The Pros and Cons of Virgin Voyages — Is This A...

Virgin Voyages is without doubt one of the latest cruise traces on the scene, and it actually made a splash within the cruise trade. Bucking cruise traditions like a buffet, set eating instances, and an all-ages-welcome ambiance, Virgin Voyages got down to be totally different from the very starting. However, as with each cruise line, there are each professionals and cons of Virgin Voyages. Right here, we’re providing you with the rundown on what each the positives and potential negatives are of taking a cruise with this line.

Execs of Virgin Voyages

1. Adults-only

When contemplating the professionals and cons of Virgin Voyages, maybe the largest professional is that no children are allowed. That’s proper, you should be 18 or older to sail with this line. It is a enormous professional for a lot of cruisers because the overwhelming majority of cruise traces welcomes nearly all ages. Not having kids on board implies that Virgin has a extra laid-back ambiance with the flexibility to host leisure and actions which are suited to simply adults. It additionally implies that company don’t have to fret about children being underfoot — plus no house needed to be taken up onboard for teenagers’ golf equipment.

2. All eating is included

Virgin Voyages does eating a bit in another way than most different cruise traces. There isn’t a most important eating room; as a substitute many of the eating places across the ship are just like specialty eating places on different traces — and they’re all included!

Visitors can take pleasure in venues similar to Further Virgin (Italian), Razzle Dazzle (veggie-forward), The Wake (steakhouse), and Pink Agave (Mexican), amongst others. In lieu of a buffet, there’s The Galley — an off-the-cuff restaurant the place you may order dishes from numerous meals stations they usually’re ready freshly. Informal snacky meals like sizzling canine, wings, smooth pretzels, and floats could be discovered at The Social Membership, with pizza and ice cream spots on board as properly — all included within the cruise fare.

3. Scarlet Evening

Scarlet Evening is the occasion to attend on Virgin Voyages, even for individuals who aren’t occasion folks and don’t attend any others throughout the cruise. Actually, Scarlet Evening may higher be described as a complete Scarlet night, because the festivities begin to unfold lengthy earlier than the top of the event — the large deck occasion — begins.

All through the day main as much as Scarlet Evening, the ship begins to remodel right into a crimson and tentacle-filled wonderland. As night falls, everybody dons their greatest crimson apparel and has the chance to attend quite a lot of occasions and actions led by the ship’s leisure workers, or “Happenings Forged.” There are even some shock activations that is probably not within the ship’s every day e-newsletter; you’ll both should be invited or stumble throughout them to expertise them. The night culminates in a spectacular deck occasion crammed with music, dancing, and possibly even a dip within the pool… all with a huge inflatable octopus overseeing the celebration.

4. The Seaside Membership at Bimini

Earlier than Virgin Voyages even operated its first cruise, the road introduced that it might be debuting a brand-new seashore membership on the Bahamian island of Bimini that will be free for its company to take pleasure in. Whereas not technically unique to Virgin, the seashore membership is only for Virgin Voyages passengers when a ship from the road is docked there.

The Beach Club at Bimini is only a quick tram journey away from the cruise pier, and presents a basic seashore day for vacationers with all meals included. Guests can lounge on the seashore or discover a spot subsequent to one of many two lagoon-style swimming pools. Hammocks and day beds may also be discovered on the property. On the seashore membership alcoholic drinks do value additional, however the excellent news is that company’ Bar Tab credit score can be utilized on the seashore membership.

5. Included health lessons

Seeking to keep in form (or maybe begin entering into form) in your cruise? You don’t have to simply jog across the observe or use free weights within the health club! Health lessons are supplied on Virgin Voyages ships, they usually’re utterly free. Within the Coaching Camp space on deck 16, passengers can take part in HIIT, bungee lessons, and spinning. There’s even a exercise video-style class held in The Manor and dawn yoga periods on The Perch.

