I was lucky enough to be a plus one on the Lady Valiant Showcase (the second Virgin Voyages ship). In typical Virgin style, it was a mixture of glamour and fun with every detailed considered and every want anticipated. Even the welcome was flawless with red carpets, cocktails, music and smiling staff. I instantly forgot about the gloomy, rainy London day and imagined clear skies, warm breeze and some exotic Caribbean island. Kids were at home and the party was just getting started.
Before I continue, please know that I have only taken one cruise in my life. It was a family holiday and I loved the experience and have wonderful memories, but I vowed to never go on another cruise. Maybe it was the kids screaming or the belly flop competitions, or blah food and forgettable rooms. I’m not sure, but I viewed cruises like something that was done and over, never to be done again. Virgin changed my mind.
CABIN
The best way to describe our cabin was cool. Red accents, power controlled lighting with a large TV ideal for relaxing. The bed was truly comfortable with crisp linen sheets. The best part, maybe just because it was unexpected, was the red hammock on the balcony. If we had set sail, I would have spent hours star-gazing and drinking cocktails on that hammock. The dividers between balconies can be taken down if you are travelling with family or friends—another typical Virgin detail.
OUTSIDE
Not even Virgin can control the weather. If the weather had been better, I would have happily had several cocktails outside, near the pools and on the observation decks. It looked like fun or a relaxing escape, however you wanted to play it, but vanity keep me dry and inside.
INSIDE
We arrived early and had plenty of time to wander throughout the ship, taste the old-fashioned candy shop treats like popcorn and peanut brittle, try new cocktails, even visit the arcade (although we got pulled away before an air hockey challenge). I wish I had more pictures to share because it felt like a new discovery was down every floor and every hall. Even before the ship was full, there was a buzz, and when it was full, if you wanted an intimate escape, you could find it in one of the many glamourous bars.
ENTERTAINMENT
Virgin downplayed the ‘special guest’ feature of the night. It was kicked-off by DJ Diplo and followed by Ella Henderson. The Manor is two floors and I had the privilege of experiencing the VIP area and the ground-level. I didn’t last until the club closed at 4:00 am and I didn’t make it to karaoke, but I heard I missed much of the fun. Like everything on the ship, I felt like I was in Ibiza one minute dancing like I did in my 20s, then drinking martinis as if I was at Annabel’s in London or a Bellini in hand, sitting at the Hotel Danieli in Venice. It’s incredible how far my mind travelled in less than 24 hours.
FOOD
Based on my limited cruise experience (even dining in the best restaurant on my first cruise ship), I had low expectations. Virgin blew me away. I want to go back (even if we don’t leave the dock) to taste every item on the menu in every restaurant on the ship. For breakfast we tried the dining hall. It was not the typical buffet service with a full English, there were separate areas with different specialties. Although a bit sleep-deprived from the night before, I could not pass up the French-toast burger with American cheese. Decadent and delicious—the perfect send-off. Service, cocktails and food were unforgettable.
SERVICE
I’m an American who has lived in London for 18 years, and although customer service has improved dramatically in that time, service is different in America. Virgin Voyages delivered American-style service on the entire ship. It’s attentive, not pushy, almost like they anticipate what you want before you even know you want it. It’s like your water glass is empty than full again as if a fairy waved a wand. Someone was always nearby to ask for help. Everyone smiled and seemed to genuinely enjoy their job. Even with cocktails, the bartenders were excited to show off their skills and interested in my reaction.
COVID*
For those worried about COVID, Virgin has thought of everything. First, every guest and crew member must be fully vaccinated (and they check, unlike other travel) and they must provide a negative COVID test (again checked and verified with even more scrutiny than many border control agents). Had it been a typical four or five day cruise, safety measures are in place if someone contracts COVID while on the ship. I must say it sounds like more of a reward than an inconvenience, and certain discounts and refunds are considered. I am tough on COVID measures because I run a medical diagnostic company that started with COVID testing and we work with a lot of travel stakeholders from passengers to airlines, hotels to cruise ships. Virgin puts its passengers and crew first and it is clear.
*NOTE: There is no conflict of interest with this blog because Virgin is not a client and until writing this blog, no one on the ship knew my background. I was just a lucky plus one who had such an awesome night I felt compelled to shout to the world.
AM I A CRUISE CONVERT?
I think the mark of good experience is one that stays with you and you want to revisit. It has been 10 days since the event and I am still replaying it in my head. I am not a cruiser, but I would certainly cruise the Virgin way.
