diva.diva56

Extending the T/A would not be a good option for those of us who are unable to extend it......... An announcement  by Virgin as to the status of this cruise would be  so helpful to all.

1 minute ago, Jumping Cruiser said:

 

I also was expecting an Amsterdam overnight, as this would line up with what VV have offered in the past. With the first call scheduled for 7th May, should we say that the first cruise will depart Portsmouth on 6th?

 

That would leave 5 days between the proposed end of BL’s TA in Lisbon and her first scheduled cruise from UK. It takes 2 days to get to Portsmouth direct from Lisbon, so let’s just say that they extend the TA until 4th, that would leave 2-nights before the first cruise. They would have enough time to do a quick 2-night press event to possibly build hype for the season, which they usually like to do. HOWEVER, the first thing to be confirmed is whether the TA will actually happen?

The lack of communication from Virgin is getting old. 

21 minutes ago, Ranger1227 said:

We are booked on the 4/20 transatlantic cruise from San Juan.  We are concerned about whether this cruise will take place or not.  I have checked with several agencies that have advertised the cruise and they are concerned as well.  They currently cannot sell any cabins for this cruise and do not believe it is sold out yet.  They say that they do not get any information from VIrgin other than the ship is "inventory control."  We have a backup cruise just in case we feel as though this cruise will get cancelled.  Frustrating.

Totally agree with you! We are also booked and it very frustrating to have no communication from VV.  I seriously doubt I will book a cruise with them in the future.  Their customer service is nonexistant. We also have a back up cruise plan and hotels in multiple departure ports!  If it wasn't for loosing our deposit I would cancel this cruise in a heartbeat. I need to arrive in Lisbon on the first of May so another VV ship doesn't get me there. This is a total disregard on Virgin's part for their customers.

2 hours ago, CanadianCruiser21 said:

Thanks Ulsteinvik,

 

That’s what I was looking for. I guess I won’t be booking flights after all 😞 

They are also not listed on the Lisbon port schedule.....

Are they really waiting until end of August to expand Brilliant Lady voyages and decide on the April 2024 transatlantic?? This is crazy. Does anyone know what's going on with Brilliant Lady?

Has anyone heard any more on this transatlantic cruise?

A lot of time and money spent on accomodations both before and after T/A on 4/20/24.  Not looking good.  Most cruise lines are booking 2025 and there still isn't a decision of spring/summer 2024.

Other means to get to Lisbon are adding up in costs.  First time VV cruiser and I am not impressed with the total lack of customer service on this voyage.

56 minutes ago, FlyingAnchor said:

Where did you see these? 

Received an email from virgin 

5 hours ago, Fogcityca13 said:

From this article it sounds like they have modified the life boat arrangement and the aft overhang so she can pass through the canal. No clue what they mean by aft overhang, maybe the dock’s side overhangs? I do hope they decide if Brilliant will sail some of the Northern Europe routes soon. I’ve been looking at Celebrity as a backup.

 

https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/01/virgin-voyages-building-a-brand/

The new promos are out and they only talk about 3 ships in 3 different regions.  No mention of Brilliant Lady. Custom service is still insisting the cruise is going to Lisbon. (Spoke with a supervisor today). "Don't worry if it's canceled we will let you know" I do not have a good feeling on this one.

3 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

Why muck with going to New York when by staying on the train for fifteen minutes you can get to Newark Penn Station, an easy taxi ride to Port Liberty?

Thank you

4 hours ago, GTJ said:

One of the criticisms I had of Royal Caribbean International (and Celebrity Cruises) when it decided to move from New York to Bayonne was the lack of transportation to Bayonne. New York is readily accessible and walkable while Bayonne is not. Although a few few number of bus lines have taken a chance with bus service direct to Cape Liberty in Bayonne, it is the exception rather than the rule. There is local public transportation to Bayonne, but none that goes to Cape Liberty itself, nor is Cape Liberty readily walkable. In short, Cape Liberty is an awful place to get to (other than by private automobile).

 

Nothing direct from Rhode Island. At best, you can travel from Rhode Island to New York (both Amtrak and Peter Pan Bus Lines do that well), but the gap to Bayonne is not good. There's a bus from New York to Bayonne (New Jersey Transit route 119), and trains from New York to Bayonne (PATH subway to Hoboken or Jersey City, connecting to New Jersey Transit light rail), but all the bus stops and train stations in Bayonne are distant from Cape Liberty and require either taxi/TNC service or an uncomfortable hike.

Thank you 

Does anyone know of a current bus service from RI to Cape Liberty cruise port in NJ? Apparently the cruise lines are no longer offering this option.