First look at Virgin Voyages cruise line

[lizzyb]

Looks interesting!

 

[Quellman]

If anything, I hope this will spur Disney to try some other forward thinking imagineering with their ships, from layout to use of spaces etc. Disney was groundbreaking when they came on to the scene. Now (policies mainly) they are resorting to 'industry standards'. Circular stairs aren't terribly practical, they do provide an aesthetic of motion. Same with some of the lighting elements. The ultra modern ambient lighting is a a contrast to the the Disney timeless, but has its place in a public space for example. I could totally see it in the new adults area section of the ship.

 

[darnheather]

If I were solo I would have no problem with a little cocoon of a room - hopefully affordable. I think $500 per night per passenger seems very high.

There is a casino. I don't see a stage for "shows" but appears to be some music venues. Lots of gyms and workout places, yoga places, etc. A spa turns into a night club with DJs at night (yikes!)? So sounds like drinking, dancing and working out on these cruises. This is definitely geared to younger crowd, which is fine, but not my cup of tea. At those prices, I'm guessing young professionals (DINKS).

5 night Mayan Sol cruise for solo traveler is just $1275 and that includes taxes and gratuities. That's a very good price for someone traveling alone.

 

[kaseyC]

Called today. We have a deposit down from early on, it’s fully refundable, so why not.

$4100 to $4400 (balcony rooms) for 2 adults Wednesday to Sunday

There will be a reveal of a “mystery” stop in a few days.

What date was your quote for? I had a deposit down from earlier and I just booked one of the 4 night Havana sailings for 2 in one of the Rock Star suites for much less than that. The suite perks are awesome plus there are some surprises that haven't been announced yet. I love that so much is included such as wifi, all dining, group work outs (like spin and TRX) and Gratuities. For Rock Star suite cruisers there are even more inclusions - private transfer to ship, private lounge/sundeck, premium wifi, in room bar set up with your preferred brands and concierge staff. Then the Mega Rock Star suites include even more perks. I love to cruise so I'm always intrigued by new ships.

 

[nutshell]

My wife and I just booked our first Virgin cruise for January 2024. Southeastern Caribbean Isles. 7-nights. We’ve done Disney a hand full of times and swore off 7-night cruises, but Virgin is just too tempting. They interest us right now way more than the Wish.

 

[CarolynFH]

They interest us right now way more than the Wish.

In what ways?

 

[darnheather]

Anyone sailed and want to do a comparison with DCL?

 

[plutolovr]

Anyone sailed and want to do a comparison with DCL?

Sure....it's everything DCL is not. Adults only, great food, lively at night...people actually stay up past 11:00 p.m., just a great time for adults.

 

[darnheather]

Sure....it's everything DCL is not. Adults only, great food, lively at night...people actually stay up past 11:00 p.m., just a great time for adults.

Is there nudity? Is it wild? Is there a movie theater?

 

[enzy65]

I have heard there is nudity, it attracts many swingers and some of the shows or acts are very sexual.
Not my cup of tea, but I am sure there are plenty who would enjoy the cruise.

 

[tidefan]

Anyone sailed and want to do a comparison with DCL?

We've sailed 3 times with Virgin Voyages and it is absolutely amazing. Now, it is completely different than DCL, that is for sure, but I think that it has become our favorite line.

To address a prior point, I've never personally seen any nudity on a VV ship, so I am not sure where that came from. There was one show that was run when the line initially started that was, um, risqué to say the least, but that show has been discontinued. The show that replaced it (Miss Behave) is one of the craziest, most fun shows I've ever been to. I still couldn't tell you what it was about, but I can say it was one of my most enjoyable hours at sea I've had! They do still have the other main show, Duel Reality, which is more of a Cirque Du Soleil type show and is amazing as well.

The food on VV blows away most other cruise lines. There is no MDR. Every restaurant is "specialty" and they are all included. Sushi rolls are included in the "Galley" every day along with other cooked to order items. Like DCL, soft drinks are included. VV also includes gratuities into the fare, including those for drinks, so no "18% service charge" added to your bill. It's all included in the price, which is nice (keeps the "How much should I tip" debate threads away!).

And then there is the hammock on the balcony. At first, I thought it was a gimmick. Now, DW and I fight over who gets to spend time sitting in it...

Interestingly enough, the head of VV is Tom McAlpin, who used to be CEO of DCL...

 

[nmoody1]

We did the 16 night transatlantic with VV this year. Loved it. Was a diverse crowd. Some great entertainment, very chilled vibe and didn't feel as "on the go" as I do with Disney. As always, the food was the game changer. We have grown so tired of the predictable DCL dishes that are made en-mass. Every VV meal feel like it was created fresh just for you. With some great flavour and vegetables that are actually cooked!

We are part of the Sea Blazers sailing club - our perks included onboard credit, premium WiFi, dry cleaning and laundry credit, a cocktail reception and priority boarding (was a god send on our cruise). We are platinum with Disney and I feel like we benefited way more with virgin after only 2 cruises. Than we do with disney after 20. I get it though, VV are smaller.

This all said, we found after 16 nights VV didn't change the menus in the restaurants much. This was our only gripe.

