Glad you enjoyed it! I’ve been on Royal and Carnival and most recently on the Scarlet Lady and it was by far the best cruise I’ve been on! The FOOD!!! The atmosphere! The decor! The service was top notch! My husband’s only complaint was that there wasn’t a comedian on board.
I burst out laughing when you talked about the music because I couldn't agree more. It will be a wonderful day when I can go a whole Royal cruise and not hear "Sweet Caroline" and that ilk again.
What I like best about VV is that is is as close to all inclusive as any line I've seen--gratuities, almost all food (a couple restaurants have an item that has an upcharge), basic beverages (soda, water, brewed coffee and tea, non-pressed juices), and basic wifi. On every other line, I need to add a wifi package and a soda package for my travel companion in addition to gratuities. In addition, I never know what coffee/tea/juice quality will be available--it is excellent! Yes, you can pay more for a Starbucks sort of location, but all the standard stuff is very good! And EVERY restaurant on the ship is included.
Brandon, I am completely blown away by this video! I have never seen you this pumped after a cruise, you are one happy boy and I love seeing you this way! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible vacation, it wasn’t just another weekend trip, it seemed life changing!
I am so over Sweet Caroline on Royal. I booked a last minute trip on Scarlet Lady tomorrow. I was able to match my diamond status from crown and anchor and got put into their Sea Rover status. So excited to try something new!!!
This ship seems to be designed very much like Virgin Atlantic airport lounges. The set up, decor and service (inc table side food) is very similar. They have the best lounges in the world. I am also glad they started with the ship size they did. Very sensible. I just hope they start doing slightly longer cruises 😀
Interesting! I had never thought about it but have not had the opportunity to go to one of their lounges. Would make sense to take what they know and replicate it! Yes, I am a big fan of the ship size. Not too big and not to small.
Never thought of going to the Dock first thing in the morning, even though its one of my favorite places on the lady ships. I need to do that on my next one.
I was listening and waiting and waiting for you to say "THE FOOD" -- and then finally, there it was. LOL. The food is incredible. There are lots of things about Virgin to love, but I could happily eat from end of that ship to the other -- definitely starting at the Dock House. Did you try the Poke Bowl? Can't remember which deck... near the weird giant hot tub.
hahah, you can't go on VV and not mention the food! I did not try the Poke Bowl... I don't think. I do love those, so if I would have seen it, I probably would have ordered it!
Someone pays attention!! I was supposed to be on Freedom this weekend but got off Virgin not feeling well. Decided to take a weekend off to rest up :-)
Thank you for this great review! How pervasive is that "great music"? How easy is it to escape it? I really don't like hip hop and modern music at all.
Hey Vesper, that is going to be more the "norm" on Virgin Voyages. At the pool, you will not escape. My favorite spot was the outdoor spaces on the main level (forgot the deck #) and the bar at the back of the ship. Those will be your best bets.
Brandon, Welcome back to Miami! I suspect you are already on the Freedom OTS. Glad to hear you were very happy with your virgin, Virgin Voyages sailing. I am extremely curious about the culinary experiences available. My diet is limited to beef, lamb, duck, salmon and eggs (essentially fatty protein, zero carbohydrates), prepared without any sauce, marinade, seasoning, veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, grain, dairy or oil. Wendy is a vegetarian. Where onboard the Scarlet Lady, if anywhere, could we find meals that would satisfy our opposite dietary practices?
Virgin's food was exceptional. I think this is because they did not use a lot of ingredients but used good ingredients. For Wendy, every restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan options. Even one restaurant "Razzle Dazzle" is what they call "vegetarian forward". Every restaurant had a beef or fish option. I even found lamb chops in one. I would have no concerns going on a Virgin ship with special dietary needs.
@@TheWeekendCruiser Thanks Brandon. However, my food cannot be prepared ahead of time, and cooked, simply naked. No sauce, marinade, seasonings, dairy, oil, grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables nor fruit. Not quite so easy, as I cannot simply order food at the restaurant, each restaurant would have to segregate enough food for me in advance of a meal. On RCL, we eat in the MDR for dinner, and sometimes breakfast. I meet with a matre de or a sous chef, during embarkation on Deck 4, and go over the nightly menu with them, and I miss prime rib on the first night as it has already been marinated by that time. So, I would have to plan out every meal in advance, then coordinate my dining schedule and dietary needs with staff upon embarkation. Sounds like a ton of advance work, and no room for deviating to try different venues, as they likely would not be able to prepare my food (naked meat) from scratch, which is to simply take it from the refrigerator, put 3-4 orders in a pan, and cook it without any oil, spray, sauce, marinade, seasoning, butter, cream or margarine. Just meat, cooked.
