I've just got back from a cruise on Scarlet Lady! Did I enjoy it and did Virgin listen to any of the feedback? Check out the video here >> ruclips.net/video/DuNYeVjsukw/видео.html 🎉😎🎉😎🎉
Very informative video. As an experienced Cruise ship officer (25 years), I can immediately see they will have a huge challenge regarding maintenance. This is often why most ships are a bit "boring" in the cabin and eatery layouts. They need to have a good supply with spare parts and extra items, and storage for it as well. Each and every item you see, in various shapes and colors, will at one point need to be changed or repaired/maintained. Will be very interesting to follow.
How flipping refreshing to watch someone not gushing about every single aspect of Scarlet Lady. Lovely & honest Emma, and that’s why you’re my preferred cruise vlogger by a long shot. Cheers Adam
Thanks for the review. We take 2 cruises a year and I was looking forward to trying Virgin Cruises. After seeing your video, I can confidently say that all the furniture looks incredibly uncomfortable. That combined with the designs of the cabin and buffet have killed my desire to even try Virgin.
The ship reminds me of someone trying to be "hip and cool" and when you see them you think, "what are they doing...that's gotta be uncomfortable" or "they're just too old for that". It just misses the mark and while trying to be "cool", all the needed comfort is not there. On a cruise, I want comfort not cool.
Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
Thank you Emma for the unbiased review of this ship. Along with my wife, we too feel no need to spend our hard earned money on a ship we feel, for us at least, is a definite step down from Celebrity and Princess which are our go to cruise lines. Great videos and information from your channel, Emma! 👍👍👍
Your review just confirms what I thought just by seeing early ship photos. In a attempt to appeal to the younger crowd the boat just doesn't appear comfortable. It's obvious it is going after a younger crowd because the whole boat is designed like a high end nightclub. Also the price is ridiculous. Virgin voyages probably isn't for me either. I'm looking for comfort on a cruise.
Hi Emma.. I viewed another RUclipsrs review before yours and that one was really positive during the walkthrough of the Scarlet Lady. Then I watched yours and I said OMG! Emma is saying all the things I was thinking while seeing and hearing the other review. Way to go Emma! :) I saw some aesthetically pleasing details that lacked functionality. Definitely not for me either. :)
Anyone that is into cruising has been waiting to see about this ship,myself included. After seeing that pool I'm def not even thinking about booking with them all those passengers and that little ass pool I think they crazy. thank you for the honest review I'm glad we got to see how virgin dropped the ball hopefully on the next ship they will correct all the flaws.
This really feels like a cruise ship for Europe/UK to Canada/New York. Something where the weather will often be such that no one wants to be in the pool so there's no need for a large pool.
The wall are steel welded together, you would have to reconfigure the structure of the boat. next move all the plumbing and electrical points appropriately... My head hurts just thinking of it.
I LOL'd when I saw it. Can't even be called a swimming pool, just a place to sit with your legs hanging in the water. Not that you can really swim in most cruise pools, but that was laughable.
Wow, Don recommended your channel and it is a delight. I’m an older person and been on about twenty cruises. This doesn’t look like it is aimed at me. Thanks!
The stateroom is probably one of the more important aspects of cruising. They failed massively in that regard it looks like. I want to chose to take a midday nap without having to worry about if the bed is made. For use, the couch becomes more of another surface to throw stuff and organize.
Honesty is always the best policy, no drawers? No end tables? Hiding the light switch? Tiny pool for over 4000 passengers? Uncomfortable furniture? Head to head, toes to toes beds? Sound HORRIBLE, designers are so much into the aesthetics of things and forgetting about practicality, I thinks they screwed up big time.
Luckily this ship doesn’t quite hold 4000 passengers. It holds around 4000 people in total, combining crew and passengers, but double occupancy is only 2770 and maximum is 2860, according to the usually very reliable cruisemapper 😀
@@reececollison5101 Yeah my mistske on that one, I said passengers not people. Oops! I've corrected it everywhere I can but I can't change the video. Sorry! ♥️
Emma Cruises easy mistake to make. I think your review was perfect on this ship, and you’re so right about what you say. This ship is aimed at younger people, but what people of that demographic is able to afford a very premium price cruise like that?! Obviously people from wealthy families but that’s the vast minority. And who would want to pay that with the amount of huge design flaws this ship has? It really seems like this ship has been made for a market that doesn’t exist 🤔
It looks like something designed by adolescent boys who are trying to look adult. Thank you so much for providing this for us-it saved me and I’m sure others, some head scratching, some discomfort and some wasted money.
Glad to see an honest review here. No doubt there will be other reviews coming soon but they’ll be gushing saying it’s the best ship ever which is clearly not true. Admire your integrity.
@@949surferdude After spending the millions of dollars building it obviously they ran out of money to fit it out so ordered everything from IKEA, hence the cold look and feel
Thank you for your honesty and excellent preview. It helped me make my decision that this is not for me. I can see the IG "influencers" crowd loving this though (as long as they could afford it).
There are SO many GLARING design flaws on this ship. From the pool to the cabins, Branson made a HUGE mistake ignoring other design applications that truly enhance the cruising experience. Like storage and well thought out spacious bathrooms and bed side tables. I never in a million years would have thought they’d choose gray as a hull color. It looks like a military ship. I’ve been at sea nearly 400 days at this point and I’ve enjoyed every single CruiseLine I’ve traveled with, but at this price point and with this layout, I will never set foot on The Scarlet Lady. It is massively unappealing. Such a shame. I truly feel this is going to be a giant failure. He almost could not have designed a worse ship if he tried.
Art Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
This ship is the perfect answer to anyone who ever said "I'd like to stay at a very expensive, cramped resort that has a lot decorations and furniture which are themed around turntable record players." That's a market niche that noone else is serving!
We were thinking of booking a cruise on this ship as it had a massive PR campaign a few months ago. Thanks for your excellent, honest, review Emma. The battleship grey paint looks so depressing. Why is the only swimming pool on a ship that will accommodation 2770 passengers so small? With it being so tiny can anybody “swim” in the pool? Likewise the bedrooms look so uncomfortable, have so little storage space and not enough charging points. Many people would feel claustrophobic in the shower cubicle. The whole ship looks clinical, uncomfortable and more like a works canteen. Richard needs a new design team ASAP ~ he can email me if he wants my wife and I to give advice and volunteer to become ‘secret shoppers’ on the first cruise! 🤭
So Emma actually neglected to mention this but that bit of the pool that’s filled is just the plunge section. When the outside of the ship is put into service, the whole of that blue tiling will be filled so the pool is actually much bigger than you’ve been led to believe!
Lucas Williams actually, I believe she did mention that. And it still doesn’t change the fact that there is this one pool on a ship that will have loads of passengers.
I loved your vlog on the scarlet lady. Having watched other vlogs on this new ship, I find yours is more honest than other vloggers. I do not think this line is for me.
A completely honest and objective review, unlike all the other reviews on here that are just adverts. Explains why you have a lot more views than them! Keep it up.
