Virgin Voyage review for French Daze and Ibiza Nights with video

[Snizzlefry]

 

I would highly suggest you watch my video recap video first. It’s way more entertaining than the below text. Click here No talking, just eye candy. 

 

Ports: Barcelona, Marseille, Cannes, Olbia, Ibiza
Date of Cruise: Oct 8th-16th
Ship: Valiant Lady
Room Type: Cheeky Corner Suite
Married couple in our 50’s
Cost for everything: Around $10k

Summary: Best vacation we have ever taken. We both highly recommended Virgin for cruises. Were there some issues, sure, but overall it was fantastic.
Virgin Voyage’s Pros:

 Best food overall out of any cruise line

No kids
Modern design with everything
Friendly and helpful employees
You wear a bracelet instead of using a card to pay for everything and to open your room.
All restaurants and non-alcohol drinks are included with the cost of the cruise.
Adult-themed but not in a porno way. Adults can talk like adults.
Casino non-smoking
Unique stores on board. Including a tattoo parlor.
No dress code
Eat with who you want to eat with.
Cons:
Non-usable WiFi in the Mediterranean
Out-of-mainstay items such as Diet Coke
Worst beer selection than any other cruise line.
Non-responsive to loud music being heard in our room late at night
Needs Work:
Their food galley has great food, but slow service
Their app is a great idea but buggy.

Friday, Oct 7th: Uber to the Indianapolis airport. (It was cheaper than leaving the car at the airport.$50) Hoped on a plane to Chicago, Ill., then a 5-hour wait.
Boarded an American Airlines flight to Barcelona. We paid the extra for Economy Premium, so worth it. I could stretch out my legs with no issues. With Economy Premium, you get free booze, two meals, snacks, headphones, a travel kit, a blanket, and a pillow. I picked the front row, so our seats reclined with feet rest that popped out like a Lazy-boy. I was asleep within the first hour of the flight and slept the whole way.

Saturday, Oct 8th: Landed in Barcelona around 9 am their time or 3 am our time. So excited about the trip, we both felt fine. Customs took maybe 30-40min, which was not bad at all.
We hopped in a taxi to our hotel, which was about $20. (Taxis are required to take credit cards.) We are big fans of the Kimpton chain of hotels, so we stayed at Kimpton’s Vividora Barcelona. We had a room with a street view. The room was simply awesome. Excellent service, nice modern amenities, and the employees were superb.
I had scheduled a private food tour for 11:15, so we dropped our bags and went to it. We went around town and stuffed our faces with some very tasty Barcelona cuisine. The food was great, but our guide needed to be better. He talked way too much about himself. Nice fella, but IMO with a private tour, he can keep his life private. Don’t worry; we still tipped him way too much.
After parting ways, we did some more exploring and then when back to the hotel. Barcelona is a mix of beautiful and dirty. They have a homeless problem like anywhere else. With only being there one day, we decided not to book any other tours. Which ended up being a very good call; we were exhausted.
We showered up and went to the rooftop bar at our hotel, had a snack, a drink, and then called it a day.

Sunday, Oct 9th: With us being “Rockstars,” what Virgin calls people with suites, we could check in on the ship anytime after 11:30 am. So we went around Barcelona to do some looking and shopping. Had a great time!
We took a taxi to the ship, maybe a 15min ride, and were dropped off right in front. Went through the VIP entrance and was on the ship within 10min or so. Unlike other cruises, you can go directly to your room, so that’s what we did.
Remember when you were 6-7 years, and it was the morning of Christmas? This is exactly how I felt opening the door to our suite. The room is spectacular. Modern lighting that can be controlled with a tablet they give you. A somewhat stocked bar. (Kettle One Vodka, beer, mixers, Johnny Walker, Barcadi rum, etc.) They have a record player in the room with assorted records; you can request other albums.
The suite’s bathroom was perfect. The shower had a rainforest-type head, and the ceiling was probably 8 feet high. (Which is a rarity on a cruise.) The water pressure was great, and it never ran out of hot water.
The Cheeky Corner suites take up one-third of the back end of the ship. So our deck was obscenely big. We could have had a small party on it. Came with a couple of loungers, chairs, a small table, and a very comfy hammock. Man, we were truly living the dream at this point.
Went to The Dock House - Casual Mediterranean/Meze for some lunch. It was some of the best food I had all week.
We went exploring the ship and then up to Richard’s Rooftop for free champagne and leaving the port. Richard’s Rooftop is for suite folks. We spent most of our outdoor boat time there. Every night they would serve up free champagne.
Dinner: Gunbae - Korean BBQ;
One of the reasons we chose Virgin for our cruise was because they are known to have the best food out of any cruise line. I agree that they do, but the restaurants could still be hit or miss. Gunbae was decent, but not five stars. They do play a fun drinking game. In most restaurants, you eat with whoever. Gunbae is the exception to this; they seat you with other cruisers. We got lucky and sat with some very interesting and nice people.
Virgin is a good party ship, but we were in our room by 8 pm that night. Haha

