“We Fancy” party

[AtSeaWithChris]

What is the We Fancy party on Virgin?

[CruisingWalter]

Sounds like their take on a formal night. Dress up for the night and call yourself 'fancy.'  

 

Basic rule of Virgin Voyages is don't overthink anything. Dress fancy if you want or not, they really don't care. 🙂 

[_tacocat_]

6 hours ago, WheresWalter said:

Sounds like their take on a formal night. Dress up for the night and call yourself 'fancy.'  

dear god i hope not.  that's one more tick off a mainstream cruise line checklist. 

 

i've been an ardent supporter of VV since day 1 (for reference - i booked in 2019 for a 2020 scarlet sailing, then a 2021 valiant sailing that both got covid-ed, rebooked scarlet for dec 2021 and have been on the 2 ships 10 times since then with 3 more booked), but i think i'm done with VV at this point after my 3 upcoming voyages.

 

i was a "never-cruiser" before VV - i went on one NCL cruise about a decade ago, and it was hands down the worst vacation of my life.  it was absolutely disgusting, the food was inedible around the ship, and the nickel and diming for literally everything was obnoxious even then - i'm surprised they didn't charge for toilet paper in the bathroom haha.  every stereotype of a cruise was onboard, and i couldn't wait to get off the ship.

 

VV came along and it looked so different and refreshing, so i figured i'd give it a try.  i clearly loved it enough to keep coming back, but over time, they've started catering more to two groups: the "typical" cruisers and the casino comps.  shows and activities are being cut to conform to things that you'd find more on mainstream cruise lines, they seem to be hanging onto the bar tab inclusion package as their answer to not having a drinks package, etc.

 

i'm glad i got to experience the "good old days" of VV, but it's apparent that bain and blackrock are now putting the focus on near term profitability vs. the long term brand vision.

[jon81uk]

22 minutes ago, _tacocat_ said:

dear god i hope not.  that's one more tick off a mainstream cruise line checklist. 

 

i've been an ardent supporter of VV since day 1 (for reference - i booked in 2019 for a 2020 scarlet sailing, then a 2021 valiant sailing that both got covid-ed, rebooked scarlet for dec 2021 and have been on the 2 ships 10 times since then with 3 more booked), but i think i'm done with VV at this point after my 3 upcoming voyages.

 

i was a "never-cruiser" before VV - i went on one NCL cruise about a decade ago, and it was hands down the worst vacation of my life.  it was absolutely disgusting, the food was inedible around the ship, and the nickel and diming for literally everything was obnoxious even then - i'm surprised they didn't charge for toilet paper in the bathroom haha.  every stereotype of a cruise was onboard, and i couldn't wait to get off the ship.

 

VV came along and it looked so different and refreshing, so i figured i'd give it a try.  i clearly loved it enough to keep coming back, but over time, they've started catering more to two groups: the "typical" cruisers and the casino comps.  shows and activities are being cut to conform to things that you'd find more on mainstream cruise lines, they seem to be hanging onto the bar tab inclusion package as their answer to not having a drinks package, etc.

 

i'm glad i got to experience the "good old days" of VV, but it's apparent that bain and blackrock are now putting the focus on near term profitability vs. the long term brand vision.

 

I think its still a bit too early to judge whether they are trying harder to get the "typical" cruisers. I also had never done a cruise before Virgin and all of the things that people say they "miss" from other cruise lines such as announcements, photographers and a cruise director have put me off trying any others.

I don't see Virgin adding those sort of things, some of the tweeks such as more paper-based announcements, more focus on the paper whats on guide and similar are welcome.

I think they are also trying to tailor each trip to a crowd, I did the transatlantic last October and I think they knew those trips skew older, most of the party nights started at 10pm whereas on the current Carribean sailings its 11 or 11.30. I don't think that is a bad approach to having a bit more appeal and changing things up depending who is onboard, but not really altering the core product.

 

Personally (although I never saw it over four cruises) I didn't care for Never Sleep Alone too so I'm interested to see what comes next. But from what I know of the Miss Behave Show they are exactly going for more mainstream entertainment!

 

Oh and on the subject of "We Fancy" I don't think it exists (yet) so can't judge.

 

Edited February 10, 2023 by jon81uk

[CineGraphic]

19 minutes ago, jon81uk said:

I think its still a bit too early to judge whether they are trying harder to get the "typical" cruisers.

