I have booked another cruise out of Miami next March, to use a FCC. Don’t think I would have done so otherwise! I couldn’t get used to the “off the cuff” approach.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
We arrived at the appointed time and were directed to check our bags first. We told them that our test results had failed to reach us. We were then directed across the road and after some confusion found the test area, tested, given a wrist band as “clean”. Returned to the bag check, we could have checked the bags before testing but didn’t. That done we went and joined the line to enter the terminal for check in. After a while I noticed there were three different lines set up, the boarding times were on the front of those lines, we were in the later boarding lines so quickly switched and walked right in.
Check in was quick and easy.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The totally different approach that is Virgin was evident here. We had, as instructed, pre booked all our dining (evening) choices. The Galley is the buffet replacement, the app is needed to scan the QR code menu, though you can browse to see some selections. You then need to find someone to take your order, not a problem as there are many very helpful servers around. The general opinion was that the menu is a bit awkward for finding what you want, if not noodles or a taco.
Specialty restaurants are a different ball game.
The Wake
3 out of 5
We had high hopes for the Wake, we were seated in a secluded spot, there were eight of us, we were given real menus and six chose the fillet mignon, one New york strip, and one Lamb chops. Strip was juicy, chops were superb, all the fillets were overcooked and dry! There were only a couple of dessert choices but the baked Alaska was very good. Service was excellent. We should have returned all the fillets but soldiered on!We were back there again later and to be fair the fillet was perfect!
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
The pool was quite small and the sun loungers always had towels but nowhere near that many guests in the pool area. It is what it is! There was a really large hot tub area that was preferred. Lots of board games around the ship, good arcade, air hockey, fussball, etc. didn’t frequent the fitness center, though looked well equiped.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
Our party was very disillusioned with the entertainment. The “shows” always seemed to be at our pre arranged meal times and those that weren’t soon booked up, though only half capacity on board. We could have stood in line like some downtown disco bar, nope! There was some entertainment around the ship but the areas are so small they fill up too soon. We did make use of a private karaoke lounge, thanks to the beautiful Katerina, that was good fun. I never got to any of the “club” style shows as all full. I can’t imagine how they will cope with a full ship.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff generally are superb, very helpful to our concerns, though often having to pass requests to unseen supervisors. Bar staff and servers doing a great job, though there are a lot of basic faults with the whole idea of Virgin way.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Difficult this one, the ship was spotless at all times, but the layout, I had difficulty finding my way around, even to knowing which way to go, I had to look at the sea to know which way we were going! Good point was the large A or Z to dispense with the usual elevator shuffle to find odd or even. There are so many little nooks and crannies with small bars or lounges, some liked it a lot, others hated it. I had a deck plan on my wall but didn’t help much.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
I loved the cabin, it was quite spaceous and could convert into lounge use using the day. Balcony was adequate and if you were brave the hammock is nice. Bathroom is big enough, no power outlet for shaver or hairdrier.
Once I spent a little time with the ipad I loved it, curtains, lighting, services, TV, and movies all from the comfort of your bed, once I realised I did not have to go to the desk to operate it, Duh!!
Ship tip
Give it s fair chance, it is a totally new way of cruising. Some will love it, many, including seniors, may hate the lack of organised structure.
Dropped a star as we read on the app that we had to get baggage tags and inform services before midnight how many bags to go. At the Sailor Services we were told we were too late as it was up until 10:00pm. After showing them the app instructions they relented although insisting their own app was mistaken!
We were able to stay in our cabin until our 9:15am depart time and then walked straight off and our bags were waiting. The van pick up was just outside the door.
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