Monday, Oct 10th: (Marseille, France)
We opted to do a half-day tour of Marseille. TBH I would have rather stayed on the ship. (But happy wife, happy life.) I don’t really remember much of the tour other than we got on a bus, drove around a bit, and the highlight was stopping at Notre-Dame de la Garde. (Which is beautiful.) I spent most of the time trying to figure out my new 360 camera.
Back on the ship, we start to find our routine.
Eat
Play music trivia, which was incredibly hard. I thought I would kill everyone, nope. Lost every time. Haha
Go to Richard’s Rooftop. Jacuzzi, hang out, drink.
Go around with my camera and look like a creeper.
Make some drinks in our room, and hang out on our deck.
Shower up
Go to dinner
The pool on the ship is small, and that’s okay with us. We didn’t use it once.
Dinner Razzle Dazzle - Naughty & Nice Vegetarian/Vegan:
The Razzle Dazzle was the worst food by far. Neither of us liked what we got. The decor was also low-budget. I would avoid it next time.
In the room by 9 pm, and fell asleep watching the movie Old School. BTW Not that you want watch movies while on the cruise. But Virgin has a really good list of movies you can watch at no extra charge. New and old flicks. I was really surprised by the selection.
On the topic of room entertainment..Although the turntable was kind of cool, I’d rather that let us connect via Bluetooth to the speaker so we can listen to whatever. They had zero Black Sabbath records to listen to. Haha
The wifi sucked too, and we were supposed to be on the “premium” plan.

Tuesday, Oct 11th: (Cannes, France)
We did a full-day tour of Monaco/Monte Carlo. It was about an hour and a half drive from Cannes. For me, it was a great place to shoot some videos, but other than that, not my thing. This is where the uber-rich hang out and flaunt their lifestyle. (Which, to be fair, if I was uber rich, I’d probably do the same thing.)
It cost $20 to step foot into the famous Monte Carlo casino, so I opted to not to go in while my wife felt the need to go and lose some money.
One cool thing was seeing the streets where F1 drives race in Monte Carlo. Oh and it was a scenic drive. If I went again, I’d stay on the ship.
Back to the ship for a fast visit to Richard’s Rooftop, drinks, shower, and dinner.
Dinner: Extra Virgin - Upscale Italian
Top-notch food, no complaints.
After dinner, my wife goes gambling; I shoot video. The casino is small but does the job, and you lose your money like you would at any other casino.
Wednesday, Oct 12th: (Still in Cannes)
Went over and did some shopping and looked around. Cannes is very beautiful, if I had the money, I could def live there.
Dinner: The Test Kitchen - Cooking Lab
This is where you they do innovative cooking. Think futuristic type meals. I was looking forward to this experience. But it was a bit of a letdown. The food was good but could have been better. And it was not that innovative either. They have rotating menus, so maybe we went on the night when they reuse leftover ingredients?
Went to their place for beer drinkers called The Draught Haus. OMFG, this was the biggest joke on the ship. They had like maybe eight different bottled/canned beers and three taps. The website plays it up as a beer drinker’s paradise, it wasn’t. Even the guy behind the counter seemed embarrassed when I was like this, is it? Come on, Branson!! Haha