Thank you for being honest. Unfortunately there are some who do these kind of videos and sugar coat the truth. I’m guessing it is because they get great discounts if not free cruises.
One thing about this ship you are guaranteed NOT to be a virgin leaving the ship because you are about to get screwed on price, comfort and the drinks package.
It was as though the designers heard Branson reiterate how different he wants this cruise line to be from other companies and they threw common sense and convention out of the window. Traditional cruisers aren't going to be impressed, whoever this is being marketed to won't be impressed either. Proves the old adage, 'just because you can, doesnt mean that you should'. A major redesign and refit is in order to salvage the brand. If you and the others that just spent a night or 2 on board in Dover can come to this conclusion, imagine what the paying public will have to say in April. Virgin has a PR nightmare brewing.
Art Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
@@rmirandagrajalesSTFU ? Acronym for what??? You and your child are beautiful... But you don't fit. Your not needed on this type of cruise...Try and open your eyes and see what the market is lookinf for.... not you....sorry
Does the hammock on the balcony look a bit of a hazard, or is it just me? I feel like someone's innevitably going to have a few cocktails and then fall over the balcony railings while attempting to get into it
Oh geez! I once had a nasty accident falling out of a hammock. Though truthfully since I was in a sleeping bag at the time and trying to get in, it was more like sliding out of a Teflon pan. I ended up with no broken wrists (thanks to being encased in a sleeping bag) and a massive bruise on my bum. It caused quite a stir at work in the change room (I work in a pool) when a kid pointed it out and I explained hammock, clumsy, bruise. I could tell the parents did not believe me and were probably thinking something kinky. I’d pass on the hammock if I were to see one on a balcony of a ship.
That's exactly what I thought as soon as I saw it. It might be that the perspective is a bit skewed by the angle of the camera, but it does look like it is higher than the top of the balcony rail. I thought it looks like an accident waiting to happen even without the influence of alcohol! Considering some of the other design flaws on the ship, where someone obviously forgot to measure things properly and allow for real sized humans(!), I'm not as surprised as I should be if the hammock is higher than the balcony!
Hi Emma, Great review, as fellow frequent cruiser I found your honesty refreshing and I thought you were fair when needed and critical when necessary. Much appreciated!!
One thing I love about NCL cruises is the carpet in the cabin halls have fish that swim towards the front of the ship...once you know this, it makes it so easy to go in the right direction...
ck104 everyone is fat on cruise ships. The passengers just lay around all day eating and drinking. If I were a cruise ship designer then I’d design everything 5 times normal size.
I don’t think we should be going above and beyond to accommodate larger people. By doing so, you are essentially enabling a lifestyle which is unhealthy. And that’s coming from a fat person! 😂😂
Luke Clarke Fat doesn’t show up over night and it definitely doesn’t go away over night. And not all fat people eat badly and/or don’t exercise. In any case, now that I know that my basic needs for a chair that fits may not be met, I’ll just have to take my money to another cruise line. 🤷🏼♀️ It’s sad since the Childfree aspect was VERY enticing to me.
I’d love to say that your review was unique but from what I’ve seen and heard so far your review is bang on the money. So much potential and yet all potentially missed. As you replied to another viewer “time will tell” keep up your excellent reviews Emma, always honest, informative and positive where ever you can be 😊😉
Dear Emma, please promise one thing - that if happen that you will be cruising on Scarlet Lady ever, you will post another review of the cruise. Because cruising is not about the ship itself only but also all other experiences on board.
Thanks for the honest review. This ship is trying so hard to be different, that it actually drops the ball. Not a ship I will be climbing on in a hurry unfortunatley.
After watching this, I feel even fatter. :-(. I was so excited about this new ship, but I am not going on a ship where this little woman is having difficulty fitting into spaces.
I have done over 24 cruises on different lines and your review is spot on. I wanted to fall in love with an all adult cruise ship. I see some of the practical things I like are missing. Thanks for your honesty.
Emma Thank you for being so honest with this video. Also congratulations on getting such a big boost to your channel from this video. You deserve it and more! :D
Really interesting to view having just disembarked Resilient Lady. For me, it was better than RC (the only other cruise line I’ve used) - noticeably fresher and tastier food, plus no kids, being the main things. They clearly took on board feedback about the cabin because there is now more storage and a proper bed. And can confirm the hammock is amazing in warm weather! Also, really good that exercise classes are included. Will definitely cruise with Virgin again.
Emma your videos have improved so much over time. This is one of the best reviews I’ve seen in a long time. Thanks so much for the information and pics.
I'm a new subscriber to your channel and after binge watching your past vlogs and comparing them with my own experiences I must say your reviews are spot on. Super detailed and very informative.
I was really excited to hear about an adult only cruise line. But the split bed couch thing, lack of storage make this a solid no. I understand the idea is simple clean lines but that looks like what I imagine a college dorm life would be like. I’m not the key demographic at 43, but I have the ability to spend money for a cruise in that price range, but I expect more for my money. I was so hoping to see something great hit the market. To set the industry on its head. But this clearly isn’t what i was hoping for.
I’m 32 and can afford to cruise Virgin but I won’t. I think it looks nice aesthetically, but design wise it’s very impractical. For that price I’ll sail on another cruise line to get more comfort and practicality.
I'm not sure what you are looking for in a cruise line, but have you considered Viking? It would be pricier than this, but well worth it if you're looking for an educational and laid back cruise line.
The first thought that can to mind when looking at that cabin; it looked like a guest room in someone's basement that was put together with a $500 IKEA gift card. That is perfectly fine if you're staying at someone's house. It is not even remotely acceptable if you are expecting people to pay actual money to stay in it.
There is a major refit in this ships not too far off future. It has met my lowest expectations having seen the early renderings. This is definitely not one of Mr Branson's best ideas.
Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
I wish him luck with his radical vision. He is in deep having ordered a 4 ship fleet at almost $750m each on an untried concept. I love cruising and I will admit it is like living in a nice shopping mall. However Branson's vision is living in London's Soho instead.
This cruise line was never intended for the CCL, RCCL, DCL, NCL, cruisers. Your critiquing a party you were never meant to attend. Young, pretty with means...Think, Vegas pool parties, Hedonism Jamaica, NY fashion shows, the Hamptons, charity events, Cabo Airbnbs, Etc.......Branson is a smart guy.....Virgin Cruises will fill a niche
@@Art-mm4nn yeh but Vegas hotels have massive pools. This thing has a tiny wading pool. The buffet that's not a buffet looks OK, but if everything is included then most are going to be going elsewhere which I suspect will cause havoc (guaranteed that it's limited to X per cruise and pre-booked in quick time) Inclusions of soft drinks (like Disney) help make it expensive - but assume they are hoping for big alcohol sales
@@dave1001 You need to see the other bloggers who "supped the soup", ie they took the paid review and said this is the best ship since Noah built the Ark.
I'm shocked! I really thought Scarlet Lady was going to be pleasantly different. From what I've seen and heard, I'll never put money down on this ship. Its mind-blowing that anyone could have viewed this ship's designs previous to condtruction, and red flags didn't smack them across their face.
