keels81

45 minutes ago, MeganGC1983 said:

It’s funny how you change as a cruiser. I use to hate sea days. I wanted all the ports, all the time. Now as I sit on the Lido in the sunshine, music playing, water calm, this is fantastic. Nothing that has to be done. Everyone is doing what they want. I’m watching older ladies take fireball shots, a man read his newspaper, and a family about to head into the human stew, hot tub on 11. Good times. 

Isn't it crazy? I feel like I lost so much life/time/fun being "inside" for the 16+ months of the pandemic, that even something as simple as a sea day is just the most perfect thing. Ports are fun but most of the time I'm like "get me back to my clamshell!". 

Menu change or no, I've always enjoyed Sea Day brunch on the smaller ships because I think the food has been better, which also means it's usually on a trip when I'm with my husband.

I'm usually not a morning eater (or morning person, for that matter ... I usually eat lunch around 2-3p.m and dinner after 9 p.m.), but for some reason I will just crush a pancetta scramble on Sea Day Brunch. The brunch spaghetti is pretty great too. 

On the other hand, my husband's favorite meal is breakfast/brunch and he loves that he can get his fill of both sweet and savory plates with zero judgement. 

I think it's a nice break from the buffet or Blue Iguana. Would I be in on an upcharge brunch at, say, steakhouse? Absolutely. But I think what is on offer as part of included dining is a nice change of pace.

On 10/9/2022 at 5:53 AM, Saint Greg said:

Are you doing a b2b? There’s a bye week between the MNF game and the Falcons game. 

S2S on the Beyond.

On 9/20/2022 at 12:58 PM, Saint Greg said:

This morning I got the dreaded flight change email for my Celebration cruise. Having me get into Miami at 2pm instead of 11am. And changing my debarkation day flight from 11:30 to 7am. That's a no go right there. I think I'm going to be able to work it out by flying in and out of Fort Lauderdale. Those flights are $200-300 cheaper as well. I'll probably blow some if not all of that on transportation and a Sunday sports bar since I'd have to get an evening flight out of Fort Lauderdale on that Sunday.

I'm flying into Fort Lauderdale and staying on the beach the night before our Celebration sailing. Luckily for me, the Saints play on MNF football during the cruise, so I know I'll be able to watch the game easy peasy.

Waiting to book my flight back to see when they announce kick for the Falcons game. Right now, all my cheapest options are in the evening, so it might all work out in my favor anyway.

Voodoo Moon on the MG this summer was freaking amazing, so I'm really excited for these new shows! 60 days for me!

5 hours ago, MeganGC1983 said:

This is the first Bahamas stint for the kids. Hopefully the beaches impress versus Cozumel and Progreso 😆 I’m excited to see Half Moon Cay for the first time, but other than that, I feel like I’ve spent most of 2022 in the Bahamas. Definitely missing iguanas in other ports. 

The only beach I think is currently better than HMC is Bimini, but that's only honestly because Bimini doesn't require a tender. 

6 hours ago, Batman5924 said:

The ship was great.  I never once thought about the funnel and the layout is amazing.  The conquest class ships are very functional.

Just chiming in to say I love the Conquest ships and find them extremely functional as well -- I think the layout lends to better, quicker service. I love the Valor.

10 minutes ago, cruizergal70 said:

Then why are people so impressed and touched by the artifice? How is pretend land considered "better?"

So, I'm intrigued by a lot of your responses on this thread and others ... humor me, if you will.

When was your last cruise -- line and itinerary -- and when is your next one?

And when was your last land vacation -- airline, destination and resort -- and when is your next one?

Also, the Visa issues are real and not limited to just Carnival. I'm just off the Scarlet Lady and a significant percentage of crew are still on-board four-plus weeks after their contract was supposed to end as they are waiting for replacements to arrive or are dealing with late-arriving replacements to train into their positions (this includes entertainment roles). This was roughly one in five crew that I spent conversation time with. 

