First Virgin Cruise

Item: Scarlet Lady
Rating: 4.2
Author: juricell

Scarlet Lady Cruise Review to Europe - Western Mediterranean

juricell

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 5

Overall rating:

4.2 out of 5

7 Night French Daze & Ibiza Nights (Barcelona Roundtrip)

Sail date: September 15, 2024

Ship: Scarlet Lady

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 1 month ago

Review summary

Virgin is a totally different experience. Ship itself was great, destinations were also great. The food choices and options are completely different. We were not impressed with food, but some people were. The people are also a different group, so lots more LGBTQ than on other ships, nothing good or bad, just a fact. This probably isn't our favorite cruise, but glad we did it.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

We got the last check in time, arrived about an hour prior to time and they were ahead about 40 minutes

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

After hearing how great the food was, we were disappointed. The main restaurants were nothing great, food options were VERY different. The small 'bars' with the specialty foods were actually better. Buffet was also good. Pink Agave was our favorite. Razzell Dazzle was the worst, but it is going away with dry dock (no surprises).

Razzle Dazzle Restaurant

1 out of 5

The menu for this Southern restaurant was so odd. Nothing looked appealing at all. Even the dessert was odd, except the ice cream. It is being replace with dry dock!

The Test Kitchen

5 out of 5

This was fun. Very different menu and they said you might not like everything but try it. The presentation was cool and loved our waiter, Kleber.

Extra Virgin

4 out of 5

This reminded me of the Olive Garden. Appetizers, bread and desserts better than the main course. Food was good, but go for small main course. You will be full by then!

Draught Haus

5 out of 5

This was our go to bar. Sara was great, it was small and not very busy so we could get a drink quickly

The Wake

3 out of 5

You would expect a steakhouse to be good, this one was ok. The waiter was great, Tiago, but the food was nothing special. Everyone said The Pink Agave had a better steak!!!

The Sweet Side

5 out of 5

Nice place to get something sweet. They usually had the same items but replaced something new everyday.

The Pizza Place

3 out of 5

Pizza was ok, not the best compared to other ships

Pink Agave

5 out of 5

This was my favorite out of the main restaurants. It was my birthday so they treated me very well! Food and drinks we good too

Noodle Around

5 out of 5

Very Good. Lots of options

Lick Me Till...Ice Cream

5 out of 5

Yum, who doesn't like ice cream (or Gelato) Very popular!

Let's Taco Bout It

5 out of 5

Had lots of options and was very good!

Gunbae

4 out of 5

This was a fun restaurant. Very different.

Bento Baby

5 out of 5

Excellent quick and grab with no lines. Offers sushi and other selections.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

The main activities were late clubbing, which we are not into. Pools were small, but weather was too cool for swimming, and we were on excursions most of the time to swim. A little disappointing overall.

The Casino

4 out of 5

Much smaller than most casinos on other ships. It had tables and video slots

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Small shows, small venues, nothing big like other ships. We went to a few and they were very good.

The Red Room

5 out of 5

Very versatile. Went to 2 different shows and they transformed the room completely. It was also the place to gather for excursions.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Staff was great. Super friendly, only issues at all were in main restaurants where it felt like they were understaffed

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Ship was very nice and clean

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

we choose the normal room with view, typical size related to other ships, but bathroom was much smaller.

Ship tip

This cruise is not like other ships, don't expect it to be and you should be fine; be aware of what they tell you their difference are before booking.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Barcelona, Spain

5 out of 5

Loved Barcelona. So much to do and see, no excursion. We did lots on our own. Very busy with lots of people, but we didn't have any issues. Spent time here before and after cruise. Would love to go back.

Thumbs Up 0

Marseille (Provence), France

5 out of 5

Did bus tour, Marseille was extremely busy, but very beautiful. Saw lots of the city and views. Lots to see, would like to have seen and did more.

Thumbs Up 0

Cannes, France

4 out of 5

Did bus tour through Nice to Monaco and Monte Carlo. Long bus ride but was nice seeing the countryside and hearing about the cities. Another busy port.

Thumbs Up 0

Palma De Mallorca, Balearic Islands Did not visit port

We went to Corsica not here. No excursion, just walked around city. Had a market when we arrived but was gone when we came back. I was disappointed. I wanted to buy from them

Thumbs Up 0

Ibiza, Balearic Islands

4 out of 5

Very busy city. We did a walking tour, beautiful old city with lots of history. We are not into party scene, so didn't see any clubs. Not sure I would go back.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

we got off late and it was super easy and fast.

7 Comments

Ladyjunecliff 1 month ago

Thanks for all your comments! The food is soo important to us. And meeting like minded folks. Glad you enjoyed your Viking cruise

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BnCTcruising 1 month ago

Thanks for sharing. We enjoyed Virgin too.

Thumbs Up 1

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cruising2004 1 month ago

Thank you for your detailed review. Glad you at least gave Virgin try.

Thumbs Up 1

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TiffyTaffy 1 month ago

Thanks for the feedback.

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HeavySeas 1 month ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise experience and glad you enjoyed your cruise

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Gwbigdog 1 month ago

Thanks for sharing

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javawoody 1 month ago

Appreciate the post

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