rbt001

So for any others that REALLY like to gamble on board and not pack a suitcase of cash...  this might be disappointing.

According to the Sailor Services agent I spoke with --who placed me on hold to consult and get the answer-- the daily maximum casino charge is $1,000.

I'm used to a $3,000 limit on NCL, Princess and Carnival.

If anyone reads this that booked through a casino tour operator who told them something different, please post what you've heard.  I'd appreciate it.

1 hour ago, twodjs said:

Rbt001 - ah yes, casino perks...when the Casino manager recognizes us and greets us by name the first day without looking at the name on the machine, and we get free cabin and gambling money offers ... maybe we're spending just a bit too much time there! But we do love those perks! 

EXACTLY!  I'll never forget the day in a local casino when a host I had never been introduced, greeted me by name as I was walking by them.  Scary.

I'll be sure to share casino details after my March cruise. 

I've been to Bimini a few years ago when there was a fast ferry (the one today is different) service between Miami and the island as part of a casino comp.  The deep water pier was built rather quickly to accommodate the ferry, intended to bring guests to the casino and its new resort hotel branded as a Hilton.  At the time, there was a tram/shuttle service between the pier, hotel/casino, and their beach club which I believe was also up at the north end of the island.  A resort fee was added to hotel guest accounts (as a fee ineligible for comping) that was said to include the complimentary shuttle service.  

The morning that I was leaving, I was on a shuttle that made it's way up to the beach club before driving to the pier.

This is NOT a walk I would suggest taking.  I'm not even sure that they will allow guests to walk on foot from where the ship will dock, along the long narrow road to land (as you see in the satellite image provided.)  

It only makes sense that VV has contracted with the resorts shuttle service to provide for the ... once a week?... ship's visit to the island.

I'm pretty sure most of this infrastructure was built by Genting to support their Resorts World Casino.  Initially, when the casino first opened and the hotel was not yet built, the fast ferry used tenders to bring guests ashore and that was problematic.  Some of their Day Cruises to Bimini (intended for gamblers) would arrive to bad weather, so passengers never got ashore.  That's when the pier was built.  

When I took the trip and we docked at the pier, it was late night.  I vaguely remember a makeshift, warehouse immigration, followed by separate queues on the pier to wait for a shuttle, depending upon your destination.  Noone was allowed to walk the long narrow stretch, and there was a guard at the one end.

As far as golf cart rentals....

If you look at the first image provided and image moving east along the long corridor from ship's docking to land and continue in that direction until you see the circle in the road, then continue east to a marina area, this is where there used to be  --and probably still are--golf cart rentals.  I'm pretty sure it's a stop for the resort trams, since there's a few restaurants and shops there.  Incidentally, it's where customs and immigration were set up when the fast ferry used tenders.  Even then there was a shuttle up to the casino.

56 minutes ago, AlyssaJames said:

I think this is newish text added to the page with the drinks pricing:

 

Cheers to fair pricing.

We heard you, Sailors. No complicated drinks packages with unreasonable rules here. Just good value for all. 

 

They've also added some more booze types to "cocktails": Herradura Plata, Mount Gay, Tanqueray, Jack Daniels

This implies that they did some market research on what people wanted. 

 

Actually, I look at this text as pure spin.  I believe they made the decision on reasonably priced drinks, a la carte, quite some time ago, and are sticking with it.

This thread was started by a Millennial who-- based upon the comments she's posted-- has taken VV off her list for now since a "No Drinks Package" cruise is a deal breaker (posts #1, #3, #6, #15, #101, #107, #111), because keeping track of how much she drank would cause undue stress (posts #24, #45, #52, #140).

I can remember my first cruise as an adult and recent college graduate in 1984.  There was NO SUCH THING as a Drink Package.  And even on my college-style budget, there wasn't any hesitation on ordering the morning eye opener at the bar:  cocktails were... "reasonably priced" --- even for a college kid.(No, mommy & daddy, were NOT sponsoring any part of the trip!)

Perhaps VV is taking us back to those more gentler times where not ordering another was simply a product of "I've had enough" rather than "I can't afford it at those prices."

This also makes me remember a Princess cruise a few years back.  Five of us sat in the lounge off the atrium for pre-dinner cocktails, our cards out to pay.  Meanwhile two ELDERLY couples plopped down at a nearby table and were greeted by their cocktail server, ready to take drink orders. 

TheFoursome:  "We want you to serve us the free stuff," from the party in the atrium.

Server:  "Well, sir, that won't begin for another 20 minutes.  Would you like something else in the meantime?"

TheFoursome:  "No.  We'll wait for the free drinks!"

