Freelancer3

We had a wonderful time on this cruise.

The "almost all inclusive pricing model" makes it a joy to cruise.

The big surprise was how much the Test Kitchen food has improved. We almost passed on it, but we were glad we didn't. It was a very good meal. It and the Wake are our current favorites with Pink Agave coming in a close third. 

We enjoyed how much entertainment there was available and personable the entertainers were. There were more than our last VV transatlantic cruise. We found many entertainers including Andy the Charmer to be extremely personable. 

Unchanged was the quality of the Ship Show food. I know others felt it had improved, but we found it about the same and not our favorite. 

Needing improvement was the quality of the gluten free options for my wife. We have been on quite a few VV cruises and my wife found less variety and (in her opinion) uneatable gluten free pizza crust. The pizza manager said its because of a change in vendors. In addition, the pizza seemed to have less toppings on them. As an example, my pepperoni pizza had 4 pieces of pepperoni on it. 

Will we cruise VV again???  Of course we have multiple booked. We really enjoy the people, food and atmosphere. 

I really enjoy VV.

However, I am concerned that VV is forgetting the clients that helped launched them by disclosing their new pricing schemes.

Those of us who are loyal VV cruisers did so for various reasons - one of the major reasons is its price point. I know thats why I tried them and am now preparing to board VV cruise 10. 

I am all for making a profit, but to keep and grow their market share they need to KEEP the loyal VV cruisers , draw in new cruisers, AND convert those of us who cruise a lot. It seems to me that a lot revolves around price (and yes... other factors).

I have looked at VV Caribbean 2025 cruises and I am not that impressed with the launch price. If the price were slightly better, I would have already booked at least one. I have 4 more cruises booked after this one. 

Will I continue to cruise VV? I want to- and will to some extent. Hopefully, they will remain unique, NOT price themselves using the Disney model, and keep some discounted pricing. "Discounted deals" sparks positive social media and will enhance bookings as prices increase due to occupancy. 

Why do I enjoy VV? The 4 big reasons are:  Price, "almost" all included pricing, the quality of the cruise product, and adults only.

53 minutes ago, CineGraphic said:

Our flight on Level/Iberia just landed, and we cleared immigration in less than 5 minutes. The flight was fine. Great crew, ok food. Premium Economy is the way to go….loads of legroom.

 

Thanks for updating on Level. I will look at it for a future trips.

13 hours ago, chillyw said:

VV had a really good deal on the Four Seasons in San Juan so worth checking. I wouldn't do flights through them.

Isnt the Four Seasons San Juan still closed?

Have a wonderful trip! 

10 hours ago, notscb said:

I wonder if anyone who has cruised virgin more regularly could help us figure that out. It's good to know that there's a lot of music around as something I really enjoy about cruising is finding that quiet spot to relax, read a book and listen to the water.

I agree with  Cantetin and brazilgirl and their list of quiet places. My wife and I enjoy quieter places. I spend countless hours in the balcony hammock. If its raining or cooler, we like the Deck 7 chartroom areas close to the long Red Tables. It does depend on the time of day and activities to find the quietest places. If there were no quiet places- VV would not be our favorite cruise line. 

Your pictures are amazing. Well done.

Its not that far of a drive change. Its less than 5 minutes difference between WTC and Terminal A.

Recently booked voyages: the loyalty discount can be applied whether paid in full or partially paid. I dont know how recently it must be booked.

It will apply to most or all voyages. 

There was an extra 10% loyalty discount that was extended  for cruses to the end of 2024 on Sept. 15th. If you spoke to your TA or sailor rep, maybe they refunded it as FVC?

#29

https://www.virginvoyages.com/promotional-terms-and-conditions?item=d6b10f3f-995b-4aa6-8ec8-8cddbbb8d8c1

You must be connected to the ship wifi. This occurs only when on board. It does not connect from the terminal. 

I would suggest that you come in the day before if possible to avoid flight delays.

Very easy. Catch a taxi right out of baggage claim. Its as easy as any other airport in the states.

VV holds back a large percentage of the available times until boarding day. When you board, immediately connect to the ship wifi using the app. From there, you can book reservations. OR, you can go to each restaurant and book it. Dont worry, you will get reservations. To get the times you want, move quickly to secure them immediately after you board. 

We traveled with one of our adult sons. He really enjoyed it and is paying to join us on his second cruise with us next year. 

When you arrive at the port, the porter will write out and attach the bag tags. There is not an option to print in advance.

Mine has not worked for the last couple of hours. I was trying to book dinner reservations....

Im not sure why VV hasn't been able to rebuild a working app with a backend. Unfortunately, the App has been a consistent issue.

1 hour ago, CineGraphic said:

 

We chose Portsmouth to Barcelona, so you'll be boarding her the day we disembark.

Now I need to decide which airport we'll fly into and where we'll stay.

1 hour ago, jon81uk said:

Well that and Brilliant Lady not being ready!

 

But yes I think they expect sailing directly out of Portsmouth will attract more Brits

as it removes some of the travel costs. 
 

We’ve however gone for the Barcelona to Athens cruise as it is a fantastic price and offers more interesting stops.

We are on both. Enjoy!

Encouragement to those concerned about it taking a while to rebook:

This was my 4th cruise cancelled by VV. I was never disappointed by the prior three rebookings. I anticipate this number 4 to go as smooth as the prior 3. I am waiting for for final confirmation as most of you.

2 hours ago, CruisingWalter said:

 

Incredibly rare for VV, that price drop at the beginning of this month was practically unheard of for VV. In general the first month a booking is open is the cheapest you're going to get the VV staterooms. It's basically the Disney model that Tom McAlpin brought over from DCL. After the first month, staterooms slowly inch up.  Our Valiant Lady Thanksgiving cruise was selling at 2.5X the original cruise fare by the time it sold out. 

Agree normally, but the 2025 Caribbean Sea Terrace first day pricing (from memory) is higher than I would expect. 

Interestingly, today, no 2025 dates are showing on the website using my login. Im sure its a fluke and will be back soon (I did log out and back in).

VV has a no tip policy and are paying their crew more. I recommend respecting the wishes of the company to keep their "almost" all included policy. The "almost" policy is what has set them apart from other lines in the industry.

BUT remember to mention the names of helpful crew in the surveys. This is how VV recognizes "excellent in service" individuals. 

Has anyone been able to receive confirmation that their cruise has been rebooked? I was told on the phone it will happen on Monday. Is this the same you have heard?

In San Juan, ships depart from a different port than when they have a stopover.

19 minutes ago, BeasleysMom66 said:

 

The link is in the first open email notifying anyone and everyone that they were cancelling and changing sailings.  

20 minutes ago, jamesv92 said:

It's on the offer request form, select desired voyage drop down. Sorted by ship departures in to 2025.

Thanks!

I am looking on my cancellation email for Brilliant Lady and I dont see the 2025 schedule on it or the where the links take me. Do I have to complete and submit the rebooking form to see the schedule?

5 minutes ago, CanadianCruiser21 said:

I see it too!

Not a lot of detail and not too organized. Still interesting! 
 

19 minutes ago, jamesv92 said:

Just noticed from the brilliant Lady rebooking form the full schedule in to 2025 is now visible if you go to 'select your desired voyage '