Should we try Virgin?

[Crazy planning mom]

Some background about us.  We are a fifty something couple who usually sails Royal, NCL, and Celebrity.  DH is a meat and potatoes guy.  I am a more adventurous food eater.  Neither of us have tattoos or are partiers  Planning to sail the Mexican Riviera in 2027!  The Brilliant Lady is a new ship.  Our other option is the Navigator of the Seas which is old but we know we liked Royal. I also like to go in the pool and Royal has more pool space.  However, LA can be cool.so maybe the pool isn't important.  Thoughts?

[-The-True-North-]

100%

Great company and experience.

[cantgetin]

Royal vs. Virgin would be a "no brainer" for me.  I'm a 60 something with no body embellishments and not a partier.  In fairness, I have no loyalty status on Royal, but have done more than 50 cruises on various other lines.

VV--no kids, free wifi, essentially all included except alcohol.  No drink packages = no people trying to max out their package.  We do have Deep Blue Extras (loyalty on VV), so get some freebies there.  They are offering a status match to the intro loyalty level, I believe. You can get any food served without the sauces. etc.  There  are more "plain" things being offered--for instance, The Galley has a grilled chicken breast plain at lunch and dinner.

I don't hate kids.  I hate the 10% of parents who allow their kids to run wild, trash beverage stations, push every elevator button, run thru the halls screaming, etc.  Don't talk to me about "adult only" areas unless there is a cruise line that really enforces ALL such areas.

If you want Broadway style shows, climbing walls, race tracks, ice rinks, etc. VV is not for you.  But I'm old and don't use those things, so see no point in paying for them.

Edited May 18 by cantgetin

[Essiesmom]

I cringe when I read of Broadway style shows on cruise ships.  I always think they have never seen a real Broadway show.  Yes, there are a few of the largest, newest ships that have a real Broadway show.  But for the other 99% the show in the theater is more like a Vegas Revue.  EM

[Crazy planning mom]

26 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

I cringe when I read of Broadway style shows on cruise ships.  I always think they have never seen a real Broadway show.  Yes, there are a few of the largest, newest ships that have a real Broadway show.  But for the other 99% the show in the theater is more like a Vegas Revue.  EM

I live in NY and go to 3-4 Broadway shows a year.  Our next cruise is on the Symphony of the Seas and I have heard they have an excellent production of Hairspray.  Royal's ship on the West Coast is Navigator. It doesn't have a real Broadway style show.  Norwegian does but I don't like their port times in Cabo.

[trippingpara]

I have sailed on multiple lines with the majority of our cruises with the Big 3 (Carnival, RCCL and NCL).  Trying to compare them to Virgin is definitely an apples to oranges comparison.  I'm not going to try to say if an apple is better than an orange as it is subjective based on the individual's tastes and preferences.  For us, Virgin is hand's down our preferred line now.  We feel like we are nickel and dimed to death on the Big 3 where we didn't open our wallet at all after we paid for the trip and purchased some Bar Tab to cover our drink bill (which also helped to ensure we didn't go overboard with our drinking).  If you are looking or at least are open to things being different than they are on Royal, then yes, by all means I cannot recommend a Virgin cruise enough.  Their food is the best I've ever had on a cruise including the late night pizza parlor.  Better then many of our local pizza shops on land!  And their free ice cream...oh vey!!  So good!  Their entertainment is some of the best I've seen as well.  Top of the line musicians and their shows are fabulous, unless you are looking for a Broadway show.  However, Virgin is the first cruise line to have a cruise built show move to land performances, while all the other cruise lines copy land-based shows and move them to their cruises.

[CruisingWalter]

56 minutes ago, Crazy planning mom said:

I live in NY and go to 3-4 Broadway shows a year.  Our next cruise is on the Symphony of the Seas and I have heard they have an excellent production of Hairspray.  Royal's ship on the West Coast is Navigator. It doesn't have a real Broadway style show.  Norwegian does but I don't like their port times in Cabo.

