Virgin Newbee Jumping Ship from NCL

[tgloersen]

Hello all,

 

I have had my last bad cruise with NCL, cannot take there nickle and diming and lack of customer service.  Its time to make a change.

 

Im seriuosly looking at this cruise line, the ships look great, adults only a huge plus.

 

So my question is, are there any former or current cruisers (Sailers Virgin) that have sailed NCL, can you tell me the differances between the two lines?  Looking for personal experiences and comments.

 

Thank you all!

[CineGraphic]

56 minutes ago, tgloersen said:

Hello all,

 

I have had my last bad cruise with NCL, cannot take there nickle and diming and lack of customer service.  Its time to make a change.

 

Im seriuosly looking at this cruise line, the ships look great, adults only a huge plus.

 

So my question is, are there any former or current cruisers (Sailers Virgin) that have sailed NCL, can you tell me the differances between the two lines?  Looking for personal experiences and comments.

 

Thank you all!

 

You won't regret this.

We were loyal to Princess for years.

After 3 bad cruises in a row and a poor response from corporate, we made the switch to Virgin and loved it so much, we texted our TA while hanging out at the Virgin Beach Club on Bimini and cancelled all of our Princess bookings.

 

Imagine.....no announcements to interrupt your day

No photographers slowing down embarkation and disembarkation

No main dining room

No cruise director

Nobody trying to sell you drink packages

No art auctions

No hard sell anywhere for anything. Not even a soft sell

You won't hear 6-10 different versions of "What a Wonderful World" or "My Way" over the course of your cruise

Meals cooked to order, 150% better than pre-cooked hotel banquet quality food served on most lines

 

Edited February 5, 2023 by CineGraphic

[jon81uk]

7 minutes ago, CineGraphic said:

No hard sell anywhere for anything. Not even a soft sell

agree with rest of your post, except this bit. There is unfortunately some soft sell during “workshops” on VV. the posture alignment workshop is just a sales pitch for insoles. 
 

but I’ve never been on any other cruise line and your list of issues reinforces that I’m unlikely too. The announcements would probably be the biggest issue.

Edited February 5, 2023 by jon81uk

[CineGraphic]

1 minute ago, jon81uk said:

the posture alignment workshop is just a sales pitch for insoles.

 

You are correct.

Events like this fill the pages of the daily papers/patters on other lines.

I must have learned how to not see them anymore, and forgotten.

I remember walking by a "Have a Healthier Gut" seminar on another line, only to hear them building everyone up to believe they needed overpriced supplements and probiotics.

 

Sorry...for the brief hijacking.

[cantgetin]

CineGraphic said it all.  On my first VV cruise, I got off the ship with $8 charged to my credit card.   I had a good amount of loot from a booking promotion and some referrals, so basically did whatever I wanted on the cruise.  The $8 was because I finished off my loot on a cocktail the last night, knowing there wasn't enough left to cover it.

There is almost no "nickel and dime" on VV, and it is the worst of any cruise line on NCL.  Most lines are somewhere in between.  You seriously could not spend a penny over the cruise fare on VV and have a great cruise.

The 6 restaurants are the equivalent of specialty dining on any other line. Best food I've ever had at sea.  The closest comparisons are Disney during their "good" periods and Celebrity.
Included wifi, gratuities, and "basic bevvies" which means soda, tea, real brewed coffee, and juices from concentrate. Ice cream and pizza are included.  I LOVE this plan as the things I would normally pay extra for are included, but I don't have to buy a package that includes things I wouldn't use.

Specialty coffees and fresh squeezed juices, as well as smoothies and alcohol have a fee.  There are a few activities with a fee, but they are basically the ones that include alcohol.

The only promotion I encountered with a sales pitch was the posture thing....just skip it.  No sales pitches at the spa, no photographers (although lots of people will be happy to take a photo of you with your phone if desired), minimal overhead announcements (a few on first and last days like essentially "get your rear end to your muster station if you haven't done it yet so we can depart on time" and "It is time to get off the ship now, your cruise is over."  Bottom line, none during the cruise.  The muster drill is on the app or on your room TV but you do need to check in at your station.  

The HAMMOCK.  Get a Sea Terrace (balcony) That darned hammock was so comfortable that we ordered one from Amazon when we got home (they didn't have any for sale on the ship...not sure if out of stock or they didn't carry them.  They gave us a card with the info from the manufacturer).