6. Balcony hammock

Certainly one of Virgin Voyages’ most distinctive facilities is their signature balcony hammocks, out there in most balcony (Sea Terrace) cabins. These hand-woven crimson hammocks supply a uniquely enjoyable approach to take pleasure in ocean views. Excellent for afternoon naps, morning espresso, or sundown cocktails, the hammocks are greater than only a flashy gimmick. As a fantastic different to the busy pool deck on a sea day, these hammocks have turn out to be a considerably iconic characteristic that we want extra cruise traces had. Although, getting out and in could be difficult, particularly after just a few cocktails.

7. The Manor nightclub

Relating to cruise ship nightclubs, The Manor on Virgin Voyages takes the cake. Named after Richard Branson’s first recording studio, the two-story house contains a stage, massive dance flooring, and three bars so that you’re at all times close to your subsequent beverage. It’s designed extra like a land-based nightclub than a cruise ship one, and right here I feel that’s a superb factor. Daytime reveals, dwell music, and themed occasions happen within the house that transforms right into a DJ-fueled membership into the evening. The glitzy mirror-filled entrance into The Manor is a pleasant contact, too!

8. Included WiFi and gratuities

Virgin Voyages might be thought of a halfway level between a mainstream cruise line and an all-inclusive brand. Whereas some additional issues (like alcoholic drinks and excursions) are nonetheless not included, different issues are like gratuities and fundamental WiFi. Not solely do you not have to fret about daily gratuities being added to your invoice on the finish of the cruise, however there aren’t any gratuities added to issues like drink purchases or spa therapies, both. The worth you see is the worth you pay.

There are three WiFi tiers out there to company on Virgin: Fundamental, Premium, and Work from Sea. The essential tier, which permits for looking, e mail, and social media, is included within the cruise fare. When you do should pay additional for increased tiers which afford the flexibility to do issues like video name, stream, and attend digital conferences, having fundamental WiFi included within the value of the cruise is a luxurious most traces don’t supply.

9. Artistic leisure

Along with all that encompasses Scarlet Evening is lots of different distinctive leisure on Virgin Voyages’ ships. Although every ship varies barely with its leisure lineup, listed below are some reveals which are supplied. Duel Actuality is a fast-paced retelling of Romeo and Juliet with a circus-themed twist, whereas Ships within the Evening makes use of know-how and choreography to discover the importance of incidental connection. Virgin Voyages at all times has specialty artists like comedians, magicians, and others on rotation too, in addition to plenty of themed dance events and the music-video-meets-club-scene Untitled DanceShowPartyThing. And don’t neglect the pajama occasion on the primary evening of the cruise!

10. Standing Match

As a comparatively newcomer within the cruise trade, Virgin Voyages is providing a limited-time standing match for its Crusing Membership loyalty program. When you’re trying to check out Virgin for the first time, standing matching might be a pleasant perk you probably have loyalty standing with one other cruise line (or choose Virgin journey model). It means you don’t have to start out from scratch and might instantly take pleasure in advantages like free specialty espresso, complimentary laundry, and an unique cocktail occasion.

All company who standing match will instantly obtain Blue Extras; nevertheless, you do must be a sure degree in one other model’s loyalty program to qualify. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle levels qualify; and Carnival’s Platinum and Diamond statuses qualify.

Moreover, Virgin Voyages simply introduced sailors will now earn Virgin Pink factors, 100 factors per sailor, per evening to be precise. This rewards membership allows you to earn and use factors throughout all Virgin manufacturers.

11. Onboard tattoo store

When Virgin Voyages introduced that its brand-new fleet would characteristic a tattoo store, many had been skeptical. Nevertheless, time has confirmed that the distinctive concept was a profitable one. For hundreds of years, sailors have been related to tattoos, usually tattooing one another throughout free time whereas at sea. Particular varieties of sailings even have tattoo traditions. For instance, it’s widespread to get a tattoo of an anchor after one’s first transatlantic crossing. With a tattoo store aboard Virgin Voyages’ ships, it’s doable to honor this piece of maritime historical past and custom whereas nonetheless on board (if it’s your factor). It additionally makes for a really distinctive and memorable memento of a enjoyable cruise journey.

