I’ve never desired to go on a cruise. But when I learned about Virgin Voyages, the new adults-only cruise line from Sir Richard Branson, I knew it was a game changer and thought: “This is a cruise I would actually go on!” So, when the opportunity arose to set sail the Virgin way, I jumped and grabbed my friend Amy.
I was excited, but nervous: Would I like cruise life? Would I survive sharing a 185 sq ft cabin? Would there be a sea of floral shirt and fanny pack-sporting “cruise people” to cramp my style and my eyesight?
Check-in was seamless, especially considering the added in-terminal Covid test. How you get nearly 2,800 people tested and boarded as fluidly and graciously as possible was baffling. In true Virgin style, violet mood lighting and DJ beats greeted us as we boarded Scarlet Lady and were shown to our Sea Terrace Cabin.
Props to Virgin’s space planners and decorators, who have created a 185 sq ft cabin that was (relatively) spacious, comfortable and oh so chic. Bedding can be arranged as king or L-shaped twin beds (which actually made the room feel larger). Some have L-shaped bunk beds to fit four, but…even three’s a crowd unless you’re in one of the premier “Rock Star Quarters.” The red sling hammocks on the terraces are an especially playful touch.
Aside from each one of them being drop dead gorgeous, the staff was terrific - and plentiful with a little over two staff: one guest ratio. There is not one main cruise director, yet ten hosts/hostesses to ensure a fantastic journey. Huge smiles grace everyone’s faces, each person is encouraged to be fully themselves down to (appropriate) flirtatious conversations with guests and short sleeves to reveal tattoos. Some of those tatts may have even been implemented in the ship’s tattoo studio, which is located next to your usual onboard vinyl store; cool, right?
The Virgin app does it all. Start booking restaurants and shore excursions in advance, and come check-in time, you can reserve spa time, order food, chat with the concierges - and wait for it – shake the app for Champagne delivery! Just stay where you are, and a bottle of Moët magically appears! Be it bubbly or something else, enjoy an al fresco sunset libation at least once at The Dock, one of the ship’s quieter locales at the stern of the seventh deck.
Speaking of Champs, the F&B is incredible. Instead of buffets, central kitchens and seatings, Virgin boasts a slew of fun restaurants and eateries, each with its own kitchen and bookable in the app Open Table-style. There are offerings for every craving and diet, from vegetarian cuisine to Korean BBQ to an experimental outlet called The Test Kitchen. Smaller eateries and bars are also aplenty – Sip for Champagne, The Pizza Place and Lick Me Till…Ice Cream got me in trouble daily. Rick, the ship’s master mixologist, even leads a cocktail/photography class that’s simultaneously educational, fun and a bit naughty.
I have no comparison for shipboard wellness, but I was impressed. The spa is modern and gorgeous, and there is even an onboard acupuncturist. The top two decks house indoor and outdoor facilities, and an apropos red running track hovers above the top deck. This SoulCycle addict definitely took a ride in the panoramic sea view spin studio.
Let’s talk about entertainment. Work prevented my attendance at “Untitled Dance Show Party Thing,” Cirque du Soleil-esque “Duel Reality” and interactive “Never Sleep Alone” with the in-house sexologist. But I danced nightly in the Studio 54-reminiscent Disco and frequented all the parties. Be sure to bring red for Scarlet Night, the voyage’s signature ship-wide party (presided over by a giant octopus) and a great set of pj’s for the midnight top deck pajama party with The Hostess – the resident Drag Queen. And yes, she also has her own show AND hosts Drag Queen Bingo and Karaoke.
Just when you think the entertainment can’t get better, a collab with J.Lo was announced a few days ago! She’s not taking a residency any time soon, but as “Chief Entertainment and Lifestyle Officer,” she will be elevating the already spectacular lineup.
Something else no other cruise line has? Its own beach club! Each Caribbean itinerary will stop at Virgin’s private beach club in Bimini (the Bahamas), a bastion of beach chic. Set against calm turquoise waters, you can lounge on the beach or enjoy more of the party vibe by the pool area– frosé and piña coladas in hand, of course.
End verdict: I had a blast. Expectations FAR exceeded. While I don’t know if I am a cruise convert, I will say that I hope it isn’t too long until my next Virgin Voyage. Ahoy Sailors!