@@lklpalka I have to disagree with you on this one ....The Edge whilst cutting edge and not to everyone's liking is far superior in so many ways to the Scarlet Lady.
@@shaundhobsonShaun thanks for the SL warning I'll just stay home. While I ❤️ Celebrity in general, don't like being startled out of bed when partner wants to enjoy balcony, think a dozen electric can openers in stereo. No steam or sauna unless First Class (is what they're doing) ... You'll find me in the gym but not on this one.
I just saw your video on JimZim’s channel. As I told him, THANK YOU! You just saved me Thousands of dollars! Me and my sisters take a cruise for our big birthdays and rent out a suite, we go all out. Thankfully, I saw this video.
Excellent and honest review Emma. All my doubts that I had at build stage have been confirmed. This is a positive day for the NCL Epic cabin designers, as they are now not the worst cabins at sea.
the room its self on the Epic was not that bad but the over all ship its self was trash and ive been on a few of NCL ships by far the worse one I was on. elevators got stuck a lot paint discoloring and the next voyage after the one I was on it had engine failure and ended up being pushed by winds into a concrete tie off
@@captaindangit6562 Maybe it is you. The only thing I did not like about the Epic was the ceilings seemed lower than any other cruise ship I have been on. The ship was not trash (by the way that is a very open-ended opinion since you never said what was the trash), the elevators never got stuck for me, and the engines never had a failure. I loved my two trips on the Epic, luckily for you there are other cruise lines to try. Good luck elsewhere.
wow im gonna have to say i can't believe how bad this ship is i thought it was gonna be pretty amazing... but its deft not the case. thanks for the honest review
I thought it was going to be complete game changer too .............. It looks like it was designed by someone who was designing budget flat packed kitchens
Very interesting video! I’m 35 years old and have been on over 40 cruises, and this is definitely one ship which won’t be on my future cruise list! Being fairly young still I appreciate some of the design and modern touches, but for me they’ve got it totally wrong. That main deck pool is truly ridiculous, it simply won’t work where it’s based down in Miami and cruising to the Caribbean. I’ve done the Caribbean over and over again and even on the enormous ships such as the Allure all pools are rammed on sea days! Good luck Virgin but you’ve dropped the ball massively here 😬😬
I hope it's not another Virgin Galactic, with almost all fresh unskilled crew who doesn't know what is sea and handling all the safety during emergency.
Great tour. As an ex employee on cruise ships, some of what they have done just makes me want to bang my head against the wall crying "WHY!!!".... Regarding crew attitude - it is easy to have happy crew on a brand new ship, all at the start of a brand new contract - or at least brand new to serving customers on the ship. It would be worth checking back in 3-4 months. I joined the Independence of the Seas just after takeout (over 10 years ago!). The takeout crew on board had been on there about 2 months getting it ready, but generally the crew were on a high throughout because these were the first paying passenger voyages. A new, clean ship is an amazing place to work. Things just work. Everything feels new, and there is a real sense of pride and ownership. Contrast that to the Freedom (which is where I transferred from) - it was 2 or 3 years old at the time... Everything is harder, as things have started to break, there is that "Well, this is how we have always done it, don't rock the boat" kind of attitude that permiates. Everything gets that little bit harder - especially as you are still being held to "new ship" standards. There are also a higher percentage of crew who are tired and just want to go home. And crew rotate through these ships fast! These are the most desired contracts "on the big ships" with all of the fun toys. Contrast that to an older ship - at the time, I did a short fill on Legend of the Seas (would have been about 12 years old when I joined) - tiny ship, but had an awesome itinerary. Things are still breaking - but generally more spread out (as all these things are not reaching breaking age simultaneously) - and there is kind of an acceptance that things may be a bit tired and worn - but as long as it does not effect the guest experience, that's okay. Life on board is a physically little bit more crappy than the newer ships - the crew bar smells like stale smoke (because they used to be able to smoke inside when the ship was first put into service, and that smoke has now formed part of the walls and ceiling), the mess is small and limited, the cabins are small and there are none of the fun amenities... but the crew are family - some having been on that ship for over 5 years. The itineraries are exciting - because the cruise line uses the older ships to take risks when expanding their routes. I guess what I am trying to get at - throughout the life of a ship, the mood of the crew on board will change - in fact it almost mirrors real life - there is the baby stage - where everything is new and exciting, the moody teenage stage, and the adult stage.
Thank you for sharing your experience honestly. Always like seeing things from a perspective that I haven't looked at before. And lately I've taken more of an interest in the quality of life for the crew on the ships. Especially since so many of them I've been sort of stranded because of the coronavirus situation
@@ThunderStruck15 it depends on your role and how good your manager was. For example on one ship our cruise director ensured that the exciting ports (where all guests get off anyway) had activities that requires minimal staff to remain on board and that the staff rotated through so we all got a chance to get off. Others were not so nice.
While most of the other features of this ship are a matter of taste, having the shower doors open in is a safety issue as it can potentially trap an injured person in the shower. I am surprised the ship got a certificate of safety with the in-opening shower doors.
@@williammiller5449 That sir is a very good and valid point! I have seen some passengers that would probably have great difficulty in accessing that type of shower to start with never mind trying to exit one! Indeed, it was questionable that they would even manage a standard shipboard shower anyway. Perhaps they could use the sink on this ship, oh sorry I meant the main pool! LOL :-)
Seen a few reviews that aren’t very positive about her and she’s certainly not my cup of tea, they’ll need to change drastically to fill her every trip.
Art Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
Okay....we’re booked on the New Years Cruise 2020 and I’ve been waiting to see what the cruise community thinks of this ship before I payed anymore money toward the trip. If you, at 25, aren’t happy with this ship, I can’t imagine that we in our 50’s would be either😑 I just don’t think they’ll have time to reconfigure/modify/refit all that needs to be done before the end of the year.
When I compare prices, it seemed high, but I thought the experience might justify the premium, it is obvious from your perspective it doesn't, and where we have cruised the same ships and lines, we have agreed on most factors. Nice review
I agree with you. When I saw the layout of the ship a month ago I knew it wasn't going to be for me. This cruise line is going after a different crowd.
Thank you for this. I’m generally a big fan of Virgin and was looking forward to the cruise line but everything looks so uncomfortable. I am a bigger lady and wouldn’t find any of the seating appealing. Very disappointed
Great review. We have felt for a long time that this was a product that wouldn't suit us and now we are even more convinced. Simple things have been missed particularly with the cabins. Will be interesting to see in a years time where they are price wise when the novelty has worn off.
I don’t like the design of the room as it hasn’t got the room the way I would like it with things handy. It definitely wouldn’t be for me thanks for your honest review
Thank you! I had wondered about this ship since I am a solo traveler. I believe that this is not the ship for me. I am not 21 or 110 lb blonde beach babe. Think I will just stick with Carnival and Norwegian. Thanks for the video!
