JLo at sail away

[CruisinShips]

I booked this voyage a couple of weeks ago, without knowing anything about this (sailing 4/14-19) Virgin Website Link

 

We received an email yesterday informing us that embarkation and leaving port (and subsequent port arrivals) would all be delayed by an hour as a result of this "one time" event.  I am sure the event will be great for those to whom it applies and those who will be participating....hopefully it won't dominate the overall cruise experience for those of us who aren't participating.

 

That Virgin is offering to change our cruise (stated in the email we received) if we prefer is both nice of them and concerning at the same time.  It's too close to the cruise for us to even seriously consider changing anyway.

 

Curious if anyone in this group has an thoughts or insights for us.

 

Thanks

[rebeccac]

No insight on this particular cruise, but I can tell you that we are the cruise immediately before this and we got a notice that everyone will have to be off the ship by 10am which is a bit earlier than normal for Virgin.  

[CineGraphic]

I'm sure I don't need to tell you to check with your wife.....she may just love to see or possibly meet JLo.

If you want to change, I would ask if Virgin is willing to cover any charges incurred with changing flights or hotel reservations. After all, as you claim, you had no idea this was going on and may affect your cruise experience.

[FFMilesJunkie]

J-Lo is only on for the pre-sail away.  There are special events on board for this cruise but it shouldn't affect anything except for the delayed departures. Those who want to experience most of the special events are paying $500 per person extra for the TedTalks and special dinners.  It might end up freeing up some space for restaurants and shows since those 200 people will not be booking anything else on board. 

 

[CruisinShips]

7 minutes ago, FFMilesJunkie said:

J-Lo is only on for the pre-sail away.  There are special events on board for this cruise but it shouldn't affect anything except for the delayed departures. Those who want to experience most of the special events are paying $500 per person extra for the TedTalks and special dinners.  It might end up freeing up some space for restaurants and shows since those 200 people will not be booking anything else on board. 

 

I had the same thoughts, but I suppose my questions arise from the need to delay every ensuing departure and arrival time throughout the cruise if it's only about the 200 people who sign up.  Is it possible that there are way more than the 200 on board (but the 200 is only for those who want to pay the extra $500 for the special events)?  I am not concerned with there being more women than usual...the more the merrier, lol....but the question is more about whether the usual activities and shows for the masses will be altered or different than a regular voyage.

[FFMilesJunkie]

It's my understanding the the J-Lo send off is for everyone not just the 200 who spent the extra money.  Not everyone will be excited about J-Lo but I have a feeling most won't be too upset taking a 1 hour delay for the special send off and sail away with a pretty popular celebrity in south Florida. 

[cantgetin]

It is.a way to fill the ship and collect extra fees.  In general, I avoid cruises with special events, if for no other reason than a very full ship.  My best guess is that you'll have her making a speech and waving to the crowd, for which she'll get a lovely fee.  I prefer less crowded sailings.

[CruisingWalter]

4 hours ago, CruisinShips said:

Curious if anyone in this group has an thoughts or insights for us.

 

As others have noted, this is the "Limitless" cruise sponsored by J-Lo and her Limitless brand. We're on the cruise right before this one and were advised we have to be off by 10 not 11 like usual. Basically they're going to be loading in some additional things for the actual event and of course, they have to be able to escort J-Lo onto the ship without a mass of people around. Hence the late boarding for your cruise. 

 

I believe she's either going to speak or perform one song out by the pool prior to sail-away and then she'll be gone.  The rest of the week is full of female business leaders as the focus of the cruise events is female business empowerment. The guest list is quite impressive from an article that came out today:

 

Andrea Sullivan, chief marketing officer at VaynerX: As CMO of VaynerX, Sullivan is responsible for the organization’s brand and building its community of business leaders and culture icons. Creator of marketing for the Now, she’s personally responsible for the popular series featuring prolific speakers and drawing a global audience of 100,000 per month.

 

Beatriz Acevedo, CEO and co-founder SUMA Wealth: A leading inspirational voice and Latina entrepreneur, Acevedo is dedicated to creating opportunities for the voices of diverse youth, with efforts to authentically influence and positively depict Latinos in society..

 

Carrie Byalick, president of Spartina Industries: From being one of the entertainment industry’s most sought-after media and publicity strategists to creator of her own talent management firm, Byalick now works with Late Show legend Stephen Colbert as president of his production company, Spartina Industries.

 

Catherine Balsam-Schwaber, founder and CEO at Kindra: Balsam-Schwaber is a life-long advocate for women’s health and launched Kindra to break down the stigma around menopause. Empowering women through midlife, Kindra is an innovative self-care company for women in menopause that uses science-backed formulas, education, and community-building initiatives.

 

Lissette “Chiky BomBom” Eduardo, co-host, hoyDía: After conquering the hearts of the U.S. Hispanic audiences with her participation on Telemundo’s first season of Top Chef VIP, and known for her famous TikTok videos in which she shares inspiring messages, the renowned Dominican influencer joined the network’s morning show Hoy Día as co-host.

 

CJ Frogozo, communications and marketing executive, fitness instructor: Frogozo is focused on transformational policy change and communications strategies, disrupting norms to fight for social and economic justice, women's and gender issues, and consumer product transparency.

Jill Lindsey, CEO of Jill Lindsey: Entrepreneur and podcast host, Lindsey believes in positive business growth through partnering with small business owners, all while mentoring many of her vendors.

