Only Virgin Voyages Can Host a Group Like Us
We are picky as hell about who we partner with. We needed more than just a cruise line; we needed a kindred spirit. We needed a company that gets that "luxury" isn't about being stuffy—it's about having the freedom to do whatever you want. A company that believes pleasure is a priority, that inclusivity is non-negotiable, and that a good time shouldn't be ruined by nickel-and-diming.
That's why we're sailing with Virgin Voyages for our first trip together. The ships are gorgeous, the crew is happy and welcoming, and the guests are open-minded. Here's what you can expect from a cruise on the Scarlet Lady.
The Scarlet Lady
The Scarlet Lady and her sister ships are what you get when you blendy a luxury yacht with the romance of a classic oceanliner. Nothing on board feels too big nor mass-produced. Thoughtful care has been imbued through every little touch, creating modern spaces that are as gorgeous as they are comfortable.
The ships are designed as adult-only boutique hotels at sea, inspired by modern yachting and the romance of the ocean. This creates an intimate and elevated environment for adults, fostering personal and experiential connections.
And these ships are clean in every way that matters. Virgin takes sustainability very seriously. No single-use plastics are on board. They recycle every possible thing they can. Every light is an LED. Their dual-fuel engines and smokestack scrubber technology keep as much pollution out of the air as possible.
Awesome Spaces, Unique Touches
Throughout the ship, you'll find all sorts of fun spaces to chill out, party down, chat the day away, play games, or whatever else strikes your fancy.
- You can get a tattoo or piercing at Squid Ink—the first tattoo parlour on the high seas.
- Hang out in The Social Club and play board games, arcade games, or table games.
- Relax over the waves on The Net, a catamaran-style feature that looks down over 9 decks.
- Sing your heart out in The Groupie—Virgin's neon-plush karaoke joint.
- Try your luck in the Casino, with a wide array of slot machines and fun table games.
- If you choose a Rock Star Suite for your room, you get exclusive access to Richard's Rooftop—a swanky outdoor lounge.
- Go shopping on the High Street, with everything from records to sundries to luxuries.
- If working out is your thing, check out the well-appointed Athletic Club, yoga on The Perch, or a jog on The Runway.
The Crew Makes You Feel at Home
In all our travels, it's the staff that makes the real difference. and the crew onboard VV are the best we've ever encountered. The company pays them well enough that Gratuities just aren't a thing—they're not even accepted—and it really shows in the way they go above and beyond to make you happy.
Forget your phone? Not only will they keep it for you at Sailor Services they'll charge it for you. Don't drink but want Club Soda while waiting in line for a show? They'll leave their post to go find you some. Have a problem or provide feedback? A manager will find you to make it right or a bottle of bubbly will appear in your cabin. These are all true stories that happened to us!
On some cruise lines they have a Cruise Director—one person who's supposed to coordinate everything on board and try to make everyone happy. On VV they don't have a Cruise Director ... they twelve. The Happenings Cast are twelve specialist hosts that make the whole week meaningful, in many cases you actually get to know them and they become like family.
The Pools Aren't Huge, But That's a Good Thing
There's nothing more annoying than a cruise ship's giant overcrowded pool. That doesn't happen on these ships. The pools are designed for relaxing, not lap swimming, and often have small, shallow areas for dancing and cooling off.
No, the pools aren't huge, but there's more than one! There's the Aquatic Club, the main pool that has two shallow ends and a plunge middle. There's the Wellness Pools that include a couple of hot tubs. And the Redemption Spa has it's own pool as well. And if you opt for a Rock Star Suite, you get access to Richard's Rooftop that includes private whirlpools as well.
Plus there's plenty of chairs, couches, and sunbeds all around the ship to enjoy a day getting your base tan going before summer. In fact the main pool in the Aquatic Club is ringed by these large, comfy sunbeds and it was often pretty easy to snag one. They're perfect for a bunch of bears to hang out in the sun!
Food, Glorious Food
Seriously, the food.
There is no buffet. No main dining room. No assigned meal times. No mass-produced meals.
Instead there are 20+ eateries to choose from. Most of them are fine-dining establishments that cater to whatever taste you're into. From Pink Agave'sLatin-fusion fare, to Gunbae's communal Asian hibachi. There's The Wakefor steaks and abso-fuckin-lutely incredible experimental fare at The Test Kitchen.
Away from the Sit-down Restuarants you've got The Galley that's almost like a foodtruck pavilion with delectible bites, the Pizza Place, theDock House, and top it all off with a cone from Like Me Till Ice Cream.
And remember, all food, no matter how much you want, is included in the price of your cruise. So is water, bottled juice, coffee, tea, and soda. If you like a cocktail, wine, or beer - those cost a little extra but the prices are better than many cities on land (and definitely cheaper than other cruise lines). If you want to pre-purchase a Bar Tab with us, you'll get bonus money added to it!
Entertainment & Parties
On Virgin Voyages the entertainment is not only at night or only in the theater. It's all over the ship at any time of day. Yes, there some really cool featured shows, but there's also Drag Shows, Bingo Events, Dance Clubs, Triva Games, Art Classes, Game Shows, and more. Some of them are ones you watch, some are you participate in and experience. Whatever your flavor, there's something going on every day.
The parties are next-level, too. Even if you're not a partier and would never go to a nightclub, they are infectiously fun and you can't help but cut loose, especially if you're with a group of new friends who appreciate you for exactly who you are! From the PJ Party (dress down!) to We Fancy (dress up!), to their signature Scarlet Night (wear red!), you will find yourself living it up, and maybe dancing in the pool.
The Cabins Are Comfortable and (Actually) Versatile
When your home away from home is this comfortable, you might not want to go check out the rest of the ship. The vast majority of cabins have a balcony - starting with the Sea Terrace rooms. There's only a handful of Sea View (window only) or Insider (no window) rooms, meaning that you have some awesome opportunities to relax alone, with your partner(s), or with your new friends.
Nearly every balcony has the most comfortable hammock you will ever lay in (some have hammock chairs). Provided you're not in dock next to another ship, it's a great place to lay out naked and enjoy that sea breeze.
The rooms feature Virgin Voyage's SeaBed - which converts from a couch to either two singles or a comfortable big bed. The room lights are all controlled from a panel, hit "Movie Mode" and they automatically dim to sultry blues and reds, providing the perfect setting for a cuddle.
Upgrade to a suite and you also get a stocked, free bar and your own personal Rock Star Agent to take care of all your needs. Check out all the cabin options and see pricing.