Thanks so much for your honesty. I was originally excited about the idea of a Virgin cruise, but the website photos and info left much to be desired. I too am an avid cruiser and like you’ve indicated, nothing I saw on the website justified the price point. Seeing your video has confirmed my opinion. Thank you for taking the time to provide this video.
Thank you for honesty Emma, it’s refreshing... and cruises of Miami Watch out if that is the only swimming pool... blimey.... P and O for me ..78 days and counting
Thanks for your comments on the Scarlet Lady. I'm a avid cruiser and I had been thinking of booking a cruise through Virgin, but I think I'll put it off for awhile. Your video definately brings to light many of the things that need to immediately be changed. I could not do a week in the cabin. Not having drawers and more storage would drive me crazy. I book cruises because they're a "no brainer" vacation. I don't want to have to figure out new ways to improve my accommodations. That's the job of the designers and the cruise line. Not mine. Your comments on how Branson wanted to shake things up is interesting, as I think there is a reason why many cruise lines are similar. The cruising environment itself sort of dictates how a ship should be designed so passengers enjoy both the cruising climate and their accommodations. I'll let others try Virgin and fill-out the surveys and comment cards. I'll wait for the reviews of their next ship and see if they've learned from their mistakes.
I've just got back from a cruise on Scarlet Lady! Did I enjoy it and did Virgin listen to any of the feedback? Check out the video here >> ruclips.net/video/DuNYeVjsukw/видео.html 🎉😎🎉😎🎉
The ship is designed for posting photos to Instagram. It isn’t designed for comfort and practicality
I heard that! There's nothing lux about this ship! Great photo ops though, right? LOL (At my age, 58, I couldn't care less about photo ops!)
A ship made for an app
What is going on in this world
It has a great future as a Prison ship. I know seveal politician and bankers who deserve to be on here for a few years.
This sounds spot-on!
So true!
The cabin decor gives me student dorm vibes.
Its not even student dorm, its like the attic of a student dorm, it reeks of chipboard and drywall
Well said couldn’t agree more.
Virgin voyages is definitely marketed towards a younger crowd...not for your typical old folks that u see in most ships
Feels Travelodgy
Perfect.
Looks like they tried to reinvent the wheel, and created a cube.
WANTED: a qualified interior designer
Looks like a Borg Cube -- Resistance if Futile!
@@Steve_in_NJ IS Futile.....
Looks like they tried to reinvent the wheel and defined the word "Eyesore".
@@Steve_in_NJ LOL!!
Very informative video. As an experienced Cruise ship officer (25 years), I can immediately see they will have a huge challenge regarding maintenance. This is often why most ships are a bit "boring" in the cabin and eatery layouts. They need to have a good supply with spare parts and extra items, and storage for it as well. Each and every item you see, in various shapes and colors, will at one point need to be changed or repaired/maintained. Will be very interesting to follow.
This is a great point. Just the beds, being adjusted twice a day, will start to break...
Thank you for talking about accessibility for larger people and people with disabilities when reviewing this ship!
How flipping refreshing to watch someone not gushing about every single aspect of Scarlet Lady. Lovely & honest Emma, and that’s why you’re my preferred cruise vlogger by a long shot. Cheers Adam
Haha. I do always try to be positive but I'm never going to lie about things...
I like that she isnt toxic positive...realistic with optimism is best
I laughed out loud when I saw the pool, what the hell were they thinking
you know you've done it wrong when YOUR HOT TUB IS BIGGER THAN YOUR SWIMMING POOL
I'd REALLY like to hear their answer to that question.
Had to be a miscommunication lol there is no way this was intended
@@ProfessorVanessa cruise ship plans are checked and re designed multiple times this was intended lol
@@ProfessorVanessa it was an homage to This is Spinal Tap
i would feel like am at Target with all that over kill of Red!!
Looks like a floating Ikea warehouse stuffed with unsold furniture from the 1950's
XD
Whatt...mid century furniture was built to last, these things look cheap and feel as though they were ordered from wish
Thanks for the review. We take 2 cruises a year and I was looking forward to trying Virgin Cruises. After seeing your video, I can confidently say that all the furniture looks incredibly uncomfortable. That combined with the designs of the cabin and buffet have killed my desire to even try Virgin.
That pool alone would put me off, thanks for your honest review
In some hotels the bath tubs are bigger than this pool
That is not the pool btw 🙄🙄
ivan pacheco what was it ?
ivan pacheco what was it then a hot tub 😂
The ship reminds me of someone trying to be "hip and cool" and when you see them you think, "what are they doing...that's gotta be uncomfortable" or "they're just too old for that". It just misses the mark and while trying to be "cool", all the needed comfort is not there. On a cruise, I want comfort not cool.
Hahah! Me too 🤣🤣🤣
Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
Art 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
So ‘Art’ works for Virgin i gather!? Not very subtle lol
Defo! in 1999 too cool for school now at school :-)
Thank you Emma for the unbiased review of this ship. Along with my wife, we too feel no need to spend our hard earned money on a ship we feel, for us at least, is a definite step down from Celebrity and Princess which are our go to cruise lines. Great videos and information from your channel, Emma! 👍👍👍
I’m really shocked about the cabin design and the swimming pool. Those chairs are designed for Vogue Magazine readers not real people.
I like just how loaded this comment is 😂
Your review just confirms what I thought just by seeing early ship photos. In a attempt to appeal to the younger crowd the boat just doesn't appear comfortable. It's obvious it is going after a younger crowd because the whole boat is designed like a high end nightclub. Also the price is ridiculous. Virgin voyages probably isn't for me either. I'm looking for comfort on a cruise.
Hi Emma.. I viewed another RUclipsrs review before yours and that one was really positive during the walkthrough of the Scarlet Lady. Then I watched yours and I said OMG! Emma is saying all the things I was thinking while seeing and hearing the other review. Way to go Emma! :) I saw some aesthetically pleasing details that lacked functionality. Definitely not for me either. :)
Anyone that is into cruising has been waiting to see about this ship,myself included. After seeing that pool I'm def not even thinking about booking with them all those passengers and that little ass pool I think they crazy. thank you for the honest review I'm glad we got to see how virgin dropped the ball hopefully on the next ship they will correct all the flaws.
This really feels like a cruise ship for Europe/UK to Canada/New York. Something where the weather will often be such that no one wants to be in the pool so there's no need for a large pool.
The wall are steel welded together, you would have to reconfigure the structure of the boat. next move all the plumbing and electrical points appropriately... My head hurts just thinking of it.
I LOL'd when I saw it. Can't even be called a swimming pool, just a place to sit with your legs hanging in the water. Not that you can really swim in most cruise pools, but that was laughable.
Will now cancel my Virgin trip to the moon and ask for a refund!
"Honesty is the best policy." And your report fully backs up that notion. Well worth watching for all potential VV passengers; sorry, sailors!
Well, let's hope the paying public see things differently. lol
@@cruisecontoltravelcentral6220 Virgin will certainly hope so! But it's hard to see exactly who this ship is designed for.
Wow, Don recommended your channel and it is a delight. I’m an older person and been on about twenty cruises. This doesn’t look like it is aimed at me. Thanks!
