Virgin Voyages is one of the cruise lines that is constantly ripping the rulebook and going out of their way to make their ships stand out from the crowd. The ship Scarlet Lady is no exception.
It is very refreshing to see a company that does not follow the traditional norms of a cruise line and has pushed the boundaries with its style. This is especially true with its dining options.
Cabins
Virgin Voyages cabins are a cut above, with modern, yacht-inspired aesthetics and clever cabin technology. A king-size bed, sensory lighting, a 43″ 4+ flat-screen TV and a minibar are standard, but what sets them apart is the “Seabed.”
Sailors on Virgin voyages can enjoy their cabin in two distinct ways: as a place to party or as a place to relax. The Seabed is the first-ever transformational bed at sea, and it’s made by Walter Knoll, a world-renowned furniture designer who has designed thoughtful and sustainable furniture for over 150 years.
Cabins on the 110,00 gross-ton Scarlet Lady went through a design overhaul in 2022-Q1 (Jan-Feb). These upgrades include new authentic artwork, updated linens and decorative pillows, vertical wooden beams and more wood furniture.
Dining
One of the best things about Virgin Voyages is the variety of dining options. There are more than 20 restaurants on board, which means there’s something for everyone.
They even have a new concept called the Galley which is sort of like a floating food market. It’s filled with different international eateries so you never run out of options.
You’ll also find a few main dining rooms which are always worth a try. These include Extra Virgin which is an Italian restaurant, Test Kitchen which is an experimental cooking experience, and Gunbae which is the first Korean BBQ restaurant on a cruise ship.
Entertainment
There’s a whole lot of entertainment on board Virgin Voyages cruise ships. You can expect comedy shows and Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatic performances.
You can also enjoy live music and dance performances by some of the best entertainers in the business. You’ll be able to hear these amazing talents in the ship’s main theater, The Red Room, which can transform into four different configurations.
There’s also a lot to do in the ship’s beach club, which features a beach club, a casino, a nightclub and a pool area. You can also get a proper dose of wellness on board through yoga, meditation, cycling and HIIT classes.
Shore Excursions
Whether you’re a traveler seeking an authentic experience or simply want to immerse yourself in the culture of a port, you’ll find it with Virgin Voyages shore excursions. They’re geared toward cultural enrichment, natural environments and wildlife, and even some activities that are a bit more active like biking tours and snorkeling adventures.
You can book shore excursions (called “Shore Things”) on the Virgin Voyages app prior to your cruise (120 days for standard cabins, and 135 days for Rockstar or Mega Rockstar sailors). Sailors can also book all dining reservations 45 days before sailing.
Foodies can choose from over 20 eateries, with menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs and many featuring vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. You can also book a variety of add-ons to your meal, including specialty cocktails and beer, for extra cash on the spot.
Value
Virgin Voyages cruises are a great value for travelers. Each voyage fare includes over $600 worth of value including WiFi, dining at 20+ eateries, tips, group fitness classes and essential drinks.
Unlike some cruise lines that don’t include gratuities, Virgin Voyages is very upfront about their tipping policies. All fares include tipping on meals, drinks and spa services but you are always welcome to tip crew members separately.
Basic drinks such as still and sparkling water, soda, tea, coffee and non pressed juices are included in the fare. However, alcoholic beverages and premium coffees from the Grounds Club are subject to an additional fee.