Perhaps even that foursome will splurge for a cocktail --and no worry of tipping-- with VV's reasonable prices!

3 hours ago, twodjs said:

No problem - we have gradually moved up the ladder - now staying in suites on some lines, just larger cabins on others. We like the extra square footage that the larger cabins provide and also enjoy a decent sized balcony. We are fond of cabins in the back of the ship. So the Cheeky Corner with the "even bigger balcony" seems like a perfect fit - not right under the top public deck where chair scraping can be an issue, and a few decks above the public space below. The included pick-up and delivery before and after the cruise, along with the perks of VIP access to the the top area of the ship and on Bimini are pretty cool. Always appreciative of everyone and of life. I've spoiled my wife and now there's no going back. 🙂

Thank you.  As you say, you've grown accustomed to suites.  You did mention the reasons why I selected a suite for my upcoming Sneak-a-Peek cruise:  the perks.  With Elite status on Princess and access to elite level perks on other Carnival brands because of casino activity, it was tough to think about going without on a new line.  I chose a "Seriously Suite" (not sure how it gets that name) over just a Terrace View Room, and I'm counting the days!

11 minutes ago, creativegenius said:

Since the link isn't working now, the moderator is welcome to delete this thread. 

I'd say leave it because it's still interesting to note as a point of progress on the ship as she makes her way to the first paid sailing.

To me, this is an indication that the ship will ready for passengers, whereas the decision not to sell the transatlantic voyage most likely means the ship is not ready.  The crossing probably will be used to place soft goods.

That the NYC event is walk-on/walk-off and NOT an overnight indicates that the ship still may not have all the staterooms ready.  The activities appear to be confined to public space, though there probably will be some staterooms "on display" for viewing.

It seems the "drop dead" date to be ready is March 17th for the FamTrip out of Miami that someone else informed in another thread.

I'm glad you did post the link.  Had it worked for me and I was able to reserve, I would have flown up from South Florida just for the event.

10 hours ago, twodjs said:

You're probably pretty close in your predictions. However, we are both 68, in the upper tier of both HAL and Celebrity and, like many in 60-and-up group, are financially secure. We are frankly fed up with the piss poor loyalty perks offered especially by HAL. More than you think have moved on or are considering moving to the more inclusive, pricier cruise offerings of Viking, Seabourn and Regent. For those with the right mindset, and love of life, Virgin is a viable option. We've got a Cheeky Corner Suite booked for a B2B in November. Looking forward to your review!

Would you mind sharing what went into your decision to purchase a Suite?  On the other lines you frequent, do you normally travel in a Suite, or were there other factors that influenced your decision?

I don't think that link you posted was ever intended for the general public, based upon one of the Q&A's listed:

Looks like I won’t be able to make it. Can I invite someone else in my place?

I’m sure if you love them, we will as well. However, this invite is just for you. But we hope to welcome your mate on board in the future.

You noted that you didn't try to register.  It's only when you click on the registration button that the Registration Not Available, contact the planner message appears.

13 minutes ago, AlyssaJames said:

 

You ignored all the other reasons they aren’t having kids, but ok ...

Not really....

I still have the article open in another window and here are the bullet point reasons given:

• The Great Recession Happened
• Having a Kid is expensive
• Fewer Millennials are getting Married
• Cultural Expectations are shifting
• Parenting's a tough job

The first three topics pointed directly to money or a lack of it.  The fourth point notes that many Millennials do prioritize having children, but the trend is smaller families, fewer children in a family, but still having children.

Lastly, "parenting's a tough job".... well yes, I guess it is for our precious snowflakes who can't get 3 year old Johnny to stop standing on his chair and making loud outbursts, disrupting surrounding guests trying to enjoy a $75-$100 per person meal in a restaurant.  

Perhaps VV is targeting all of us that find this conduct unacceptable, and that's why parents are not permitted to bring their children.

10 hours ago, younglegend said:

Millennials are the largest living generation (overtook Boomers in 2019). To speak about them, their income, their family size in broad swaths is a fruitless exercise. This ship holds 2,800 passengers, there are probably enough high-income, children-less millennials to keep the boat afloat.  That said, I doubt their target is a single age cohort. It is most likely a combination of primary and secondary targets that includes non-cruisers, experienced cruisers who want something different and more modern, couples, and solo travelers. As they expand, they will likely expand their target audience. They've even said so much.

 

-A marketer who is also a millennial.

Yes, I agree with you.  Especially with your doubt that they are targeting a single age cohort.  

I started commenting in this thread because it seems many feel VV is targeting Millennial's in particular.  I really do not think they are.  Will there be Millennial's on board?   Yes, of course.  But my guess is there will be Gen X and Baby Boomers.