Seriously, the closest lines I've experienced were Disney and Celebrity, but VV is better than either.  On our first cruise, we took advantage of the rebooking on board offer and booked 3 more.  We did a lot of DCL before their prices went thru the roof and parental control became a thing of the past (and we are all adults now).  We did DCL as adults too, but.....again....a small number of the kids are uncontrolled brats.  We've done quite a few on Princess because of their itineraries, but after a major financial screw up on the last one that they refused to accept was their responsibility, it would take a lot to get me on them again....and honestly VV is SO much better.  We've also done a smattering of other lines, 1-3 cruises on each. But again, VV is so much better

Now, if you want race tracks, golf courses, water slides, rock climbing walls, etc. VV is not the line for you.

Advice on booking VV--book as soon as you know what you want.  In our experience, prices have increased slightly as the sailing date nears (there are early booking specials).  Use a TA (First Mate in VV talk) who has been on the ships and done their training.  IF a lower price or better deal comes up, they can get it for you but it usually involves cancel and rebooking.  

VV is for all ages adult ages and all levels of fitness...Our first cruise was a celebration of the end of metastatic cancer treatment.  I did a couple of exercise classes, but made a point of a stroll on deck for 30 minutes every morning.  I got off the ship feeling the best I'd felt in years, probably due to the good food and exercise as well as sunshine!

[tgloersen]

These are all great comments and exactly what i was looking for.

 

Thank you all so much for the responses.  I think im sold!

[surfone]

We sailed on VL on Jan. 14th (8nights) got off and hopped on NCL Encore for a week.  I wish we had sailed Encore first because what a letdown NCL was after VL.  Of course the occupancy was less than 30 percent on VL vs. NCL at full capacity.  But, we liked the no announcements, no kids, no daily fees, gratuities. Free wifi,  and truly happy crew members.  We are platinum on NCL so have plenty of cruise time with them and will continue to cruise NCL.  I like the smaller NCL ships.  Food choices on VV is wonderful.  VV is not for everyone but as I mentioned before in another post that everyone should read up on reviews and know the basics on VV and decide for yourself.   We are planning to cruise VV again out of Europe. 

[Lustate]

WE have ONLY been on VV. We always thought we would try a cruise and give it a go, and saw Virgin appear during the pandemic and we gave it a go. Just what we hear from other lines in person on the ship or online puts us off even trying another line. The idea of someone barking over the PA system whats happening next "Butlins" style, or having a buffet (no matter how nice) and having to pay extra for a good sit down meal on an evening seems very much not for us. 

We all work hard all year to earn our money, so why spend it on brands and a vacation that your not fully supportive of the style, or up charges on?

[cantgetin]

6 cruise lines (that I remember) and about 45 cruises.  The thing I like best about VV is that everything that any member of my family considers a "need" is included in the cruise fare on VV.  I may choose to spend extra on alcohol, spa, or excursions, but on VV I can literally not spend another penny and we have a great cruise.  

On other lines, tips, wifi, and soda are "essential" to members of my family.  At the very least, you need enough wifi to do on line check in....I keep reading that VV is "too expensive," but I've done price comparisons with other lines for the closest cruise I can find.  VV has come out ahead every time, whether I add just those items that we consider essential or the other line's "package deals."  

There are many more considerations than cost, and VV comes out ahead on most of them.  Best crew anywhere, great food, hammock, etc.

[willise]

We just got off the NCL Escape and became Platinum members, but we are also wanting to move away from NCL and try Virgin.

 

The one sticking point I have is the deposit rules. When I look to make a reservation, it requires a significant down payment, which I'm ok with, but if you have to cancel a cruise after 7 days from book, the deposit is non refundable. I'm a little uneasy with paying a deposit $800CDN for a cruise in Feb 2024 that is non refundable.

 

Am I understanding the rules correctly?

Edited February 7, 2023 by willise

[tgloersen]

15 minutes ago, willise said:

We just got off the NCL Escape and became Platinum members, but we are also wanting to move away from NCL and try Virgin.

 

The one sticking point I have is the deposit rules. When I look to make a reservation, it requires a significant down payment, which I'm ok with, but if you have to cancel a cruise after 7 days from book, the deposit is non refundable. I'm a little uneasy with paying a deposit $800CDN for a cruise in Feb 2024 that is non refundable.

 

Am I understanding the rules correctly?

