menu is presented, and you order from any of the food kiosks you desire.  They are delivered to your table when ready.  Think salad, sushi, deserts, hot press sandwiches, American style diner, noodle bar, etc.  The menu doesn’t change but there are plenty of options so it’s unlikely you will get bored.  Food is fresh and delivered quickly, and there is very little waste like a normal buffet.  Also no grubby paws digging though all the food options so much more sanitary as well.  As soft drinks are complimentary on Virgin, there are a few soda dispensers around The Galley plus the usual water, coffee, tea, etc.  We had heard a lot about cuisine on Virgin before the cruise so expectations were high.  Overall it was quite good and even adventurous.  Was it the best cuisine I’ve ever had on a cruise?  No but probably a top 5 or 10 for sure.  Probably the #1 spot for overall creativity.  As an added bonus prior to the cruise, I applied for Virgin’s Status match loyalty program and was granted Sea-Rover status with a program Virgin calls Deep Blue Extras.  The most tangible benefit was “Shake for Champagne”.  We tried this the last night while sitting in Sip.  I opened the app and shook it, and about 10 minutes later a chilled bottle of Moet was delivered with two glasses.  Just like magic!  You could do this anywhere on the ship, and what a great way to end the cruise.  I think the charge was $99 but that was removed during the night.   I like when a plan comes together and Shake for Champagne worked like a charm.           

   

 

Entertainment is a highlight on Virgin, and like everything else it’s done a bit differently.  Instead of a traditional show lounge, they have a multi-function space called The Red Room.  It’s almost set up like a gymnasium with bleacher style seating on either side of the main floor.  Don’t worry the bleacher style seating is actually fairly comfortable cushioned chairs so you’re not sitting on a hard bench.  The shows are energetic, original, and very creative.  We quite enjoyed Duel Reality which was sort of a modern take on Romeo & Juliet.  It received a standing ovation.  The Manor nightclub is also used to house smaller shows, and besides the dinner theater we enjoyed Never Sleep Alone and Around the World in 80 Minutes with the Diva in this venue.  Who is the Diva you ask?  The resident drag queen on Virgin Voyages.  How many cruise lines can proclaim a resident drag queen?  None that I know of.  She was great fun and besides her main show, had events like Bingo with the Diva.  The highlight of any Virgin cruise is Scarlet night.  Everyone wears red and there is pop-up entertainment all over the ship.  In fact the ship becomes art.  Even the elevators and corridors get in on the act, as all the lighting turns red.  Everyone ends up in the Aquatic Club for a deck party like no other.  The fact the entertainment was so adult oriented (even R-rated at times) was absolutely refreshing.  Yes you will hear profanity and plenty of sexual innuendo.  There are no kids to worry about, but if your easily offended or ultra-conservative this probably isn’t the cruise line for you.  Luckily there is something out there for everyone, and like I mentioned in the beginning Virgin is not trying to be all things to all people.  They are what they are and they don’t apologize for it.    

 

A little about VALIANT LADY herself.  Much to my surprise I loved the ship.  The entire vibe of the ship is so chill, with so many places just to relax, hang out, and order a bite or drink if you wish.  There is live music all over the place, and the resident DJ spins great music poolside, in the Manor, and the Roundabout.  Speaking of The Manor, it is hands down the best nightclub at sea.  Sexy and sultry, it’s two levels with multiple bars, intimate seating areas, VIP sections, and amazing sound & lighting.  Throw in the handsome staff for good measure, and you truly have Studio 54 gone to sea.  The retail area, called High Street is probably the best retail selection I’ve seen on any cruise ship.  Besides great logo items, there are so many unique labels I haven’t seen on other lines.  There was a lot I would actually have enjoyed buying if only the wallet would cooperate!  The sundry shop even sells those must needed x-rated toys in case you left yours at home!  Also where else can you get a tattoo at sea?  Before you think this is some sort of gimmick, it’s all legit with very talented tattoo artists and dare I say quite busy every time I walked by.  Speaking of gimmicks, you won’t find them on VALIANT LADY.  No slides, no mega-tron TV screen, no go carts, no roller coasters, no ice skating, etc etc.  This is a ship for adults designed for adults.  You can see it in the outdoor deck space and in the lounges.  I enjoyed a spa pass during the cruise at the Redemption Spa and true to the rest of the ship, it was sexy and chic.  Steam, saunas, hot tubs, mud bath, spa pool, hammam heated beds, salt room … it was all there.  One strange thing is that the spa pool and all the hot tubs onboard were without jets.  So you just sat in still water.  I’m not sure what that was all about, but something legal I’m sure.  Virgin Voyages is very fitness oriented, so besides the Redemption Spa there is B-Complex which is the fitness center onboard.  In addition there is an outdoor spa pool (again no jets) and the Athletic Club one deck up which includes outdoor gym equipment, sports court, and The Perch, which is a great space all the way aft and on the highest deck.  This is where you can partake in one of the many included group fitness classes offered, like sunrise yoga if you dare to rise that early.  I can’t complete this review without that one glaring observation that everyone has talked about since the first details of VV were released.  The pool!  Yes it’s small and no it’s not suitable for the size of the ship.  My sailing wasn’t full so there were no issues, but honestly the pool needs to be enlarged, or better yet remove that aft net (which I saw no one use) and install a second pool.  Yes that is a big order for a ship design that is already in production, but it’s not impossible.  It’s really the only major ship flaw IMO, and for a cruise line that is appealing to a younger demographic that absolutely loves to hang by the pool, it’s short sightedness on the part of Virgin.  I do hope to see this corrected on future Lady Ships, and I’ve been told by more than one crew member that Virgin is well aware of the issue.  If they decide to take action is anyones guess.  If you’re not a pool person then it won’t be an issue, as there is tons of deck space around the pool and plenty of loungers.  I do enjoy a swim and that is not an easy task on Virgin.  The pool holds maybe six people if you like some space between you and the person next to you.  Much more on Scarlet Night!  