9 minutes ago, AlyssaJames said:

But less chance than you think:

 

https://www.moneyunder30.com/are-millennials-really-having-fewer-kids

I read the article and it explains the correlation between lower birth rates and poor economic conditions.  Another article on the same website notes that Millennial's are "one of the poorest generations in years."  This is attributed to student debt and poor credit.  And both of those reasons are cited in the article you mention as reasons why Millennial's are deferring both marriage and having children.  

So...  in very general terms... broke Millennial's don't have kids nor money to take a VV cruise.  And Millennial's who are financial secure more likely have children.

Of course there are financially secure Millennial's without children who are candidates for VV.  But readings suggest this is not the norm.

There sure is a lot of speculation as to whom VV is targeting for their cruises.

Many have said Millennial's  

Someone else posted  "Virgin is targeting young non-cruisers..."  which common sense tells us is far from the truth.  Non-cruisers?  VV is smart enough to go after people that ENJOY cruises and know what they are all about, as opposed to people that have no desire to go on a cruise.  VV isn't foolish to think they can change people habits and fill their ships with people that haven't cruised before.

My belief is that VV with attract Gen X and Baby Boomers with disposable income.  People that have experience with cruise lines and that are looking to fill a void or shortcoming they've identified on their favorite line.  The children born to Gen X and Baby Boomers are adults and on their own, making it easier for these pre-retired individuals to pick up and go on a cruise. 

It would be surprising if seniors age 68 and older made up more than 15% of the passengers.  These folks are loyalists (top tier in loyalty programs) and would be giving up a considerable amount of perks they are used to on their current line when they sail VV and start at the bottom.  Additionally, VV's inclusive pricing probably raises fares above their price-points, since they prefer discounts and a la carte pricing.  

Another case against Millennial's is that they are of child-bearing age.  There's a good chance that if they have disposable income, they have started a family, making VV unsuitable for a family vacation.

Just my thoughts.  I'll see for my own eyes in 38 days.

I had the same issue last week.  Tried using Chrome, Edge, and IE as browsers, including Incognito for Chrome.  No luck.  Then when I called and an agent accessed my booking, I was then able to view my reservation again.

My current issue is that the ITS GO TIME button does not function.  My reservation is for a suite, so I thought we'd have access by now.  Anyone have luck when they press the red ITS GO TIME Button?

On 2/7/2020 at 5:26 PM, younglegend said:

Love the bands. It also mentions the band is how they know where you are for delivery, which is great, but also means they can track your exact location at all times throughout the ship. Not sure how I feel about that.

I'm not a tech expert, so if one is reading this, then further enlighten us...

but I believe this is RFID technology.  Chances are there's a passive RFID Chip (meaning no power) in the bracelet, similar to what's in a passport or passport card.  When the chip comes within close enough range to a reader, it can be identified, such as holding it close to the cabin door lock mechanism.  

Passport cards and Global Entry cards, which both have RFID chips, come with a foil-lined card holders which defeats RFID readers.

So to remain incognito on board, simply wrap it in a strip of aluminum foil.

6 hours ago, garymfreedman said:

They have been VERY sneaky at posting things...

Sneaky?  Perhaps if I were a negative and eternally pessimistic person, I would say such a thing, but I'm not, so I won't say they are sneaky.

Instead I will believe that to build and continue interest, they are gradually releasing information on their website.  It keeps people interested and they go back to the website for more.  And yes, it's a great way to allow those undecided items to wait and be posted when they are finalized.

But then again, people fall in three camps:

The glass half full,

The glass half empty...

and those special ones where

The glass half empty is evaporating to nothing.

Hopefully VV will attract MORE passengers who view:

the glass is half full... and with the shake of the app the glass is soon overflowing, and

Attract LESS passengers who complain that the free water refill stations weren't where they wanted them or the water dispensed too slowly. 

21 hours ago, Coreysgrl06 said:

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

Drink prices are posted on their website:  beer is $5-$6, basic cocktails $9 and many wines by the glass under $10.

On 7/31/2019 at 5:28 PM, LewiLewi said:

We have been on well over a hundred cruises. The short amount of time and the nothing special ports on this Scarlet Lady cruise ship don"t add up to the cost of these cruises.

Why would anyone pay this much for a short nothing cruise?

I think another interpretation of this thread's title --and perhaps more accurate-- would be:

I'd never spend that much money on this cruise concept!

Especially since these cruises offer far more that the "short nothing cruise" the OP characterizes.  