The stateroom is probably one of the more important aspects of cruising. They failed massively in that regard it looks like. I want to chose to take a midday nap without having to worry about if the bed is made. For use, the couch becomes more of another surface to throw stuff and organize.
You had me at no luggage storage under the bed.
Honesty is always the best policy, no drawers? No end tables? Hiding the light switch? Tiny pool for over 4000 passengers? Uncomfortable furniture? Head to head, toes to toes beds? Sound HORRIBLE, designers are so much into the aesthetics of things and forgetting about practicality, I thinks they screwed up big time.
Luckily this ship doesn’t quite hold 4000 passengers. It holds around 4000 people in total, combining crew and passengers, but double occupancy is only 2770 and maximum is 2860, according to the usually very reliable cruisemapper 😀
@@reececollison5101 Yeah my mistske on that one, I said passengers not people. Oops! I've corrected it everywhere I can but I can't change the video. Sorry! ♥️
Emma Cruises easy mistake to make. I think your review was perfect on this ship, and you’re so right about what you say. This ship is aimed at younger people, but what people of that demographic is able to afford a very premium price cruise like that?! Obviously people from wealthy families but that’s the vast minority. And who would want to pay that with the amount of huge design flaws this ship has? It really seems like this ship has been made for a market that doesn’t exist 🤔
@@reececollison5101 That is my worry exactly! Only time will tell though. ♥️
They would have done better in my opinion, if they bought an older ship and tricked it out and build from that.
Or I could just stay home, sleep in my closet and save $2000
flynomo Lol 😂 I only travel Carnival 🎡 🚢🎡
Why did that make me laugh so much!? Ah man!
And less complaining
you have a very nice closet
flynomo awesome comment! Soooo funny and sadly, TRUE!!!
It looks like something designed by adolescent boys who are trying to look adult. Thank you so much for providing this for us-it saved me and I’m sure others, some head scratching, some discomfort and some wasted money.
Right
If I wanted to cruise on a gray ship, I would go back into the Navy, LOL!
John, that is funny,,
Glad to see an honest review here. No doubt there will be other reviews coming soon but they’ll be gushing saying it’s the best ship ever which is clearly not true. Admire your integrity.
The poor design of the cabin is hard to overlook. Sorry, won't be cruising with Virgin.
Nobody will during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hey Branson time to get your tool kit out and makes lots of improvements while the ship is in port
I’m a bit intrigued.
@@mindyschocolate what to experience first hand what IKEA furniture really looks like on a cruise ship????
Ok thanks Paul, please let me know who you do cruise with
I have cruised with Princess five times on trips ranging from 5 days the 14 days. I always book a mini-suite.
It looks like an IKEA store and for me, that’s not a compliment.
Looks as cheap as chipboard
LOL, I was just about to type the same thing when I saw your comment!
Its obvious where the designers got inspiration from none other than IKEA
I'd hate to be on that ship. Everything looks so cheap and cold.
@@949surferdude After spending the millions of dollars building it obviously they ran out of money to fit it out so ordered everything from IKEA, hence the cold look and feel
After a night out with Jack Daniels, I could see myself falling into the closet looking for the light. Is it cushioned?
😂😂😂
🤣🤣😁👍
Thank you for your honesty and excellent preview. It helped me make my decision that this is not for me. I can see the IG "influencers" crowd loving this though (as long as they could afford it).
There are SO many GLARING design flaws on this ship. From the pool to the cabins, Branson made a HUGE mistake ignoring other design applications that truly enhance the cruising experience. Like storage and well thought out spacious bathrooms and bed side tables. I never in a million years would have thought they’d choose gray as a hull color. It looks like a military ship. I’ve been at sea nearly 400 days at this point and I’ve enjoyed every single CruiseLine I’ve traveled with, but at this price point and with this layout, I will never set foot on The Scarlet Lady. It is massively unappealing. Such a shame. I truly feel this is going to be a giant failure. He almost could not have designed a worse ship if he tried.
Art
Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
This ship is the perfect answer to anyone who ever said "I'd like to stay at a very expensive, cramped resort that has a lot decorations and furniture which are themed around turntable record players."
That's a market niche that noone else is serving!
Art again the same stupid comment
Rafael Miranda it’s a true comment lol
I could hear the disappointment in your voice as soon as the video started. Great review as always.
Haha!
We were thinking of booking a cruise on this ship as it had a massive PR campaign a few months ago. Thanks for your excellent, honest, review Emma. The battleship grey paint looks so depressing. Why is the only swimming pool on a ship that will accommodation 2770 passengers so small? With it being so tiny can anybody “swim” in the pool? Likewise the bedrooms look so uncomfortable, have so little storage space and not enough charging points. Many people would feel claustrophobic in the shower cubicle. The whole ship looks clinical, uncomfortable and more like a works canteen. Richard needs a new design team ASAP ~ he can email me if he wants my wife and I to give advice and volunteer to become ‘secret shoppers’ on the first cruise! 🤭
Virgin is the perfect name for the company as this ship will end up untouched.
So Emma actually neglected to mention this but that bit of the pool that’s filled is just the plunge section. When the outside of the ship is put into service, the whole of that blue tiling will be filled so the pool is actually much bigger than you’ve been led to believe!
Lucas Williams actually, I believe she did mention that. And it still doesn’t change the fact that there is this one pool on a ship that will have loads of passengers.
If by, "neglected mention" you mean, "went out of her way to specifically mention," then sure!
I loved your vlog on the scarlet lady. Having watched other vlogs on this new ship, I find yours is more honest than other vloggers. I do not think this line is for me.
A completely honest and objective review, unlike all the other reviews on here that are just adverts. Explains why you have a lot more views than them! Keep it up.
Thank you for being honest. Unfortunately there are some who do these kind of videos and sugar coat the truth. I’m guessing it is because they get great discounts if not free cruises.
One thing about this ship you are guaranteed NOT to be a virgin leaving the ship because you are about to get screwed on price, comfort and the drinks package.
It was as though the designers heard Branson reiterate how different he wants this cruise line to be from other companies and they threw common sense and convention out of the window. Traditional cruisers aren't going to be impressed, whoever this is being marketed to won't be impressed either. Proves the old adage, 'just because you can, doesnt mean that you should'. A major redesign and refit is in order to salvage the brand. If you and the others that just spent a night or 2 on board in Dover can come to this conclusion, imagine what the paying public will have to say in April. Virgin has a PR nightmare brewing.
Art
Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
Art again? STFU!!!!
@@Art-mm4nn Hey Art, I'm talking to you. STFU.......
