This was my first time cruising with Virgin. I typically sail with NCL, so that’s what I used as my baseline to compare - I’ve yet to have a bad cruise! I sailed solo on this trip, and from the moment I stepped foot on the ship I knew that this cruise experience would be different, in all the right ways. First things first: no kids!! I can’t stress how much this matters to me and improves my cruising experience as a mid-30s childfree solo traveler to not have any screaming kids running around underfoot. The cruise was so much more peaceful and enjoyable. I really appreciated the status match perks (Deep Blue Extras). I took advantage of the free laundry, premium Wi-Fi (which worked wonderfully), specialty coffee credit and of course the extra sailor loot. I did not end up using the free “shake for champagne” perk. I had to contact Sailor Services a few times for various reasons and they were all super helpful and quick. Overall I loved this cruise and did book another while onboard for next year. I absolutely see myself adding in Virgin to my regular cruise rotation, likely several times a year if the price is right.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Check-in itself was a breeze on the lower level of Terminal V. I walked right in and did not wait in any line to receive my wristband. I also did the status match program (platinum with NCL) and was given several perks, one of which included boarding group 1 during embarkation. However, it seemed that everyone else also had boarding group 1 and it was a very disorganized mad dash of people rushing the doors when group 1 was called right at 2pm. Once I got through the main doors and scanned the wearable I was on the ship in seconds. I carried all of my luggage on board with me and appreciate that rooms are ready right when you board and can go drop bags straightaway.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
I loved every meal I had on the ship and as a vegetarian I very much appreciated how much was offered as either meat alternative or meatless meal options on board. The pizza was delicious, the dinners were all incredible, the galley was amazing. My favorite meal out of the trip was the impossible burger in the galley. I had it for lunch 4 of the 5 days I was onboard. I again can’t express how much I appreciate vegetarian meat alternatives offered throughout the ship in almost every restaurant, this truly made my experience on Virgin unforgettable and will encourage me to return again and again. I did not try The Wake though due to its limited menu and did not get to try Gunbae. As far as dinners go, my favorite was probably Extra Virgin, the gnocchi was to die for. Razzle Dazzle also had an incredible brunch that I did on the last morning. Whatever they put in the scrambled eggs gave it an elevated flavor and I could’ve eaten two plates of eggs alone.
The Dock
5 out of 5
Spent an ungodly amount of time here relaxing in the sun (or shade) on the lounge beds. It’s so peaceful and gorgeous views off the back of the ship. The crew working in this area are all wonderful, and you can order small bites and drinks throughout the day.
Razzle Dazzle Restaurant
5 out of 5
This meal happened to be the smallest of the restaurants and I should have ordered some sides - I was not full when I left but everything tasted wonderful. I had the mushroom tartare to start, ravioli for my main and blueberry cheesecake for dessert.
Pink Agave
5 out of 5
Very solid meal. The elote was probably my favorite dish, though everything was tasty - and although I’m not a sweets/dessert person, the chocolate tacos were DELISH! I ate every bite.
Extra Virgin
5 out of 5
Gnocchi was incredible
Burger Bar
5 out of 5
The impossible burger was INCREDIBLE. I had it 4 times in 5 days and still dream about it.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I did a little shopping (of which there is plenty!) as well as got a tattoo at Squid Ink. I made my appointment right when they opened on embarkation day. I also took advantage of the outdoor running track several mornings, though I did not try out the fitness center areas indoors (it was always busy).
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Unfortunately due to the timing of my dinner reservations (was only able to get 8pm or later) I missed many of the available shows in the evening. I did see “Ships in the Night” and thought while the cast was very talented, I did not fully understand the theme. The live music around the ship was all great, though, and I love that they regularly rotate guest performers. Scarlet Night was the highlight of the entertainment for the trip - the vibe all over the ship on Scarlet Night was absolutely electric, I loved everything about it. From the pop-up shows in the roundabout to the pool deck show/party, it was all so incredibly well done. Best party at sea!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
I personally LOVED the ship. Others have complained that it’s choppy, but once you get your bearings - and study the deck plans prior to your cruise like I did ;) - it was very easy to navigate. Everything was spotless and very well-maintained. The nooks and crannies hidden everywhere for lounging and relaxing are amazing. The venues were all unique and impeccably designed with a modern flair. Can’t wait to see what they do with the additional ships.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Ship tip
Book dinner reservations when they become available (30 days out) and do not miss out on Scarlet Night!
I really enjoyed being able to disembark later than usual compared to the other cruise lines. I was able to have brunch at Razzle Dazzle at 9 and walked right off the ship with no line whatsoever right around 10am. It took 5 minutes for my Uber to arrive and I was at MIA 15 minutes later.
I was loyal NCL customer (platinum) until I took my first cruise with VV. I went as a solo passenger and had the time of my life. I had zero complaints and I also booked another cruise while on board. The other cruise lines should follow VV way of cruising.
@kalaka I fully paid for this cruise and have zero affiliation with Virgin. It’s not an impossible concept to think someone might actually experience a cruise without complaint. I don’t go on vacation to waste time worrying about little things out of my control.
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