20 hours ago, skridge said:

As long as they are actually giving the workers the money, I applaud them for not allowing cheap people to screw the hard workers out of their hard earned money.  I can't stand cheap and entitled people. 

 

I certainly agree with you:  there's a whole camp that believes it's perfectly acceptable ask for the service charge to be removed.  

But note that the way most line administer the service charge, it's more like a labor cost subsidy for the cruise line.  More directly, the impact over time is felt by passengers as the daily service charge amount and the cruise fares were increased to cover costs.

Yesterday I noticed a new item on my To Do list as part of my reservation for the March 26th cruise:

•  

  The next step for you is booking your onboard experiences (and there are lots to choose from).

  IT'S GO TIME

But the IT'S GO TIME red button does nothing.  I've booked a Rockstar Suite, so I think we're given lead time ahead of other passengers, but nothing happens yet.

Yes, I was told 50 mile radius also, so both MIA & FLL are within range.

The website indicates that MegaRockstarSuite guests will have daily complimentary access.

I had called with another question and then asked about this.  The answer is there isn't an answer yet.

I just called to ask a question about the upcoming sailing on March 26.  I'm sure the telephone agents are doing the best they can with the information they have, but in answering a question, this was said:

...since this is just a sneak-a-peek sailing, everything might not be operational... 

...some of the eateries may have limited hours...

Has anyone else that's spoken to an agent heard similar push backs on what to expect for the sneak-a-peek sailings?

WELL, THERE YOU GO!  IT DOES LOOK LIKE THERE WILL BE A DRINK PACKAGE...

... of sorts for "sailors" in MegaRockstarSuites:

Daily bar tab

This was added since my last visit.  It would be reasonable to exclude ultra premium liquors and wines, which the choice of words suggests to me.  But it sounds even better than the NCL free drink package in that there's no payment for gratuities; it's all inclusive in the room.

Note that this does not apply to Rockstar Suites, which only include the "first round" of minibar offerings.  But again, the language suggests the mini bar will not be just the typical minibar.

OP... back your bags.

7 hours ago, garymfreedman said:

As they are doing with everything else they are hiding it not communicating with those of us that are sailing on the ship. Their communication with sailor’s has been absolutely horrible

I found the menus last week when I was exploring their website.  

Here's a different perspective from the notion that they are "hiding" and practicing "horrible communication."

Their website is designed as an exploration.  Using captivating graphics and audio, they lured me in, making me want to explore every corner of the website to learn more.  At first, I didn't see everything, and it seemed like there wasn't much to the website.... until I found that I could dive deeper into different areas.  That built excitement and had me wanting to find more.  

Has every question I have about my upcoming cruise been answered?  NO!  But I accept the simple answer that it's not ready yet.

As I said, it was a week ago when I first explored.  And I remembered some of the tiles/icons having a red theater curtain with an expression of ... to be revealed... or similar language.  As I was posting this, I went to the website to quote exactly what the red curtain tiles said--  only to find that they've added more content and revealed more about the eateries!  

Now that's fun and exciting... and makes me want to return often to see if they've added more.

And I THINK that's the idea behind their approach.

Sure... with an established cruise line... by this point in the booking process, -- two months out from sailing--  I'd have all the answers at my fingertips:  my check-in process would be complete, several emails would have reminded me of particulars, and any question I had would have been answered.

I'd say:  "Have a little faith!"  

This isn't Richard Branson's first business venture.  Heck, if he can successfully send humans to the edge of space, then I have confidence he can chose and guide the right team to keep people happy while afloat at sea.   

Costa Maya is my favorite.  But understand that to enjoy Costa Maya, you need to leave the Carnival Corp "complex" at the port to get to the "real" locals.  It's a $2 cab ride that does require pax to exit the Carnival Compound to get a taxi; there's a wide walking path outside the guard gate for the block-long walk to where the taxi's are.  

It's a 5 to 7 minute ride over to the  Mahajual Fishing Village with a beautiful beach where there's sandy beaches with plenty of loungers, umbrellas, etc.  Most are free, as long as you eat/drink, wait staff bring it right to you.  There's also plenty of opportunities to get a massage right on the beach.  Best thing to do is ask several how much they charge, then haggle.  There are plenty of vendors peddling their trinkets, as well as shops, restaurants and bars.  I'd suggest walking the whole length to take it in and find what appeals to you first.  Everything is very inexpensive, and they are happy to take US currency.  Some take credit cards, but it's best to have the cash.

When you're ready to go back, there are plenty of taxi's for the $2 ride back.  It's a flat per person fee, so they may place you with others.  And for the return, they are permitted to enter the complex, just have your cruise card handy to show the guard.