Is Virgin Voyages a Potential "Threat" To Celebrity?

[mackjack9139]

I’m 30, no kids, about to get married, have funds to cruise, and Virgin doesn’t appeal to me at all. Not sure who they are trying to market to? Tables meant for dancing on sounds gross. Did that when I was 20-21 and definitely don’t want to see it while cruising 😂 
 

I have tattoos and definitely would never get one on a cruise ship, especially one that is moving! New tattoos should be kept out of sun and water and I never drink alcohol the days surrounding a tattoo. 

[mikkelhansen]

7 hours ago, mackjack9139 said:

I’m 30, no kids, about to get married, have funds to cruise, and Virgin doesn’t appeal to me at all.

Exact same situation here, unless we got married last year. VV has caught no interest for me at all.

7 hours ago, mackjack9139 said:

Not sure who they are trying to market to? Tables meant for dancing on sounds gross. Did that when I was 20-21 and definitely don’t want to see it while cruising

I guess it's rich kids and/or frat kids out for a prolonged weekend with unlimited booze. A suite at 15000$+ per stateroom, with a personal make-up team? I don't think that would appeal to anyone other than Instagram rich-kid "influencers" (that word should go and die).

[kr00t0n]

5 hours ago, mikkelhansen said:

Exact same situation here, unless we got married last year. VV has caught no interest for me at all.

I guess it's rich kids and/or frat kids out for a prolonged weekend with unlimited booze. A suite at 15000$+ per stateroom, with a personal make-up team? I don't think that would appeal to anyone other than Instagram rich-kid "influencers" (that word should go and die).

 But the booze isn't unlimited, it's pay as you go

[jakebloke]

I’m a very loyal Celebrity cruiser.  When VV announced some of their features like adults only, I was immediately excited.  One of the reasons we love Celebrity is that there does tend to be far fewer kids on board than other cruise lines.  The main factor that got me excited tho was they were going to Cuba,  So when Cuba itineraries were stripped from us, and the cruises are only 4 or 5 nights, and the cabin designs were revealed, and a tattoo parlor on board, I’m less thrilled.  Still curious, but I won’t book anything until there’s been several cruises behind them and people report back.   I think VV has a lot of potential, but I don’t see them being a huge threat to someone like me with it’s current offerings.  Things could definitely change for VV.  If we start seeing them offering 7+ night sailings and are eventually able to go back to Cuba, perhaps offer drink packages, VV could be an option when looking/comparing various cruises to consider.  

[hcat]

8 hours ago, mikkelhansen said:

Exact same situation here, unless we got married last year. VV has caught no interest for me at all.

I guess it's rich kids and/or frat kids out for a prolonged weekend with unlimited booze. A suite at 15000$+ per stateroom, with a personal make-up team? I don't think that would appeal to anyone other than Instagram rich-kid "influencers" (that word should go and die).

Maybe a good fit for Gwenth's  GOOP squad!

[terrydtx]

44 minutes ago, jakebloke said:

 If we start seeing them offering 7+ night sailings and are eventually able to go back to Cuba, perhaps offer drink packages, VV could be an option when looking/comparing various cruises to consider.  

The only 7 night cruises they are now offering are in 2021 for the Mediterranean from Barcelona. But for us we would never do a 7 night Med. cruise, too far to go for only 7 days, 10 is the shortest we will consider. I did look at their pricing for next year and they have 311 SQ. foot aft corner suites starting at $4425pp which is not too bad a price. They also have standard balcony cabins starting at $1800pp which is also competitive with mainstream cruise companies. We are pretty much done with any cruises in the Caribbean so VV will never be an option we would consider at our ages, currently 70 years young. 

[NCTribeFan]

19 hours ago, twodjs said:

NCTribeFan - the prices on VV are not outrageous - prices are per cabin, not per person. They are very comparable to prices on other lines when a new class of ship debutes. You complain about the same old, same old but you are booked for 34 more nights of the same old. Why? We were on Carnival once - NEVER AGAIN! Break the mold and take that money and spend half the nights on a much better experience. You will never go back. 

 

I'm on a Med/TA B2B in October, sailing with a group of cruise buddies I've made who are Carnival loyalists.  And then again for 8 nights next January for one of their 70th b'days.  After that, I swear I'm done with Carnival unless I get an offer I can't refuse, which is unlikely.  In fact, the offers I get from HAL as a solo/casino player are better than anything Carnival offers me now.

 

The cruise/ship itself isn't why I sail.  I still mainly cruise for the itinerary.  I don't need to be pampered and don't want to spend more than I need to just to have a slightly-better onboard experience.  I don't want to spend more for fewer nights.  5 nights just doesn't cut it any more.

 

Test pricing - VV 5-night 4/30/21 in an inside "solo" cabin that's 105 sq ft is $1280.  Carnival Sensation (yes, it's an older ship but I happen to like that ship class) 5 night 4/24 solo in a 1A (upper/lower 160 sq ft) cabin is $899 (casino offer).  So, yeah, by the time you pay the service charge on Carnival, it wouldn't be THAT much more on VV.  But, if I wanted a "regular" inside cabin on VV (that's still only 177 sq ft), the price would jump to $2,030.  I'm not paying those prices.  I don't spend money just because I have it.

