ChipLondon

The Suites on Scarlet Lady are awesome, check out our Mega Rock Star Suite, certainly the biggest we have had on any ship. Plus the assistance of our Roadie made it a very special cruise.

2 minutes ago, fubarbloke said:

 

The generic term is social media influencer. Value in exchange for value. Might be cash payments, might be product or services, might be recognition or perks. Like an invitation to a TA sailing.

Yeah I am a real “influencer” unfortunately not, with a massive 150 followers on my Instagram account. Sorry but much to old to fall into that bracket.

12 minutes ago, Exvirginstaff said:

I'm enquiring about a partial refund after the cruise!

So can I ask exactly what partial refund would you find satisfactory, sure you may have been inconvenienced for say 4 hours, therefore about 7% of your time on the ship. So would 7% refund be suitable, surely the OBC already offered covers that for most guests. 

2 hours ago, johnnylikely said:

Wow, wonderful! Thanks so much! Sounds great! So they're able to cope at the dining spaces with the flow of passengers etc x

So far it seems that way, but I would recommend booking dining options on the App as early as possible to get the times you want.

55 minutes ago, fubarbloke said:

 

What's your relationship to Virgin Voyages? Staff? Consultant? Paid influencer? TA? Brother-in-law? Less than 24 hours into the (first public) trip and you're raving about every room, every eatery, every show. No problem with that, so long as the cards are on the table.

Cards on the table, no relationship. However I was lucky enough to join the ship last year for the TA sailing,  mainly because I am a very regular cruiser, and basically they want my custom, so I do know the different spaces well. Where does anyone apply for a paid influencer Job ?? I am on this sailing as a full fare paying guest. Yesterday lunch in Razzle Dazzle, Dinner in Pink Agave, and Breakfast this morning in The Wake.   

So I am lucky enough to be one of the first to sail on the new Scarlet Lady, and as an experienced cruiser I have to say it is different. 

Sure I am aware of some of the challenges people faced at the Testing Centre, but as this is controlled by an outside organization the VV team don’t have full control over this, so lets focus on what the ship is all about.

Once on board the VV experience kicks in and the Crew are clearly happy to be back welcoming guests, from the ( behind masks ) smile to the many Ahoys, the welcome to guests really makes you feel as though the decision to cruise with a new line was the right decision to make.

Now VV are trying to offer a different approach to the cruise experience, and many guests that have cruised with other lines will have to sail with an open mind and understand things are done differently on Scarlet. However the basics are as to be expected, all ships have Cabins Restaurants Bars and Shops but here on Scarlett they do things the Virgin Way.

Don’t expect announcements every hour detailing activities, just check the App ( yes it does work ) anybody booking VV will receive a lot of information,  it is important to read the messages/emails and understand the ability to book restaurants and shows before you even board the ship. Arrange your own schedule around activities and shows.

Cabins are different and of course what you get depends on your choice of investment, the “regular” inside or balcony cabins are exactly as featured on the website, simple but comfortable with the ability to change from a Day seating set up, to a more normal comfortable bed for sleeping. The ambient lighting features enable personal settings along side a number of pre-set themes. If you choose to go for the Suite options then you really step up into a Rock Star lifestyle, with cleverly designed spaces that offer extra facilities including in Suite Bar set-up and really funky bathrooms.

Restaurants are varied, this ship does not have a traditional main dining room, or typical speciality dining options. ALL restaurants are of speciality standards, I could list them all but hey, don’t be lazy check them out on the website or App. I really liked The Wake, Pink Agave, Extra Virgin, Razzle Dazzle and Gun Bae but if I carry on it will be all of them. Oh dont forget The Dock House which is one of the nicest Outdoor spaces on any ship. VV will tell you they have 20+ eateries and they do, sure not all are with table cloth and formal cutlery but you will get a real selection of great food options.

Entertainment is all around the ship, often at times least expected and yet The Red Room is so versatile with a unique way of changing shape to accommodate the many layouts for different styles of entertainment, one minute its a traditional theatre layout, and the next day the changed layout to present the NOT TO BE MISSED “ Dual Reality” performance.