 

The ports were secondary as I mentioned earlier, and I’ve actually been to them all before.  I only got off the ship in Roatan and Costa Maya for some ship spotting and to take pictures of VALIANT LADY.  We did not get off the ship in Bimini as the weather took a turn for the worse that day.  I wanted my husband to see the Virgin Beach Club but that will have to wait for another cruise.  I actually saw it while on a previous Celebrity Cruise docked in Bimini.  My buddy and I went to the adjacent public beach and I did a naughty and snuck into the Beach Club for a quick look around.  It was a beautiful facility that is used by hotel guests and other cruise lines when a Virgin ship is not in port.  I do really want the full Virgin experience there, so that is something to look forward to on a future Virgin cruise.  

 

So the big question?  Will I return to Virgin Voyages?  Absolutely!  In fact we put down a deposit for a future cruise while onboard, which is something I have NEVER done before.  It was a good deal and knowing we want to return why not?  A much bigger critic than me is my husband.  I’m easy as I love trying new things and just being on a ship is my happy place.  I have preferences of course, but I’m very open minded to new things and not loyal to any one brand.  This is not my husband.  He is a traditionalist that doesn’t even like cruising, but when he does he prefers smaller luxury lines like Regent, Silversea, Oceania, and Azamara.  He really wanted to experience Virgin though, and much to my surprise he really took to Virgin Voyages and actually wants to return with me.  That is probably the highest accolade I can give to Virgin, as he is not an easy one to impress.

 

To all the future Virgin Sailors, I wish you Bon Voyage, fair seas & sunny skies.  I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I did!    

Edited December 27, 2022 by eroller

[eroller]

A few sample pics from my photolog.  The full selection can be found here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/eroller/albums/72177720304720683

 

 

[Cloud9 Bob]

Thanks for the excellent review. You were spot on and your review will provide many with an accurate idea of what it would be like to be a sailor on Virgin. Cheers!

[Wildcatllamas]

I love your review. I haven't cruised as many times as you have but I feel the same way about the Virgin product. I love their cruise options. I did a back to back last December and have another cruise booked with them in December of 2023. And I still have a future deposit to use. 

[EADW1991]

the only thing I noticed, and correct me if im wrong, there is no unlimited cocktail option. I looked on the website and saw the "bar tab" but that seemed more like pre-paying for your tab and not unlimited If there is something that I missed, please let me know. Is this something they offer as an upgrade once on board?

[jon81uk]

1 hour ago, EADW1991 said:

the only thing I noticed, and correct me if im wrong, there is no unlimited cocktail option. I looked on the website and saw the "bar tab" but that seemed more like pre-paying for your tab and not unlimited If there is something that I missed, please let me know. Is this something they offer as an upgrade once on board?

Virgin don’t offer drinks packages. Instead the drinks are reasonably priced and you can pre-pay bar tab to get bonus credit. Plus there are no tips as they are all included in the fare. 
Bar tab means for every $300 prepaid to your account you get $50 (or $100 of there is a promotion) extra to spend. It can be used on all chargeable drinks, including barista made coffee, juices, cocktails and other alcoholic drinks.

