Scarlet Lady - PART ONE
I have just returned from a back-to-back cruise on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady out in the Caribbean In truth I am finding it hard to condense down 216 hours of what is quite possibly the best holiday I have ever had but I will do my best, I am going to try and highlight everything I experienced but honestly there is so much more I could share – if you want to know more about Virgin Voyages then please give me a call on 01277 840262 – grab a coffee and make yourself comfortable if you do because I could talk about this Ship forever ??
Due to word limitation on my blogs - I have done 3 separate ones so please do check them all out PART ONE - Boarding, Cabin and Restaurant's on board PART TWO - Entertainment, Bimini Beach Club PART THREE - Overview and my Top 10 Tips for sailing with Virgin Voyages
Boarding the ship in Miami was super easy, check in, COVID test, wait for results and then through to the boarding area. From Mid-February Virgin will have their very own cruise terminal at Miami so I expect this process will be even slicker. Virgin do not board sailors until 2pm on your sailing day, this is because they allow the previous guests to disembark up to 11am so when you choose your check in time bear that in mind. Trust me when it is your time to disembark you will really appreciate not being rushed off the ship.
You don’t get a key card, you get a bracelet (band) you can personalise it before you go and it made life so much easier, your band gets you on and off the ship, you tap it for any purchases on board and at the Bimini Beach Club, its waterproof and its so great not having to scrabble around in your bad trying to find the card or having to get your card reissued because your phone went against it – its quite the fashion accessory too!
When you are in the boarding area you should be able to connect to the ships Wi-Fi and then you can book all your shows etc, dining can be pre booked before you go, along with shore excursions.
Once you are welcomed on board by all the crew, your cabin will be ready and your luggage already inside – there is a safety video which you can watch on your cabin tv or via the app and then you pay a quick visit to where your lifeboat will be, check in with the crew and that’s it. I highly recommend ordering your first drink and then take yourself on a tour of the ship, get to know the areas, the bars, the restaurants etc. I should point out at this stage that Virgin Voyages are Adult only - no kidding - there's no kids at all, but that doesn't mean you cant be a kid at heart - and as nice as kids are, it was lovely to be on a cruise that is just Adult Only.
I had a balcony cabin (Sea Terrace) that comes with your very own hammock, the cabin is gorgeous, a massive bed (which could be turned into a sofa during the day) a US and EU plug point and lots of USB plugs for all your mobile devices. There is plenty of space for clothes, although Virgin have taken on feedback from some sailor guests and are now in the process of adding more storage space in the cabins. You have a mini bar, a chair, vanity table and best of all mood lighting in the cabin and the curtains which are all controlled by your in-room tablet.
The bathroom beware is a little small, however the shower is awesome, very roomy and has a rainfall shower head which is just amazing, the sink itself is small and the space in the actual bathroom bit is tight but it’s doable. If you are travelling as a couple its no issue but if you are friends, my top tip would be to upgrade to an XL Sea Terrace which gives you tons more bathroom space.
There are many different cabin types including ones especially for Solo cruisers without the high supplements, Virgin also offer Rockstar Quarters – which are suites and come with lots of added extras including your own Rockstar Roadie at your disposal. Is it worth upgrading to Rockstar? Yes, if it is a special occasion or you just want to “push the boat out” but the standard cabins are not to be sniffed at.
The ship has over 20 eateries, In the interests of research (lol) I did my best to get round them all and all were outstanding, everything is cooked fresh to order and it is like eating in a speciality restaurant every night, but you do not have to pay a supplement.
The food onboard…I cannot tell you how good it is ... If you are a Foodie, you will be in Heaven ... I did not have one bad meal even the room service is out of this world - A few of my favourite places are
Gumbae – A Korean BBQ experience where you all sit round a table and the food is cooked live for you whilst playing games and interacting with the crew.
The Wake – this felt to me the high-class restaurant on the ship, the grand entrance walking down the stairs, the décor, its beautiful. Lots of steak and seafood available or you could be a bit daring and go for the marrowbone like I did.
Razzle Dazzle – It is a vegetarian restaurant but with a secret meat menu – really good fun in here, the food again is amazing – the cocktails are to die for, and you must have the Rainbow Churros for desert – heaven!
The Galley – Virgin Voyages don’t do buffets, but I suppose if you were looking for something similar this would be the nearest thing - a collection of various food houses in one place, from Diner and Dash that is open 24/7 serving burgers, cooked breakfast etc to Sushi, paninis, noodles, salads the list goes on and the menus change throughout the day.
Pink Agave – Mexican all your favourites here and a bonus is they do two sizes of servings medium and large so you can stuff yourself or go easy or even share a dish with your fellow shipmate.
Extra Virgin – Italian for all your pasta, meatballs, seafood, chicken – exquisite food in really lovely surroundings.
The Dock House – my absolute favourite place to waste an hour or so in the afternoon – at the aft of the ship overlooking the waves on a massive sunbed stuffing myself with freshly cooked prawns, Octopus, chicken and steak, its not really a proper restaurant – it’s a bar or even a club that you hang out in and they serve this delicious food – You absolutely must eat here you wont be disappointed.