 

Hairspray is AWESOME!  We saw it last year along with Wizard of Oz this year on Icon. Royal Caribbean has some of the best entertainment at sea. I grew up in the Hudson Valley and saw so many shows growing up with my family. My brother in law was Mr Mistofelles in the original production of Cats 30+ years ago. 🙂

 

As for VV, absolutely 100% you should sail on VV.  If you are young at heart and really enjoy meeting others onboard, then you should 100% try VV. You're going to love the lack of nickel and diming, nobody pushing a drink/dining package, not having to take your card out every time you want something.

 

For a meat and potatoes eater there is a ton of steak, potatoes, hamburgers, tacos, sandwiches and the like for him.  For restaurants go to The Wake, Razzle Dazzle, Extra Virgin and Pink Agave. He will enjoy all of those. He might like Gunbae too.  In The Galley you have sandwiches, tacos, the burger bar. On The Dock in the back you have tapas that include meat and shrimp.  All the ice cream and pizza you can eat at those locations.  And really good bars.

 

You don't have to party to be on VV, it's a very chill ship during the day and even in the evenings, you can be totally chill at On The Rocks to enjoy some really great music. The shows in the Red Room will be hit or miss for you guys.  Around the World in 80 minutes is a silly kitschy show with the Diva that we really enjoy, especially when A Woman Name Carlos is the diva. 

 

The beds in the standard rooms are generally not as comfortable as those you may be used to on other cruise lines, but the suites have amazing beds plus the fully stocked bar.  Work with a TA who is a Gold Certified First Mate and you'll get some extra onboard credit plus their knowledge of the ships and cabin locations.

 

Most of all, go have fun!!!

Edited May 18 by CruisingWalter

[Gretchendz]

3 hours ago, cantgetin said:

Royal vs. Virgin would be a "no brainer" for me.  I'm a 60 something with no body embellishments and not a partier.  In fairness, I have no loyalty status on Royal, but have done more than 50 cruises on various other lines.

VV--no kids, free wifi, essentially all included except alcohol.  No drink packages = no people trying to max out their package.  We do have Deep Blue Extras (loyalty on VV), so get some freebies there.  They are offering a status match to the intro loyalty level, I believe. You can get any food served without the sauces. etc.  There  are more "plain" things being offered--for instance, The Galley has a grilled chicken breast plain at lunch and dinner.

I don't hate kids.  I hate the 10% of parents who allow their kids to run wild, trash beverage stations, push every elevator button, run thru the halls screaming, etc.  Don't talk to me about "adult only" areas unless there is a cruise line that really enforces ALL such areas.

If you want Broadway style shows, climbing walls, race tracks, ice rinks, etc. VV is not for you.  But I'm old and don't use those things, so see no point in paying for them.

 

 

100% this.

The only caveat would be if you would be uncomfortable with drag shows.

[cantgetin]

13 minutes ago, Gretchendz said:

 

 

100% this.

The only caveat would be if you would be uncomfortable with drag shows.

Then skip the drag shows.....there is plenty else going on!

[Gretchendz]

True, but I use that as a gauge as to whether or not someone would be uncomfortable with the whole vibe of the ship.  Open, accepting, welcoming and fun is not eberyone's thing 🙂

[cantgetin]

7 minutes ago, Gretchendz said:

True, but I use that as a gauge as to whether or not someone would be uncomfortable with the whole vibe of the ship.  Open, accepting, welcoming and fun is not eberyone's thing 🙂

Interesting.  I consider myself rather conservative, but what someone else is doing is not any of my business.  I'd take it as treat everyone decently, as you'd want to be treated, and you'll be fine.  

[Gretchendz]

3 minutes ago, cantgetin said:

Interesting.  I consider myself rather conservative, but what someone else is doing is not any of my business.  I'd take it as treat everyone decently, as you'd want to be treated, and you'll be fine.  

 

 

Fair enough. I just have a few clients who I know would not enjoy themselves on Virgin. No worries!

[cantgetin]

4 minutes ago, Gretchendz said:

 

 

Fair enough. I just have a few clients who I know would not enjoy themselves on Virgin. No worries!

I have a few friends that I wondered about....but was pleasantly surprised by one.

[CineGraphic]

We are in our 60s,and used to be loyal to Princess.