Thursday, Oct 13th: (Olbia City in Sardinia, Italy)
We booked a tour, but it got canceled due to rain. TBH I was thrilled, more time on the ship. But we did venture out to check Olbia out. Other than eating, not much to do. Went back to the ship.
When we got back to our room, there was a red envelope with our names on it. It was an invitation to meet the captain of the ship and go to the bridge. There were only 10 folks out of 2k that got this invitation. I think we got it because the captain is a fan of my Black Sabbath videos.
We did our standard, played trivia, day drinking, Richard’s Rooftop etc. Oh, we did try out the pizza shop for lunch; hands down the best pizza I’ve ever had on a ship. Loved it!
We get into Ibiza kind of late in the day. Ibiza is known as a party spot for the wealthy and young. Us being neither, we stayed on the boat. ($70 each just to get into the clubs.)
Dinner: Pink Agave - Upscale Mexican
Loved it! Awesome food!
Thursday is also Scarlett Night on the ship. A big party and everything is red. We got another private invite for this. There were about 20 of us that got picked. We got free booze, a private tour of the employee's living quarters, a private magic show, etc. The Scarlett Night was a pretty good time, and we stayed out until midnight or so. (Watch the video.)

Friday, Oct 14th: Ibiza Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea
The first part of the day, we were out at sea, which I loved. So a lot of goofing off and a bit of dread that we are nearing the end of our trip.
Around 11 am, we went up to the bridge and met the captain. He was very cool and had an awesome view. He did not let me drive the ship, though; I wonder why.
I filmed a game of dodgeball that was pretty crazy. This guy was the last one on his team, so it was one versus five. And he made a comeback and won. I wish I knew the dude cause I have some awesome footage of him dismantling the other team.
Dinner: Wake - Elegant Steak & Seafood
It was better than any other steak on any other cruise ship, but I would not call it St.Elmo’s quality steak. Very good but not great.

Saturday, Oct 15th: Still in Ibiza
We opted to just walk around in Ibiza and not do a tour. Very cool town. I would come back and spend a few days here. In my video, a lot of the cool shots came from here.
Came back around 3 pm or so and did our standard trivia, drinks, eat, and Richard’s Rooftop.
We realized we had a few hundred dollars to spend from our “loot,” aka onboard credit. If we did not spend it, we would lose it. So we went around like crazy people and bought a bunch of nothing.
My wife gambled, and I crept around with my camera in bed around midnight. Good times!

Sunday, Oct 16th: Barcelona
All good things come to an end. We had an early flight, so we had to be out the door around 6:30am. Was back in Indianapolis by 5 pm or so.
Overall we loved this trip.

[cantgetin]

Great review.  We were on the 14 night TA. and I totally agree with your summary review.  For the rest, obviously we had different ports, different food preferences, different activities.

 

One thing I will take issue with--at Razzle Dazzle, I'm guessing that you did not go to the "secret" or the "naughty" menu.  We found the "secret steak" to be the best steak on the ship...better than The Wake!  This item doesn't appear anywhere on the menu; your server must tell you about it or you ask for it.  The salmon there was also very good.  THe Wake has a more upscale vibe with great views, but the steak at Razzle was better!  

[Snizzlefry]

1 hour ago, cantgetin said:

Great review.  We were on the 14 night TA. and I totally agree with your summary review.  For the rest, obviously we had different ports, different food preferences, different activities.

 

One thing I will take issue with--at Razzle Dazzle, I'm guessing that you did not go to the "secret" or the "naughty" menu.  We found the "secret steak" to be the best steak on the ship...better than The Wake!  This item doesn't appear anywhere on the menu; your server must tell you about it or you ask for it.  The salmon there was also very good.  THe Wake has a more upscale vibe with great views, but the steak at Razzle was better!  

Good call out on the Razzle. We did not find out about the secret menu until the trip was almost over. 
Did you check out the video? Just curious if you thought I captured the trip well. Thanks! 

[Roel94]

I just got home and booked a cruise almost like this for next summer. I was with others and I switch rooms and took the smaller suite. But neither agent reminded me about Richards Rooftop or  thermal suite.