 

I think they are making changes because as we've all read here, people are tired of the same old shows.

I don't think they counted on folks wanted to sail so frequently with them.

When we first booked last July, their system wasn't even set-up to handle something as common as a back-to-back cruise.

[jon81uk]

Just now, CineGraphic said:

 

I think they are making changes because as we've all read here, people are tired of the same old shows.

I don't think they counted on folks wanted to sail so frequently with them.

When we first booked last July, their system wasn't even set-up to handle something as common as a back-to-back cruise.

Yep apparently Virgin has the highest rebooking rate of any cruise line. So I agree, they are trying to keep their existing customers interested more than they are changing to attract “typical” cruisers.

[Janthere]

3 hours ago, _tacocat_ said:

dear god i hope not.  that's one more tick off a mainstream cruise line checklist. 

 

i've been an ardent supporter of VV since day 1 (for reference - i booked in 2019 for a 2020 scarlet sailing, then a 2021 valiant sailing that both got covid-ed, rebooked scarlet for dec 2021 and have been on the 2 ships 10 times since then with 3 more booked), but i think i'm done with VV at this point after my 3 upcoming voyages.

 

i was a "never-cruiser" before VV - i went on one NCL cruise about a decade ago, and it was hands down the worst vacation of my life.  it was absolutely disgusting, the food was inedible around the ship, and the nickel and diming for literally everything was obnoxious even then - i'm surprised they didn't charge for toilet paper in the bathroom haha.  every stereotype of a cruise was onboard, and i couldn't wait to get off the ship.

 

VV came along and it looked so different and refreshing, so i figured i'd give it a try.  i clearly loved it enough to keep coming back, but over time, they've started catering more to two groups: the "typical" cruisers and the casino comps.  shows and activities are being cut to conform to things that you'd find more on mainstream cruise lines, they seem to be hanging onto the bar tab inclusion package as their answer to not having a drinks package, etc.

 

i'm glad i got to experience the "good old days" of VV, but it's apparent that bain and blackrock are now putting the focus on near term profitability vs. the long term brand vision.

We are boarding tomorrow for our 3rd VV cruise and have 4 more booked over the next year. We love the experience however i can see how doing 10 cruises over a relatively short period can get old. I would think that would happen no matter which line you were on?  I am curious as to what would make you less "done with VV"? 

 

[_tacocat_]

2 minutes ago, janbear said:

We are boarding tomorrow for our 3rd VV cruise and have 4 more booked over the next year. We love the experience however i can see how doing 10 cruises over a relatively short period can get old. I would think that would happen no matter which line you were on?  I am curious as to what would make you less "done with VV"? 

 

honestly it hasn't gotten old, i've just observed things that seem like they have been directly lifted from a mainstream line over the past year.  we've pretty much attended all the more audience participation or rotating events every cruise, but have skipped most of the static performances on subsequent voyages.  i also wouldn't go on any other line, so can't answer that part haha. 

 

as far as being less "done," i think they're starting on a ruthless path to profitability ASAP.  there are stupid little things like reduction of moet hour at the rooftop (absolute first world problem but it's a cutback) and per some FB posts RSs can't swap liquor, so if you don't like whiskey or gin or whatever, too bad it's yours; and bigger ones like reduction in events on my recent voyages and an increase in in-your-face branding/sponsorships/partnerships, among others.  starting to feel hella corporate & traditional cruise-hokey vs virgin's original avant garde approach to the industry.

 

re: changes making it less virgin-y and more mainstream, hating the introduction of paper agendas sounds petty and dumb, but one of their "big things" was being more environmentally conscious.  even at the end of the night, there are still a ton of copies left from the day at all 3 locations.  guess where they go?  they're mostly a waste of resources and time, plus people who only rely on the paper schedules then gripe to any crewmembers within earshot about how THAT'S NOT WHAT MY AGENDA SAID?!?!?!? when something changes and they have old information.

 

other changes i've noticed include: on valiant, some voyages have lost 1 night of show entertainment to have a movie night (whoopdie doo, it's almost as if you can't see a movie in your house or a movie theater on land), taming down shows to accommodate a more bland palate (rip NSA), adding more poorly-disguised sales pitch events in the shops that seem on paper to be truly an educational session - especially to an inexperienced cruiser who doesn't know that everything is usually a sales pitch, having happenings cast members walk around the pool deck with a megaphone to hype up their events later that day, and finally, hyping the crap out of the MNVV offer in every. single. event. yes, we get it, it's a great offer, but it's plastered all over the ship, mentioned at least twice in the communications within the room (also a giant waste of paper because those end up in the circular file every day!)