@@Flori_Duh So simple but I know the execution of that is complicated. That would be the down side of their decentralized dinning options as you would need to coordinate each location every night and then not change. I get it now.
haha, you're paying attention! I was supposed to be on Freedom this weekend but got off Virgin not feeling to great. Figured I would take a moment at home to rest up.
Thank you for the outstanding review. I'm assuming you don't have status with Virgin. A regular customer on Virgin appears similar to Emerald or even Diamond on RC when you factor in all the complimentary stuff you get with Virgin that you have to pay extra for on RC.
@@TheWeekendCruiser That's a good point! As with any such program, you want to give something that really doesn't cost you much, that is still valuable to the customer, and does not degrade the value of purchasing a suite. On this boat, I don't know what that would be. They do have one thing - the Sea Blazer status. It is not earned, but was awarded to anyone who sailed in 2021. I am one. It entitles one to at $125 lifetime Bar Tab bonus. That's $25 more than their Bar Tab special, and $75 more than their base offering.
Hey hey! There are two main smoking sections. The first is on Deck 16 mid-ship on the port side. Smaller section than Royal but seemed nice. The other as David mentioned is there is a smoking lounge with a few slot machines by the casino. You have to ask where it is the first time as it is extremely hidden!
hahaha The voyage was 6 nights and was around $1,100 per person double occupancy. Seeing the ship under half full, I was surprised it wasn't cheaper but I have seen what happens on Royal Caribbean when they drop the prices.
@@javamon They do have solo cabins but right now they are running a special promotion for no single supplement. If you are a solo cruiser, it is a non-brainer. Go on and get you your balcony!
Thanks for the incitful Virgin experience. Sounds like you made a match. As a bit more of a conservative loyal to royal cruiser that doesn’t enjoy the short "weekend" cruise vib your experience sounds a bit less attractive to me. Some of the contrasts you mention sounds like you are comparing Voyager and Freedon class ships to the newer Virgin Ladies. Comparable newer Oasis and Quantum ships sailing longer itineraries would provide more accurate assessment. Your honest glowing descriptions of Virgin sounds like u have found a good alternative.
I really did enjoy my time there! Yes, when I think of a Royal ship I often think of Freedom and Voyager class as that is the size that fits me best. Interestingly, never been on the Oasis or Quantum class much. They are older ships but don't know if it is any more "fair" to compare this medium sized ship to the Wonder. Have not been on Odyssey yet but that is happening in November!
![Mariah Carey - We Belong Together [American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UnO2m2BEXDU/mqdefault.jpg)
Glad you enjoyed it! I’ve been on Royal and Carnival and most recently on the Scarlet Lady and it was by far the best cruise I’ve been on! The FOOD!!! The atmosphere! The decor! The service was top notch! My husband’s only complaint was that there wasn’t a comedian on board.
Same here! It really is a fantastic cruise line. Can't wait to go back!
1) Brandon enjoyed not listening to Wobble or the Cupid Shuffle while on this cruise lol
haha it's so true! Love the songs but I am good lol
I burst out laughing when you talked about the music because I couldn't agree more. It will be a wonderful day when I can go a whole Royal cruise and not hear "Sweet Caroline" and that ilk again.
hahaha Glad I am not the only one!
What I like best about VV is that is is as close to all inclusive as any line I've seen--gratuities, almost all food (a couple restaurants have an item that has an upcharge), basic beverages (soda, water, brewed coffee and tea, non-pressed juices), and basic wifi. On every other line, I need to add a wifi package and a soda package for my travel companion in addition to gratuities. In addition, I never know what coffee/tea/juice quality will be available--it is excellent! Yes, you can pay more for a Starbucks sort of location, but all the standard stuff is very good! And EVERY restaurant on the ship is included.
Really interesting, slightly worried about the music being so contemporary ... but we get a vinyl player in our room, so not too shabby!
That will be neat! Stay tuned, i am taking my Mom on Scarlet lady in May and will have w more diverse perspective!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Will have to squeeze in an intro cruise soon..
Great review. I might need to try Virgin.
It’s always good to try other lines to compare & make sure you’re being loyal for the right reasons.
