Cruising Journal

Frequent Voyager gets Virginized

I started following Virgin Voyages since its inception, and I appreciate how Virgin manages to differentiate itself. An instant appeal was that VV was not going to try and be all things to all people, as so many lines try to. Instead Virgin would focus on the adult market.
Being a married adult with no children the brand had instant appeal. Then I started reading and hearing more & more about the brand, and the more I read and saw the more I wondered if this 56 year old would feel out of place on Virgin?
 
After a dismal 2020 with zero cruises (a first since I was a child), I ramped up to two cruises in 2021 and came back with a vengeance in 2022.  Seven cruises, on Celebrity, Cunard, Regent, Holland America, Norwegian, and yes finally Virgin! It was my turn to try Virgin, and the ship would be Valiant Lady. 
My husband and I sailed December 11 on a 6-day cruise to Roatan, Costa Maya, and Bimini. Honestly the ports didn’t matter, this was all about the ship, the brand, and the experience. Ships and the cruise industry have been a big hobby of mine since I was a child. I love the technology, the innovation, the design, etc of passengers ships, and prototype ships really get my blood flowing. Virgin was not only a new line, but a new ship as well so it was a win win. Something totally different. As the big day approached I found myself getting quite excited, like a first time cruiser which doesn’t happen that often anymore. This would actually be my 140th cruise on no fewer than 25 different cruise lines, so having that first time excitement and anticipation was like being a kid again.
 
It was easy to tell Virgin was going to be unique and different right from the get-go. It started with the Virgin app, and how pretty much everything would center around the app both pre-cruise and while on the cruise. Other cruise lines have apps of course, but Virgin takes it next level. No paper baggage tags to print. Not even a boarding pass. This seemed odd at first but it all worked like a charm. Granted the app can be glitchy, but when it works (which was most of the time), it works well.
We opted for a 1:30pm check-in time and live only a short drive from Virgin’s new Terminal V at PortMiami. We dropped off our bags and parked in the adjacent parking lot. I had read not to arrive early and we didn’t. In fact a little late. There were no lines outside the terminal and we walked right in. The terminal was very cool with great music playing, and we went through the process of security and checking-in. We were given boarding group #17 and entered the holding area which was filled with people. I don’t think they had started boarding yet and we anticipated a long wait. As it turns out they started boarding minutes later and within 30 minutes our number was called.
The first thing we noticed was how young and good looking our fellow “sailors” were. This was certainly not the typical cruise crowd we are used to. We also noticed an abundance of LGBTQ+ sailors and this made us feel right at home. In fact we wondered if this was some sort of group cruise, but it wasn’t. Virgin just attracts members of the LGBTQ+ community and we would quickly discover why. 
Once we boarded I quickly discovered the number one thing that sets Virgin Voyages apart from every other line I’ve sailed. The crew! Overwhelmingly young, attractive, and energetic, they were free to be themselves. How refreshing! We saw tattoos, purple hair, piercings, even uniforms designed for gender-neutral crew members. The crew seemed exceedingly happy to be there, and genuinely having a great time doing their jobs. The interaction with us “sailors” was natural, spontaneous, and sincere. There was no pretense, no “us and them”, or any feeling the crew had to hide behind a stiff uniform and strict grooming regulations.
During the cruise we saw crew dining in the various restaurants, sitting in lounges, eating in the Galley, in fact all over the place. It was probably the most visible crew I’ve seen on any ship. Funny enough there was no way to distinguish the officers as they don’t wear epaulettes. None of that visible hierarchy. Even the Captain just wears a polo shirt. During the 6-days we chatted with many crew members, and even exchanged contact information with two of them that we became especially close with. They all have unlimited free internet, great crew facilities, many passenger-type privileges, and the vast majority are in single cabins (albeit small) with a connecting bath.  The level of individuality and interaction between crew and sailors is just something I had not experienced before, and I absolutely loved it.   
 We were lucky to have two friends from Miami onboard visiting the ship for the day, and they met us at the gangway and gave us Virgin 411. They are huge VV fans and wanted to make sure we had a great time. They had nothing to worry about! After some drinks in On the Rocks, we ventured to our cabin. 12310Z. Great location and very quiet, I highly recommend this cabin. Our luggage was already waiting, and how fun to experience that first grand entrance. When you scan your Sailor Band and open the door, the curtains automatically open, a/c kicks in, and the lights come on.  It’s a great feature that is not only fun but conserves energy as well.
The cabin was much nicer than I expected, and didn’t feel IKEA-like at all.  In fact I’ll smash that preconception all together. The entire ship was much nicer than I expected, and none of it felt like IKEA.  I didn’t even mind the curtain in place of closet doors. It somehow just worked in the space. We had no difficulty storing all our belongings and the luggage fit easily under the bed. We never tried out the beds in the sofa arrangement. Honestly I just didn’t want to give our cabin stewardess extra work. She was lovely and kept everything tidy and in good order. Virgin Voyages only offers cabin service once a day, but if you need anything else at anytime just request it on the app. It’s quickly delivered without fuss. No need to even speak with anyone and no waiting on hold by phone. It’s brilliant.
There is a control panel in the room that pretty much controls everything. The lighting (there are several mood settings – see my video in the pictures link for my favorite), the a/c, the curtains, and the TV. I’m a bit of a tech-nerd so I really enjoyed playing around with it. There was an excellent selection of on-demand movies that my husband took advantage of, but I missed a navigation channel. I love to know where we are and how fast we are going.
Two glass water carafes are filled daily (flat and sparkling) and I highly recommend bringing your own refillable water bottle, as there are water stations around the ship to refill at no charge. There are no single use plastic bottles used anywhere on Virgin Voyages. This is fantastic IMO. The balcony was a decent size and yes the hammock is a nice touch. I would have preferred more comfy balcony furniture instead of the hard metal seats, but I guess that is what the hammock is for. The bathroom is small but functional. The shower is great with overhead rainforest style or handheld shower-head. Easy to switch between the two options. What is needed is more shelving in the bathroom. This would be easy to accomplish and is really my only major flaw with the cabin setup.
Room service (aka Ship’s Eatz) is a treat and is very efficient. Once again you use the app to order and it quickly arrives in some very unique delivery packaging. I highly recommend it, but the $5 delivery fee is a little off-putting for a cruise line that advertises that so much is included. It was the only time on the entire cruise I felt a little gouged, so honestly that is not too bad but it does go against the grain of what Virgin stands for. You can offset the fee by ordering something with a charge, like a cocktail.  In that case the $5 delivery fee is waived. Also the app knows your location on the ship, so you can order Ship Eatz pretty much anywhere you desire on the ship, not just your cabin.