Cons of Virgin Voyages

1. No drink package deal (but)

For individuals who wish to take pleasure in some drinks all through their trip, it may be an enormous bummer to find that Virgin Voyages doesn’t supply a conventional drink package deal. As an alternative of a package deal the place you may take pleasure in an almost limitless quantity of drinks every day for one set every day value, Virgin offers a program called Bar Tab. By Bar Tab, you add cash to your onboard account particularly for drinks, then the cruise line dietary supplements it with a bit of additional Bar Tab credit score. It’s higher than nothing, however for individuals who can drink fairly just a few alcoholic drinks and specialty drinks all through a cruise, it is probably not as cost-effective as a conventional package deal.

As a silver lining, Virgin Voyages is testing a traditional drink package proper now, so company might even see one sooner or later.

2. Cabin loos are tiny

Whereas the primary residing and bed room house in a Virgin Voyages stateroom is about common for many cruise ships, the toilet will not be. Until you’re staying in a set, the cabin loos are extremely small. They’re so tiny that whenever you’re standing in the course of the toilet, you’re already in the suitable spot to do absolutely anything you’d must do there: brush your tooth, use the bathroom, or step into the bathe. If you wish to prepare within the toilet similtaneously your accomplice, neglect about it; you’ll must take turns.

3. Underutilized deck house

Lining the facet of the ship on deck 16 are a row of cabanas that company can reserve for a day as soon as on board. The cabanas, that are up in opposition to the railing, characteristic slatted partitions and material roofs with a view out to the ocean. A small cabana that may accommodate as much as 4 folks prices $250. A big cabana, which holds as much as eight, prices $350. Inside is a daybed, chairs, a mini-fridge, and meals and beverage service from a devoted server.

The issue is, these cabanas are very underutilized, with most remaining empty for almost all of the voyage. That is largely partly as a result of there actually aren’t many perks related to the cabanas apart from waitservice and a assured spot to lounge with an ocean view. They’re not even situated close to a pool. They’re, nevertheless, positioned on a busy hall. I personally have walked by them many instances and the passageway behind them to get by means of may be very slender. I feel this deck house might be significantly better used with simply common loungers or day beds arrange. This may permit everybody to benefit from the ocean views from that a part of the ship. Particularly since they don’t appear to be crammed fairly often, anyway.

4. Little variety between ships

In contrast to Royal Caribbean, Movie star, or Carnival, Virgin Voyages’ ships have a really comparable (nearly equivalent) design and onboard expertise. That is nice for individuals who don’t thoughts consistency and like having the ability to board a distinct ship and nonetheless know the place the whole lot is. It may be a draw back, although, for these searching for selection throughout totally different Virgin Voyages cruises.

For instance, all Virgin Voyages ships characteristic the identical eating venues, although the Razzle Dazzle restaurant is debuting a distinct dinnertime expertise on some vessels. Some reveals and dance events do fluctuate, however all characteristic the identical bars and lounges. On some ships, the Squid Ink tattoo parlor has moved spots. Choose small inside design components are additionally totally different between ships. However for essentially the most half, for those who’ve sailed one Virgin Voyages ship, you already know precisely what to anticipate and navigate any of the opposite vessels within the fleet.

5. Might be expensive

Whereas costs aren’t fairly up there with luxurious traces, Virgin Voyages positively matches into the premium class when it comes to value. There are only a few cruises that value $100 per particular person, per evening or much less, even for an inside stateroom. Actually, anticipate to pay between $140 and $190 per particular person, per evening for an inside cabin. For a balcony, you’re round $200 to $240 per particular person, per evening.

Nevertheless, it’s vital to do not forget that with this increased value comes extra inclusions. For a lot of passengers, a Virgin Voyages cruise may even out in comparison with many mainstream choices. With all eating, gratuities, and fundamental WiFi included within the cruise fare, there may be added worth to go together with the marginally increased price ticket.

