Inside Report from Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

Virgin Voyages newly-arrived cruise line stands out as a unique experience targeting a younger, urban, and more upscale crowd, one that, until now, may have long considered cruise ships to be for a much older demographic.  But owner Richard Branson, whether he chose to or not, and I suspect he did, has put his imprint on cruising, and it’s one your grandparents may not recognize.   Suppose the impression still exists that cruise vacations are all about over-the-top buffets, nights of formal attire, and activities catering to retirees. In that case, this newcomer is likely in a league of its own.

There has been so much hype about the Virgin Voyages startup, so much so that I chose not to read the reviews or publicity about the launch of Scarlet Lady before taking a four-day cruise from Miami to the Bahamas in March. I wanted to board with no preconceptions and simply show up and see what happens. From embarkation, it was clear that Virgin is different: fantastic specialty restaurants, multiple gyms, and an adults-only environment combine to deliver an overall vibe that made me feel like I hadn’t left the good life of Miami. Is there any other ship that has a tattoo parlor onboard?  It was like I had decamped to one of Virgin’s swanky hotels. And we were just getting started.   

Virgin appears to be striving for the quasi-niche demographic that would find itself equally at home at Studio 54 and the country club. The ship’s disco has what is likely one of the best lighting and sound systems at sea. Each night, crew members in costume and skimpy dance attire were mixing with guests on the dance floor. Some popped up in glowing, provocative costumes on stilts, while others, like Cirque De Soleil, cast members, were gliding through the crowd performing acrobatic stunts on the elevated dance floor.

I should be upfront in stating that my idea of cruising is not indulging in huge buffets but rather eating (but maybe not drinking) sensibly and still getting in a daily workout. Virgin has taken food and fitness to a new level.  Numerous amazing specialty restaurants feature cuisine and curated drink menus superior to those on other comparably priced cruise lines. Make sure to try the Korean BBQ restaurant. If I say more, I’ll be giving something away. Restaurants required no additional charge for booking, and service across the board was exceptional. Perhaps the quality of service stemmed partly from the fact that Virgin also seems to go above and beyond in taking care of its onboard staff.  For example, crew members shared they have free WIFI, something that certainly means the world to them since it allows staff to keep in daily contact with far-flung family while being away from home for months on end. I can only conclude that this benefit contributed to the outstanding service and attitudes displayed.

At least three good-sized gyms onboard, each specializing in a different exercise experience, something else I had never seen at sea.     

Like many cruise lines, alcoholic beverages are not included. However, by splurging on what Virgin calls its Rock Star suite, my sizable cabin featured a fully stocked bar and a 60’s era turntable complete with records ready to play.

I think it’s fair to say that Richard Branson is replacing what has long been the very staid and traditional cruise culture with what is arguably the hippest cruise ship at sea. Virgin is trekking a path of its own, distinguishing itself from other cruise lines. Moreover, they are pursuing a style intended to please more than cruise skeptics who, until now, may have had the impression that such experiences are better saved for old age. My voyage on Virgin was anything but stogy and traditional.

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