Virgin is in it's own league, and opened our eyes as to things we didn't know annoyed us until we sailed without them. The list includes, announcements. (VV has none except on embarkation and disembarkation days) Virgin also has no art auctions, no photographers, no cruise director, no gold by the inch or rummage type sales. No MDR, and nobody trying to sell you drink packages.

 

What they DO have is a very friendly/happy crew due to some of the best work conditions on board including free wifi. Food cooked ala-minute in the various dining venues, instead of hotel banquet quality fodder that's been sitting in a warmer for an hour or more. They also bring on top-notch musicians and buskers from all over the world for a wide variety of entertainment.

Things like soda, individual pizzas and homemade gelato are all included in your fare.

 

They've won too many awards to not give them a try, and if you have any status with RCL, you can score a few extra perks. Check here: https://www.virginvoyages.com/sailing-club

 

[CastleCritic]

1 hour ago, cantgetin said:

Interesting.  I consider myself rather conservative, but what someone else is doing is not any of my business.  I'd take it as treat everyone decently, as you'd want to be treated, and you'll be fine.  

Im there with you, if a person is bothered with the possibility of seeing something they might not agree with, Virgin probably isn't for you. I knew what I was getting myself into. But the "be yourself" aspects aren't really in your face, at all. Some male crew in very short shorts at embarkation is what I would call the 'worst' thing that I saw all trip (and I mean that in the most productive way,,,what someone chooses to wear is in the same category as other things they do...you be you).  I didn't see the Diva...even once (granted that was largely because I had dinner reservations booked for the same time as sailaway Im sure the Diva was there for that).  I didn't go to any shows that weren't my brand of humor or entertainment. I did my thing other people did theirs, we all had fun.  There were all sorts on the ship to be sure, including the YouTubers Ben and David. I think we had about 3/4 full ship but other than a tender return there was never a line for anything.  I have plans to go back with the new ship in 2026 to Panama and probably Alaska too.

[SingBill]

The OP referenced a cruise in 2027. I know VV has a couple of sailings in 2025 from Los Angeles, but is it confirmed they will also sail out of Los Angeles in 2027?

[Iamcruzin]

21 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

I cringe when I read of Broadway style shows on cruise ships.  I always think they have never seen a real Broadway show.  Yes, there are a few of the largest, newest ships that have a real Broadway show.  But for the other 99% the show in the theater is more like a Vegas Revue.  EM

Former New Yorker. Broadway was at my fingertips. I cringe as well. I wouldn't compare the casinos to Las Vegas either.

[1025cruise]

My 2 cents, go ahead and try it. While I did enjoy my cruise (how could someone not enjoy a cruise), I did determine that Virgin is probably not for me. I prefer having the traditional MDR experience versus just specialty restaurants. Not that the food was bad, just personal preference.

[SueMo]

5 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

My 2 cents, go ahead and try it. While I did enjoy my cruise (how could someone not enjoy a cruise), I did determine that Virgin is probably not for me. I prefer having the traditional MDR experience versus just specialty restaurants. Not that the food was bad, just personal preference.

I have to agree with 1025cruise.  Virgin is probably not for me.  My husband and I did our first transatlantic/first VV cruise last month on Scarlet Lady.  There were things we really liked:  crew was terrific and happy, internet was excellent, and having a bar tab as opposed to a drink package is a plus for us.  There were things we really didn’t like:  tiny bathroom and space capsule shower in our cabin, having to make reservations for dinner using a subpar app that kept crashing. 

As for food, I feel like I’m in the minority in that we had quite a few meals that we thought were really bad (overdone chicken in Razzle Dazzle and filet in Wake, super salty sauces in Extra Virgin, and weird—I’m talking to you, Test Kitchen—with the smoked peas and raw egg yolk!  Two shows were really good—Dual Reality and a female comic/magician.  The others were meh.  When we docked in Portugal and Spain there was only one X-ray machine for the almost 3000 passengers and crew so a lengthy line formed when boarding after excursions.  The venues were too small for the shows so that lines started forming up to an hour prior.  Trivia was popular, but again, the venue was too small and many people were unable to find a seat and participate.  The music in the lounges was just ok.  We really wanted to love Virgin…we just didn’t.