Art is a paid troll🤪
@@rmirandagrajalesSTFU ? Acronym for what??? You and your child are beautiful... But you don't fit. Your not needed on this type of cruise...Try and open your eyes and see what the market is lookinf for.... not you....sorry
Does the hammock on the balcony look a bit of a hazard, or is it just me? I feel like someone's innevitably going to have a few cocktails and then fall over the balcony railings while attempting to get into it
Oh geez! I once had a nasty accident falling out of a hammock. Though truthfully since I was in a sleeping bag at the time and trying to get in, it was more like sliding out of a Teflon pan. I ended up with no broken wrists (thanks to being encased in a sleeping bag) and a massive bruise on my bum. It caused quite a stir at work in the change room (I work in a pool) when a kid pointed it out and I explained hammock, clumsy, bruise. I could tell the parents did not believe me and were probably thinking something kinky. I’d pass on the hammock if I were to see one on a balcony of a ship.
That's exactly what I thought as soon as I saw it. It might be that the perspective is a bit skewed by the angle of the camera, but it does look like it is higher than the top of the balcony rail. I thought it looks like an accident waiting to happen even without the influence of alcohol! Considering some of the other design flaws on the ship, where someone obviously forgot to measure things properly and allow for real sized humans(!), I'm not as surprised as I should be if the hammock is higher than the balcony!
I immediately thought the same thing when I saw it. Such a very bad idea. It's an accident waiting to happen.
@@mildredthegoat8340 it definitely looks higher than the railing. Very dangerous.
@@mildredthegoat8340 q
Hi Emma, Great review, as fellow frequent cruiser I found your honesty refreshing and I thought you were fair when needed and critical when necessary. Much appreciated!!
One thing I love about NCL cruises is the carpet in the cabin halls have fish that swim towards the front of the ship...once you know this, it makes it so easy to go in the right direction...
I loved that too
I love that you think about larger passengers. Great review.
ck104 everyone is fat on cruise ships. The passengers just lay around all day eating and drinking. If I were a cruise ship designer then I’d design everything 5 times normal size.
I don’t think we should be going above and beyond to accommodate larger people. By doing so, you are essentially enabling a lifestyle which is unhealthy. And that’s coming from a fat person! 😂😂
Luke Clarke Fat doesn’t show up over night and it definitely doesn’t go away over night. And not all fat people eat badly and/or don’t exercise. In any case, now that I know that my basic needs for a chair that fits may not be met, I’ll just have to take my money to another cruise line. 🤷🏼♀️
It’s sad since the Childfree aspect was VERY enticing to me.
@@lukanw Hater...
Especially in America.....
I’d love to say that your review was unique but from what I’ve seen and heard so far your review is bang on the money. So much potential and yet all potentially missed. As you replied to another viewer “time will tell” keep up your excellent reviews Emma, always honest, informative and positive where ever you can be 😊😉
Thank you Ben! I tried my best :)
Dear Emma, please promise one thing - that if happen that you will be cruising on Scarlet Lady ever, you will post another review of the cruise. Because cruising is not about the ship itself only but also all other experiences on board.
@@mariuszbiesiada2757 Oh absolutely. I definitely don't have the money to spend on the cruise though and if I did I'd probably book something else =P
@@EmmaCruises how big is a chance that VV gonna invite you to cruise with them? ;)
@@mariuszbiesiada2757 About 0.000000000000000000000000002 ha ha.
Thanks for the honest review. This ship is trying so hard to be different, that it actually drops the ball. Not a ship I will be climbing on in a hurry unfortunatley.
After watching this, I feel even fatter. :-(. I was so excited about this new ship, but I am not going on a ship where this little woman is having difficulty fitting into spaces.
Same! Getting wedged in the table at the buffet is the LAST thing I need happening on a cruise!
I have done over 24 cruises on different lines and your review is spot on. I wanted to fall in love with an all adult cruise ship. I see some of the practical things I like are missing. Thanks for your honesty.
Emma Thank you for being so honest with this video.
Also congratulations on getting such a big boost to your channel from this video. You deserve it and more! :D
i GUESS THIS IS WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU DESIGN A CRUISE SHIP WITHOUT ANY EXPRIENCE IN THE INDUSTRY!
This is the biggest cruising disaster since the Costa Concordia
I once went on a SEALINK ferry to Ireland in 1982 (remember SEALINK anyone?) and that was waaaaay better than this hopeless pile of style.
Yep! Especially the pool! Have they tried to do a max capacity to see how things go! Just, Wow!
Did they have any consultants from cruising background during this project.
I mean that is kinda what Disney did and their cruise line worked.
Great review! My fiancé and I were very excited to try this ship out, it looked great online. Now we will definitely have to reconsider.
Really interesting to view having just disembarked Resilient Lady. For me, it was better than RC (the only other cruise line I’ve used) - noticeably fresher and tastier food, plus no kids, being the main things. They clearly took on board feedback about the cabin because there is now more storage and a proper bed. And can confirm the hammock is amazing in warm weather! Also, really good that exercise classes are included. Will definitely cruise with Virgin again.
Brilliant overview, applaud you for your honesty 👍😘
Emma your videos have improved so much over time. This is one of the best reviews I’ve seen in a long time. Thanks so much for the information and pics.
Thank you for your unbiased review. So far still loyal to Royal. 😂😎
Can't go too wrong with Royal! :)
I myself have been on 20 cruises and I agree with everything you said about this ship. I thought it would be a lot more than it is.
Right
I'm really surprised the pool is so tiny, I can see 25 people getting in the pool at same time and posting the comical result on social media.
This Turkey is going down like a lead balloon.
one pool- not gonna cut it
@@nan-sea3814 Imagine a hot sea day, I can see a lot of very frustrated cruisers. I am avoiding it like the plague.
I'm a new subscriber to your channel and after binge watching your past vlogs and comparing them with my own experiences I must say your reviews are spot on. Super detailed and very informative.
Very disappointing, I had high hopes for this ship but looks like it was furnished from Ikea, dorm-like and cheap looking.
It's like Wish because it looks too good to be true.
But it's really not.
I was really excited to hear about an adult only cruise line. But the split bed couch thing, lack of storage make this a solid no. I understand the idea is simple clean lines but that looks like what I imagine a college dorm life would be like. I’m not the key demographic at 43, but I have the ability to spend money for a cruise in that price range, but I expect more for my money. I was so hoping to see something great hit the market. To set the industry on its head. But this clearly isn’t what i was hoping for.
I'm in the age group that they want. I don't like the college dorm looking space. They wouldn't want me anyways, I'm too poor for them.
I’m 32 and can afford to cruise Virgin but I won’t. I think it looks nice aesthetically, but design wise it’s very impractical. For that price I’ll sail on another cruise line to get more comfort and practicality.
Tkins Grant Exactly. The people who can afford this are going to spend their money on a cruise with larger cabins, practicality, AND luxury.
ilovesparky13 in my case I’m going for an extra 7 days.
I'm not sure what you are looking for in a cruise line, but have you considered Viking? It would be pricier than this, but well worth it if you're looking for an educational and laid back cruise line.
Really enjoyed hearing your take on the Scarlet Lady, very valid points. Thank you for giving a great first look at a very interesting ship
Great video Emma! I was curious about her and you answered pretty much all of the questions I had. Great job! Thanks!
The first thought that can to mind when looking at that cabin; it looked like a guest room in someone's basement that was put together with a $500 IKEA gift card.
