This post was inspired by a reddit post by u/emma-ireland to the Virgin Voyages subreddit. Featured image credit: Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages continues to revolutionize the cruising experience, appealing to a new generation of adventurous sailors. Amidst the myriad stories celebrating the brand’s innovative sea voyages, u/Ok-Split-4752’s captivating review stands out, offering a detailed comparison of their Mediterranean cruise on the Resilient Lady in 2024 with a previous journey on the Scarlet Lady in early 2022. Their narrative provides a vivid and comprehensive perspective on the evolving Virgin Voyages experience.
In their enlightening post, u/Ok-Split-4752 shares an in-depth review of their voyages, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere, diverse demographics, and onboard experiences. From seamless dining reservations and dynamic entertainment to the unique ambiance and passenger interactions, their story underscores Virgin Voyages’ dedication to creating memorable and high-quality cruise experiences. Whether navigating the bustling ports or relishing the serene spa evenings, their account is a treasure trove of insights for seasoned cruisers and newcomers alike.
Join us as we dive into the detailed comparison by u/Ok-Split-4752, accompanied by the rich community feedback from the comments on their Reddit post. Together, these perspectives paint a comprehensive picture of the Virgin Voyages experience, offering invaluable insights for anyone planning their next sea adventure. Through the eyes of u/Ok-Split-4752 and the engaging Virgin Voyages community, discover what makes these cruises truly unforgettable.
Voyage Reflections: Scarlet Lady 2022 vs. Resilient Lady 2024
u/Ok-Split-4752 shared a comprehensive and insightful comparison of their experiences on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady in 2022 and Resilient Lady in 2024. Here are the key takeaways from their detailed review, perfect for those new to cruising or seasoned sailors considering Virgin Voyages.
Cruise Capacity and Atmosphere
- Scarlet Lady 2022: Sailed at a third capacity on a 5-day Caribbean itinerary. It felt rather eerie at times due to empty venues.
- Resilient Lady 2024: Sailed at full capacity on a 10-day Mediterranean itinerary. Despite initial concerns, it did not feel busy. The experience was lively and active, with no significant waiting times for shows, dinner reservations, or gym classes.
Demographics and Vibe
- Scarlet Lady: Younger crowd, more lively and party-centric.
- Resilient Lady: Older demographic with an average age of 52, but the “come as you are” vibe remained intact. Notably, many older passengers were unaware of the option to order at the table in The Galley, leading to unnecessary lines at breakfast counters.
Dining and Reservations
- Pro Tip: Book restaurants as soon as you board and exercise classes as soon as they open at 3 pm.
- The Galley Tip: Use the red flag to order at your table, avoiding unnecessary lines and enjoying a quick, efficient meal.
Health and Hygiene
- Concerns about older passengers coughing and not using hand sanitizers frequently.
- Despite this, the availability of hand sanitizers and general cleanliness were highlighted.
Port and Excursions
- Port Shuttles: Smooth operations with minimal waiting times.
- Excursions: All booked through the ship, offering flexibility and securing tender spots. Prices were comparable to external options, making onboard bookings a convenient choice.
Onboard Experiences
- Thermal Spa Pass: $259 for a 5-day pass. Ideal for those who prefer relaxation over partying.
- Bar Tab: $600 used efficiently for specialty coffees, non-alcoholic drinks, and splurging on expensive wines.
- Room Location: Initial issues with noise from the Red Room, resolved by moving to a quieter room. Tip: Check room location and pick rooms around Deck 11 to avoid noise disturbances.
Behind the Scenes Tour
- An enlightening tour revealing that all restaurants cook per order and pastries are made onboard. The staff’s enjoyment and quick promotions were standout points, adding to the overall positive vibe.
Overall Impressions
- Virgin Voyages vs. Royal Caribbean: Virgin Voyages offered a superior experience with better food, fewer upsells, less crowding, and longer port stays. The absence of children and the overall quality of service made it a more enjoyable experience.
u/Ok-Split-4752 concluded with a commitment to future cruises with Virgin Voyages, having already booked a suite on the Brilliant Lady for 2026. Their comparison highlights the elevated experience Virgin Voyages offers, making it a compelling choice for both new and experienced cruisers.
Passenger Perspectives: Valuable Tips from Fellow Sailors
The Virgin Voyages community on Reddit chimed in with valuable insights and personal experiences that can be incredibly helpful for both first-time cruisers and those considering a return to Virgin Voyages. Here are the most useful and interesting highlights from the comments.
Top Tips and Experiences
- Flight Costs and Logistics:
- u/queensendgame pointed out that Caribbean itineraries tend to be cheaper than European ones due to flight costs. Many people can find deals to Miami, but flights to Athens or Barcelona can be pricier and require more vacation days.