The new crew was supposed to have at least two weeks of sailings under their belt before Branson's birthday sailing on the 17th and at this rate, many existing crew will still be there training new staff.

The Visa thing is real.

The demand for Cucina is overrated by you and obviously they've been able to look at the covers that are actually paid for and not comped by the casino or as make-goods and have decided that the staff needed to operate that as a paid establishment (at $18 or whatever a person) is not worth it while they're understaffed and the backhouse/cook team is better utilized to help alleviate backlogs for the MDR.

Also, they just opened up Club Ocean to 2-4 year olds starting this week's sailings. They make no money off that, but will definitely see a return in bookings now that parents have a place for the toddlers to go for a few hours so they can enjoy some alone time. I'm happier to see that return than Cucina.

1 minute ago, brownc424 said:

To be honest, it's not as nice a hotel as the one in Cabos, but I liked it so much better in almost every way. 

 This comment just literally made my day. Thank you for liking such an important place in the city I love so much!

On the Breeze for Sailabration, they still wanted to see hard docs in addition to VeriFly for verification because the system was knew to them.

On the Vista and Horizon in April, it was "show me the green" on VeriFly and let me scan your boarding pass. Took maybe a minute, if that.

I'm a VeriFly stan.

1 minute ago, brownc424 said:

If you stay at a nicer hotel, let's just say The Roosevelt (A Waldorf Astoria) in New Orleans. In a regular room, as an unknown. You'll get great service all around, all of the food options will be good, you won't have to wait particularly long for help, service, or even a taxi.

 

You also get access to the best fried chicken and red beans & rice the city has to offer, but that's just me being a New Orleanian. 🥰

I love what everyone has to say on this thread and it is really making reconsider lines that I previously was disinterested in trying/returning to.

I cruise with basically three groups of people -- my Mom, my husband and my girlfriends/#framily.

My Mom only likes the really high-end lines (Viking, Regent, etc.). My husband and I have the highest status on Celebrity and Carnival. And girlfriends/#framily -- we do mostly Carnival and Disney.

I find the most value in Carnival because the people are friendly, it gets me where I want to go and leaves enough in the bank account where I can do unique/spendy/once in a lifetime excursions like cabanas or private charters for snorkeling or even things like tidepool snorkeling or three-climate summit-to-sea cycling in Alaska. And then I can get back on a ship and not have to make dinner for myself or mix a drink for myself or even clean my room. And then do it all over again the next day. 

I think what I'm trying to say is -- the destination is what I pick. Some ships themselves are destinations, some ports are destinations and some journeys are the destination. I'll find a way to make it work financially. I'm knocking off a couple bucket list trips next year and that will mean my cruising funds for 2024 are more available to try new lines.

About the capacity thing -- the beverage director told me our sailing (6/29) was at 860 people, roughly the same as the previous sailing. They were hoping to have capacity upped to around 1000 for these sailings, but it "all depends on Branson" and that the first sailing with 2/3rds or so capacity would be his birthday cruise and that would be the capacity going forward.

Personally, if they can pull it off financially, I do think it is smart to leave it at a smaller capacity so people can experience more of what the ship has to offer (also, while they work out kinks and menu refinements and the like) and share the pictures, positive reviews, experiences, etc., with friends on social and word of mouth.

I had a class with The Foodie and just in conversation, we discovered that this was the second sailing where the Test Kitchen switched the traditional (aka non-vegan/vegetarian menu) on sea day of the sailing to the new menu. I'd had the original menu (mushroom, egg, blue cheese) just the night before and had the pictures to show her. 

So I definitely think capacity controlling sailings helps them refine how they want the capacity sailings to go -- from changing menus up so people don't pre-book so much dining, but instead let the menus guide their plans to even changing times of on-board entertainment the day before to keep things more fluid and flexible.