 

ANYWAY, I shouldn't need to justify my personal choices, so I'll just butt out!  Just wanted to chime in to say that I'm looking forward to hearing why my friend has to say about working on the ship.  I won't bother the fine folks here with what she has to say.

[Denny01]

I understand the OP feeling the term ‘threat’ is a bit overwrought, but not sure how a cruise line offering 4-5N Caribbean and 7N Med cruises is in competition with any line such as Celebrity, no matter if the prices are per cabin and all the goodies/no kids stuff. 

 

Most people who take short cruises such as that are dipping their toes into cruising (and missing the point on such short excursions), can’t get off work more than a day or so beyond a weekend, or are traveling through Europe and think a quick cruise to ports such as Palma would be neat....fly to Europe for a 7N cruise?? Nope,  done as a secondary afterthought, not the focus as done with most Euro Celebrity and other mainline cruise line customers. 

 

I think Virgin Voyages will introduce a whole new market into cruising, and those who try it and enjoy it will then move over to cruise on Lines such as Celebrity. So after rambling on, my guess is VV will increase Celebrity clientele not compete. 

 

Den

Edited February 18, 2020 by Denny01

[mikkelhansen]

9 hours ago, kr00t0n said:

 But the booze isn't unlimited, it's pay as you go

Yes, sorry. I thought "basic" alcohol was included, but it's only "basic" non-alcoholic beverages. But my other points still apply.

 

6 hours ago, hcat said:

Maybe a good fit for Gwenth's  GOOP squad!

To be honest, I actually thought the same. Seems to match Goop's demography much better. The Instagram influencers and worry-free rich kids.

[tfred]

Virgin's target market isn't another cruise line - it is non-cruisers who have money to burn.  They are not looking for value cruisers who want free movies

 

I spent a few days at the Marriott Marco Island Resort last week (business). $500 a night for a standard room.  All 3 meals with drinks would run $300 easy per day.  All in - $800/day.  AND the hotel was completely full.  Those are the people that they want. 

[expatcruiser88]

On 2/16/2020 at 12:43 AM, Lightngsvt said:

The decor, cabin design, deck plans, array of eateries and bars, etc are all much more modern (in a hip way) than Celebrity and most other cruise lines. 

 

You used the word "hip", which means you are definitely too old for Virgin Voyages 😜

[Lightngsvt]

11 hours ago, expatcruiser88 said:

 

You used the word "hip", which means you are definitely too old for Virgin Voyages 😜

LOL!  Just look for 40-something old man with my walker and pants up to my arm pits talking about "the good old days".

[Cruising89143]

Anyone wanting a glimpse of the Scarlett Lady, here is some video. She just had an overnight in Dover. Looks like they’re still working on a few areas. 
 

 

[Esprit]

The ship looks pretty cool. Sir Richard Branson was on TV this morning giving it the big "thumbs up".

I wonder if I can use my Virgin Air miles against a Virgin Voyages cruise?

[luckyinpa]

On 2/16/2020 at 12:43 AM, Lightngsvt said:

Will they look for way to bring a more "hip" crowd to the brand?

 

ive never been on either brand mentioned here but reading thru this forum i can pretty much guarantee no one that loves x will go on virgin. those rooms are too unrefined and 'crazy decorated'.

 

ive never flown to a cruise so flying for a 4 or 5 day doesnt excite me. i wish V offered longer ones as i may actually do it. i love the idea of all inclusive dining and all the other 'free' perks.  however if it hasnt been mentioned in this thread, you really better look at the beds in great detail before you book. theres quite the surprise there in the balconies! also not being able to pick your own room is a downer for me

[UnorigionalName]

oh man, the food actually looks modern. Finally, a cruise line is in touch with modern food trends.   and modern plating.  That's the type of food i'd want to eat on a cruise.  and korean food too to break the monotony. 

 

(page 20)

 

[davekathy]

Thought we'd be interested especially with the no kids concept. But that ship has sailed as their Caribbean cruises are way to short (4 and 5 days). 

[Lightngsvt]

10 hours ago, cruisingator2 said:

Anyone wanting a glimpse of the Scarlett Lady, here is some video. She just had an overnight in Dover. Looks like they’re still working on a few areas. 
 

 

Thats exactly what Ive been looking for, thanks!  I can see a lot of traditional elements on the ship, as well as a lot of more modern, urban-chic touches.  The spaces also seems a lot more "social", which may be good, or bad.

 

 

7 hours ago, luckyinpa said:

 

ive never been on either brand mentioned here but reading thru this forum i can pretty much guarantee no one that loves x will go on virgin. those rooms are too unrefined and 'crazy decorated'.