That is perfectly fine if you're staying at someone's house. It is not even remotely acceptable if you are expecting people to pay actual money to stay in it.
There is a major refit in this ships not too far off future. It has met my lowest expectations having seen the early renderings. This is definitely not one of Mr Branson's best ideas.
Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
I wish him luck with his radical vision. He is in deep having ordered a 4 ship fleet at almost $750m each on an untried concept. I love cruising and I will admit it is like living in a nice shopping mall. However Branson's vision is living in London's Soho instead.
I'm sorry William, it doesn't seem that you were his intended market...you don't seem to fit....have a good one :)
This cruise line was never intended for the CCL, RCCL, DCL, NCL, cruisers. Your critiquing a party you were never meant to attend. Young, pretty with means...Think, Vegas pool parties, Hedonism Jamaica, NY fashion shows, the Hamptons, charity events, Cabo Airbnbs, Etc.......Branson is a smart guy.....Virgin Cruises will fill a niche
@@Art-mm4nn yeh but Vegas hotels have massive pools. This thing has a tiny wading pool.
The buffet that's not a buffet looks OK, but if everything is included then most are going to be going elsewhere which I suspect will cause havoc (guaranteed that it's limited to X per cruise and pre-booked in quick time)
Inclusions of soft drinks (like Disney) help make it expensive - but assume they are hoping for big alcohol sales
It gives the impression that it was a navy vessel converted into a cruise ship.
Looks more like a container ship with a loud paint job.
@@anthonyhassett Exactly and they emptied the containers to fill the ship with IKEA furniture made in China
@@dave1001 You need to see the other bloggers who "supped the soup", ie they took the paid review and said this is the best ship since Noah built the Ark.
For the most part, I agree with you Anthony. It looks like a container ship, with a parking garage at the back!
I'm shocked! I really thought Scarlet Lady was going to be pleasantly different. From what I've seen and heard, I'll never put money down on this ship. Its mind-blowing that anyone could have viewed this ship's designs previous to condtruction, and red flags didn't smack them across their face.
Thank you Emma for your honest appraisal of the Scarlett Lady. I am a veteran cruiser and will definitely avoid this butt ugly, poorly designed ship.
Been on the EDGE yet? I have, it was three weeks old. Same review, adding "turn customer upside down till all $$$$ falls out"
Ugh.
@@lklpalka I have to disagree with you on this one ....The Edge whilst cutting edge and not to everyone's liking is far superior in so many ways to the Scarlet Lady.
@@shaundhobsonShaun thanks for the SL warning I'll just stay home. While I ❤️ Celebrity in general, don't like being startled out of bed when partner wants to enjoy balcony, think a dozen electric can openers in stereo. No steam or sauna unless First Class (is what they're doing) ... You'll find me in the gym but not on this one.
I just saw your video on JimZim’s channel. As I told him, THANK YOU! You just saved me Thousands of dollars! Me and my sisters take a cruise for our big birthdays and rent out a suite, we go all out. Thankfully, I saw this video.
Well it looks hideous from the outside for a start.
I agree.That has to be the ugliest thing float.
I agree never travel on this ship looks horrible
Its an assault on the senses!!
Completely vile from the outside.
Surprise surprise yet another container ship masquearding as a cruise ship.
Excellent and honest review Emma. All my doubts that I had at build stage have been confirmed. This is a positive day for the NCL Epic cabin designers, as they are now not the worst cabins at sea.
Haha!! I didn't mind those cabins actually. 😂
MrWiganDave oh my gosh, that’s hilarious! And you are SO right.
I liked my inside cabin on the Epic or are you talking about the Solo cabins which remind me of a sardine can?
the room its self on the Epic was not that bad but the over all ship its self was trash and ive been on a few of NCL ships by far the worse one I was on. elevators got stuck a lot paint discoloring and the next voyage after the one I was on it had engine failure and ended up being pushed by winds into a concrete tie off
@@captaindangit6562 Maybe it is you. The only thing I did not like about the Epic was the ceilings seemed lower than any other cruise ship I have been on.
The ship was not trash (by the way that is a very open-ended opinion since you never said what was the trash), the elevators never got stuck for me, and the engines never had a failure.
I loved my two trips on the Epic, luckily for you there are other cruise lines to try. Good luck elsewhere.
wow im gonna have to say i can't believe how bad this ship is i thought it was gonna be pretty amazing... but its deft not the case. thanks for the honest review
I thought it was going to be complete game changer too .............. It looks like it was designed by someone who was designing budget flat packed kitchens
Very interesting video! I’m 35 years old and have been on over 40 cruises, and this is definitely one ship which won’t be on my future cruise list! Being fairly young still I appreciate some of the design and modern touches, but for me they’ve got it totally wrong. That main deck pool is truly ridiculous, it simply won’t work where it’s based down in Miami and cruising to the Caribbean. I’ve done the Caribbean over and over again and even on the enormous ships such as the Allure all pools are rammed on sea days! Good luck Virgin but you’ve dropped the ball massively here 😬😬
i know right? pools are JAM PACKED as it is. need larger pools not smaller!!
What is the best you recommend
Such helpful information.....being in the Travel Business this was invaluable to hear & see. Thank you.
Clearly style over substance and practicality. Thanks for the honest review.
Branson : "I have way too much money, what can I possibly do to just throw away a billion dollars??? I know, I'll build a cruise ship!"
Instead of looking after his staff during the coronavirus outbreak, washing his hands of them for 8 weeks AT LEAST ......
Its got to be some sort of tax evasion, loss leader thing. That is the only way to make sense of this floating disaster.
I hope it's not another Virgin Galactic, with almost all fresh unskilled crew who doesn't know what is sea and handling all the safety during emergency.
Emma, excellent and honest review! Thank you for this.
Great tour. As an ex employee on cruise ships, some of what they have done just makes me want to bang my head against the wall crying "WHY!!!".... Regarding crew attitude - it is easy to have happy crew on a brand new ship, all at the start of a brand new contract - or at least brand new to serving customers on the ship. It would be worth checking back in 3-4 months.
I joined the Independence of the Seas just after takeout (over 10 years ago!). The takeout crew on board had been on there about 2 months getting it ready, but generally the crew were on a high throughout because these were the first paying passenger voyages. A new, clean ship is an amazing place to work. Things just work. Everything feels new, and there is a real sense of pride and ownership.
Contrast that to the Freedom (which is where I transferred from) - it was 2 or 3 years old at the time... Everything is harder, as things have started to break, there is that "Well, this is how we have always done it, don't rock the boat" kind of attitude that permiates. Everything gets that little bit harder - especially as you are still being held to "new ship" standards. There are also a higher percentage of crew who are tired and just want to go home. And crew rotate through these ships fast! These are the most desired contracts "on the big ships" with all of the fun toys.