I pre-booked dining on the app prior to the cruise, so we had a different restaurant lined up each night. The dining experience is unique on VV because there is no main dining room. Instead there are what I would call six main dining venues plus The Galley (their version of a buffet) and several other smaller fast bite options. Razzle Dazzle, Pink Agave, The Test Kitchen, Extra Virgin, The Wake, and Gunbae are the main dining venues, and each offers a unique experience and a different style of cuisine. We enjoyed them all but Razzle Dazzle and The Wake were my two favorites.

Service was excellent in them all, and I tried things I probably never would have in each and every venue. This cruise was all about trying out new things, and that included the cuisine. The Test Kitchen was probably the most adventurous, and it’s group style dining so we really enjoyed our time there with a honeymoon couple from England. One night we opted for “it’s a Ship Show” which is a dinner theater style experience in The Manor. We quite enjoyed it. Think variety show meets the high seas with dinner thrown in for extra measure. 
Other options include a dedicated pizza parlor, ice cream parlor, coffee shop, and several other casual dining options for a quick bite. Special mention must be made of  The Galley. I hate to call it a buffet because it really isn’t, but it’s the Virgin version of one. In actuality it’s a food hall with around 10 different cuisine options. You sit in one spot, a menu is presented, and you order from any of the food kiosks you desire. They are delivered to your table when ready. Think salad, sushi, deserts, hot press sandwiches, American style diner, noodle bar, etc. The menu doesn’t change but there are plenty of options so it’s unlikely you will get bored. Food is fresh and delivered quickly, and there is very little waste like a normal buffet. Also no grubby paws digging though all the food options so much more sanitary as well. 
As soft drinks are complimentary on Virgin, there are a few soda dispensers around The Galley plus the usual water, coffee, tea, etc. We had heard a lot about cuisine on Virgin before the cruise so expectations were high. Overall it was quite good and even adventurous. Was it the best cuisine I’ve ever had on a cruise? No but probably a top 5 or 10 for sure. Probably the #1 spot for overall creativity. As an added bonus prior to the cruise, I applied for Virgin’s Status match loyalty program and was granted Sea-Rover status with a program Virgin calls Deep Blue Extras. The most tangible benefit was “Shake for Champagne”. We tried this the last night while sitting in Sip. I opened the app and shook it, and about 10 minutes later a chilled bottle of Moet was delivered with two glasses. Just like magic! You could do this anywhere on the ship, and what a great way to end the cruise. I think the charge was $99 but that was removed during the night. I like when a plan comes together and Shake for Champagne worked like a charm.
Entertainment is a highlight on Virgin, and like everything else it’s done a bit differently. Instead of a traditional show lounge, they have a multi-function space called The Red Room. It’s almost set up like a gymnasium with bleacher style seating on either side of the main floor. Don’t worry the bleacher style seating is actually fairly comfortable cushioned chairs so you’re not sitting on a hard bench. The shows are energetic, original, and very creative. We quite enjoyed Duel Reality which was sort of a modern take on Romeo & Juliet. It received a standing ovation. 
The Manor nightclub is also used to house smaller shows, and besides the dinner theater we enjoyed Never Sleep Alone and Around the World in 80 Minutes with the Diva in this venue. Who is the Diva you ask? The resident drag queen on Virgin Voyages. How many cruise lines can proclaim a resident drag queen? None that I know of. She was great fun and besides her main show, had events like Bingo with the Diva. 