 

Jill Stoneberg, senior director of social impact and sustainability at Virgin Voyages: Dedicated to bringing to life Virgin Voyages’ mission to “Create An Epic Sea Change For All,” Stoneberg oversees brand initiatives to bring positive change to Virgin’s Sailors, ocean, communities, Crew and partners, with a focus on decarbonization and community relations.

 

Katie Rosen Kitchens, co-founder of FabFitFun: Co-leading the evolution of this female-focused media brand since 2013, from writing about lifestyle products to getting them into people’s hands, Kitchens curates fresh and exciting brands for FabFitFun’s members and oversees all brand partnerships and product development.

 

Natalie Kuhn, co-CEO of The Class: As the first employee of The Class, Kuhn helped grow the business and its method from its inception in 2013 to what it is today—a global digital wellness company whose mindful movement practices are experienced in-person, in New York and Los Angeles, and digitally in 71 countries across the globe.

 

Nathalie Walton, CEO of Expectful: As a new mother, Walton experienced the failure of the U.S. healthcare system to nurture the mental and emotional wellbeing of pregnant and new mothers, so she joined Expectful to help solve this problem.

 

Rei Chou, founder of Rei of Light, The Feast: Chou is a healer, advisor, confidante and coach to the world’s most visionary creatives and leaders.

 

Stacy London, CEO, State of Menopause: Host of TLC’s hit show “What Not to Wear,” London is now an outspoken entrepreneur about women's health and longevity.

 

Susan McPherson, founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies: A purpose-driven leader, keynote speaker, and author, McPherson focuses on ESG and corporate social impact communications.

Sylvia Benito, chief investment officer, ASK Family Office: A rare blend of spirit-dweller and financier, Benito is an indigenously trained shaman and chief investment officer overseeing a billion-dollar portfolio.

 

Sailors will also be treated to enhanced entertainment experiences featuring female talent and Latina artists. Bella Dose, a bilingual group Rolling Stone recently named among the top 10 Latin acts to make it big in 2023, will perform along with VTech, a DJ known for her Vegas residencies and sharing the decks with the likes of David Guetta, Avicii, Zedd and Diplo.

 

Keeping the voyage light and playful with their comedy acts are Gina Brillon, who has appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, America’s Got Talent and Chelsea Lately, along with Aida Rodriguez, a Latina comedian, writer and actress, who’s recent comedy special “Fighting Words” is streaming on HBO Max.

[_tacocat_]

2 hours ago, CruisinShips said:

the question is more about whether the usual activities and shows for the masses will be altered or different than a regular voyage.

my guess is most of the event-specific programming will be during the day, and not interfere with the business as usual programming.  i was on for the richard's birthday bash voyage last year, and there were a bunch of panels w/ virgin group execs in the manor, but they were at like 10 or 11am on sea days.

[resstation]

On 3/23/2023 at 12:39 PM, cantgetin said:

It is.a way to fill the ship and collect extra fees.  In general, I avoid cruises with special events, if for no other reason than a very full ship.  My best guess is that you'll have her making a speech and waving to the crowd, for which she'll get a lovely fee.  I prefer less crowded sailings.

Though I agree with avoiding ships with special events in general, this particular cruise is not particularly full at all. 

[CruisinShips]

On 3/24/2023 at 10:37 PM, resstation said:

Though I agree with avoiding ships with special events in general, this particular cruise is not particularly full at all. 

How do we know that?  Curious how to tell how full a ship is in advance of the cruise.  Thanks

[_tacocat_]

1 hour ago, CruisinShips said:

How do we know that?  Curious how to tell how full a ship is in advance of the cruise.  Thanks

unofficially, you can search for your voyage, and see if rooms are still available in most categories.  if rooms are available in almost all the categories, you're likely looking at an undersold voyage.

 

TAs also have access to be able to see sold/unsold cabins.

 

my guess they added the limitless thing + the extra limitless package that gives guaranteed entry to the speakers to boost occupancy.  (but as a woman, if my voyage turned into this, i would be so turned off and probably reschedule my trip)

[CruisinShips]

1 hour ago, _tacocat_ said:

unofficially, you can search for your voyage, and see if rooms are still available in most categories.  if rooms are available in almost all the categories, you're likely looking at an undersold voyage.

 

TAs also have access to be able to see sold/unsold cabins.

 

my guess they added the limitless thing + the extra limitless package that gives guaranteed entry to the speakers to boost occupancy.  (but as a woman, if my voyage turned into this, i would be so turned off and probably reschedule my trip)

My wife isn't thrilled about it.  Obviously concerned some rich and powerful woman will try to steal me away. 😉  Or maybe that's a motivation for her to go....not sure which!

[_tacocat_]

3 minutes ago, CruisinShips said:

My wife isn't thrilled about it.  Obviously concerned some rich and powerful woman will try to steal me away. 😉  Or maybe that's a motivation for her to go....not sure which!

hahahahahaha stay safe 😆 hopefully the events kind of stay to themselves!  we had a big virtuoso  TA networking trip/conference on one of our recent voyages, and that was just plain old weird because they were all wearing business attire and conference badges/lanyards on the world's most casual ship.  i go on vacay to get away from the crap i have to do on land, not to be smack in the middle of it!

[CruisinShips]

Nothing is going to rain on my parade.  First cruise since October 2019...and we can't wait to be back on the ocean, and to try Virgin.