[Janthere]

With regards to the paper agendas I think large video boards in strategic places would be super helpful as an alternative. I do think people are creatures of habit so I can see why some prefer to copy to hold in their hands and review. I think it's dumb that you although you can scroll through events on your phone/app you can only Heart or favorite some of them. To me it would be super helpful if I could just shortlist ALL of what I wanted to go to or have interest in but that doesn't seem to have that functionality. 

 

We board tomorrow - our last cruise on VV was beginning of October. I will try to be more aware of any changes since then. I absolutely love VV and really hope any changes are for the better. They are such a standout in the cruising world and really hope they stay that way!

 

 

[jon81uk]

5 minutes ago, janbear said:

With regards to the paper agendas I think large video boards in strategic places would be super helpful as an alternative. I do think people are creatures of habit so I can see why some prefer to copy to hold in their hands and review. I think it's dumb that you although you can scroll through events on your phone/app you can only Heart or favorite some of them. To me it would be super helpful if I could just shortlist ALL of what I wanted to go to or have interest in but that doesn't seem to have that functionality. 

There are several large Digital Touch screens near the mid and fore lifts. 
 

you can heart/favourite things once onboard, unfortunately I think the change to only being able to book shows onboard means the shortlist function was lost before boarding too.

[Jessetfan]

I'm honestly glad to hear that paper copies of the events are available. I spend almost all my time dealing with a screen, and my goal on my cruise next month is to put my phone in the safe after we get our events booked and not take it out until we disembark. I don't want the temptation to check my email or my voicemail, and I don't want anyone to be able to get ahold of me. I'm in my 30s, so it's not about what I'm used to it's about my preference to disconnect my vacation from technology (I know the app is a selling point with VV). It's so much easier to do that on a cruise, because I don't have to deal with navigation or checking the hours of operation of a destination. I realize this means that things might change and I miss them, but that's a price I'm willing to pay to be truly disconnected.

[Janthere]

14 minutes ago, Jessetfan said:

I'm honestly glad to hear that paper copies of the events are available. I spend almost all my time dealing with a screen, and my goal on my cruise next month is to put my phone in the safe after we get our events booked and not take it out until we disembark. I don't want the temptation to check my email or my voicemail, and I don't want anyone to be able to get ahold of me. I'm in my 30s, so it's not about what I'm used to it's about my preference to disconnect my vacation from technology (I know the app is a selling point with VV). It's so much easier to do that on a cruise, because I don't have to deal with navigation or checking the hours of operation of a destination. I realize this means that things might change and I miss them, but that's a price I'm willing to pay to be truly disconnected.

I totally get and appreciate that need to be disconnected. My husband has never been able to get the app to work on his phone and has given up trying. He is quite content to be offline and just ask me what he needs to know and where he needs to be haha! Its impossible to please everyone all of the time - I just love that VV seems to be listening to their clients and taking steps to come as close as they can to pleasing the most number of people. 

 

[AtSeaWithChris]

2 hours ago, jon81uk said:

unfortunately I think the change to only being able to book shows onboard means the shortlist function

In Dec 2021 you couldn’t book entertainment until

onboard. 

[jon81uk]

8 hours ago, AtSeaWithChris said:

In Dec 2021 you couldn’t book entertainment until

onboard. 

It was only August 2021 you could. They changed after those first UK cruises. Would be nice if they changed it so the wish list still works as it’s been over two years. 

[CruisingWalter]

On 2/10/2023 at 12:14 PM, _tacocat_ said:

for reference - i booked in 2019 for a 2020 scarlet sailing, then a 2021 valiant sailing that both got covid-ed, rebooked scarlet for dec 2021 and have been on the 2 ships 10 times since then with 3 more booked),

 

Sounds like us, we were booked way back in 2019 and had to rebook three times before finally sailing Scarlet in 2022. But we've only been once so far. We have two more sailings coming up in April and November. I can't repeat one cruise line too many times in a row, they get stale for me. 3 times for one cruise line in a row is about my limit. We've been on 8 of them so far, MSC will be next, and that should be interesting with the wild mix of reviews out there for that line. 🙂 

[jon81uk]

On the subject of the OP, We Fancy has now appeared in the line up on Valiant Lady for tomorrow night. It’s another dance party in the Manor, probably similar to Heartbeat. It’s definitely not a “formal night” but I think going for an OTT nightclub outfit is encouraged.

