What are my Virgin Voyages impressions? I have been on about fifteen cruises in the last 30 years, including cruise lines such as Viking, Norwegian, Holland America, and Carnival.

Delighted to Be on the Scarlet Lady With My Best Friend and Virgin Voyages “First Mate” (Travel Advisor) Jonathan

But recently, I had a chance to cruise with my best friend and Virgin Voyages on one of their earliest voyages: the Fire and Sunset Soirées on the Scarlet Lady. This is a new ship, and her maiden voyage was just weeks before our own voyage. So, everything was brand-spanking new! You can tell that Virgin really did their research and appealed to many focus groups with the design of the ship. It was unlike any cruise experience I have ever had, and my verdict as a first time sailor” is a big thumbs up. My hope from writing about the experience and sharing my Virgin Voyages impressions is that it will encourage you to check them out and become a Virgin “Sailor” as well!

The View to the Atlantis Resort from Our Ship in Nassau

Crystal Clear Waters in the Bahamas

The Inviting Beach at Virgin Voyages Private Bimini Beach Club

The Itinerary

The cruise was for 5 days: Miami, Nassau, Bimini, day at sea, then back to Miami. But it wasn’t about the itinerary; it was about the ship! In Nassau, we took a cultural bus tour for 2 hrs, and toured parts of the island that many might not see if they explore on foot. In Bimini, we did a similar cultural tour, but then spent the rest of the day at Virgin’s private club (World Resort) and enjoyed the beach, the pool, the cocktails, and people watching. It was really just an extension of the ship, and it was pretty amazing.

A Handsome Macedonian Bartender Serves Us Drinks at the On the Rocks Bar

Our Favorite Bar Ending Up Being the Sip Champagne Bar Due In No Small Part to the Friendly and Entertaining Renee from Brazil

Even a View of the Aft of the Ship Tells You That the Ship’s Design is Revolutionary

The Hallways, Elevator Waiting Areas, and Stairways are Simply Elegant

The Scarlet Lady is Filled With Innovative Design Touches Like this Entrance to the Pink Agave Restaurant Designed by Tom Dixon

As Well As A Stylish Yet Playful Pool Area for Adults Only

The Ship

The layout of the ship is very different than what I was used to or expected. There isn’t a “main lobby” or grand staircase, nor are there under-used rooms such as a library, art gallery, photo studio, etc. Instead, the Scarlet Lady has a barber and shave shop, tattoo parlor, karaoke lounge, and many bars that each offer a different menu and their own specialty cocktails. Our favorites were On the Rocks and Sip, a champagne bar. And of course there are a spa, casino, and shops. (We didn’t really explore the shops on the ship, but they seemed to be on the smaller side with weird hours.) Finally, there weren’t a lot of barriers. For example, if you needed Customer Service, you didn’t wait in line to speak with someone behind a counter. Rather, everyone gathered around large tables and had discussions in an open forum. This was a very nice touch.

Our Comfortable and Spacious Sea Terrace Stateroom

Virgin Voyages’ Signature Scarlet Hammock on Every Stateroom Balcony

We Loved the Fully Enclosed Shower

The Cabin

The cabins are almost all exterior (yep- there’s many decks on which there is not a single interior cabin) and quite roomy (ample bed space, closet area, seating). The bathrooms are large and have real showers (not those little corner ones where the curtain clings to your body), and each balcony is large enough for 2 chairs, but also includes a hammock. Smart technology is used throughout the cabin (lights, curtains, TV, room service, and free Wifi throughout). This actually extended throughout the ship: each passenger was equipped with a smart ID bracelet that could be used to purchase drinks, order excursions, go shopping, and to board/disembark.

We Had A Wonderful Korean BBQ Evening Experience At Gunbae

The Test Kitchen Where We Had Our Memorable First Night’s Dinner

Having Skinny Margaritas at Pink Agave With Our New Friend From NYC, Rosalind Who Helps Produce the Onboard Shows

The Food

Simply put, it’s fabulous! While there isn’t a main dining room where everyone congregates for 2 dinner seatings and dines with random people, the ship has several specialty restaurants that were all included at no additional charge (there’s still a galley, of course, for breakfast, snacks, etc). We ate in 4 of the Scarlet Lady’s specialty restaurants: The Test Kitchen (experimental), The Wake (steakhouse), the Korean bbq, and Pink Agave (trendy Mexican). The galley also has large deli fridges that are stocked with take-away items such as fruit trays, cheese boards, yogurt, and sandwiches. This made it easy to have your own picnic either somewhere on board or in port.

The Cast of the Entertaining Circus Show

A Moment From One of the Innovative and Interactive Shows on the Scarlet Lady

The Scarlet Lady’s Dance Club Hosted Energetic Band Performances

We Congratulated Two of the Ship’s Show Performers

The Entertainment

The entertainment is different and very interactive. While there isn’t necessarily one “grand theater” space, there are indeed main event spaces that seemed rather configurable to the type of entertainment being produced- whether it be a dance party, a circus show, or whatever. But, entertainment doesn’t seem to be a primary focus; there aren’t any “big” names or events. The shows we did see were in fact entertaining, and the performers ranged from all body types and sexualities- it was very inclusive. (This was the vibe on the ship overall.)

While Hosting Adults Only, Virgin Voyages Keeps the Child In Everyone Alive

Virgin Voyages Has Paid Attention to Details Including Charging Stations in the Casual Restaurant Tables

What was Lacking?

There were some amenities that the Scarlet Lady didn’t have. While they were lacking, that doesn’t mean to imply that they were missed!

There wasn’t any crew walking around to take your picture, and then try to sell you overpriced photos. The crew also didn’t wear name tags that listed where they were from; this encouraged an ice breaker to a mutual conversation. And we spoke with many crew members- some repeatedly and at length- and they were all quite lovely and accommodating.

There weren’t any announcements- except a welcome and a goodbye- on overhead speakers. Not getting bothered throughout the day (esp in the early morning) was a nice touch. On the other hand, without announcements or a paper copy of a daily list of events it is important that as a Virgin Voyages passenger you check out the lineup of entertainment and other options before you get on the ship and plan your days and/or get fully comfortable with their app (which at times unfortunately crashes) to make sure you don’t miss a show or event you want to see. Virgin Voyages is working to improve the app and as noted, we were on one of their first cruises so a bit of time to improve communications and technology was fully understandable and expected.

There weren’t any large slides or fountains; the pool areas were very stripped down and sophisticated to appeal to an adult, laid back crowd. But they did have fun “grown-up” playground activities, such as a large chess board, see-saws, swings, basketball, etc.

Oh, and finally: there weren’t any kids! No one under 21 is allowed 😊 This might be reason enough to book with Virgin Voyages!

Disclosure as to my Virgin Voyages impressions : I attended this cruise at no cost to me as the traveling companion of a Virgin Voyages First Mate (travel advisor) who was on a FAM trip.

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