[eroller]

2 hours ago, EADW1991 said:

the only thing I noticed, and correct me if im wrong, there is no unlimited cocktail option. I looked on the website and saw the "bar tab" but that seemed more like pre-paying for your tab and not unlimited If there is something that I missed, please let me know. Is this something they offer as an upgrade once on board?

 

 

No unlimited drink packages ... just the bar tab.  My standard Barcardi & DC was a flat $7.  No gratuity.  About 1/2 what most other cruise lines charge for the same drink, so extremely reasonable. 

[eroller]

15 hours ago, Cloud9 Bob said:

Thanks for the excellent review. You were spot on and your review will provide many with an accurate idea of what it would be like to be a sailor on Virgin. Cheers!

 

 

You are quite welcome.  Glad you enjoyed! 

[eroller]

6 hours ago, Wildcatllamas said:

I love your review. I haven't cruised as many times as you have but I feel the same way about the Virgin product. I love their cruise options. I did a back to back last December and have another cruise booked with them in December of 2023. And I still have a future deposit to use. 

 

 

Awesome!  So glad you enjoyed the review.  Sounds like you have some fun Virgin experiences to look forward to!

[shirleyvan]

Thanks for a great review.  We will be in huge suite on Scarlet Lady March 3, 2023.

[eroller]

39 minutes ago, shirleyvan said:

Thanks for a great review.  We will be in huge suite on Scarlet Lady March 3, 2023.

Wow lucky you!   The suites look amazing … plus Richard’s Rooftop.  Nice! 

[conandrob240]

Can you tell me more about communal dining at Test Kitchen? Im

not a fan of this! No tables for two people?

[eroller]

32 minutes ago, conandrob240 said:

Can you tell me more about communal dining at Test Kitchen? Im

not a fan of this! No tables for two people?

 

I don’t believe any tables for two.  The same with Gunbae. At Test Kitchen you can sit at the counter and perhaps no one will be next to you.  
 

At Gunbae I wasn’t in a very social mood that night, so we postponed our 8pm dinner to 9pm as the hostess said at 9pm she could sit us alone as it clears out later in the evening.  
 

All the other restaurants we had tables for two, but often the tables are quite close so you still end up chatting with your neighbors.  

[conandrob240]

Ugh.

[neverendingcruising]

Test Kitchen has tables for two in addition to bar type seating. Shouldn't be a problem to request a table specifically if that's what you prefer. 

[Cloud9 Bob]

I was cruising solo and I'm not a fan of communal dining either, but ate at the Test Kitchen counter twice and it was fine. There is usually a staff member doing something interesting to watch, and even easier for two to blend in. The one time I had a couple next to me they were really just interacting with each other. Gunbae was much more like being assigned to an MDR table where you socialize with other pax.

[cantgetin]

7 hours ago, eroller said:

 

 

No unlimited drink packages ... just the bar tab.  My standard Barcardi & DC was a flat $7.  No gratuity.  About 1/2 what most other cruise lines charge for the same drink, so extremely reasonable. 

There is a bottomless option at brunch--specified drinks included at The Wake and Razzle Dazzle.

 

[cantgetin]

3 hours ago, eroller said:

 

I don’t believe any tables for two.  The same with Gunbae. At Test Kitchen you can sit at the counter and perhaps no one will be next to you.  

At Test Kitchen, you will be seated at a long high counter or a long low counter which is more like a very long table (much more comfortable chairs.  We were seated at one end of the low counter across from each other.  Part way thru our meal, 2 others were seated next to us.  It is up to you whether you talk with them or stick to "just us."

 

At Gunbae, you will always be at a table for 6 and will interact with them during the drinking game.  Our first night at Gunbae, 2 of us were with a group of 4, 3 of whom either didn't speak English or weren't comfortable with their English.  THe one man did all the talking with the serving staff....so there was not much interaction.  Our second time was much more fun.

 

At the other restaurants, there are tables for 2.  Some are close to other diners, some are not.  It is your choice whether you interact with people at other tables or not--generally we did not.

 

Edited December 28, 2022 by cantgetin

[eroller]

36 minutes ago, cantgetin said:

There is a bottomless option at brunch--specified drinks included at The Wake and Razzle Dazzle.

 

 

Not exactly an unlimited drink package which VV does not offer, at least not in the same context that most other cruise lines offer.  
 

I’m not a huge drinker so personally I’ll take the reasonably priced drinks anyway.  $7 for a mixed cocktail is a bargain.  