Quite simply folks have faith in what VV are trying to do, please don’t come onboard and start saying “ ohh its not the same as *******” its not supposed to be.

As much as VV is designed to offer an alternative to attract new to cruising guests, it can comfortably cater for experienced cruisers that have open minds.

But lets be honest no mater what changes they make to layout, presentation or offerings, it is the crew that will make or enhance your onboard experience, and they are ready to welcome you into this cruising difference. Those that have future booking are in for a treat.

Sorry you had a poor experience, but to say “everyone” is simply not correct, my experience has been awesome. Yes I accept there were problems at the Testing Centre, but that is run by and outside company not VV, once people got onboard the staff fell over backwards to deliver service to all. Hate the way complainers dont even mention that the company management accepted things could have been better and offered bot free Wine and Beer as well as OBC for everyone. Thanks Scarlet Lady you are a great ship that presents Cruising with a difference.

18 hours ago, sid_9169 said:

They've only had an extra year and a half to prepare for this... The entire cruise line seems to be a comedy of errors so far. I only hope that my long awaited for, and cancelled seven times cruise ends up actually happening in October...

I hope you are actually speaking from experience ( although I doubt it ) as those of us on the ship are receiving great food and service, from an enthusiastic crew. The Testing Centre is outside the control of VV but they are taking all the flak.

On 3/13/2020 at 6:30 AM, mnocket said:

I don't know why there would be a problem posting a link to your FB page unless you are a travel agent - then it might violate rules.

They are a Travel Agent !!!

The Wake ( Steak Restaurant) serves a really good Breakfast / Brunch Menu

I really feel for the team at VV at the moment, it is hard enough to launch a new ship let alone a new cruise Line.

Sorry for those that have had event invites cancelled, but feel for the team that has put years ( and many $ ) into planning the ship and the NY and Miami events.

Have faith my friends the ship is awesome, the crew fun, attentive and knowledgeable. I had the pleasure of sailing on her from Uk to Miami and had agreat time. The Food is good and Entertainment different, the ship has a different vibe in many areas, and the open decks both chill and party.

Those that have booked will have a great time as long as they sail with a positive attitude, and understand the VV is a different experience in many ways. Anyone that posts that its not like other cruise lines will be correct, its not so don’t expect it to be,

Sail with an open mind and remember “Never Sleep Alone” .................that will make sense after your cruise !!!! 

On 3/5/2020 at 3:03 AM, AlyssaJames said:

I don’t like seeing my battered suitcases when I’m on vacation.

 

Oh well. 

There really is no need to ...... The space at the end of the counter top ( in bed first layout ) easily hides a large suitcase. Also despite what others say some suitcases do fit under the bed, and all do if opened up. ( although that makes it harder for Cabin attendant )  Another case could fit under hanging space. 

In our cabin, which has bed first and counter top near the balcony, there is a space for a large suitcase between the dresser and the balcony door, There is also a space between the bed and the bathroom wall or under the cloths hanging rail.

On 3/3/2020 at 7:07 PM, eroller said:

...................no bands for charging (nothing to charge anyway), and not all food items are available on the menus.  
 

Not totally correct we are paying for Drinks and Personal expenditure in Stores,  and for Spa treatments. Yes some are at reduced prices. Most food items are available on most Menus.

23 hours ago, nigelc said:

 

All "fab", well it would be if its free - wonder whether it would be so "fab" if you were paying and not linked to VV? 

Well thanks for your cynical response, I am not linked to VV I am just a very experienced cruiser that they would like to attract across to their line. Those that actually know me are aware that i am more than capable of speaking my own mind, and if you took the time to read all my comments across all media sources you would see that i have commented on various ways.

I can only comment on my own experience, yes the ship is 3 weeks away from receiving full paying guests, and there are some teething issues as one would expect, mainly with IT. All the restaurants are operating as they normally would, shows are not full operational.