Well its not like you lost the deposite though, if i read properly if you cancel before VV final payment, than the deposite becomes a credit towards another cruise.  Perhaps a VV sailer here can confirm this.

[rebeccac]

15 minutes ago, tgloersen said:

Well its not like you lost the deposite though, if i read properly if you cancel before VV final payment, than the deposite becomes a credit towards another cruise.  Perhaps a VV sailer here can confirm this.

 

That is how I understand it as well.  I believe you will then have 1 yr. to use the credit.

[willise]

14 minutes ago, rebeccac said:

 

That is how I understand it as well.  I believe you will then have 1 yr. to use the credit.

OK - well that makes it a lot easier then.

 

I guess I'm a new Virgin cruiser! 🙂

[rebeccac]

Additionally, up to 48 hours before the sailing, you can even change both names on the reservation if you can find someone to take it over for you.  

[cantgetin]

THe above info is basically correct.  If you cancel a VV cruise, you do not get your deposit back, but your deposit becomes  a future cruise credit.  Mine was good for 2 years  (I know because I applied it to a cruise 17 months out), but policies could  have changed.  If you purchase a future cruise certificate on board (rebooking on board without choosing a date), that is good for 2 years.  

And yes, you can change anywhere from one to all the names on a reservation up to 48 hours before the embarkation.  This means you could find someone to buy your reservation, or perhaps your travel agent could help with this should it be necessary.  And, of course, if you buy private cruise insurance and cancel for a covered reason, the terms of that policy might get you a full refund.  If you buy insurance thru the cruise line.....well, think about that decision carefully before you do it!

[CruisingWalter]

On 2/5/2023 at 2:32 PM, tgloersen said:

Hello all,

 

I have had my last bad cruise with NCL, cannot take there nickle and diming and lack of customer service.  Its time to make a change.

 

Im seriuosly looking at this cruise line, the ships look great, adults only a huge plus.

 

So my question is, are there any former or current cruisers (Sailers Virgin) that have sailed NCL, can you tell me the differances between the two lines?  Looking for personal experiences and comments.

 

Thank you all!

 

Food is the best at sea right now. We love the NCL specialty dining and VV is like eating at a specialty dining restaurant each night. The Waterfront on NCL has a bit of a nicer setup all the way around the ship, it's a bit industrial on VV with the lifeboats mounted above the deck. But the Dock is far superior to anything on NCL's Waterfront with the food, the views and the overall ambiance.

 

The live entertainment is certainly different. NCL has the big shows including Broadway shows. VV is decidedly different and they're actually in a changeover time right now. VV has awesome live music throughout the ship but the bigger live shows can leave some scratching their heads. Our favorites were Duel Reality and the Diva show. 

 

Casino is non smoking on VV which is a huge plus for us, though we really don't gamble. It's really nice to be able walk through the casino without feeling like an ashtray. 

 

Having all the meals, WiFi, gratuities and soft drinks makes so much sense and it is nice to have no photographers following you around. 

 

Pools are weak if you actually want to swim, but for lounging and talking to folks, they're ok. The net is useless, good to take one photo but ridiculously uncomfortable and wasted space. Bathrooms are tiny in the main cabins, lovely in the suites. 

 

Overall, VV is our current favorite cruise line of the 8 we have sailed so far. They compare nicely with Celebrity and even Disney which is no surprise given the CEO. 

[cementhands]

We’re in our mid ‘60’s and very active just got back from 12 nights Ncl Getaway and loved the dancing opportunities and fun! Daily over 20,000 steps. But food was just okay including 5 specialty restaurant dinners.
So we’re thinking of Virgin but concerned about any live bands and dancing opportunities!  Gym rats here daily Zumba power pump yoga Zumba toning BUTI yoga too, onboard we enjoyed the reggae band and Latin music and Motown dancing on Ncl, just curious how virgin compares?

[cantgetin]

There are exercise classes on sea days as well as early morning yoga, etc.  Classes include zumba, 80 VHS workout, etc. as well as smaller classes like the bungee--all included in your cruise fare.  VV  is known for its exercise classes.  There are also two indoor gyms as well as outdoor exercise areas available. There are multiple music venues around the ship, many with dancing.  Some of the shows, for instance the unnamed dance party thingy (or whatever that name is) includes audience dancing, as do the PJ party, Scarlet night, the after party from Never Sleep Alone, etc.  While I haven't checked my activity sheets, I'm thinking there was a dance event of some sort each night as well as nothing to prevent you from dancing at any of the music venues.  There will be several different music styles on board.  There is always a house band plus a couple of other musical performers on board.  