The highlight of any Virgin cruise is Scarlet night. Everyone wears red and there is pop-up entertainment all over the ship. In fact the ship becomes art. Even the elevators and corridors get in on the act, as all the lighting turns red. Everyone ends up in the Aquatic Club for a deck party like no other. The fact the entertainment was so adult oriented (even R-rated at times) was absolutely refreshing. Yes you will hear profanity and plenty of sexual innuendo. There are no kids to worry about, but if you’re easily offended or ultra-conservative this probably isn’t the cruise line for you. Luckily there is something out there for everyone, and like I mentioned in the beginning Virgin is not trying to be all things to all people. They are what they are and they don’t apologize for it.    
A little about Valiant Lady herself.
Much to my surprise I loved the ship. The entire vibe of the ship is so chill, with so many places just to relax, hang out, and order a bite or drink if you wish. There is live music all over the place, and the resident DJ spins great music poolside, in the Manor, and the Roundabout. Speaking of The Manor, it is hands down the best nightclub at sea. Sexy and sultry, it’s two levels with multiple bars, intimate seating areas, VIP sections, and amazing sound & lighting. Throw in the handsome staff for good measure, and you truly have Studio 54 gone to sea.
The retail area, called High Street is probably the best retail selection I’ve seen on any cruise ship. Besides great logo items, there are so many unique labels I haven’t seen on other lines. There was a lot I would actually have enjoyed buying if only the wallet would cooperate! The sundry shop even sells those must needed x-rated toys in case you left yours at home! Also where else can you get a tattoo at sea? Before you think this is some sort of gimmick, it’s all legit with very talented tattoo artists and dare I say quite busy every time I walked by. 
Speaking of gimmicks, you won’t find them on Valiant Lady. No slides, no mega-tron TV screen, no go carts, no roller coasters, no ice skating, etc etc. This is a ship for adults designed for adults. You can see it in the outdoor deck space and in the lounges. I enjoyed a spa pass during the cruise at the Redemption Spa and true to the rest of the ship, it was sexy and chic. Steam, saunas, hot tubs, mud bath, spa pool, hammam heated beds, salt room… it was all there. One strange thing is that the spa pool and all the hot tubs onboard were without jets. So you just sat in still water. I’m not sure what that was all about, but something legal I’m sure. 
Virgin Voyages is very fitness oriented, so besides the Redemption Spa there is B-Complex which is the fitness center onboard. In addition there is an outdoor spa pool (again no jets) and the Athletic Club one deck up which includes outdoor gym equipment, sports court, and The Perch, which is a great space all the way aft and on the highest deck. This is where you can partake in one of the many included group fitness classes offered, like sunrise yoga if you dare to rise that early. 
I can’t complete this review without that one glaring observation that everyone has talked about since the first details of VV were released. The pool! Yes it’s small and no it’s not suitable for the size of the ship.  My sailing wasn’t full so there were no issues, but honestly the pool needs to be enlarged, or better yet remove that aft net (which I saw no one use) and install a second pool. Yes that is a big order for a ship design that is already in production, but it’s not impossible. It’s really the only major ship flaw IMO, and for a cruise line that is appealing to a younger demographic that absolutely loves to hang by the pool, it’s short sightedness on the part of Virgin. I do hope to see this corrected on future Lady Ships, and I’ve been told by more than one crew member that Virgin is well aware of the issue. If they decide to take action is anyones guess. If you’re not a pool person then it won’t be an issue, as there is tons of deck space around the pool and plenty of loungers. I do enjoy a swim and that is not an easy task on Virgin. The pool holds maybe six people if you like some space between you and the person next to you. Much more on Scarlet Night!