Pre-Cruise Fun: Miami

We hit the Turnpike around 1pm for the 3.5 hour drive down to Miami. Luckily for me, it was a rare time that Mr. Worldwide was behind the wheel ... and I was really glad because it rained HEAVILY for most of the drive.

About 45 miles outside of Miami, the skies cleared and we were welcomed into town with blue sky and white fluffy clouds!

Our pre-cruise stay was to be at the Solé Miami in Sunny Isles Beach, a Noble House property. Usually, when Mr. Worldwide or the girls and I visit Miami, we stay in South Beach, Wynwood or Brickell. But my Mom prefers private beach access and The EDITION didn't have any availability, so we decided to try somewhere new.

It was definitely new, and very ... different. Sunny Isles Beach is a beautiful area, but it's definitely residential and there was nothing really close within walking distance. We were also staying on a Tuesday night, so the hotel bar and restaurant was not open and the pool bar closed at 5. This presented a challenge, but we took it head on.

We were staying in a two-bedroom city view suite with actually turned out to be a two-bedroom lock-off (which was actually preferred by us!).

What does that mean? A lock-off means there's one door to a private hallway that has doors to two rooms!

Living/Kitchenette area of 1906A, the "suite" portion of the two-bedroom lock-off at Solé Miami.

The lock-off had one standard room with a balcony, and one one-bedroom suite with a living area and small kitchenette. Fun fact -- the silver pull-out drawer by the sink? No, it's not a chiller/wine cooler ... it's a dishwasher. Which was curious since there were no actual dishes in the unit except for the two glasses in the bathroom.

A quick look at the areas of the rooms!

Both bedrooms had queen beds and were simple, stylish and beachy-bright.

The living area of the suite had a couch, chair, dresser with TV and two separate balconies.

The bathrooms featured both a rainfall shower and a deep soaking tub.

We decided to head down the street for happy hour and ended up at Il Mulino for wine and cheese, while we mapped out a place for my Mom and Mr. Worldwide to taunt me with seafood and shellfish for dinner.

We were looking for something seafood-y, with a good atmosphere and cocktails and potentially al fresco dining since it was almost sunset. We discovered Juniper on the Water, called a Lyft and we were on our way!

It really is a beautiful space with a great cocktail and wine list. If you're staying in a more residential area of Miami, I would definitely recommend a visit! A look at our food:

Ahi Tuna Nachos -- these were an off-menu special and were insanely delicious. 

Dozen oysters -- Mom and Mr. Worldwide opted for a mix of the East, West and Gulf oyster of the day.

Chorizo and clam linguine, finished in a white wine cream sauce.

Steamed mussels also finished in a white wine-cream sauce

My mashed potatoes because I was being a jealous, pouty, brat.

Another quick Lyft back to the Solé, where my Mom and I settled in for the night -- Mr. Worldwide opted to go dive-bar hopping for a bit.

I made sure all my documents were saved and at the ready and tried to close my eyes. I was mere hours away from CRUISE DAY.

55 minutes ago, KmomChicago said:

I am keeping Virgin way over on the bottom of the short list. They do seem to have several positive attributes and during off season you can find some great prices. 

If you liked all the quick eats options on the Mardi, you are going to LOVE The Galley and other locations on the VV ships. They'll blow your mind.

Pre-Cruise Fun: Orlando and a Michelin Star

As I said, this cruise would be part of a birthday celebration for my Mom. Her birthday was the 26th, so on the 25th, Mr. Worldwide and I packed up the dogs and our stuff and hit the road for the long, boring drive from New Orleans to Orlando. We usually stay with my Mom for about a month or so (Mother Nature willing, of course ... thanks for last year, Hurricane Ida), so we planned the birthday festivities to coincide with our trip.

After what seemed like an eternity on I-10, we were in Orlando and decamped at her house for the month.

Breaux and Belle pay the Puppy Tax. They're good road-tripping doggos.