We took part in a few yoga classes. The spa is phenomenal - heat rooms with heat! Cold and warm plunge pools and a mud room. The steam room was steamy. We never had a problem gaining access to their much larger version of the "rainforest room" which redemption spa is their version.

The bar at the rear of the ship - the Dock - is the most relaxing place at sea. Great snacks (all bar snacks are included) and amazing cocktails. Plus grab and go fridges where you can grab salads, desserts and snack bars.

The onboard pizza place is very similar to Blaze pizza.

One thing is, whilst the service in the restaurants was ok, Disney win that every time. Although its lovely not to get "the talk" about how to score service and food.

I'd say they could benefit with another pool. And maybe some daytime shows.

We took part in a few "classes" - shot for shot was a cocktail making and photography class. We also didna fried chicken and champagne tasting - IT WORKS! And we had generous pours of Moet, Veuve and (I kid you not) DOM PERIGNON! I also did a bottomless brunch and plating class which I was given a bottle of prosecco to take away with me as only a few people were drinking.

The private island is a lot of fun - just as relaxing as castaway cay, but with a more lively pool space. The beach was more chill. The food on the island was also great - a little Limited, but so tasty and I was satisfied.

I'd happily pay for any meal I ate on VV.

We are doing a transatlantic the other way with Disney in September. We've sailed dosney transatlantic before. For comparison we are in Lisbon 9-3 with Disney. With Virgin we was there 9-midnight. Most ports we left around 10pm - so you got to experience a different and energetic side to the ports.

 

[allaboutthemouse]

We've sailed 3 times with Virgin Voyages and it is absolutely amazing. Now, it is completely different than DCL, that is for sure, but I think that it has become our favorite line.

To address a prior point, I've never personally seen any nudity on a VV ship, so I am not sure where that came from. There was one show that was run when the line initially started that was, um, risqué to say the least, but that show has been discontinued. The show that replaced it (Miss Behave) is one of the craziest, most fun shows I've ever been to. I still couldn't tell you what it was about, but I can say it was one of my most enjoyable hours at sea I've had! They do still have the other main show, Duel Reality, which is more of a Cirque Du Soleil type show and is amazing as well.

The food on VV blows away most other cruise lines. There is no MDR. Every restaurant is "specialty" and they are all included. Sushi rolls are included in the "Galley" every day along with other cooked to order items. Like DCL, soft drinks are included. VV also includes gratuities into the fare, including those for drinks, so no "18% service charge" added to your bill. It's all included in the price, which is nice (keeps the "How much should I tip" debate threads away!).

And then there is the hammock on the balcony. At first, I thought it was a gimmick. Now, DW and I fight over who gets to spend time sitting in it...

Interestingly enough, the head of VV is Tom McAlpin, who used to be CEO of DCL...

Agree with all of this…we are Sea Blazers, have been twice, going on our third in November and taking my 70-yr-old parents…so, um, if that tells you anything lol
You can certainly partake in partying if that is your thing, I am sure it exists, probably mainly in The Manor, we just didn’t seek it out. I love how you CAN do that if you want, but there are so many other peaceful places around the ship to just chill and relax, nobody (I.e. Cruise director) is telling you what to do or when to do something…you just do whatever.
The crew members are all friendly and helpful, but not in a like “overly-friendly“ way expecting extra tips, if that makes sense, since they have already been compensated. They just interact with you like normal, friendly, respectful people.
No drink package, you just pay as you go or buy the bar tab in advance. Scan your band for drink purchases, no need to sign for it and add a tip, because it is already included.
The Never Sleep Alone show is no longer, like someone else said. We went to it, but nobody was making you go…like, “eat your dinner here and then make sure you catch the show after”….they just don’t do that. You do you.
Duel Reality is just awesome.
We also did Shot for Shot, extra $$ (mixing drinks and showing you how to take Instagram worthy pics), and the Grog Walk $$ (it’s a bar crawl where they try to get everyone to get to know each other and mingle by having you draw a card and doing what the card says to get your drink at that particular bar). There is NOTHING, I repeat NOTHING sexual on the cards! Lol just thought I would mention that since im sure some are wondering. It’s, like, ask someone you don‘t know what is on their bucketlist. Then you have to present that person to the host, introduce them and what’s on their bucket list, and then you get your drink. It’s a lot of fun, and I am an introverted person. They do pour well
The food is great, of course. The shrimp at the dock house…mmmm…
The pool is small, so if you are a pool person (we are not), that might annoy you.
We did purchase a hammock onboard and hung it on our enclosed deck behind our house just like they have it hung on the balcony…we fight over it.
I am also DCL platinum, and when I heard Tom McAlpin was involved, I knew it would be awesome, so we went their inaugural year. I am hoping they don’t change over the years, like food quality and such, and keep up everything we fell in love with. When all our kids are older and don’t need to be watched when we are away, we will go on their longer cruises, so far we have only done the four-nights on Scarlett. It’s such a great little time away!

 

[darnheather]

Thank you all so much. I will certainly consider Virgin when I'm ready to cruise solo.

 

[soniam]

Just to clarify. Virgin is 18 and up, so non-drinking “adults”/teens are allowed. Not sure how many of the 18-20 crowd shows up though.

 

[Mrlogboy]

Yes we saw many vids on YouTube and yes we will be doing it in the future