If you haven’t heard of the Virgin Voyages cruise line, I’m here to tell you about my first experience on Richard Branson’s adults-only cruise line. This was my first cruise with Virgin Voyages. I’ve sailed on a few other cruises in the past but nothing like this voyage of Virgin’s new luxury ship, The Scarlet Lady. Imagine dining on one of the finest cuisines in any restaurants you can think about during your trip. Imagine cruising around beautiful destinations with a diverse population where you get to meet people from all walks of life.
Well, these are just some things that Virgin Voyages has to offer. To round out my review, here are the top 5 things I hated about my first Virgin Voyages Cruise.
I hated coming home from Virgin Voyages and having to cook my own meals
With 20 spectacular dining options on board, there was never a shortage of yummy food to pick from. Some of my stand out options are the Smoked Bacon in Razzle Dazzle. It was literally the best bacon I’ve ever had in my entire life.
The octopus skewers at The Dock were the most tender pieces. The rib-eye at Pink Agave had an amazing flavor. I loved grabbing a little bag of gummy bears at The Social Club Diner. The massive selection of hibachi at Gunbae. And last but not least, the pumpkin hummus at The Beach Club at Bimini.
Check out some of the courses at Test Kitchen below.
I hated not having a hammock at my house
I stayed in a great Sea Terrace cabin that had a hand-woven hammock on the balcony. At first glance, it looked like it was just a chair but when I leaned back and stretched out, it turned to a full length hammock that was so comfortable. There were even a few nights where I slept out there just listening to the ocean waves and breathing in the salty sea air.
Not saying that the cabin itself wasn’t great. I loved how the tablet that controlled the room even had mood settings like Photo Shoot for getting ready and then another option for when you come back…
I hated having to pick from so many fun shore excursions
There are some really fantastic choices when it comes to things to do once you get to your ports. They are all environmentally conscious and really envelop the destination. You can pick from cultural options like learning how to cook like a local or something more relaxing such as a Mayan Wellness Experience with a Shaman.
Even the activities to do with the environment were focused on cruelty free options. Swimming with dolphins isn’t usually something I would want to do because of keeping animals in captivity but, there was an option in Bimini to go out on a boat to search for wild dolphins and then snorkel with them. How fun is that?
I hated trying to pick what onboard event was my favorite
Every night there was an excellent party. From a PJ Party under the stars to Scarlet Night with fun activities to do all over the deck, the nightly themes really enhanced the evenings. The “traditional” entertainment was not traditional at all. Romeo and Juliet was performed as a circus, complete with jugglers and hula hoops.
The comedic performances were raunchy and funny as hell. I especially liked Tamar Broadbent and her “Best Life” show. Her original songs had me laughing throughout the evening. Check her out on Instagram!
Finally… I hated leaving this ship!
Virgin Voyages has renewed my love of cruising. Their attention to detail and the level of service from their staff was just incredible. Their food was so flavorful and entertainment just so… well entertaining. I took solace in the fact that I would be returning in just a few months and can experience it and more all over again.
If you would like to check out Virgin Voyages for yourself, you are welcome to join our group in February. Click here for more information.