What to Know Before Your First Epic Virgin Cruise

This post was inspired by a reddit post by u/jakwong to the Virgin Voyages subreddit. Featured image credit: Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages continues to make waves in the cruising world, offering unique and unforgettable experiences tailored to the modern sailor. Among the many insightful reviews shared by the Virgin Voyages community, u/jakwong’s recent recap of their July 5th sailing from Miami aboard the Valiant Lady offers a candid and detailed look at their return to cruising post-pandemic. Their journey, filled with both highlights and practical tips, provides a valuable perspective for anyone planning a voyage with Virgin.

In their comprehensive post, u/jakwong shares everything from the ship’s ambiance and onboard amenities to tips for navigating the experience—from dealing with warm cabin temperatures to making the most of the ship’s impressive culinary offerings. Whether you’re curious about the best time to catch a sunrise at sea or seeking advice on avoiding black soot while jogging on deck, this review is a must-read.

Join us as we explore u/jakwong’s voyage, enriched by insights from fellow sailors in the Reddit community. Together, these experiences shed light on what makes a Virgin Voyage truly unique and how to ensure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Insider’s Guide: Essential Tips for First-Time Virgin Voyages Cruisers

In their recap of the July 5th sailing on the Valiant Lady, u/jakwong offers a wealth of knowledge that can make a world of difference for those new to cruising with Virgin Voyages. Their experience highlights several key aspects that first-time cruisers should keep in mind:

1. Room Temperature: Unlike the icy cold cabins you might expect on a cruise, u/jakwong found the rooms and hallways to be warmer than usual, particularly on the first day. However, they noted an improvement by the second day. To stay comfortable, make sure your balcony door is securely shut and locked, which helps maintain a cooler room temperature.
2. Internet Connectivity: Staying connected onboard is crucial for many travelers, and Virgin Voyages delivers with strong internet service throughout the ship. However, there’s a limit—only two devices per person can connect at any given time. If you need to switch devices, simply use the “reset” option to disconnect one and connect another.
3. Running and Fitness: For those who enjoy running on deck or participating in activities like yoga on The Perch Deck 17, it’s important to note that black soot particles can sometimes spew from the ship’s chimney stacks. To avoid any issues, it’s best to steer clear of wearing white clothing while running outside, or opt to use the indoor treadmills instead.
4. Dining Experience: Virgin Voyages is renowned for its exceptional dining, and u/jakwong’s experience was no different. Despite the long lines at some food stalls, they moved quickly. Plan ahead for meals, especially at popular spots like the ramen stand, which closes early and doesn’t reopen until the next morning. For quick bites, there are also great options on Deck 7 including pizza, ice cream, hot dogs, and wings.
5. Entertainment: When it comes to shows, particularly in the Red Room, u/jakwong found that some are standing room only on the main floor. For a better chance at finding a seat, consider entering from Deck 8, though be aware that some views might be obstructed by signage.
6. Bimini Beach Club: The Bimini Beach Club is a highlight for many cruisers, and u/jakwong’s advice is to grab food before 3 PM, as the beach club’s food service closes early. This tip can help you avoid missing out on one of the day’s best meals.

u/jakwong’s experience on the Valiant Lady is filled with practical advice that can make your first Virgin Voyage a breeze. From ensuring your cabin is cool to navigating dining and entertainment options, these tips are invaluable for any first-time cruiser looking to make the most of their journey.

What Seasoned Sailors Say: Key Advice from the Virgin Voyages Community

The Virgin Voyages subreddit is a treasure trove of knowledge, with experienced sailors offering their firsthand advice and tips. In response to u/jakwong’s post, several members of the community chimed in with additional insights that are particularly valuable for first-time cruisers:

