This post was inspired by a reddit post by u/404davee to the Virgin Voyages subreddit. Featured image credit: Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages continues to push the boundaries of what a cruise experience can offer, appealing to modern travelers who seek a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. One couple’s journey aboard the Valiant Lady has caught the attention of the Virgin Voyages community, and their story—shared by u/Anomandiir—provides a unique and insightful perspective on cruising with Virgin for the first time.
In their detailed review, u/Anomandiir, a seasoned cruiser with over 20 voyages on major lines like Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Celebrity, recounts their back-to-back trips aboard the Valiant Lady. From gourmet dining that rivals Michelin-starred experiences to the welcoming and vibrant atmosphere on board, their post highlights the many reasons why Virgin Voyages stands out from the crowd. They also candidly address the few hiccups encountered during the trip, offering valuable advice for future sailors.
Join us as we dive into u/Anomandiir’s comprehensive review, explore the insightful community feedback, and uncover useful tips that can help make your first Virgin Voyage unforgettable.
Why the Valiant Lady is a Game-Changer for Couples in Their 30s
In their detailed post, u/Anomandiir, a couple in their late 30s with over 20 cruises under their belt, shared why their back-to-back trips aboard Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady exceeded their expectations. Here are the key highlights from their experience that would appeal to couples seeking relaxation, luxury, and fun:
Why Virgin Voyages?
u/Anomandiir chose Virgin Voyages based on its reputation for:
- Amazing food and beverages – They heard rave reviews about the high-quality dining options.
- A unique demographic mix of travelers – Diversity in age, backgrounds, and cultures was a big draw.
- More opportunities for relaxation and fun, without the typical high-pressure party scene.
Top Things They Loved:
- Food: Described as incredible, u/Anomandiir rated the meals 6/5. Most of the sit-down restaurants were on par with Michelin-starred establishments. Their favorite dining experience? The Test Kitchen, though they noted that the timing could be a bit slow.
- Cabins: The couple stayed in Sea Terraces, which they rated 5/5 for comfort and cleanliness. The firm beds were surprisingly comfortable, and the crew’s autonomy really stood out—staff members were genuinely happy and made key decisions without needing approval from higher-ups.
- Value: Compared to other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages offered incredible value. They paid only $3.5k for 9 days, including everything, while their folio for drinks and excursions only added $0.4k. In contrast, they typically spent around $4k for 6-7 days on other lines, making this an amazing deal.
- The Vibe: They loved the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Guests and staff felt like part of the same community, with staff feeling more like fellow partiers than employees.
Areas for Improvement:
- Embarkation Delay: The biggest hiccup of their trip was a 2.5-hour delay getting on board due to technical issues. Virgin Voyages did, however, compensate with $75 credit for the inconvenience.
- Booking via App: They advised fellow travelers to book excursions and dining reservations as soon as possible on Day 1, as things tend to fill up quickly.
Pro Tips:
- For those worried about seasickness, the Valiant Lady was so stable that they “barely felt the ship move” during their entire trip.
- For a better cabin experience, consider asking for a foam mattress pad if you find the bed too firm, as it made a huge difference for them.
What Fellow Cruisers Are Saying: Insider Tips and Advice
After u/Anomandiir shared their in-depth review, the Virgin Voyages community jumped in with their own valuable insights. These comments provide extra tips and considerations that are particularly helpful for couples in their 30s, whether you’re first-time cruisers or seasoned travelers.
More Destinations to Explore
Several users recommended exploring different Virgin itineraries, especially if you’re seeking more adventurous destinations:
- u/MaximumWise9333 suggested checking out Resilient Lady’s itineraries during the winter months, which include destinations like the ABC islands and the Windward Islands. These locations offer a chance for more exotic and extended voyages.
- u/GreenFireAddict recommended considering cruises that depart from San Juan for even more exciting port stops in the Caribbean.
Crew and Guest Interactions
Many commenters echoed u/Anomandiir’s praise of the laid-back, friendly atmosphere on board:
- u/Travelpuff emphasized how the crew’s relaxed and genuine demeanor made the cruise more enjoyable. Their freedom to express personal opinions made interactions feel more authentic, whether it was a favorite drink suggestion or dessert recommendation.
- u/ResidentAd5910, a fellow LGBTQ cruiser, found the environment to be extremely queer-friendly, highlighting how welcoming the experience felt, especially for those in the LGBTQ+ community.
Avoid the Crowds
A few community members pointed out practical advice on avoiding discomfort during excursions and embarkation:
- u/CampaignAway1072 and u/Happy-Necessary-5114 mentioned their experience with Splash of Romance, a premium service that allowed them to wait in air-conditioned comfort during the embarkation delay. If you’re sensitive to heat, it might be worth considering this add-on for a more comfortable boarding experience.
Dining Experiences
While many agreed that the food was a highlight, there were mixed reviews about specific restaurants:
- u/3tinesamady had a great experience at The Wake during brunch but less so during dinner. Meanwhile, they found Razzle Dazzle to be the weakest dining option, advising fellow cruisers to manage their expectations for this venue.
- u/jon81uk also noted that experiences can vary by time of day, highlighting the importance of trying different meals at various times to get the best out of each restaurant.
Pro Tips from Experienced Cruisers
- u/ReggieJoints, a first-time cruiser on Virgin, emphasized how even introverted couples can enjoy the social aspects of the cruise without feeling pressured. They found themselves making meaningful connections despite typically keeping to themselves.
- u/FBM2018 shared a useful tip for those who find the beds too firm—simply ask for a foam pad to make it more comfortable. This small tweak can make a huge difference in your cabin experience.
Did You Know?
- Book your fitness classes early: Popular classes like yoga, HIIT, and bungee workouts fill up fast, so be sure to book them right when you board to avoid missing out. If you’re lucky, you might grab a spot last minute if someone doesn’t show up
- No traditional drink packages: Unlike other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer drink packages. Instead, you can purchase a Bar Tab in advance. Loading $300 before sailing often gets you an extra $50 credit to use on drinks
- Get tattooed at sea: Virgin Voyages boasts the first-ever tattoo parlor at sea, called Squid Ink. It’s a great option for a truly unique souvenir, but spots fill up fast, so consider booking as soon as you board
- Priority boarding with Deep Blue Extras: Couples who have sailed with Virgin Voyages before (twice in 2022-2023) may qualify for Deep Blue Extras, which includes perks like priority boarding, complimentary specialty coffee, and free laundry services, perfect for making your cruise experience smoother and more enjoyable
- Exclusive Scarlet Night Experience: Pack something red! Virgin Voyages hosts a can’t-miss Scarlet Night where the entire ship turns into a party zone with live DJs, dancers, and a poolside celebration under a giant inflatable octopus. Couples looking for a fun, memorable night will love this experience
Set Sail on Your Own Unforgettable Adventure
u/Anomandiir’s journey on the Valiant Lady shows that Virgin Voyages offers a unique cruising experience, perfect for couples in their 30s looking for a mix of relaxation, adventure, and high-quality dining. From Michelin-inspired meals to unforgettable events like Scarlet Night, this cruise line truly caters to modern, adventurous travelers. Whether you’re looking to savor delicious craft cocktails, explore stunning destinations, or enjoy the laid-back yet luxurious vibe onboard, Virgin Voyages has something for everyone.
Ready to book your own Virgin Voyages cruise? Let Smart Sail Voyages handle all the details so you can focus on making memories. Reach out to us today, and we’ll help you plan the perfect getaway!