My comments were about the food which I found to be “Fab” Okay lets replace that with “Certainly at the standard O would expect if paying the standard rates for VV”. Let’s be clear this ship is not intended for every cruiser, it didn’t set out to be, and some will not like it. In the same way I have not liked other cruise lines in the past. It is aimed at those with a more open and flexible mind, ( when you see Never Sleep Alone you might understand ). For the benefit of those that might be a little jealous that they did not get the same invite as we did, there are also some aspects that don’t suit me, in the same way I dont need or use a Rock Climbing Wall or Water slide on other ships. It doesn’t mean they are bad, it is just not for me and as such i use the facilities that I find appealing.

Here I have a nice Cabin space, I enjoy the food and am having a good cruise. Those that have booked have something to look forward to, BUT .............. manage your expectations and don’t expect everything to be like many other cruise lines. Although the standard Cabins, Selection of Restaurants and Bars are still here. The Open deck is different and Entertainment is creative.  

On 2/13/2020 at 2:36 PM, perditax said:

 

Are you part of the press?

No just a lucky invited guest, the ship is fab, food is fab, nightclub is fab ( hangover is terrible ) thanks

Okay I can clear this up IT IS NOT A BUFFET.....

You cannot serve yourself at any of the food sections, you cannot pile your plate up with a selection of different meals, each serving is prepared for you as per your order. ( maybe with the exception of Bread or Desserts. ) Therefore there is much less food waste, no nobody ( who may have just come out of a bathroom, without washing their hands ) is touching the tongs or service spoons. I really like this area and am on board for a 9 day sailing.

On 2/8/2020 at 9:29 PM, Coreysgrl06 said:

I would like to know about closet space, how much space there is for luggage and what the drink prices are,

It all depends on the cabin you select, it is fairly limited on a standard balcony ( and yes I have been on the ship and seen an actual cabin set up )

16 hours ago, resstation said:

.................Since then, I have been invited to the Miami Inaugural 2 day cruise in mid March, before she starts taking paying passengers. I will finally have the answers everyone keeps asking me about and an idea of WHO would be happiest on this ship. Believe me, I will report. 

That is great for you......I shall actually be on the ship before you taking the 9 night transatlantic sailing before the ship arrives in New York.  So if anyone has any questions i will be happy to answer, them subject of course to permission to disclose such information from VV.

On 2/10/2020 at 11:51 PM, hotsauce126 said:

Literally nobody will have until the end of March 

We are on the ship at the end of February doing the Transatlantic to New York, very excited 

41 minutes ago, John&LaLa said:

How long till first revenue cruise?

Somehow I think this might be a sarcastic question....... but lets go with 18 days !!!!

On 3/28/2019 at 3:40 PM, CruisingNole said:

As a marketing professional, I would market the ship to the market that will actually be buying tickets. Because that's who my customers are. Americans typically don't just decide "hey, let's fly to China to take a cruise, even though we have 50+ of them right here in America." It's just kind of common sense.

Then surely as a “Marketing Professional” you would also realize that generating interest through Social Media actually cost very little. Also my point was not solely about RCL generated information, but across Social Media. I do appreciate there is one thread on here that has been dominated by a few members, but to me there was a lot more excitement for previous ships.

FYI Americans are not the only people that take cruises, there are also people in Europe and Asia as well as the “soon to be” free British cruisers. Some of us will/are choosing to sail on this new ship from Barcelona ( its in Europe ) to Dubai ( not Europe or USA ) and onwards to China ( the real one not China Town ).......sorry to point out that the world does not evolve around Mr Trump ......but for us second class citizens its just common sense !!!!!!!!!

I find it unbelievable that Royal are actually launching a brand new ship in 3 weeks time. However these pages are not not flooded with excitement and posts about Spectrum of the Seas.

Now of course I know that this ship is heading ( from Barcelona ) to the Chinese Market, and yet many of us will either be sailing on this ship, or at least interested in the changes they have made with the introduction of Gold and Silver Suite facilities. Even the Royal marketing machine has been very quite on this one, is there something they don’t want us to know ?? 

I would not worry too much about the Catarmaran area, it is really not large when compared to the overall size of the ship. The main reason why the sun (or lack of it) on any cabin would depend on the position of the sun and direction of travel. This would apply to all cabins, unless on the very top deck.

I have been onboard the ship, and seen “the bed” it is comfortable and the two pieces will have a full matteress topper so it will feel like a regular quality bed.