WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE MY FIRST VIRGIN VOYAGES CRUISE
I’ll be honest.
When I was planning for my first Virgin Voyages sailing, I knew what I was looking forward to: Serene ocean views from my balcony hammock. Picking out an all-red outfit for the Scarlet Night party. Great food. An on-board drag queen!
But other than that, I didn’t know what to expect. Were the rumors true? That it’s a swingers cruise? That an all-adults and no kids cruise line means non-stop Millennial partying and zero inhibitions? That I’d maybe not fit in because I really don’t drink much? And, I also admit… as a theatre professional, I was a little miffed by their “we don’t ‘do’ Broadway entertainment on our ships” - like, I’m sorry, are you too good for my passion and profession?!
Yet… I went all-in on Virgin Voyages because I felt I had nothing to lose, and at the very least, I knew I had a cruise cabin to myself, two books in my bag, and I did hear that the fresh-made complimentary gelato was heavenly. A gal with an ocean view, some romance novels, and daily sweet treats was going to be okay.
But you know what? I was better than okay. I had one of the best vacations of my life aboard Scarlet Lady with my friends and other first-time Virgin virgins, Amy and Chuck. It didn’t take long to learn that Virgin Voyages was welcoming of everyone, resulting in a diverse, multi-generational (though 18+) group of sailors on board, from all walks of life, and all around the world. Everyone was there for the same reason: To live our best lives and leave our cares behind for five nights and six days, in whatever way that felt right.
I found there was so many opportunities for wellness and recharge, from the serene (like the beautiful thermal spa), to the spontaneous (I may have checked out a showtunes dance class on one of the decks and did a few steps from Hairspray), to the thematic (I dissolved into a fit of joyful giggles when Amy knocked on my stateroom door in head to toe neon ‘80s gear… because what else are you going to wear to a retro aerobics class called VHS Workout?). I spent an extensive amount of time at the thermal spa. Aboard Virgin Voyages ships, the thermal spa includes a hydrotherapy pool, dry sauna, steam room, Himalayan salt room, mud room, hot/cold plunge pools, and my favorite, heated stone lounge areas. While it’s an additional cost, it’s always worth it to me; sailors can purchase a day pass, or a voyage-long pass.
The entertainment turned out to be top-notch and a welcome departure from a lot of other cruise line entertainment - even theatre-loving me ended up loving it all. Virgin’s large-scale shows are original works, meaning they’re developed especially for their ships - I noticed themes like community, humanity and vulnerability, especially in DualReality, a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet through circus and stunt acts. Events like “It’s a Rock Show-oke” allowed me to both stand by the stage and sing my heart out with the rest of the audience to 80s and 90s favorites, or sit in the balcony and take it all in from afar.
And was it always a party?? Really, it depended on where you headed on the ship. The vibes were vibin’ with a poolside DJ… but I still lounged and napped for a while. The evenings were turned up with dancing and live bands, too, but I found just as many quiet, relaxing and chill spaces on board that were perfect for small, private conversations, as well as those sweet “in the middle” spots that were great for playing trivia or grabbing board games from the shelves with friends. (Fun fact: On the first night of my sailing, I recall walking past a group of about a dozen people, all laughing and having the best time playing Cards Against Humanity together. I found out later that it was the Solo Sailor Meet Up; all of those people had just met and were enjoying each other’s company!) But as for me and my books? I read both of ‘em that week.
So as for “What I Wish I Knew Before My First Virgin Voyages Cruise”? Other than “Trust yourself, woman! You’re going to have a GREAT time!” here are four pro tips that I’m excited to share with you as your plan for your sailing:
Virgin Voyages is known for optional themed events, parties, and programs. From Scarlet Night aboard every ship and Virgin sailing to the aforementioned VHS Workout aerobics class, to the golden-clad “We Fancy” party and Y2K Party, different theme nights are on different ships. Ask your First Mate what specialty events are on the various ships to help you make your best sailing choice! Bonus Tip: While Scarlet Night turns into a biggggggg ship-wide party, it starts on a much more chill level with live acoustic entertainment and ship-wide decor - so even if parties and crowds aren’t your thing, I’d recommend dressing the part, enjoying some of the entertainment in the lounges, and taking a walk around the ship to take it all in. Curious about the big party even if you don’t want to be IN the party? Head to the upper deck to look over and onto the happenings
- it’s the prime people-watching station!
We know a lot of cruise lines offer different beverage packages… and we also know the potential headaches that comes with it (and we’re not just talking about the morning after). For starters, there’s often the expectation that adults 21+ in the same cruise cabin have to purchase the same type of drink package, and that there’s a “no sharing/no splitting” rule…. This can be challenging for folks who are sober sailors, or may drink a lot less than the other folks in their cabin. One of my least favorite cruise things to witness on a cruise are the folks that have the “I BOUGHT THE DRINK PACKAGE AND I’M GONNA GET EVERPENNY WORTH WHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” party attitude that often equates messy fellow sailors. Here’s what I love about Virgin Voyages: They make it SO easy with a dollar-amount Bar Tab. You choose your amount for yourself or link with a cabinmate, and not only can you share, you can buy the whole bar a round. There’s even the opportunity to get a Bar Tab bonus based on the amount you choose, resulting in an extra $50 to $250. Be sure to buy your Bar Tab through your First Mate (that’s Virgin Voyages talk for Travel Advisor) before you sail, because Bar Tabs aren’t available for purchase once on board. Have some leftover on the last night of your sailing? Mention it to your server while dining they may have a great recommendation for something fully-bottled to return home with so your investment doesn’t go to waste. Speaking of drinks, Virgin Voyages just may be the best cruise line for sober sailors, as they offer an extensive menu of craft zero-proof cocktails, mocktails, and non-alcoholic wines across all 20+ eateries and bars on board the ship. From a special zero-proof pairing menu at Test Kitchen to speciality virgin margaritas at Pink Agave, accommodations for non-drinkers are everywhere and never feel “othered”; all of the virgin options aboard Virgin can be purchased with your Bar Tab or a la carte. Plus, soft drinks, coffee, and regular tea and juices are included in your voyage fare at no extra cost. So if you’re wondering “I don’t drink much… is it going to feel weird?” this is the right cruise line for you.
Sailing with friends and hoping to dine together on the ship? Virgin offers restaurant style reservations that can be booked ahead of your sailing… but booking windows open based on the Voyage Fare you choose. Premium fare
gives you the best availability with booking your dining reservations a full 60 days before sailing. Essential fare allows you to book 45 days in advance. However, base fare gives only a 15 day window. So if you are a foodie with a specific plan of attack for the incredible on-board restaurants, make sure your pals have the same dining window as you do. Essential and Premium fares offer you better benefits that may come in handy beyond just dining, so explore those fare breakdowns with your First Mate to ensure you’re making the best choice for you and your vacation!
I know we’re just “splashing” the surface with all the things to know about sailing Virgin Voyages. If your interest is piqued and you’d like to explore a little further, visit our Season 1 podcast episodes The Virgin Voyages Difference and Virgin Voyages: What We Loved. I’d love to help you plan your Virgin Voyages sailing; whether you’re the kind of vacationer who’s bringing your dancing shoes, your stack of books, or both, the sirens are calling your name from the ocean. Fill out my quote form today at
https://linktr.ee/travelwithnoddea.
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