6. Restricted really grab-and-go choices

Whereas it’s nice that each one meals is included within the cruise fare on Virgin, we do want the road supplied a bit extra in relation to really grab-and-go choices. The Social Membership is nice however has a really restricted menu, serving issues like sizzling canine, smooth pretzels, wings, and floats. The Pizza Place serves up contemporary pies made-to-order, and is open till 2 am for these late-night cravings.

Solar Membership Café is a walk-up counter-service venue on the sundeck subsequent to the doorway to Richard’s Rooftop. It serves bao buns, bowls, and dips. This venue is a bit hidden away and most of the people both neglect it’s there or by no means discover it in any respect.

Different not-quite-sit-down however not fairly quick-service choices embody The Galley (Virgin Voyages’ reply to a buffet that’s extra like a meals market) and The Dock aft sundeck which serves a small menu of tapas within the afternoon.

Whereas there are a number of choices for informal eating, it may take ten or twenty minutes to organize. If you would like a fast chew with out the wait, your solely choices are the “quickeze” containers within the buffet (or close to The Dock) which are sometimes a salad, vegetable crudite, or a sandwhich.

7. Lack of thrills and points of interest

If we had a ‘this might be a professional or con’ class, this level would positively slot in there. Virgin Voyages is a really laid-back cruise line. There aren’t any most important eating rooms or set eating instances, there aren’t many bulletins on the loudspeaker all through the day, and there aren’t many bells and whistles on board.

For a lot of, this appears like — and is — the right trip. However others could discover that they miss among the extra distinctive facilities on different cruise ships similar to water slides, mountain climbing partitions, or escape rooms (as a result of these issues aren’t only for children!).

8. Restricted itinerary choices

Since Virgin Voyages solely has three ships (with a fourth setting sail this September), it’s solely logical that it isn’t in a position to supply as many itinerary choices as different traces. However with that being stated, there’s a good selection to select from for those who’re versatile in regards to the time of yr you wish to go to a given area. For instance, this spring and summer season company can select from Mediterranean or a restricted variety of northern Europe voyages on Scarlet or Resilient Woman. Within the fall and winter, each ships will supply Caribbean cruises.

Valiant Woman will spend this spring and summer season in Miami earlier than relocating to San Juan for southern Caribbean sailings. The fleet’s fourth ship, Good Woman, will supply just a few cruises to Canada/New England from New York in addition to Caribbean sailings from Miami and Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. In spring 2026, the vessel will transfer to Seattle for Virgin Voyages’ first season in Alaska.

However for those who’re on the lookout for sailings in Asia, Hawaii, or Australia, you received’t discover them on Virgin Voyages. As properly, areas just like the Mexican Riviera, northern Europe, and Canada/New England have very restricted seasons with this line; you’ll by far have essentially the most choices within the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

9. Occasion ambiance could not attraction to conventional cruisers

Virgin Voyages’ energetic ambiance generally is a particular downside for these used to traditional cruise experiences. The ships characteristic late-night DJ units, dance events, and different non-traditional leisure. Whereas quiet areas do exist onboard, the general ambiance caters extra to these searching for a trip with a full of life social scene somewhat than a predictable cruise expertise, which can not attraction to extra conventional cruisers.

10. Restricted poolside house

The pool and surrounding deck house on Virgin ships are likely to refill rapidly, particularly on sea days when everybody needs to absorb the solar. With fewer and smaller swimming pools in comparison with mainstream mega-ships, discovering loungers might be tough. Whereas the adults-only idea eliminates the splashing and noise of youngsters’s areas, it doesn’t resolve the house difficulty. The primary pool merely isn’t sized appropriately for the variety of passengers. This ends in a considerably cramped expertise throughout peak hours.

Feedback

Do you agree with our record of the professionals and cons of Virgin Voyages? Do you will have anything so as to add to this record? Drop us an anchor beneath to share your experiences cruising with Virgin.

The publish The Pros and Cons of Virgin Voyages — Is This Adult-Only Cruise Experience Right for You? appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.

Trending Merchandise

.