Brandon, I am completely blown away by this video! I have never seen you this pumped after a cruise, you are one happy boy and I love seeing you this way! Thank you so much for sharing your incredible vacation, it wasn’t just another weekend trip, it seemed life changing!
haha thanks Mitchell!! It was a GREAT experience!
@@TheWeekendCruiser You are very welcome!
I am so over Sweet Caroline on Royal. I booked a last minute trip on Scarlet Lady tomorrow. I was able to match my diamond status from crown and anchor and got put into their Sea Rover status. So excited to try something new!!!
How was the new program? I missed it by a month or two I believe.
@@TheWeekendCruiser I’m boarding today so I will let you know. Priority boarding is one of the perks.
This ship seems to be designed very much like Virgin Atlantic airport lounges. The set up, decor and service (inc table side food) is very similar. They have the best lounges in the world. I am also glad they started with the ship size they did. Very sensible. I just hope they start doing slightly longer cruises 😀
Interesting! I had never thought about it but have not had the opportunity to go to one of their lounges. Would make sense to take what they know and replicate it! Yes, I am a big fan of the ship size. Not too big and not to small.
I'm having second thoughts about trying VV! Sounds very interesting.
It is certainly a contender. A little more expensive but you get a lot more.
Never thought of going to the Dock first thing in the morning, even though its one of my favorite places on the lady ships. I need to do that on my next one.
Yes, go ahead and reserve your space!
I really love your "Flying Dutchman" by Michael Chevall.
This was the first painting that ever spoke to me. Love it.
Sounds like you really had a good time. I think we all get comfortable with what we are familiar with. I may also try out Virgin.
We really do! It was scary trying a new line but I really did enjoy it.
Fantastic review
I was listening and waiting and waiting for you to say "THE FOOD" -- and then finally, there it was. LOL. The food is incredible. There are lots of things about Virgin to love, but I could happily eat from end of that ship to the other -- definitely starting at the Dock House. Did you try the Poke Bowl? Can't remember which deck... near the weird giant hot tub.
hahah, you can't go on VV and not mention the food! I did not try the Poke Bowl... I don't think. I do love those, so if I would have seen it, I probably would have ordered it!
Thanks for your review, very helpful. It looks like you're home, but I thought you went directly from Scarlet Lady to Freedom?
Someone pays attention!! I was supposed to be on Freedom this weekend but got off Virgin not feeling well. Decided to take a weekend off to rest up :-)
Thank you for this great review! How pervasive is that "great music"? How easy is it to escape it? I really don't like hip hop and modern music at all.
Hey Vesper, that is going to be more the "norm" on Virgin Voyages. At the pool, you will not escape. My favorite spot was the outdoor spaces on the main level (forgot the deck #) and the bar at the back of the ship. Those will be your best bets.
Brandon,
Welcome back to Miami!
I suspect you are already on the Freedom OTS. Glad to hear you were very happy with your virgin, Virgin Voyages sailing.
I am extremely curious about the culinary experiences available.
My diet is limited to beef, lamb, duck, salmon and eggs (essentially fatty protein, zero carbohydrates), prepared without any sauce, marinade, seasoning, veggies, fruits, nuts, seeds, grain, dairy or oil.
Wendy is a vegetarian.
Where onboard the Scarlet Lady, if anywhere, could we find meals that would satisfy our opposite dietary practices?
Virgin's food was exceptional. I think this is because they did not use a lot of ingredients but used good ingredients. For Wendy, every restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan options. Even one restaurant "Razzle Dazzle" is what they call "vegetarian forward". Every restaurant had a beef or fish option. I even found lamb chops in one. I would have no concerns going on a Virgin ship with special dietary needs.
@@TheWeekendCruiser Thanks Brandon. However, my food cannot be prepared ahead of time, and cooked, simply naked. No sauce, marinade, seasonings, dairy, oil, grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables nor fruit.
Not quite so easy, as I cannot simply order food at the restaurant, each restaurant would have to segregate enough food for me in advance of a meal. On RCL, we eat in the MDR for dinner, and sometimes breakfast.
I meet with a matre de or a sous chef, during embarkation on Deck 4, and go over the nightly menu with them, and I miss prime rib on the first night as it has already been marinated by that time.