 

We Fancy

The Manor

10:45 PM - 2:15 AM

"We Fancy" is a party created to celebrate all the best feelings: confidence, freedom, that indefinable spark of joy you get after receiving a sincere compliment from a stranger. We invite you to dress in your very fanciest attire and join in a night of collective exuberance. Be prepared for surprises — and a countdown moment not to be missed.

[AtSeaWithChris]

2 hours ago, jon81uk said:

On the subject of the OP, We Fancy has now appeared in the line up on Valiant Lady for tomorrow night. It’s another dance party in the Manor, probably similar to Heartbeat. It’s definitely not a “formal night” but I think going for an OTT nightclub outfit is encouraged.

 

We Fancy

The Manor

10:45 PM - 2:15 AM

"We Fancy" is a party created to celebrate all the best feelings: confidence, freedom, that indefinable spark of joy you get after receiving a sincere compliment from a stranger. We invite you to dress in your very fanciest attire and join in a night of collective exuberance. Be prepared for surprises — and a countdown moment not to be missed.

Hmm it’s not listed on our sailing on the next week. I’m assuming that it will be substituted for something that’s currently on the schedule. 

[rebeccac]

And as with most things VV, there will be absolutely no issue if you choose not to participate or dress as suggested.  I don't look good in red, so even for scarlet night, I did not wear red and nobody said a word.  

[MeganGC1983]

From the looks of the socials of Happening’s Cast, “We Fancy” is a gold party in the Manor. 

[AtSeaWithChris]

52 minutes ago, MeganGC1983 said:

From the looks of the socials of Happening’s Cast, “We Fancy” is a gold party in the Manor. 

Gold?

 

[tbmrt]

On 2/11/2023 at 12:43 PM, WheresWalter said:

 

Sounds like us, we were booked way back in 2019 and had to rebook three times before finally sailing Scarlet in 2022. But we've only been once so far. We have two more sailings coming up in April and November. I can't repeat one cruise line too many times in a row, they get stale for me. 3 times for one cruise line in a row is about my limit. We've been on 8 of them so far, MSC will be next, and that should be interesting with the wild mix of reviews out there for that line. 🙂 

Loved MSC.  Sailed on Divina a few years ago despite the awful reviews and Meraviglia last year.  Most of the staff was very helpful, but we did encounter more problems than with most other cruise ship we've sailed on.

 

The attitude was "that's how it is" with no changes.  We were shocked that they cancelled the ability to purchase liquor package onboard for 3 night trips on the day of our cruise!  This package was promoted before our trip by TA's, online, etc, telling people  you could not prebook, but it could be done onboard at a table to the right when you entered the ship. We tried to book at embarkation and were told then about the change. Not even an apology.  People were lined up at Guest Services and again, "that's  how it is".

 

Our dinnertime was changed to a very late slot without notice.   Instead of our preassigned 7:30 time, when we boarded our card said 9:30!  We went to maitre d' upon boarding to rectify this and were curtly told no changes.  Had to really argue too get this changed.  We finally were put at a table right behind the waiting line was in the very front of the restaurant.  Not pleasant, but the clincher was the waiter and assistant being very rude,  never introducing themselves and service was awful.  On the last night they never even came by to say goodbye (and pick up their tip).

 

They cancelled a show that we had to prepay for.  We went to guest services to get refund.  Told it would be sent to us.  After numerous emails and calls, finally got the $ back about 3 mos. later!

 

The bar service in general was not like what we experienced on our numerous cruises on other lines.  Example...We went to the Sports Bar in the afternoon.  Bartender wiping numerous glasses.  No one else there.  Sat there for awhile, trying to catch his attention.  He totally ignored us until he completely was done wiping numerous glasses. 

 

That being said, the food was good, the shows great, the ship gorgeous.  I would definitely cruise MSC again because as you note, "No cruise is perfect".

[MeganGC1983]

12 hours ago, AtSeaWithChris said:

Gold?

 

They’ve been wearing gold every time.