Cruising on Virgin Voyages - What We Did and Didn't Like - Opinion

 

Trying Something Different

Choosing the right cruise line can make the difference between a good trip and a great one.

After seven cruises with another cruise line, we decided to try Virgin Voyages. The draw for us was that  passengers have to be at least eighteen years-old. As seniors, we value a quiet and slower pace.

One of the best features of Virgin Voyages was the embarkation process. There was a separate entrance for suite and VIP guests which really made a difference on our first impressions. How they treat you before you get onboard says so much.

There was also a separate lounge area with snacks and refreshing drinks while we waited to be escorted onto the ship.

Once aboard, we were directed to one of the lounges for complimentary champagne and a chance to meet our personal concierge who is tasked with meeting the suite passenger's special needs.

Embarkation Lounge

In our "Rock Star Suite," the bed was placed at an angle to the side wall because of the trapezoid shape of the bathroom. The head of the bed was against the shower wall and had a huge window that let anyone see into the shower and sink area of the bathroom. 

The big-screen TV faced the couch but in the distance between, there was a glass table. Underneath the TV was a wire-backed throne style chair. Pretty but not comfortable.

We asked for a window shade to cover the bathroom peep-hole and it was immediately provided.

The couch was rectangular foam with a matching ottoman. If you're of average height the couch was too deep to comfortably sit back and bend your legs.

There were drawers inside the closet and room to store suitcases under the bed. A hair dryer was provided inside a small chest near the door. Two of the three drawers under the bar were filled with assorted cocktail glasses.

The mini bar had an impressive assortment of full-sized bottles of liquor, wine and even Moet champagne.

I like that they provided sparkling water and fresh water in refillable carafes on a serving tray.

There was also a record player, a speaker, vinyl LP albums and a room telephone which took up a lot of the counter space.

The mini-fridge was stocked with specialty beers, Red Bull and Kombucha. An ice bucket was replenished twice daily along with carafes of sparkling water and filtered water.

The bathroom was enormous and tiled in Italian marble with a seating area at the wide end of the shower. The shower controls were at the opposite end.

There was no enclosure or shower curtain but it had a small retaining curb at the base to keep the water in.

The balcony was huge and had a red string hammock, two upright metal chairs and a small metal table.

Pools onboard were small and designed for plunging rather than swimming. One round pool was divided into quadrants for socializing. Hot tubs were plentiful in different areas of the ship along with thermal suites for hydrotherapy and sauna. 

The arcade had vintage board games like Scrabble, Battleship, Clue, and an indoor shuffleboard.

The deck area was furnished with round, bed-type loungers in red vinyl for sun bathing, covered with terry cloth slipcovers.

The music in the corridors and sitting areas was modern. Occasionally, we heard a familiar song. The thumping bass of the after-hour music, actually rattled the walls of our suite. (Yes, we're old.) 

Our departure was delayed while repairs were made to the rear end of the ship. Welders could be seen from the restaurant windows on the deck below..

View from the restaurant aft of the ship.

Common areas were painted in shades of bright red, purple, orange, and yellow on walls, floors and covered surfaces.

Food

The ice cream place had hand-scooped flavors in waffle cones or a cup. Wonderful! Thankfully, there was a curved sofa near the ice cream parlor as their seats were unwelcoming.

The art on display was unusual. One sculpture seemed to be two bar stools welded together with a face painted on the seats. There were a lot of sexual innuendoes in the paintings and naming of areas. They even had a tattoo parlor among the few shops. It's definitely a place where anything goes. No surprise. It is the Scarlett Lady after all.

Many of the ship's activities were geared for the late-night crowd like the pizza place which didn't open until 2:00 PM but it stayed open late.

Even the elevator was unusual with black lights and flashing marquees inside.

We enjoyed our dinner at Extra Virgin Italian Eatery. The host seated us at a bar-height table. Appetizers were cheese, nuts, salami and salsa. The 2nd course came immediately after the 3rd course - a side of pasta Bolognese and a filet for the hubby. I ordered Gnocchi and the sea bass. It was wonderful.

Breakfast at The Wake was not our favorite. They recommended a more traditional meal at Razzle Dazzle where we ordered fresh fruit, egg choices, pancakes, waffles and more.

The Galley was similar to a buffet where you raise a flag and wait staff takes your order. They bring the meals to the tables, so no self-serving which I liked. I liked the cheeseburgers but the fries were amazing, topped off with an incredible dessert called "Smores in a Cup."

Refrigerated dispensers had pre-prepared sushi and Bento boxes along with fresh fruit. 

Musical tastes, food choices, likes and dislikes are all subjective. What one person loves, another might not. We prefer simple meals with food that we recognize.

This dish was from the experimental test kitchen where invited guests can sample new and unusual foods.

Our Preferences May Not Match Yours

One of the things we missed from other cruise lines was the Piazza with its distinctive buzz of people having a good time listening to music and dancing or just observing. Virgin offers more intimate gathering spots where people can congregate.

The lounges seemed to discourage people from sitting at the bar, preferring that you order on the online app instead. A waiter would then deliver your beverages to you.

Aboard Virgin Voyages we felt out of our element, not only in the average age group aboard, but in the choices of music, seating, entertainment and food.

Most of the chairs were made of wood slats, wire mesh or plastic chairs and backless benches. For seniors like us, it was difficult to find comfortable seating.

Ouch

That was our first experience on Virgin and maybe with more trips we could grow to love it as much as we do other cruise lines. Whatever ship you choose, I hope your voyage meets your expectations. You'll never forget the experience.