So I’ve recently returned from my first cruise aboard Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady. And I couldn't wait to share with you why this cruise line is like nothing else sailing! If you’re ready for something new, this may be for you!
Virgin Voyages is an adults only cruise line that is both relaxed and upscale at the same time! Scarlet Lady is the first of the line, and she is currently sailing from Miami to the Caribbean. The ship is beautiful and can hold approximately 2,700 passengers. For our voyage, there was less than 500, so it was easy to explore all there was to see and do.
COVID testing is done before boarding at the port. It was a quick process, and boarding begins about 2pm. No cards or lanyards for this one, no! You’ll receive a band which will be used to access your room, purchases, and anything else where you would normally use your card. Once onboard, you are met by some of the friendly crew who were very upbeat, and although there was a party vibe already, you are directed to the elevators because your room is ready!
We had a Sea Terrace (balcony) cabin. Such a treat when we entered the room and music begins to play, and the curtains open automatically to reveal the ocean from our balcony. A very nice start indeed! There are touches all around the cabin that make this experience a bit different such as the tablet which controls almost everything in the room (tv, curtains, lights, entertainment). The bathroom was a bit small but the rain shower was very nice. We also enjoyed the hammock on the balcony throughout the cruise. You should also familiarize yourself with the Virgin Voyages app which is used to do most things such as book dinner reservations, check the schedule, or connect with your room steward or guest services. Our room stewards, btw, were amazing, kept the room together, and responded quickly to any requests.
We watched the safety briefing from the comfort of our room. The video was actually entertaining (and you’ll do a quick check in at your muster station between stated hours). But who’s staying in the room, right?? So back to the roundabout we go, which is where most things begin, and there’s DJ Ryan Vandal on the ones and twos! Wesley was the first person we met from the entertainment team. His entire vibe, so upbeat, really set the tone for the entire cruise.
So, a little about the conductors of the fun! You won’t find a cruise director on the ship. But you will find the entertainment team. They take their job seriously and really want you to have as much fun as possible. And let me just say, the more you interact with them, the more surprises and mystery you will find await you. They were amazing at keeping us in the know, and the cruise really wouldn’t have been as much fun without them. Hats off to Jordan, Sammy, Ty, Nicki, Andy, Wesley and especially Virgin Voyages for this concept; I do believe it is a winner!
The first night was a blast! We attended a show called Untitled Dance Party Show Thingy. And yes, it was all of those thingys. It was glow in the dark, dancers, singers, skits, interactive, moving stage, AMAZING! The most fun I believe I’ve ever had at a party on a cruise ship…or so I thought! Later that night, there was a pajama party which was also a lot of fun with music, dancing and snacks.
We had so many laughs, met some wonderful people, and enjoyed all of the shows. However, Scarlet night was EPIC! You're encouraged to wear something red and get ready for whatever unfolds! There was music, dancing, a simulated marriage, a Chinese dragon, blow up octopuses, and a pool party. Whatever you do, DO NOT MISS THE POOL PARTY! Yes, more music, DJs, live singing, and the dance team put on a fantastic show. You might just find yourself fully clothed (or not) in the pool by the end of the night! Really an unforgettable experience, for sure!
There were several other noteworthy entertainment options such as The Free Label which is a R&B/Pop band out of Toronto Canada. Extremely talented and we enjoyed a few of their shows over the course of our cruise. There was also Morf, the remarkably talented multi-instrumentalist and singer; He's so musically gifted, and I'd definitely recommend catching his show. We quickly became admirers of DJ Ryan Vandal from NY, who musically welcomed us aboard so we tried to catch his sets whenever possible. There were at least two other DJs as well. The performers may change as many performers have limited contracts. However, I'm sure they bring on equally amazing talent because the goal on Virgin Voyages is definitely to show you a good time.
And the food…the FOOD!!! There are over 20 eateries on the ship and we tried our best to eat something from most of them. Lol This is not your standard cruise cuisine. All of the restaurants had beautiful ambiance and the food was really delicious. Some restaurants require a reservation but they are all worth it. I believe one of our favorites was Gunbae, the Korean restaurant. Excellent! So nice, we did it twice. Our other favorite was Razzle Dazzle which is great for breakfast/brunch/dinner. There are some really cool dishes on the menu. Experiment! You can have as much as you want. Don’t like it? Don’t eat it. Love it! Order more. We also thought the charcuterie board appetizer at Extra Virgin was different and such a nice complement to the meal. And let's not forget about the pizza. My favorite was Pretty Fly for a White Guy! Delicious after hanging at The Manor for the late night party. The best part about it? It's all included with your fare, no extra charges!
We had port stops at the private island of Bimini in the Bahamas and Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. The island is very well done, plenty of seating to spread out. The food was fantastic, there were games on the beach, and bonfires along with folk singers in the evening to cap off a really nice day.
This really is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what we experienced on our first voyage on Scarlet Lady. But my honest opinion? We enjoyed everything about her, we had five nights of fabulousness, and can’t wait to go again! We really embraced the experience, and had a great time. This cruise line is definitely not for everyone, however if you want to add a little more spice to your cruise life (or life in general), are open to something a bit more bold and outgoing, and enjoy interacting with all the new “friends” you’ll be making, you are sure to have a blast!
If you have questions about this cruise, the ship, or you're just ready to check out this beauty for yourself, please contact me through any of the methods below. Until next time, happy cruising!
Djuna (Dee) Perine
Travel Advisor
djuna@djvacations.com
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