 

I liked razzle dazzles for the veggie menu as I was ready for veggies. Friends ate chicken or fish. I never had time to make it for drinks at the Mexican Place.

 

My best meal was at  Wake. The seafood tower was great.you should of tried the steak for the extra charge vs shopping.or the spa 

 

 

[yarramar]

Great video!

I am not in the demographic but if I was it would impress me enough to book. The last slower paced bit was more my speed.

[Snizzlefry]

4 hours ago, yarramar said:

Great video!

I am not in the demographic but if I was it would impress me enough to book. The last slower paced bit was more my speed.

Thank you! I tried to mix up the vibe of the video. 

[Roel94]

I would love your ports.docked many times in Monaco. But would not make a special trip there.I rather go to beach. Cannes is wonderful..your other ports are new for me. 
 

I had a great time but missed a few places like back of ship and thermal spa.

 

 

will make up for it next year

[Snizzlefry]

8 minutes ago, Roel94 said:

I would love your ports.docked many times in Monaco. But would not make a special trip there.I rather go to beach. Cannes is wonderful..your other ports are new for me. 
 

I had a great time but missed a few places like back of ship and thermal spa.

 

 

will make up for it next year

I'm with you! I'll take the beach any day. 

[Roel94]

1 minute ago, Snizzlefry said:

I'm with you! I'll take the beach any day. 

I skipped Bimini and did lunch and Richards Rooftop. But no bar for drinks at one point and just wanted more water.  Never like not have bottle water. I will have a couple plastic ones to sightsee .I did pack a cold cup but ordered more for pool or hot tub.

 

hard to believe what I missed taking pictures like deck 16.

 

oh and I loved Monaco..been to palace etc. 

[Roel94]

How did you rate getting invited to bridge or other party. Vaguely heard of a party but was never invited ,then forgot about them.

[cantgetin]

3 hours ago, Roel94 said:

How did you rate getting invited to bridge or other party. Vaguely heard of a party but was never invited ,then forgot about them.

Suite guests and/or those who have cruised the most get invited to the bridge tour.  Those who have qualified for Deep Blue Extras (loyalty program) get invited to a cocktail party which amounted to a guy playing guitar and some free drinks.  Suite guests are invited to a champagne "party" from 6-7:30 nightly at Richard's Rooftop.

 

[Roel94]

37 minutes ago, cantgetin said:

Suite guests and/or those who have cruised the most get invited to the bridge tour.  Those who have qualified for Deep Blue Extras (loyalty program) get invited to a cocktail party which amounted to a guy playing guitar and some free drinks.  Suite guests are invited to a champagne "party" from 6-7:30 nightly at Richard's Rooftop.

 

I was in a mega suite..paid for two cabins.  Would of enjoyed the bridge tour. As each bridge a little different.  I also think my agent forgot to remind me about Richard rooftop.went up and used hot tub when in Bimini. Found not hot enough. 
 

she was great about ice but those drinks used ice up fast. Called nightly before bed. 
 

we get free drinks daily so no big deal. Just wondered why no invite

[_tacocat_]

31 minutes ago, Roel94 said:

I was in a mega suite..paid for two cabins.  Would of enjoyed the bridge tour. As each bridge a little different.  I also think my agent forgot to remind me about Richard rooftop.went up and used hot tub when in Bimini. Found not hot enough. 
 

she was great about ice but those drinks used ice up fast. Called nightly before bed. 
 

we get free drinks daily so no big deal. Just wondered why no invite

the first time we sailed was in a regular rockstar and we asked our agent for an invite.  she claimed she had to pull some strings but was able to get us in.  the next 2 times we sailed as megas, and the response was a resounding "no" both times.  we were able to go on the trip before our last one a few weeks ago as a perk of being one of their top sailors to-date.  there were also folks with red wristbands on, so the criteria doesn't seem cut & dry.

[cantgetin]

Folks with red wristbands may be in the top number of cruises or have done 2 or more cruises in 2021.  My friend had 3 different wristbands on our last cruise--the red one for this cruise, a black one because she'd cruised so many times that they decided to let her into Richard's Rooftop, and a purple one for being in the elite 2021 group..  And yes, she got invited to the bridge tour despite being in an inside cabin.