 

The ports were secondary as I mentioned earlier, and I’ve actually been to them all before. I only got off the ship in Roatan and Costa Maya for some ship spotting and to take pictures of  Valiant Lady. We did not get off the ship in Bimini as the weather took a turn for the worse that day. I wanted my husband to see the Virgin Beach Club but that will have to wait for another cruise. I actually saw it while on a previous Celebrity Cruise docked in Bimini. My buddy and I went to the adjacent public beach and I did a naughty and snuck into the Beach Club for a quick look around. It was a beautiful facility that is used by hotel guests and other cruise lines when a Virgin ship is not in port. I do really want the full Virgin experience there, so that is something to look forward to on a future Virgin cruise.

All good things must come to an end, and disembarking Valiant Lady was even easier than embarking. We wanted to get off early as we had a lot to do that day, and turns out this was the way to go. We booked an 8am disembarkation time via the app and carried off our own luggage. We started heading out of the cabin around 7:40am. The ship was a complete ghost town. No wait for an elevator. No one in the elevator. We saw one person on the entire walk on Deck 7 from the forward elevators to the gangway. We kept thinking “where is everyone”? Zero announcements and almost an eerie quiet. On any other ship this would be a very different scene. We literally walked off the ship, into the terminal and downstairs, and through CBP where there wasn’t a single person waiting. In fact the agent was a little bored so he wanted to chat a bit.  Got through that and across the street and into the parking garage and to our car. So maybe 10-12 minutes max from leaving the cabin to getting in our car. No joke or exaggeration. It was utterly fantastic and the best experience of any cruise I’ve taken, even the small luxury lines. 

Another plus was that Virgin waited until the day prior to even mention disembarkation. Some lines I’ve sailed starting delivering disembarkation papers to the cabin the second day of the cruise. It’s very off-putting. Like everything on Virgin, everything is done via the app and nothing is delivered to the cabin, not even baggage tags. If you have bags that need collecting, you book that on the app as well and just make sure they are outside your door prior to midnight.  
 
So the big question? Will I return to Virgin Voyages? Absolutely! In fact we put down a deposit for a future cruise while onboard, which is something I have NEVER done before. It was a good deal and knowing we want to return why not? A much bigger critic than me is my husband. I’m easy as I love trying new things and just being on a ship is my happy place. I have preferences of course, but I’m very open minded to new things and not loyal to any one brand. This is not my husband.  He is a traditionalist that doesn’t even like cruising, but when he does he prefers smaller luxury lines like Regent, Silversea, Oceania, and Azamara. He really wanted to experience Virgin though, and much to my surprise he really took to Virgin Voyages and actually wants to return with me. That is probably the highest accolade I can give to Virgin, as he is not an easy one to impress.
To all the future Virgin Sailors, I wish you Bon Voyage, fair seas & sunny skies. I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I did!
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