Ahoy sailors! If you haven’t heard of Virgin Voyages, it’s time to learn all about them! This cruise line is one of a kind and has so much to offer its guests, referred to as sailors. We have the keys to Virgin Voyages Cruise Line.
What is Virgin Voyages Cruise Line?
Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line that launched in 2021 and includes four different ships with a superyacht design. You may recognize the name Virgin from the entertainment and music industry, among other things. Now, Richard Branson’s company has set sail on the seas. A Virgin Voyages cruise is an experience like no other, truly redefining what it means to be on a luxury cruise line.
The Scarlet Lady was the first ship to set sail. The fourth ship in the fleet, the Brilliant Lady, will debut this year. There are itineraries all over the world including Europe, the South Pacific, and the Caribbean. Plus, for many Caribbean sailings, enjoy easy access to the ship from the newly opened Terminal V at PortMiami.
The Virgin Voyages Experience
Virgin Voyages was designed to be different. It is a fresh take on cruising and the whole experience was designed after listening to feedback from the cruising community. Guests are sailors and your vacation is a voyage, with many meaningful experiences along the way.
Pre-Cruise
From the moment you decide to set sail, it’s a different kind of experience with Virgin Voyages. You are not assigned a specific time to eat. There is no need to pay extra for specialty dining such as Korean Barbecue. You don’t have to worry about adding on taxes or gratuity either. When you are booked to sail, you have the following inclusions:
- All Dining Experiences
- Gratuities
- Free WiFi
- Unlimited Group Workouts
- Essential Beverages
- Shows and Entertainment
Getting Onboard
Like most cruise lines, there is a mobile app that is used for online check-in prior to arrival at the port. However, the arrival process was very quick and smooth. You are asked to complete a health form 24 hours prior to arrival. Then, all sailors receive a bracelet that is good for the length of their sailing. This bracelet serves as a room key and can be used to charge as well.
Once you have that, it’s time to step aboard! It’s that easy!
The Ships
By the end of 2023, there will be four ships in the Virgin Voyages fleet. While there will be slightly different entertainment options on each ship, each one has a unique design intended to “surprise and delight” sailors.
This cruise line is for adults only. However, that does not mean there isn’t anything fun onboard! In fact, there is truly something for everyone. Regardless of your interests or lifestyle, it’s easy to enjoy your time on the ship.
You will find so much to do from fitness classes and a spa to a tattoo parlor and pool parties!
The Entertainment
- Photo Courtesy Jennifer Ebert, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Leah Ferguson, Key to the World Travel
The entertainment onboard the ships are a first-at-sea experience. You are completely immersed in the festival-like lineup of shows developed by world-renowned directors, choreographers, and artists. You don’t want to miss the shows Duel Reality or Ships in the Night. Make sure you grab your reservations once you are onboard!
Choose Your Own Journey
That’s not all there though! From the Miss Behave Game Show to festival stage acts, there is always something going on and you can choose your own journey. If you are looking to dance, the Manor is the place to be as it gets transformed into a jumping nightclub in the evenings. The Casino offers slot machines and table games such as craps, roulette or Texas Hold’em. If you want to relive your childhood, head to the Social Club or the Arcade to play air hockey or old-school video games such as Super Mario Brothers. If you’re looking to sing your heart out, you can stop at the Groupie to do private karaoke or join in the fun at one of the karaoke nights at the Social Club. You can even sign out games and make your own game night. Cards Against Humanity, anyone?
Scarlet Night
- Photo Courtesy Erin Jensen, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Erin Jensen, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Katie Dunfey, Key to the World Travel
Finally, don’t forget to wear something red. On Scarlet Night, the whole ship transforms and it’s a party you won’t soon forget, complete with fun times at the pool!
The Dining
With Virgin Voyages, there are no buffets. The dining experiences onboard are absolutely incredible and you always have choices available! With more than 20 different eateries available, you never have to worry about going hungry! Michelin-starred chefs helped create the menus and the ingredients are fresh. Whether you are an early bird or a night owl, you still have choices to grab a bite.
Table-Service Dining
Each sit-down restaurant onboard offers a specialized dining experience with fresh ingredients and unforgettable flavors.
Whether you want steak and seafood at the Wake or elevated Mexican food at Pink Agave, your taste buds are sure to be dancing! If you want to challenge all preconceptions, head to the Test Kitchen to have an educational and experiential meal. Razzle Dazzle is the place to go for creatively presented dishes and a menu that has been referred to as “naughty or nice”. You can find what you’re looking for whether you prefer the familiar or something bold and new. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the bacon! Finally, don’t forget about Gunbae! This Korean Barbecue restaurant is the perfect spot to socialize while cooking your dinner right in the center of the table!