- u/thelastpterodactyl asked about planning flights for Mediterranean itineraries. u/Ok-Split-4752 recommended tracking flight costs and considering alternate routes, although they ended up paying $2,100 each for flights from the western US. They also suggested arriving a couple of days early to explore and reduce stress about potential delays.
- Health and Safety:
- u/BlueShift42 shared a concerning experience about falling ill during a cruise, highlighting the importance of being cautious during cold and flu seasons. They noted that the lack of buffets on Virgin Voyages is a plus, as it reduces the risk of illnesses spreading.
- u/FarFarAwayTravels and u/Solid-Garlic-5844 discussed strategies to stay healthy, such as:
- Frequent hand washing with soap and water.
- Avoiding buffets.
- Carrying and using hand sanitizers.
- Wiping down surfaces in planes and tour buses.
- Wearing masks in crowded or confined spaces.
- u/Notmenotem2021 added that they always wear a mask on airplanes to avoid respiratory illnesses, a habit developed during the pandemic.
- Excursions and Activities:
- u/Revolutionary_Law586 shared their regret about not booking more excursions, highlighting that while exploring tourist spots on foot is fine, excursions can offer more memorable experiences.
- u/Bigassbird noted the benefits of Mediterranean itineraries, such as having more ports, culture, and activities compared to Caribbean cruises, which can attract an older demographic with more flexible vacation time.
- Onboard Experiences:
- u/Revolutionary_Law586 also mentioned the downside of getting sick on board, including food poisoning from a bad oyster and catching a cold from fellow passengers, stressing the importance of choosing food wisely and maintaining personal health practices.
- u/Bigassbird appreciated the genuine enjoyment of Virgin Voyages’ staff and the absence of hierarchical distinctions among them, which creates a more relaxed and egalitarian atmosphere.
These community insights not only echo the experiences shared by u/Ok-Split-4752 but also provide additional tips and considerations for anyone planning a cruise with Virgin Voyages. Whether it’s navigating flight logistics, maintaining health on board, or making the most of excursions and activities, these seasoned sailors offer a wealth of knowledge to enhance your cruising adventure.
Did You Know?
Here are some fascinating and useful tips for both first-time cruisers and those returning to Virgin Voyages. These insights will help you make the most of your journey and enhance your cruising experience.
- Deep Blue Extras Perks: If you sailed with Virgin Voyages in 2021 or have sailed twice in 2022 and 2023, you qualify for Deep Blue Extras. These perks include a $100 onboard drink credit, $10 per day specialty coffee credit, complimentary laundry services, and a free upgrade to premium Wi-Fi, among others
- Book Shore Excursions Early: Popular shore excursions can fill up quickly. You can start booking Shore Things 120 days in advance, or 145 days if you’re a Rockstar. This ensures you get the excursions you want and helps avoid disappointment
- Pack Red for Scarlet Night: Virgin Voyages hosts a special themed party called Scarlet Night where the ship is adorned in red, and passengers join the fun by dressing in their best red outfits. Don’t forget to pack something red to fully enjoy this unique event
- No Drink Packages, But Bar Tabs: Virgin Voyages does not offer traditional drink packages. Instead, you can set up a Bar Tab before you board. If you load $300 onto your Bar Tab, Virgin throws in an extra $50. This can be a convenient way to manage your drink expenses without worrying about individual charges piling up
- Fitness Classes Included: Unlike many other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages includes fitness classes in your cruise fare. Be sure to book these classes as soon as you board, as they can fill up quickly
Experience the Magic of Virgin Voyages
This comparison of the Scarlet Lady and Resilient Lady, brought to us by u/Ok-Split-4752, along with the valuable insights from the Virgin Voyages community, highlights the many aspects that make Virgin Voyages a top choice for both new and returning cruisers. From the lively atmosphere and seamless dining experiences to the exclusive Deep Blue Extras perks and included fitness classes, Virgin Voyages offers an unparalleled cruising experience.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, these ships provide a perfect blend of both, ensuring every moment on board is memorable. The unique features like Scarlet Night and the convenience of The Band make the journey even more enjoyable. Plus, with practical tips on booking excursions and managing your bar tab, you’re set for a hassle-free voyage.
At Smart Sail Voyages, we are dedicated to helping you plan the perfect cruise. Ready to experience the magic of Virgin Voyages for yourself? Book your next adventure with us and discover why so many sailors are choosing Virgin Voyages for their sea journeys. Don’t miss out—let’s set sail on an unforgettable journey together!
