Virgin Voyages: A New Era of Cruising Without Limits
Posted: 11/19/2024
Author: Amelie de Moreau
Do you dream of indulging your taste buds, exploring multiple destinations in just one week, treating yourself to a touch of luxury without breaking the bank, enjoying parties worthy of the most iconic American soirées, yet also finding moments of peace to relax?
If so, Virgin Voyages is for you! Get ready to embark on an adventure where sophistication meets fun, and every moment on board is designed to surprise and delight. Ready to set sail on an adults only, all included cruise?
Just curious about my experience on board? Here is my article.
Read on for the best tips and information including:
Who owns Virgin Voyages?
Why Virgin Voyages: The Idea behind Virgin Voyages
How many Virgin Voyages Ships are There?
What is Virgin Voyages known for?
Where does Virgin Voyages sail from?
What is their Environmental Commitment?
The Technology and comfort on board
What is Included? The Dining Experience & Drinks Packages
The Shows and activities
The Cabines
Who is Virgin Voyages?
Virgin Voyages is part of the Virgin Group, founded by Richard Branson, a name synonymous with innovation in the business world. The company was created with the vision of reinventing the cruise experience. Before launching Virgin Voyages, Branson revolutionised several industries, from music with Virgin Records to aviation with Virgin America, as well as ventures like Virgin Galactic and Virgin Hotels.
The Virgin Group encompasses over 40 companies across 35 countries, serving 53 million customers. Virgin Voyages stands out with its youthful, modern approach focused on the wellbeing of its passengers.
The Idea Behind Virgin Voyages: The Reinvention of Cruising
Virgin Voyages’ aim was never to create a traditional cruise but to redefine the onboard experience. Forget the outdated stereotypes of cruising – say hello to modern luxury and a vibrant social atmosphere. The ships are designed as modern yachts, featuring boutique-hotel-style amenities to create a chic yet relaxed vibe.
The 4 Lady Ships: Luxury and Modernity
Virgin Voyages boasts four sister ships: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady, and Brilliant Lady. Each can accommodate 2,770 passengers across more than 1,400 cabins and suites. The ships are designed to provide an intimate luxury experience while encouraging social connections, with numerous communal spaces such as shared dining tables and open lounges. The design is sleek and modern, with yacht-inspired touches for an experience that is both refined and laid-back. It’s an invitation to reconnect with yourself and others.
Why Choose Virgin Voyages?
1. Adults-Only: An Exclusive Concept
Virgin Voyages takes a unique approach: only adults aged 18 and over are allowed on board. This creates a calm, child-free environment, perfect for reconnecting with yourself and enjoying the company of fellow travellers.
2. Over 20 Restaurants, All Included!
Gastronomy is a highlight of Virgin Voyages. With more than 20 specialty restaurants available, everything is included in the price – no extra charges! The company has partnered with Michelin-starred chefs to craft exquisite menus. Options cater to every taste, from Korean barbecue and Mexican cuisine to Italian favourites, fusion dishes, buffets, and pizza. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for delicious meals, Virgin Voyages has you covered.
3. Atmosphere and Activities: Immersive and Innovative Shows
Virgin Voyages redefines cruise entertainment with immersive and interactive performances. Say goodbye to traditional Broadway productions and hello to acrobatic shows and unique experiences like the Scarlet Night, an exceptional party with performances taking over the ship.
4. All-Inclusive: No Hidden Extras
Virgin Voyages offers a truly all-inclusive concept, allowing you to fully enjoy your cruise. Your cabin price includes access to speciality restaurants, unlimited Wi-Fi, non-alcoholic beverages, shows, and activities such as yoga classes. Gratuities are also covered, along with complimentary still or sparkling water carafes in your cabin!
Destinations: Unforgettable Stops
Virgin Voyages features innovative itineraries to dream destinations:
Caribbean: Cruises ranging from 4 to 16 nights departing from Miami or San Juan, with stops at paradise islands along the Riviera Maya in Mexico and even Honduras. Cruises end at the company’s private island, Bimini in the Bahamas, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular firework display.
Mediterranean: During the summer, the ships stop in Barcelona and Athens, visiting hotspots like Ibiza, Mykonos, Dubrovnik, and more. The company also offers an overnight stay in Ibiza, letting you soak in the vibrant nightlife until dawn!
Many stops are extended to allow you to fully experience each destination, with unique excursions like helicopter tours and culinary adventures. Excursions are always offered in small groups, providing a deeper immersion into local culture.
Environmental Commitment
Virgin Voyages stands out for its strong commitment to the environment. The ships are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to minimise their ecological impact, including heat recovery systems, advanced wastewater treatment, LED lighting, tinted windows, and an eco-mode in cabins. Plastic usage is banned, and the company has eliminated buffets to prevent food waste.
Technology and Onboard Comfort: The Band and the App
Virgin Voyages integrates cutting-edge technology to streamline your onboard experience:
The Virgin Voyages App: Book your restaurants, shows, and excursions even before boarding. You can also contact the front desk and your cabin staff directly. The app allows you to check in and skip queues during embarkation. The company has even implemented a virtual queue system, so you can maximise your time enjoying the ship!
The Band: This wristband is your all-access pass to your cabin, onboard purchases, and even boarding the ship. Made from recycled ocean plastics, it’s a stylish and environmentally conscious accessory.
Dining: An Exceptional Culinary Journey
Gastronomy is a true highlight of Virgin Voyages. Every meal is a new discovery, with no traditional buffet lines akin to motorway rest stops. Must-try speciality restaurants include:
The Wake: A sophisticated restaurant offering stunning views and refined dishes featuring premium meats and seafood.