1. Quick Boarding and Disembarkation: u/T-Rex_timeout highlighted how fast and efficient the boarding and disembarkation process was, even for those in regular cabins. They mentioned it took just about 15 minutes from leaving breakfast to walking out to a cab. Tip: If you’re worried about long waits, Virgin Voyages seems to have streamlined this process, making it smooth and stress-free.
2. Entertainment Alternatives: While u/jakwong enjoyed the shows, u/T-Rex_timeout opted to skip the Scarlet Night pool party in favor of watching the Slam Allen Band, which they found to be a highlight of their trip. Tip: If the high-energy parties aren’t your style, there are plenty of other entertainment options on board that are just as enjoyable.
3. Airline Advice: Although not directly related to the cruise itself, u/T-Rex_timeout shared a cautionary tale about their experience with American Airlines (AA), suggesting that future cruisers might want to consider alternative airlines, especially for flights in and out of Miami (MIA). Tip: If you’re booking flights to join your cruise, Delta might be a more reliable choice, as recommended by u/Frosty_History_3206.
4. Connectivity Tips: u/PharmDsings encountered some challenges with the internet connection initially but found success by visiting Sailor Services to scan a QR code, which resolved the issue. Tip: If you experience connectivity problems, don’t hesitate to seek help from Sailor Services—they can quickly get you back online.
5. Dining Preferences: The community also had strong opinions about dining on board. u/PharmDsings recommended Extra Virgin and Gunbae as top dining choices, while u/trojanusc had mixed feelings about some of the offerings, particularly Ship Seats and The Galley’s Asian night. Tip: When planning your meals, it’s worth checking out the menus ahead of time to avoid any culinary disappointments.
6. Ship Temperature Observations: Echoing u/jakwong’s experiences, u/harmlessworkname mentioned that the Valiant Lady was running hot during their trip as well, particularly in the elevators and midship areas on Decks 6 and 7. Tip: If you’re sensitive to heat, it might be a good idea to pack light, breathable clothing and plan your time in cooler areas of the ship.

These additional insights from the Virgin Voyages community provide a fuller picture of what to expect on your first cruise. From efficient boarding processes to the best dining experiences and even tips on avoiding flight delays, this advice is sure to enhance your journey.

Did You Know?

1. Finish the Ready to Sail Checklist Early: As soon as you book your cruise, complete the Ready to Sail checklist on the Virgin Voyages app. This step allows you to choose your boarding time as early as possible, which is crucial for maximizing your time onboard. The earlier you board, the sooner you can start enjoying all the amenities
2. Book Dining and Shore Excursions Early: To secure your preferred dining times and shore excursions, make sure to book as soon as possible. Dining reservations open 45 days before sailing for most guests, and 60 days before for those in RockStar and Mega RockStar Quarters. Shore excursions, known as Shore Things, can be booked 135 days in advance for RockStars and 120 days in advance for all other sailors​
3. Familiarize Yourself with Virgin Voyages Lingo: Onboard Virgin Voyages, guests are referred to as “sailors,” and you’ll notice a unique set of terms for various amenities and services. For instance, cabins are known as “insiders” (interior), “sea views” (ocean view), or “sea terraces” (balcony cabins). Understanding this lingo ahead of time can enhance your cruise experience​
4. Reserve a Cabana at Bimini Beach Club: If you’re planning to spend time at the Bimini Beach Club, consider booking a private cabana in advance. These cabanas offer a luxurious way to enjoy the beach, complete with personalized service, shade, and a comfortable place to relax. They’re popular, so booking early is advised
5. Plan for Themed Events: Virgin Voyages hosts several themed events, such as the famous Scarlet Night and the Pajama Party. Packing appropriate attire for these events can enhance your experience and help you fully participate in the fun. Don’t forget to bring something red for Scarlet Night and comfy pajamas for the Pajama Party

From Insights to Action: Your Cruise Begins Here

From the warm, welcoming vibe onboard the Valiant Lady to the insider tips shared by experienced sailors, it’s clear that Virgin Voyages offers a cruise experience like no other. Whether it’s mastering the art of securing the best dining reservations, embracing the unique lingo, or planning ahead for themed events like Scarlet Night, these insights are designed to help you make the most of your first cruise.

As you plan your own Virgin Voyage, consider the expert advice and community insights we’ve highlighted here. With the right preparation, your journey can be as smooth and enjoyable as possible. And when you’re ready to book your dream cruise, Smart Sail Voyages is here to make it happen. Let us help you craft the perfect getaway—complete with all the tips and tricks you need for an unforgettable adventure at sea.

Don’t wait—book your Virgin Voyages cruise with us today and get ready to experience cruising reimagined!