Virgin is losing their luster

Item: Scarlet Lady
Rating: 1.9
Author: Cruzerrr1

Scarlet Lady Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruzerrr1

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 17

Overall rating:

1.9 out of 5

5 Night Mayan Sol (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 04, 2023

Ship: Scarlet Lady

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

We used to love Virgin and talked our friends into trying them. Our friends hated it and we thought they were just being overly critical--not the case. If Virgin doesn't start finding solutions to their issues they will not have repeat sailors. Virgin can not handle sailing close to capacity

Embarkation

2 out of 5

Ok. Usual

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

First you have to be able to make a reservation and that has become increasingly difficult. I have to say that not being able to eat in a restaurant after paying for a cruise is more than disappointing. Virgin needs to figure out how to allow all guests to enjoy a decent meal--not in the galley--which is worse than a school lunch room. Cold food and unhappy crew

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Limited activities --limited pool size

Entertainment

1 out of 5

Mostly the same performances which are few and far between

Children's Programs

No children on Virgin

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

Lack of training has given the crew a very cavalier attitude. No apologies for cold food or incorrect orders. We even had one person we asked if they could take our order say no as they continued to arrange menus

Ship Quality

2 out of 5

The design is great but noticing it is not as clean as it used to be

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

Not very clean when we boarded. Dust and dirt on the table area and the headboard needs a good sweep.

Ship tip

Rethink. It used to be special and different. Not special anymore

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

4 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

3 out of 5

The Beach Club (Virgin Voyages), Bimini Bahamas

2 out of 5

Bar area very dirty and every bartender had disgustingly dirty uniforms

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

1 out of 5

Again used to be fantastic now just crowded and frustrating

10 Comments

Cruisers4Lyfe 4 months ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

amorad2112 1 year ago

I’m sorry for your experience. We recently sailed with Virgin and though the ship was at capacity we did not encounter nearly as many issues as you did. The restaurant reservation thing was VERY ANNOYING however we went to the front and told them we had a later seating and if we could be seated earlier, all but Razzle Dazzle were ok with that. Plus everyone we encountered that was a member of the crew onboard were amazing even with me being miserable after embarkation which admittedly was not smooth. Were there areas for improvement? Sure! But to say staff needs to be retrained as a whole is a bit much, a lot of the people on board are doing as best as they can entertaining entitled individuals while doing it with a smile on their faces! Again sorry for your experience and I hope you give Virgin another try, we certainly are!!

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

javawoody 1 year ago

Thanks for the update

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

Itspeace4me 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

lspop205 1 year ago

Thanks you for sharing

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

AuntPinkie 1 year ago

Appreciate your feedback. Sorry this cruise line seems to have trouble handling full capacity. Hope it returns to the cruise line you found enjoyable in the first place.

Thumbs Up 0

Flag

cdavid46 1 year ago

Based on the comments in your review, I am likely to rethink giving Virgin a try. Sorry your experience was not more positive.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

cruising2004 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your cruising experience.

Thumbs Up 1

Flag

MrBucketlist 1 year ago

Agreed 100% with this review. I had a nearly identical experience. It's sad.

Thumbs Up 2

Flag

Other reviews of this sailing

Great Cruise! Will be back!

Great girls' trip!

Overbooked