Pink Agave: A vibrant Mexican eatery where you can savour delicious mezze and tequila-based cocktails.
Razzle Dazzle: Known for its healthy options like vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, alongside classics such as fish and chips.
The Test Kitchen: A futuristic culinary experience with innovative takes on classic dishes.
Gunbae: A Korean BBQ with tables for eight, where the servers provide an entertaining show while you grill your food to perfection.
Extra Virgin: One of the finest Italian restaurants you’ll ever experience!
The Galley: Perfect for grabbing a poke bowl or enjoying a juicy burger.
Non-alcoholic drinks (water, tea, coffee, sodas) are included. For alcoholic beverages, Virgin Voyages offers a Bar Tab system, allowing you to prepay a set amount to use on drinks throughout your trip—ideal for enjoying cocktails worry-free!
Never a Dull Moment with Virgin Voyages!
The onboard atmosphere is laid-back and stress-free, perfect for those looking to unwind. There’s no formal dress code, except for Scarlet Night, where everyone dons red for an unforgettable party, and the PJ Party. Beyond that, relaxation is the focus, with activities to suit all tastes.
Fitness and Wellness
Virgin Voyages provides a comprehensive fitness programme, including yoga, meditation, spinning, and HIIT classes—all included in the fare. For fitness enthusiasts, there’s a running track and basketball court on the top deck. Boxing classes and hiking excursions during port stops are also available. The fitness centre is equipped with the latest gear and offers stunning ocean views.
In addition to the Redemption Spa, the ship features a hair salon, barbershop, nail bar, and even a tattoo parlour, all in a relaxing setting. The upper deck boasts a pool surrounded by plenty of sun loungers and jacuzzis with breathtaking views.
Shows and Entertainment
The onboard shows are unique and diverse. Forget traditional Broadway productions; here, you’ll enjoy immersive performances and acrobatic displays in the Red Room. The nightclub, The Manor, offers a 70s-inspired vibe with evening shows before transforming into a lively disco for late-night dancing.
Karaoke enthusiasts will love The Groupie, which features three private rooms that can be booked in advance, allowing you to sing your heart out without disturbing the rest of the ship. You’ll also find board games, classic café-style games like shuffleboard and foosball, video games, and even live broadcasts of sports events on large screens.
For those who enjoy gambling, the onboard casino provides a relaxed atmosphere with excellent staff to ensure an enjoyable experience.
Live music is a constant feature throughout the ship, with a variety of options, including piano bars, blues singers, DJs, and rock bands. Whatever your mood, there’s always a venue to match it.
The Cabins
The ship boasts 1,330 cabins, including 78 RockStar Quarters (the suites). Of these, 86% feature a balcony, and 93% offer an ocean view. Cabins can accommodate between 2 and 4 guests, except for ocean-view cabins, which are limited to 3 passengers. The ship also provides solo cabins (with or without a view) as well as accessible cabins for guests with reduced mobility.
The cabins are ultra-modern and exceptionally comfortable, with high-quality bedding. Each cabin is equipped with sensor technology that detects occupancy: when no one is present, the cabin switches to eco mode, closing curtains and reducing air conditioning to save energy. Guests will also find a tablet to control lighting (including a dimmed “hangover mode”), curtains, and blinds. Additionally, Virgin Voyages offers a wide selection of on-demand films included in the price.
Every cabin includes a hairdryer, safe, minibar with a fridge, biodegradable and natural shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel, as well as a daily replenished water carafe.
The RockStar Quarters: Become a Rock Star for the Duration of Your Cruise!
The RockStar Quarters come in two categories: Mega RockStars and RockStars. Both types of suites include exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop, a stunning upper deck featuring a bar and hot tubs. These suites are outfitted with bathrobes, slippers, a minibar restocked daily, luxury toiletries, spacious layouts with seating areas, and bathrooms with bathtubs and sea views.
Mega RockStar suites come with additional perks, including:
Priority boarding and disembarkation
Priority reservations for shows and speciality restaurants
Access to the VIP bar at Bimini
Complimentary spa access (sauna, hammam, salt room)
Private transfers to and from the ship
A dedicated butler to cater to your every need
Additionally, all drinks priced under $25 are included, with a 25% discount applied to beverages exceeding this amount. RockStar suites are slightly smaller, offering fewer services but retaining an exclusive feel.
Sea Terrace, Ocean View, and Interior Cabins
All cabins feature a bathroom with a rain shower and glass partition, a spacious wardrobe, a large double bed (or two singles), a desk, and a small sofa. Uniquely, these cabins can switch between day and night modes. In the morning, your cabin steward will transform the bed into a lounge chair to create more space, reverting it to its night-time setup in the evening.
In Conclusion
Virgin Voyages can be summed up in two words: Excellence and Surprises!
Virgin excels in delivering high-quality dining, an exceptional onboard atmosphere, outstanding service, and sleek, modern ship and cabin designs. But where Virgin truly surprises is in how it reinvents the traditional cruise experience with flair and innovation! You’ll be amazed by the unique atmosphere and the wide range of activities, both onboard and during shore excursions. Every meal will delight your taste buds.
In short, Virgin Voyages guarantees an unforgettable cruise experience with a lively, festive vibe where everyone can find the perfect activity or space to suit them. It’s a cruise designed by big kids, for big kids (but without the kids onboard)!
Ready to embark on an exceptional adventure? Contact me at theteam@ifyoucruise.com now to book your Virgin Voyages cruise, and let me take care of every detail for your journey at sea!
You can also explore all Virgin Voyages itineraries here.
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