The Michelin Guide recently launched its first edition focused on Florida, and as luck would have it I had already made reservations for a birthday dinner at the first restaurant in Orlando to receive a Michelin Star -- Capa at the Four Seasons Resort!

Located on the top floor of the resort, Capa boasts views of all the Walt Disney World theme parks ... which would mean fireworks views! Who doesn't love tapas with a side of fireworks?!

A look at the menu:

And a look at our food!

In order from top left: marinated olives, gambas, red snapper crudo, pan con tomate with manchego,
West Coast oysters with fresh grated horseradish, and mushrooms with sabayon

In order from top left: ham croquetas, pork belly, patatas bravas, pulpo, vanilla ice cream In Tawny Port and Chocolate Lava cake

We also ordered a hanger streak (cooked rare), but the two jerks I was dining with (Mr. Worldwide and my Mom) ate all but a small piece of it while I was out watching fireworks. And since any foodie know that "the camera eats first", I'll spare you a picture of a smidgeon of meat on a largely empty plate. Just imagine the most tender, flavorful, well-cooked piece of hanger steak you can imagine and that's it.

Did I mention fireworks? First up was Harmonious at Epcot!

And then Enchantment at Magic Kingdom!

Last summer, I was diagnosed with a late-in-life shellfish and mollusk allergy which has been pretty life-crushing for your ole pal Keels. Shrimp, crab and oyster were weekly staples in my diet so going without them has been rough. During dinner, we played the game of "Keels Guesses What it Tastes Like" and our server -- Jenny -- got a real kick out of it. 

As a surprise, before our dessert course, she asked us if we were willing to try something the chef was playing around with as a potential dessert offering -- and being the good foodie guinea pigs (NOT THE KIND YOU EAT OK), of course we said yes!

It was housemade salted vanilla ice cream topped with tawny port -- basically a port affogato, which was perfect foreshadowing of a future dessert on the Scarlet Lady. Let me tell you, this was AMAZING. The salt of the ice cream set off the sweetness of the port and I couldn't get enough. I'm going to start doing this at home when I need a little "treat yo'self" pick-me-up because it was just that decadent and good.

We talked a little bit about the whole Michelin experience and Jenny told us how the head chef had every member that worked in the restaurant during Michelin judging sign the back of the star plaque that hangs in the reception lobby. You could tell it was a total team effort from top to bottom to earn the recognition -- and it was MUCH deserved. 

It doesn't hurt that Capa is an absolutely beautiful dining space.

I think my Mom was happy with the fireworks show that Mr. Worldwide and I arranged for her!

On our way out, we spotted the display seal recognizing Capa as purveyor of Miyazaki Gyu beef. Pretty cool! 

If you're ever in Orlando for a trip or Disney vacation, definitely put Capa on your must--do list ... even if its just for their STELLAR happy hour on the rooftop patio. Many of the items we had for dinner are featured on the happy hour menu and all are excellent. I'm a Jaleo fan (at Disney Springs), but right now I'd put Capa over Jaleo as the best restaurant in Disney property. 

The 27th was spent packing and running those last few pre-trip errands. And then on the 28th, we dropped the doggos at camp for the week and hit the road to Miami

4 hours ago, RollingMeadows said:

Anyone with a riff raff comment has never been on a truly AI cruise. We've been on all of one and had another booked before Covid hit and the line (Crystal) went under. There is no service on earth like that of an AI ship. The passenger to crew ratio is more like 3-1 than 50-1, or whatever it is on a family cruise line.

 

I won't bother going into all the differences I noticed on my single week-long fancy cruise, but it is a really wonderful experience and worth the cost. If you never do it again, you can at least say you were treated like royalty for a few days. I'm so sad to see Crystal go. It was an affordable experience for us, though it sure isn't for everyone.

 

I've been looking at other luxury lines to see what we can/want to afford and the prices are pretty far out there. I think I'd rather put the money into a new car. lol Still, this type of cruise will forever be on our radar and if I see something on RSSC, Seabourn or Silversea that piques our interest, I'l book it with only a moderate cringe of financial hesitation. It's a big $$$ step, that's for sure, but it was absolutely worth it to us.