 

ive never flown to a cruise so flying for a 4 or 5 day doesnt excite me. i wish V offered longer ones as i may actually do it. i love the idea of all inclusive dining and all the other 'free' perks.  however if it hasnt been mentioned in this thread, you really better look at the beds in great detail before you book. theres quite the surprise there in the balconies! also not being able to pick your own room is a downer for me

Well, we love X and booked 3 months ago on a September sailing on Virgin so I believe there will be some crossover, at least in the beginning.  At least out of curiosity if nothing else.  I wonder if Virgin will introduce different/longer itineraries after their first year?  If you call to book your reservation, they will let you choose your cabin, thats what I did.

 

[4774Papa]

On 2/16/2020 at 10:27 AM, Gimpy McFarlan said:

 

I would agree with terrydtx.  We have not sailed VO yet; however, based on what I know about VO they would be the best alternative Celebrity.  Smaller ships, focus on food and service, no casino, no smoking, interesting itineraries, modern design, no young children, etc...

 

AND MORE  $$$$$$$

[bEwAbG]

Based on the video tour, I would say Celebrity has nothing to be worried about.  I'll also be curious to see how this restaurant concept works out for them. 

[Covepointcruiser]

Wonder if they will be handicap accessible?   Will the electric scooters fit in the stateroom?   Guess these folks will stay withnCelebrity.

[NMTraveller]

On 2/21/2020 at 1:15 PM, davekathy said:

Thought we'd be interested especially with the no kids concept. But that ship has sailed as their Caribbean cruises are way to short (4 and 5 days). 

Booze cruise.

[LMaxwell]

On 2/16/2020 at 12:43 AM, Lightngsvt said:

 

 

My long winded point/question is do you think this "new" way of looking at cruising will have an impact on more traditional/main stream lines like Celebrity?  Will it affect their bottom line?  Will they be more likely to offer "all-inclusive" fares (beverages, wifi, gratuities) as standard?  I know that they offer the various perks depending on sailing, but it's not quite the same thing.  Will they look for way to bring a more "hip" crowd to the brand?

 

Yes, absolutely. 

Yes, absolutely. 

I can't say, but they offer these as "perks" quite frequently as you mention.  I think the VV model does away with a lot of "plus, plus" pricing and is easier for consumers. 

Celebrity has been trying to lower the average onboard age for quite a few years now.  

 

Anyone denying that VV is going after a portion of the Celebrity demographic is kidding themselves.  VV is not targeted at traditional style cruisers. Also, VV is not marketed or intended as a "Booze Cruise".  That's still going to be your 3 day party barges.  This is aimed at the couple who might otherwise fly to an island or Vegas for a few days in a nicer resort hotel.  We are late 30's/early 40's and using Celebrity as a step up in atmosphere and service from Royal Caribbean and when looking at a trip for "just us" and leaving the kids home I am way more inclined to try out a 5 night on VV's new experience/cabins/ and dining and entertainment concepts than I am to book a 7 day Celebrity just without bringing the kids.  

 

VV is the first I have seen of trying to really do something different from the regular cruise industry playbook and that is exciting.  It ought to scare Celebrity and force them to be competitive for that segment of the market (35-55 singles and couples)

[NMTraveller]

9 minutes ago, LMaxwell said:

Anyone denying that VV is going after a portion of the Celebrity demographic is kidding themselves.  VV is not targeted at traditional style cruisers. Also, VV is not marketed or intended as a "Booze Cruise".  That's still going to be your 3 day party barges.  This is aimed at the couple who might otherwise fly to an island or Vegas for a few days in a nicer resort hotel.  We are late 30's/early 40's and using Celebrity as a step up in atmosphere and service from Royal Caribbean and when looking at a trip for "just us" and leaving the kids home I am way more inclined to try out a 5 night on VV's new experience/cabins/ and dining and entertainment concepts than I am to book a 7 day Celebrity just without bringing the kids.  

 

VV is the first I have seen of trying to really do something different from the regular cruise industry playbook and that is exciting.  It ought to scare Celebrity and force them to be competitive for that segment of the market (35-55 singles and couples)

While VV is not targeted at traditional cruisers neither is the Edge targeted at traditional cruisers.  IMHO they are very similiar.  They are targeted towards a similiar demographic.  Their ship designs or lack of are a disappointment.  Definitely not my cup of tea.

 

The shorter the cruise is the more similiar it is to a booze cruise.  I have a high preference for cruises longer than a week.

 

I have been to Vegas more than most.  That is also a disappointment on many levels.

Edited February 23, 2020 by NMTraveller

[kelmac]

Until they offer 10 -- 14 night cruises, we will pass.  Some overlap with the Edge/Apex, but we loved our experience on the Edge.  Thought the IV cabin was the best we've ever sail (in 79 cruises).  Some features seem similar to MSC with the modern sparkle and chrome.  The aft area looks just like the Seaside.

Never say never, as I'm sure some day we will be onboard Virgin Cruises.  

 

Good luck and keep the competition coming,

Kel😉