Contrast that to an older ship - at the time, I did a short fill on Legend of the Seas (would have been about 12 years old when I joined) - tiny ship, but had an awesome itinerary. Things are still breaking - but generally more spread out (as all these things are not reaching breaking age simultaneously) - and there is kind of an acceptance that things may be a bit tired and worn - but as long as it does not effect the guest experience, that's okay. Life on board is a physically little bit more crappy than the newer ships - the crew bar smells like stale smoke (because they used to be able to smoke inside when the ship was first put into service, and that smoke has now formed part of the walls and ceiling), the mess is small and limited, the cabins are small and there are none of the fun amenities... but the crew are family - some having been on that ship for over 5 years. The itineraries are exciting - because the cruise line uses the older ships to take risks when expanding their routes.
I guess what I am trying to get at - throughout the life of a ship, the mood of the crew on board will change - in fact it almost mirrors real life - there is the baby stage - where everything is new and exciting, the moody teenage stage, and the adult stage.
3 to 4 months? i think the crew would feel different after just 3 to 4 weeks working on this odity
Thank you for sharing your experience honestly. Always like seeing things from a perspective that I haven't looked at before. And lately I've taken more of an interest in the quality of life for the crew on the ships. Especially since so many of them I've been sort of stranded because of the coronavirus situation
Do you as a crew get to even see any of the exciting ports of call at all?
@@ThunderStruck15 it depends on your role and how good your manager was. For example on one ship our cruise director ensured that the exciting ports (where all guests get off anyway) had activities that requires minimal staff to remain on board and that the staff rotated through so we all got a chance to get off. Others were not so nice.
I worked in my early 20’s 3 contracts on Legend of the Seas between 2000 and 2003 my first ship ever , I have such fond memories!
I wish someone would design a modern retro cruise ship with cosy cabins and portholes. That would be a massive hit for sure.
I've seen a simularly small bathroom on a cruise ship, but it was a SECONDARY bathroom for a suite cabin, and it still may have been a touch larger
The prices had me scared off and after this review no thank you Virgin.
The shower door opened in 😂😂
If you saw that there are probably plenty more mistakes. You should be grateful you didnt see the engine room.
While most of the other features of this ship are a matter of taste, having the shower doors open in is a safety issue as it can potentially trap an injured person in the shower. I am surprised the ship got a certificate of safety with the in-opening shower doors.
@@williammiller5449 It opens both ways. In and out.
Don’t worry about it...
@@williammiller5449 That sir is a very good and valid point! I have seen some passengers that would probably have great difficulty in accessing that type of shower to start with never mind trying to exit one! Indeed, it was questionable that they would even manage a standard shipboard shower anyway. Perhaps they could use the sink on this ship, oh sorry I meant the main pool! LOL :-)
I definitely would not be happy in that cabin. I will stick with Princess.
Myra Weinstein wait, the corona princess?
@@futuresailor2 what type of nonsensical question is that?
echubbi the ship which has been in the papers everyday the past month fgs
futuresailor2 the ship “corona princess” does not sail in the Princess Cruises fleet.
@@echubbi8611 I think it is a play on the Princess ship that has been quarantined with the coronavirus outbreak in japan.
Seen a few reviews that aren’t very positive about her and she’s certainly not my cup of tea, they’ll need to change drastically to fill her every trip.
Art
Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
Branson is filling a niche of cruisers that don't watch Emma's videos. He was never looking for the everyday cruisers like you. He will fill that void of cruisers that are young, pretty and have money. Like it or not you don't fit.......I'm 60 and a little over weight....I don't fit either.... :) This will be a success...
2 more ships ordered......he’ll be lucky to fill one!
Art wow! You are parrot! Repeating the same thing over and over
Rafael Miranda he’s just telling the truth
Okay....we’re booked on the New Years Cruise 2020 and I’ve been waiting to see what the cruise community thinks of this ship before I payed anymore money toward the trip. If you, at 25, aren’t happy with this ship, I can’t imagine that we in our 50’s would be either😑 I just don’t think they’ll have time to reconfigure/modify/refit all that needs to be done before the end of the year.
When I compare prices, it seemed high, but I thought the experience might justify the premium, it is obvious from your perspective it doesn't, and where we have cruised the same ships and lines, we have agreed on most factors. Nice review
I agree with you. When I saw the layout of the ship a month ago I knew it wasn't going to be for me. This cruise line is going after a different crowd.
Who? The "just recently released from solitary confinement" crowd?
Thanks for your honest opinion. Can't believe the lack of room storage and a curtain for a closet door? 1 pool? I'll pass.
Thank you for this. I’m generally a big fan of Virgin and was looking forward to the cruise line but everything looks so uncomfortable. I am a bigger lady and wouldn’t find any of the seating appealing. Very disappointed
The swimming pool look like my sink. Lolll. Why is the corridor red? Its prettyy disconcerting.
Great review. We have felt for a long time that this was a product that wouldn't suit us and now we are even more convinced. Simple things have been missed particularly with the cabins. Will be interesting to see in a years time where they are price wise when the novelty has worn off.
Yep! :)
I rather like your style of reviews ! - Thank you for making xx
Emma, thanks for your honest and candid review. I just can't fathom how this ship would be appealing for any cruiser of any age.
I don’t like the design of the room as it hasn’t got the room the way I would like it with things handy. It definitely wouldn’t be for me thanks for your honest review
Welcome! Thanks for your comment :)
Very interesting! It does sound like Virgin tried way too hard to be unique. There are so many design flaws! Thanks for showing us all of this, Emma!
Great review Emma, thanks for your honesty.
Thank you! I had wondered about this ship since I am a solo traveler. I believe that this is not the ship for me. I am not 21 or 110 lb blonde beach babe. Think I will just stick with Carnival and Norwegian. Thanks for the video!
Thanks so much for your honesty. I was originally excited about the idea of a Virgin cruise, but the website photos and info left much to be desired. I too am an avid cruiser and like you’ve indicated, nothing I saw on the website justified the price point. Seeing your video has confirmed my opinion. Thank you for taking the time to provide this video.
Thanks 🙏 Emma for clear honest explanation . Well it’s so clear to me there are no soul in that ship I guess too many will agree with you
Thank you for honesty Emma, it’s refreshing... and cruises of Miami Watch out if that is the only swimming pool... blimey.... P and O for me ..78 days and counting
Haha! Can't go wrong with P&O> Have an amazing time! :)
I love p&o Australia been on 4 and many more to come
Thanks for your comments on the Scarlet Lady. I'm a avid cruiser and I had been thinking of booking a cruise through Virgin, but I think I'll put it off for awhile. Your video definately brings to light many of the things that need to immediately be changed. I could not do a week in the cabin. Not having drawers and more storage would drive me crazy. I book cruises because they're a "no brainer" vacation. I don't want to have to figure out new ways to improve my accommodations. That's the job of the designers and the cruise line. Not mine. Your comments on how Branson wanted to shake things up is interesting, as I think there is a reason why many cruise lines are similar. The cruising environment itself sort of dictates how a ship should be designed so passengers enjoy both the cruising climate and their accommodations. I'll let others try Virgin and fill-out the surveys and comment cards. I'll wait for the reviews of their next ship and see if they've learned from their mistakes.
Brutally honest review but it needed to be said.