 

P.S. We have sailed on Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Holland and Crystal. We have a Celebrity cruise booked for this December. We used to sail exclusively on Carnival. Now we're excited to play the field and try anything new.

I had a way too long post that disappeared about my love for Crystal (RIP) but I completely agree with you!

For us, the destination was the Crystal ship itself and what a destination she was. I just loved that my husband and I could enjoy each other, sleep in, take our time with dinner, etc., without feeling rushed or crowded. Virgin Voyages felt really similar to Crystal -- the ship is a modern, trendy destination ... I didn't even get off the ship in Key West. I would've paid a higher fare to have cocktails included on Scarlet Lady, but the offerings and program were top-shelf and I didn't feel the prices were unreasonable compared to what I pay for a quality cocktail at a nice bar here in New Orleans.

(Spoiler Alert: I did!)

Hi everyone! My name is Keels and I'm just off the Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady after a fantastic four-day Fire & Sunset Soirée sailing!

I'd originally planned to do this as a day-by-day review of the trip, but I've got a big #framily reunion coming up on Friday and I'm feeling the crunch, so instead I'll do an aspect by aspect review of the ship and voyage while it's still fresh in my mind!

First up: about me!

(See, I told you there was champagne!)

I'm a 40-something freelance travel writer/content producer based in the best city in the U.S. -- New Orleans!  Being a southern gal, I don't need much to make me happy -- give me a friendly face, some foodie fun and a good cocktail and I'm all set. Which is why I'd had my eye set on a Virgin cruise for quite a while.

My travels generally include my husband, my mom and my best girlfriends and this cruise would be no different. The husband (we'll call him Mr. Worldwide) and I decided to take my mom on the cruise to celebrate her birthday!

(Isn't she a total Betty?!)

Now that we've all met, let's get down to business. I'm going to break this review up into a few different categories (I'll link them back here as I post them):

* Pre-Cruise Fun (Orlando, Miami and a Michelin star!)

* The Ship

* The Food

* The Fun

* The Ports

* Overall Thoughts

* Who is Virgin Voyages ACTUALLY for

Thanks for this, Jimbo!! I'm on the Scarlet Lady right now but just a couple weeks from my big friends trip back on the Mardi Gras and this is making me so excited!!

Have you noticed if Club Ocean is open for 2-5yos? No big deal, just saw it was open on this current sailing on the Magic so we've got our fingers crossed!!

Enjoy the rest of your cruise!

I'm on the same sailing and our group got our stateroom assignments between 3-6 p.m. ET today (Monday, 6/27). Pretty pleased with where all of us have been slotted.

Seas you real soon!

The Breeze is my second-favorite ship right behind the Mardi Gras, so it makes me so happy to hear that newbies loved her just as much as I do!

I really love the Dream class of ships, as well as the Conquest class of ships. The Vista class are my least favorite by far ... but I could be convinced to like them if somehow the Panorama gets moved to New Orleans in the future.

3 hours ago, havanadaydreaming said:

I dont recall ever seeing blantons at sea. Ill be sure to grab a couple this weekend if i see it.  

The bar at the Steakhouse will almost certainly have Blanton's. Husband has recently had it on the Magic, Valor and Horizon. Most people don't seem to know that you can go to the bar in the Steakhouse without having a reservation. I don't think you can eat there, but you can definitely get access to their wine and spirits list.

43 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

I'm not much for sports - but if they start offering wings in the sports bar, I'll be there!

 

Tom

You can get a couple different kinds of wings delivered to the Sports Bar for the $5 fee. Same with pizza, cheesesteak and spicy fried shrimp.

BetMGM's iGaming group also does online poker ... I hope this means upgrades and expansions to the existing digital tables. Which, they're fine but could be WAY better.