[MeganGC1983]

10 hours ago, cementhands said:

We’re in our mid ‘60’s and very active just got back from 12 nights Ncl Getaway and loved the dancing opportunities and fun! Daily over 20,000 steps. But food was just okay including 5 specialty restaurant dinners.
So we’re thinking of Virgin but concerned about any live bands and dancing opportunities!  Gym rats here daily Zumba power pump yoga Zumba toning BUTI yoga too, onboard we enjoyed the reggae band and Latin music and Motown dancing on Ncl, just curious how virgin compares?

I’ve sailed Virgin Voyages twice. Several different bands and acoustic duos on board. Slam Allan band was a fantastic blues band on Valiant last month. The Manor (nightclub) has different music some nights as well. Everyone was dancing at Scarlet Night. Lots of good fun. 

[AdoraBelle]

I'm one cruise away from platinum on NCL, and it's hard to imagine going back at this point, unless VV fails or keeps changing the product until it's like any other mass market cruise line.

(I even have an NCL cruisenext cert still sitting on my account from the pandemic era ...) 

The only thing I miss from NCL is the fact that you can almost always get a snack from the buffet (at least on the away ships ... or that was true before the pandemic ...), as I tend to get snacky at hours that are slightly mis-aligned to the galley area on VV. 

[jon81uk]

6 minutes ago, AdoraBelle said:

The only thing I miss from NCL is the fact that you can almost always get a snack from the buffet (at least on the away ships ... or that was true before the pandemic ...), as I tend to get snacky at hours that are slightly mis-aligned to the galley area on VV. 

don’t forget the Social Club has hot dogs, pretzels and chicken wings in pate afternoon and evening and The Dock has food in the afternoon too. So for the 3-5pm time when there is less at the Galley the other venues have some stuff. 
 

Then pizza is 9pm to 1am as well.

[_tacocat_]

3 hours ago, AdoraBelle said:

The only thing I miss from NCL is the fact that you can almost always get a snack from the buffet (at least on the away ships ... or that was true before the pandemic ...), as I tend to get snacky at hours that are slightly mis-aligned to the galley area on VV. 

you can also get room service 24 hours a day - it's breakfast menu between 5am-11am, but the all day menu from 11am-5am if you fancy a 2am steak or popcorn haha

[cementhands]

21 hours ago, AdoraBelle said:

I'm one cruise away from platinum on NCL, and it's hard to imagine going back at this point, unless VV fails or keeps changing the product until it's like any other mass market cruise line.

(I even have an NCL cruisenext cert still sitting on my account from the pandemic era ...) 

The only thing I miss from NCL is the fact that you can almost always get a snack from the buffet (at least on the away ships ... or that was true before the pandemic ...), as I tend to get snacky at hours that are slightly mis-aligned to the galley area on VV. 

Use your certificate to get to Platinum! We’re just off the getaway and for 12 nights we enjoyed dancing opportunities with excellent live bands to the point of 20,000 plus steps. Platinum includes free laundry and 2 specialty dinners too! We enjoy em every time and I get my laundry done before I go back home. O Sheehan Pub around the clock  has decent food but the chicken wings are just okay now, more like baked. The Reuben sandwich was great. Salads too! 

[3rdCoastFan]

I found this a helpful resource in advance of my recent Sunsets & Soirees cruise (Feb 8-12, 2023): 
https://spark-aws.virginvoyages.com/api/v1/ext/ddp/5a3193a0af8e4c3fb714386b/2023-02-13#events 

 

We saw people dancing during most performances at On The Rocks. The Manor is a nightclub, and music will vary depending on the event (ie. Heartbeat will run more EDM, but the Disco Night... well, disco) but that venue was designed for dancing until late at night. I didn't see any acts at The Dock on my voyage, but I don't know that there's much room for dancing there anyway. 

[_tacocat_]

1 hour ago, 3rdCoastFan said:

I didn't see any acts at The Dock on my voyage, but I don't know that there's much room for dancing there anyway. 

it's more of a lounge feel when it's just a solo acoustic act in the dock house - people typically grab a comfy seat and a cocktail and chill.  sometimes they have a DJ at the dock outside during the afternoon/early evenings - still people mostly sitting and chilling with drinks vs. dancing.