Edited December 28, 2022 by eroller

[eroller]

32 minutes ago, cantgetin said:

At Test Kitchen, you will be seated at a long high counter or a long low counter which is more like a very long table (much more comfortable chairs.  We were seated at one end of the low counter across from each other.  Part way thru our meal, 2 others were seated next to us.  It is up to you whether you talk with them or stick to "just us."

 

At Gunbae, you will always be at a table for 6 and will interact with them during the drinking game.  Our first night at Gunbae, 2 of us were with a group of 4, 3 of whom either didn't speak English or weren't comfortable with their English.  THe one man did all the talking with the serving staff....so there was not much interaction.  Our second time was much more fun.

 

At the other restaurants, there are tables for 2.  Some are close to other diners, some are not.  It is your choice whether you interact with people at other tables or not--generally we did not.

 

 

There are regular tables at Test Kitchen (see pic), not just counters.  Although I don’t believe any tables for two.  

We were seated by ourselves at Gunbae but it meant dining late at 9pm.  But it can be done.  
 

 

Edited December 28, 2022 by eroller

[jon81uk]

8 hours ago, conandrob240 said:

Can you tell me more about communal dining at Test Kitchen? Im

not a fan of this! No tables for two people?

Test kitchen has a lot of high top bench seating facing the open kitchens, there are very few tables. There are some high top tables for two and some booths for six. But if you are seated at the high tops facing an open kitchen then they will leave try to gaps between parties, or you can ask them too if the restaurant isn’t busy. It’s not communal seating, just continuous seating. 
whereas Gunbae is communal, you will normally be seated at a table for six with an other party.

[coevan]

 

Thank you so much for this post. We are sailing Scarlett Lady 1/14-1/22 and are very excited. We had no idea about the VIP program and followed through on one of the links. We are VIP Platinum on CCL with 15 cruises. We entered our info, took a screen shot of my status and submitted it yesterday. this morning I get an email from VV saying ahoy Sea rover. There are many valuable perks including expedited boarding. Here is the list of perks copied 

We’re thrilled to let you know that you qualify for our Match and Sea More Program — which means you’ve automatically secured Sea-Rover status (our elite sailing status for 2022). You’ll now have access to two major perks — our Deep Blue Extras on every sailing through March 31, 2023 as well as the ability to get major rewards just by booking during our Red Hot Bonus Booking Months.
 

Deep Blue Extras on every 2022 voyage through March 31, 2023:

Your first perk is access to our collection of unrivaled, onboard luxurious, called Deep Blue Extras — putting you at the helm of VIP treatment. The perks include:

 

 

• Enhanced Boarding:
  A dedicated line at embarkation awaits you at the terminal

• Shake for Champagne
  Shake, and cheers, because a bottle of Moët & Chandon is on us

• Unlimited Premium Wifi (where available)
  If you can dream it, we can stream with access to our premium wifi

• Dedicated Sailor Services Support On Board
  For any and all of your needs, you'll have access to a dedicated agent

• An Exclusive Sailaway Hour
  A special experience for those with Deep Blue Extras.

• Laundry Service
  Two pressed items, One eco-cleaned item, and a bag of laundry — on us

• $10 daily credit for specialty coffee per cabin
  Because you deserve to be glamorously caffeinated for everything you’ve got planned

Unlocking more during Red Hot Booking Bonus Months
Your second perk is access to amazing rewards when you book during our Red Hot Booking Bonus Months — which celebrates you for booking a new paid sailing in 2022 by giving you exclusive onboard credit, token accelerators for every dollar you spend and guaranteeing you the highest benefits in 2023, and a chance to win epic Virgin Group Travel Giveaways.
 

We understand that your loyalty to another cruise line is important, and we’re so grateful that you’re giving us the opportunity to Match and Sea More. We can’t wait to sea you on board soon — treating you with all your incredible new perks and exploring the world The Virgin Way.

 

Cheers,

Voyage Services Crew

[conandrob240]

Does anyone know if the special sail away  Deep Blue perk is actually the Richard’s Rooftop party? Or something different?

[neverendingcruising]

There is a cocktail party for Deep Blue that's usually several nights into the voyage. We've done it at the Dock and the Perch. You should get an invitation in your room. 

[Jasukkie]

The continuous seating style at Test Kitchen takes away any awkwardness about being seated at a table with strangers. It's no different than another person being next to you at a bar, you can turn towards the person you are with and ignore the new person, or you can engage with them if you like. You likely are at different stages of the meal. Strong recommendation for the cocktail pairings at Test Kitchen by the way, you really won't care who is next to you after that.

 

Oh, have to say, I LOVE Ikea! That's a compliment in my book lol.

Edited December 29, 2022 by Jasukkie
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