[_tacocat_]

16 hours ago, cantgetin said:

Folks with red wristbands may be in the top number of cruises or have done 2 or more cruises in 2021. 

nah i mean like plain old red bands - i'm in 485c and we get black rockstar bands + another fabric wristband.

[benjaminnicholas]

I'd be fine with LESS, not more.

 

People want to feel special, but for me, I couldn't care less about 'status'

 

As the old saying goes, 'money screams and wealth whispers'

[cantgetin]

2 hours ago, _tacocat_ said:

nah i mean like plain old red bands - i'm in 485c and we get black rockstar bands + another fabric wristband.

We got the ribbon band for the Deep Blue Extras....it was a real pain.  We were told that the only purpose after boarding was admission to the cocktail party, so we cut then off and carried them to the party.  The ribbon tails tended to get into food, were just nasty when wet from pool or shower, etc.

[Roel94]

7 hours ago, cantgetin said:

We got the ribbon band for the Deep Blue Extras....it was a real pain.  We were told that the only purpose after boarding was admission to the cocktail party, so we cut then off and carried them to the party.  The ribbon tails tended to get into food, were just nasty when wet from pool or shower, etc.

Too  funny. My band was in my purse the whole cruise.  I was traveling with friends and I had the bigger cabin. We switch cabins but had to get new bands,she gave me mine in the middle of dinner and I toss it in purse. If I had that ribbon thing I would take it off too..just grossl

[Snizzlefry]

On 11/13/2022 at 2:29 PM, Roel94 said:

How did you rate getting invited to bridge or other party. Vaguely heard of a party but was never invited ,then forgot about them.

Both were pretty cool...The bridge I'd give a 5 star and the party I'd give 4 star. I don't want to give too much away on the party. 🙂

[Snizzlefry]

On 11/13/2022 at 6:02 PM, cantgetin said:

Suite guests and/or those who have cruised the most get invited to the bridge tour.  Those who have qualified for Deep Blue Extras (loyalty program) get invited to a cocktail party which amounted to a guy playing guitar and some free drinks.  Suite guests are invited to a champagne "party" from 6-7:30 nightly at Richard's Rooftop.

 

Sounds about right. 

[Roel94]

7 hours ago, Snizzlefry said:

Both were pretty cool...The bridge I'd give a 5 star and the party I'd give 4 star. I don't want to give too much away on the party. 🙂

Well, the rock star agent fail. I Hd to,ask about breakfast and extra ice several times a day. She never got  me invites.I knew the F And B And should of asked him.by then it was to late. Also same with thermal spa. Should of been told.

 

I learned it makes a difference many times who the butler is under any name. 

[Roscoe Fatty]

Are wristbands mandatory?

[cantgetin]

1 hour ago, Roscoe Fatty said:

Are wristbands mandatory?

We carried ours in our pockets.  The wristband is an electronic device that acts like a Key to the World Card, Sea Pass,  or whatever other titles various lines use.  It is used to pay for anything on the ship, open the cabin door, open Richard's Rooftop (if keyed that way), etc.  It also lets crew know if you have "status" for staying in a suite, being in 485c, etc.  Bottom line--we found them annoying and placed them in our pockets.  Thinking about bringing a lanyard to hold it on the next cruise.

 

You must have it, but you don't have to wear it.

[Roel94]

52 minutes ago, cantgetin said:

We carried ours in our pockets.  The wristband is an electronic device that acts like a Key to the World Card, Sea Pass,  or whatever other titles various lines use.  It is used to pay for anything on the ship, open the cabin door, open Richard's Rooftop (if keyed that way), etc.  It also lets crew know if you have "status" for staying in a suite, being in 485c, etc.  Bottom line--we found them annoying and placed them in our pockets.  Thinking about bringing a lanyard to hold it on the next cruise.

 

You must have it, but you don't have to wear it.

I never wore mine. My concern is a beach day or if I switch purses as I could leave it.with a room key card it in with my credit cards.that I know to takeoff ship. Oh and I do not have pockets in most clothes.should be interesting  on another trip.