[cantgetin]

On 5/19/2024 at 9:23 AM, SingBill said:

The OP referenced a cruise in 2027. I know VV has a couple of sailings in 2025 from Los Angeles, but is it confirmed they will also sail out of Los Angeles in 2027?

I have not seen anything confirmed for 2027, just lots of rumors.  Consult your First Mate to be sure, or to be notified as soon as 2027 is available.

I will say that we were less than thrilled with our most recent cruise based on what VV provided.  It was also the most full cruise we've been on. A lot of things were just more difficult with the more full ship (2348 sailors) and the "no reservations, get in line and wait for things" system. We couldn't move dining reservations, had to line up for VHS and Zumba 30-60 minutes early.  On the other hand, there were some things that had improved.....and we had the usual great crew.  I'm amazed at the variation we've seen in dining service and food quality depending on the cruise, and we loved having old friends on this sailing.

[notme2012]

On 5/18/2024 at 11:35 AM, trippingpara said:

However, Virgin is the first cruise line to have a cruise built show move to land performances, while all the other cruise lines copy land-based shows and move them to their cruises.

7 Fingers Theatre Company, the creators of "Dual Reality", are land based in Montreal, Canada. They created the show for Virgin Voyages. 5 of the 6 artistic directors have previously worked for Cirque du Soleil. 7 Fingers also created "Ships in the Night" for VV. 7 Fingers is also touring "Dual Reality", not Virgin Voyages. 

 

It really bothers me that people publicly post falsehoods. A little thing called a Google search reveals a lot of facts. For example, each resturant on VV was created by a land based chef. 

 

-Razzle Dazzle -  Eric Kim Haugen, a judge on Food Network's "Big Restaurant Bet." 

-Pink Agave      -  Silvana Salcido Esparza of the Barrio Cafe

-Gunbae           -  New York City chef Sohui Kim

-Test Kitchen    -  Matt Lambert of New York City's The Musket Room

-The Wake       -Chef Brad Farmerie of AvroKO Hospitality Group came in to help develop the                            overall culinary program.

 

Most of this info came from VV press releases.

 

[notme2012]

On 5/18/2024 at 2:08 PM, cantgetin said:

Interesting.  I consider myself rather conservative, but what someone else is doing is not any of my business.  I'd take it as treat everyone decently, as you'd want to be treated, and you'll be fine.  

We were on the Resilient Lady tour with passengers from a Royal Carribean ship, in Wellington, NZ. The tour director started to ask questions about the former President. One of the RCI passengers told the tour director to stop talking about politics. They were so rude to that guy. All of us, VV sailors were shocked, and most of us are LGBT+... 

[jon81uk]

1 hour ago, notme2012 said:

7 Fingers Theatre Company, the creators of "Dual Reality", are land based in Montreal, Canada. They created the show for Virgin Voyages. 5 of the 6 artistic directors have previously worked for Cirque du Soleil. 7 Fingers also created "Ships in the Night" for VV. 7 Fingers is also touring "Dual Reality", not Virgin Voyages. 

 

It really bothers me that people publicly post falsehoods. A little thing called a Google search reveals a lot of facts.

That wasn’t false though, the show was made by 7 Fingers specifically for Virgin Voyages, it was designed for VV. The credits for the touring version state “Originally produced and created with Virgin Voyages”. 7 Fingers have gone on to tour the show, therefore making it the first show designed for a cruise ship to go on to tour.

[jon81uk]

2 hours ago, notme2012 said:

We were on the Resilient Lady tour with passengers from a Royal Carribean ship, in Wellington, NZ. The tour director started to ask questions about the former President. One of the RCI passengers told the tour director to stop talking about politics. They were so rude to that guy. All of us, VV sailors were shocked, and most of us are LGBT+... 

not sure what the issue is? If someone is meant to be giving me a tour of Wellington NZ, I wouldn’t want them talking about US politics either.

[notme2012]

8 hours ago, jon81uk said:

That wasn’t false though, the show was made by 7 Fingers specifically for Virgin Voyages, it was designed for VV. The credits for the touring version state “Originally produced and created with Virgin Voyages”. 7 Fingers have gone on to tour the show, therefore making it the first show designed for a cruise ship to go on to tour.

Did you not read what I wrote? I stated exactly that!!!