Quick-Service Dining
- Photo Courtesy Sara Parr, Key to the World Travel
If you are looking for a late-night bite or a quick breakfast before going off to explore, you will find something to please your palate. Head to the Galley for a huge variety of options set up like a food hall with food truck-style options everywhere you look. Find everything from a noodle bar to pastries and paninis.
Then, head down to the scoop shop, Lick Me Till…Ice Cream, to choose your favorite flavor of homemade ice cream with creative options and your choice of cone or bowl. The Pizza Place is the perfect spot to grab lunch or a late-night snack. Choose from the classic menu or create your own and then the pizza is made fresh!
If you want a snack, grab some popcorn or fudge, among other options, from the Social Club Diner. You could also head to the Dock to grab a bite while you relax in a cabana.
Drinks
While alcoholic beverages are not included with your cruise fare, it’s easy to have an all-inclusive feel when you are onboard. There are two options when it comes to purchasing alcoholic beverages. Option one is to purchase a bar tab prior to boarding. If you purchase at least $300, you get an extra $50 free! Option two is to pay as you go once you are onboard. There is a large variety of drinks and they are all reasonably priced. Plus, one of the very best things onboard the Virgin Voyages cruise ships is that you can shake for champagne! Yes, you open the mobile app and shake your phone. Then, a bottle of champagne is delivered to you!
Fitness & Spa
- Photo Courtesy Susan Schneid, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Laura Palaima, Key to the World Travel
Relaxing Spaces
It’s time to get pampered! After all, you are on vacation! There are plenty of opportunities to relax too. Head to the Redemption Spa for a treatment or to use the Thermal Suite. You can enjoy the mud room, sauna, Himalayan Salt room, steam room, and plunge pools.
If you feel like dressing up, why not get your hair and make-up done as well? You can find both on the ship! Just stop by and make an appointment. They will even give you some basics as you’re getting ready for Scarlet Night!
If you’re looking for a way to commemorate your voyage, head to Squid Ink and get a tattoo! The artists are incredibly talented and ready to help you make a mark that you will never forget!
Health & Wellness
Do you like to work out and want to keep the routine going when you’re on vacation? Would you like to try something new while on vacation? That’s not a problem at all. On every ship, there are group fitness classes included at no extra cost. Whether you want to Zumba or learn how to dance like your favorite Boy Band, you can find it here!
You can even go for a run! Head to the Runway jogging track to get your steps in or go to the Athletic Club to get some exercise.
Shore Things
Adventure & Exploration
- Photo Courtesy Jessica White, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Terri Zeigler, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Danielle Conroy, Key to the World Travel
- Photo Courtesy Sara Parr, Key to the World Travel
Choosing your own journey is a big theme when you cruise with Virgin Voyages. This theme continues when you are off the ship doing “shore things”. Do you want to taste the flavors of the Dominican Republic? Do you prefer tasting rum? Check! Would you rather take in the views of the Caribbean from a cable car? You can do that too. Do you have an artsy side and feel like painting? No problem! Or, would you rather take in the views by jumping from a 20-foot waterfall? You’ve got it!
There are shore things for all sailors, whether you want an adventure or to relax and explore. The shore excursions are a good value too. Many include lunch and photos! You can add them prior to sailing or once you are onboard.
Beach Club at Bimini
The Beach Club at Bimini is an exclusive experience reserved only for sailors of Virgin Voyages. While Bimini is not a private island, you are taken via shuttle and treated like royalty! Located on a beautiful beach in the Bahamas, you can enjoy unlimited dining options, plenty of beach chairs, and fun by the pool.
If you are looking for some added luxury, consider booking a cabana for the day too!
Why Choose Virgin Voyages?
- Photo Courtesy Jeff Williams, Key to the World Travel
The better question here is – why not Virgin Voyages? With Virgin Voyages, the vacation experience is relaxed and authentic. There is flexibility in all aspects, from dining to how you dress and how you spend your time. You choose your journey and you are free to be who you are!
There is so much included too. From gratuities to WiFi, you don’t have to worry about being nickel and dimed. What you see is what you get. Plus, you can add a bar tab prior to boarding and get rewarded for doing so. That gives you the all-inclusive feel too. Overall, the Virgin Voyages cruise line is a first-of-its-kind and totally different way of cruising. It’s absolutely worth trying at least once. However, once you experience being a sailor, you are sure to return!
Join Our Circle!
Are you intrigued? You should be! If you want to learn more, there’s plenty more to share! Why not consider joining us on a cruise? Key to the World Travel is heading back on the Scarlet Lady in September 2023 and you can join our circle! On Virgin Voyages, a circle refers to a group. However, this is a group where you don’t have to worry about doing group things! You can, however, take advantage of the group benefits, such as extra Sailor Loot to spend as you choose onboard! Contact your Key to the World Travel Advisor today to learn more and we will see you onboard!
Are you considering a trip? Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence. There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands.
Contact your Key to the World Travel® advisor for your next trip, or send us a quote request to get started.