Virgin found its groove...again

[jcarter4551]

A little backstory: My wife and I just came off our 5th VV sailing and prior to this, we were ready to take a break from VV due to the same old entertainment options and vibe. However, this past Med cruise was the most epic VV voyage we have sailed, and we already booked another Med for next year. Full disclosure, I am an Idol in the casino so we get comp cruises which makes it a little easier to rebook so fast, but I think VV has hit its groove.

 

Entertainment: One of my biggest complaints was the happenings cast interrupting the vibe in the club and at the pj party, but they have backed off somewhat and are more focused on making the vibe even better rather than performing their choreographed dance routine. My second biggest complaint was that they would kill the music at the Scarlet pool party even though people were still dancing and getting after it. Yes, there is an afterparty, but keep the music going where it is and then kill it once people move to Manor. This trip, they kept the beats going until 1230-1245 am before shutting it off at the pool. And, on the scarlet night - holy smokes was it epic. I heard several other VV frequent cruisers saying it was the best scarlet night they have attended, and I agree. It was off the charts awesome.

Lastly, VV has added more shows, to include a rock band show which is full of 90's and 2000's hits and its a fun time. Also, they had several other musicians who were very talented. Overall, entertainment has improved greatly.

 

People: I feel like word has gotten out about what to expect on a VV. Its not your typical Celebrity or RC or Princess cruise...def more upscale than Carnival. But, I didn't hear one person complaining on this cruise; Rather, everyone was praising VV and their business model. On prior cruises, I heard people saying there is nothing to do, its too loud, the food is bland (lies), etc. I think people on this cruise knew what to expect and, as such, the cruise met their expectations. 

Most people were 35-55, with about 15% under 35 and 20% or so over 55. I saw one couple who had to be 75+ getting after it on the dance floor. Amazing.

 

Anyway, just wanted to let any prior sailors know that VV has switched it up and made the experience even better. Def will keep sailing VV.  

[Maisyboo]

Ok I have to What is an Idol in the casino?. 

[Eric&Pam]

2 minutes ago, Maisyboo said:

Ok I have to What is an Idol in the casino?. 

 

Its a rank based on play.

The below chart is from Virgin:

 

[Maisyboo]

19 minutes ago, Eric&Pam said:

 

Its a rank based on play.

The below chart is from Virgin:

 

Oh cool . Good information thanks .

[Wildcatllamas]

17 hours ago, Eric&Pam said:

 

Its a rank based on play.

The below chart is from Virgin:

 

Hmm - minimum $90,000 in play.

[jcarter4551]

On 7/26/2024 at 10:03 AM, Wildcatllamas said:

Hmm - minimum $90,000 in play.

[Wildcatllamas]

8 hours ago, jcarter4551 said:

 

At $5 a point.

[jcarter4551]

7 hours ago, Wildcatllamas said:

 

At $5 a point.

yeah those are the new rules...I am not sure how I made it to that level because I def didn't put 90k in action. I am not a slot player, but I would venture to say the best way to achieve higher status is craps and roulette. That is my opinion anyway as I only play those games and some bj. 

[Wildcatllamas]

1 hour ago, jcarter4551 said:

yeah those are the new rules...I am not sure how I made it to that level because I def didn't put 90k in action. I am not a slot player, but I would venture to say the best way to achieve higher status is craps and roulette. That is my opinion anyway as I only play those games and some bj. 

I have worked in the casino industry now for 25 years. The coin in requirements for the cruise lines is crazy high compared to most land based casinos. When you look at your table games it is usually based on buy in amount, time played and in some instance they will factor in amounts bet. There is nothing free in a casino except water. Even table games players are spending more then what it would normally cost outright to pay for a room or buy a meal. My feelings are if you enjoy the excitement of gambling, have fun and take what ever they are willing to give you.

[jcarter4551]

59 minutes ago, Wildcatllamas said:

I have worked in the casino industry now for 25 years. The coin in requirements for the cruise lines is crazy high compared to most land based casinos. When you look at your table games it is usually based on buy in amount, time played and in some instance they will factor in amounts bet. There is nothing free in a casino except water. Even table games players are spending more then what it would normally cost outright to pay for a room or buy a meal. My feelings are if you enjoy the excitement of gambling, have fun and take what ever they are willing to give you.

agree wholeheartedly..."free" comes at a cost. I don't "try" to make the status but have a budget for every cruise and when that is gone (which usually happens as you know), I quit. When I first sailed with VV, I did have a goal of being offered "comp" cruises in the future so gambled pretty hard that first cruise. I think I lost 5-6k. Now, I look at the cost of the cruise as my gambling budget so I can say if I lose it, at least I didn't lose 5-6k and pay full price for the cruise. If my status goes away, I won't be trying to obtain any certain level. I feel they are pretty generous in rating you at the table games; whereas, slots they can electronically track. You would know better than me. 

[Bill Miller]

Go. Budget. Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't expect anything extra. It's so much sweeter when good things happen to sailors. 

I've never won anything or had an upgrade, but I' so grateful to be able to sail with my friends on Virgin.

And I met Sir Richard on a June 2nd Valiant Lady cruise. He is most approachable and awesome. I even let him win, when we played chess in the afternoon at the outside bar of the wake. Ha! (He cleaned my clock)