So, I would have to plan out every meal in advance, then coordinate my dining schedule and dietary needs with staff upon embarkation. Sounds like a ton of advance work, and no room for deviating to try different venues, as they likely would not be able to prepare my food (naked meat) from scratch, which is to simply take it from the refrigerator, put 3-4 orders in a pan, and cook it without any oil, spray, sauce, marinade, seasoning, butter, cream or margarine.
Just meat, cooked.
@@Flori_Duh So simple but I know the execution of that is complicated. That would be the down side of their decentralized dinning options as you would need to coordinate each location every night and then not change. I get it now.
Great video! Love hearing your thoughts!
How are you home? I thought you were on Freedom?!😂
haha, you're paying attention! I was supposed to be on Freedom this weekend but got off Virgin not feeling to great. Figured I would take a moment at home to rest up.
@@TheWeekendCruiser OH no! So sorry to hear. Hope you're feeling better soon!!
Hey Brandon, might consider Virgin in a couple years :)
Thank you for the outstanding review. I'm assuming you don't have status with Virgin. A regular customer on Virgin appears similar to Emerald or even Diamond on RC when you factor in all the complimentary stuff you get with Virgin that you have to pay extra for on RC.
As of now, VV doesn't have a frequent cruiser program. Everything you saw in this video is available (at no additional charge) to anyone onboard.
As Cecil mentioned, no loyalty program at this time. Would be curious what "extras" they could offer as there is a lot already included.
@@TheWeekendCruiser That's a good point! As with any such program, you want to give something that really doesn't cost you much, that is still valuable to the customer, and does not degrade the value of purchasing a suite. On this boat, I don't know what that would be. They do have one thing - the Sea Blazer status. It is not earned, but was awarded to anyone who sailed in 2021. I am one. It entitles one to at $125 lifetime Bar Tab bonus. That's $25 more than their Bar Tab special, and $75 more than their base offering.
I like your pineapple ;)
Would love to try VV but on another note, how many RC blocks do you have and are they all from Freedom?
hahaha I have 18 crystal blocks and 2 stratums. Adding another block and my 3rd stratum on my next voyage!
😇🥰
Hi Brandon! Glad you enjoyed your experience on Virgin Voyages. Royal should take some pages out of their book!❤️🛳⚓️
A few! But I also like Royal and appreciate how they are different. :-)
It’s not the line for me, but I do like a lot of the things they did.
Love that we have options!
Let's just be honest here. We all know the best part about this ship is there's no screaming children on it
hahaha I mean, where is the lie? 😂
Was the deck non smoking?
There is a smoking lounge off of the casino and a small outdoor smoking area on deck 16. Otherwise the whole ship is non-smoking.
@@davidlylejones is 16 where the open area is that Brandon called the Deck?
@@Reed-2big nope. The Dock is at the aft of the ship and is on Deck 7.
@@davidlylejones Thanks, that’s great!
Hey hey! There are two main smoking sections. The first is on Deck 16 mid-ship on the port side. Smaller section than Royal but seemed nice. The other as David mentioned is there is a smoking lounge with a few slot machines by the casino. You have to ask where it is the first time as it is extremely hidden!
Cheater! How could you! Royal is going to put a scarlet letter on you. 😁 So how long was this voyage? What was the cost? It looks awesome!
hahaha The voyage was 6 nights and was around $1,100 per person double occupancy. Seeing the ship under half full, I was surprised it wasn't cheaper but I have seen what happens on Royal Caribbean when they drop the prices.
@@TheWeekendCruiser Any solo cabins? Solo supplement?
@@javamon They do have solo cabins but right now they are running a special promotion for no single supplement. If you are a solo cruiser, it is a non-brainer. Go on and get you your balcony!
Thanks for the incitful Virgin experience. Sounds like you made a match. As a bit more of a conservative loyal to royal cruiser that doesn’t enjoy the short "weekend" cruise vib your experience sounds a bit less attractive to me. Some of the contrasts you mention sounds like you are comparing Voyager and Freedon class ships to the newer Virgin Ladies. Comparable newer Oasis and Quantum ships sailing longer itineraries would provide more accurate assessment. Your honest glowing descriptions of Virgin sounds like u have found a good alternative.
I really did enjoy my time there! Yes, when I think of a Royal ship I often think of Freedom and Voyager class as that is the size that fits me best. Interestingly, never been on the Oasis or Quantum class much. They are older ships but don't know if it is any more "fair" to compare this medium sized ship to the Wonder. Have not been on Odyssey yet but that is happening in November!