Liveish from the Scarlet Lady - July 2nd through July 7th

[1025cruise]

I figured I’d try to do a liveish thread from the Scarlet Lady, from a first time Virgin cruiser, but long time cruiser on other lines (Princess, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Carnival, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean).

 

Embarkation:

 

Due to status match, I was given deep blue extras which included expedited boarding. Our car got us to the pier just before they started letting people in. Once we were confirmed as dbe, we were given a blue ribbon bracelet to wear. Just a note, the thingy that tightens it is one way, so don’t over do it if you want to take it off later. Or, do as my wife did to mine and tighten it while I had it off. Once done, we were directed to the vip line. Otherwise, there were lines set up based on your check in time. Once they opened up, it was straight to check in were our information was verified, our sea bands given, and away to security we went. Then up to the embarkation lounge to wait to board. The order of boarding was suites, then those who had the splash of romance package, then dbe, followed by everyone else. This was probably the quickest I’ve ever boarded. Everything was streamlined and moved perfectly.

 

Once onboard, cabins were ready so we were able to drop our carryons off. We are in a sea terrace, not sure if it’s so or not. We booked last minute and got a guarantee. In my opinion, the bed is a bit low, the bathroom is probably the smallest I’ve seen on a cruise ship, and the balcony chairs uncomfortable. There is a hammock that I’m not sure I’ll fit in. There is a tablet that controls the room (temperature, lighting, the tv, and the curtains). Before you can do anything, you need to watch the safety video. In all honesty, if I were not a seasoned cruiser, that video wouldn’t tell me what to do in an emergency. Certain things need to be properly explained and not made all cute. 
 

As we weren’t hungry (having had a large breakfast), we wandered the ship for a bit. As part of the dbe, I also get premium internet, but there was nothing advising to select it with the cost when signing in, and that the charge would drop off later. A trip to sailor services, a scan of a barcode to be dropped, and then a resign up solved that. We then went to sign in to our muster station and see a life jacket demonstration. then some ice cream.

 

One thing I neglected to was make dinner reservations. Just not used to needing to do so. I was able to snag a time at Extra Virgin for the night. I found the food good. Unfortunately, I was unable to make reservations for the remaining nights in the app. There was a restaurant manager available today who was able to help us out and got us reservations for the week. One thing I don’t like is you can only have a reservation for one night per restaurant. I have a reservation at one restaurant the last night that we might cancel due to not caring for the food. I need to see how bad getting a walk up seating is.

 

Today is a sea day. We had breakfast in the galley. Was perfect for us. Plan for today is nothing, just go with the flow. Dinner tonight is at Razzle Dazzle. 
 

One thing that is shocking me is the number of people attending indoor activities. I’m used to seeing more people enjoying the outdoor spaces on sea days.

[cantgetin]

You are correct that you can only book one reservation per restaurant in advance on short cruises.  However, you can do walk ups (we've never had a long wait) or go to the restaurant around 6 and ask if they can give you a timer for later that evening.  The manager can over-ride the system and give you a reservation.  

I don't remember the max weight for the hammock for sure, but it is posted in the room.  I think it was 300 pounds.  In any event, getting in and out of the hammock is easy once you figure it out.  I did a video on it because it wasn't totally intuitive.

Enjoy RD--our favorite on our last cruise.  Check out the naughty menu and the secret steak.

[1025cruise]

I’m used to seeing hammocks which are hung length wise, so your looking at the straps. I guess these are different.

 

The one reservation we have that my other half isn’t happy about is Gunbae. She’s worried about getting sick. This is based on eating at Moderno on a NCL cruise years ago and getting sick that night. Anything “exotic” scares her. However, it was either that or Test Kitchen, and I don’t think either of us would have enjoyed that. When we go to Wake tomorrow, I might ask how hard getting a walk-in will be.

[1025cruise]

Well, Razzle Dazzle was a big surprise. This is the first cruise with the new menu. And no, the app is not updated. A lot of apologies from the staff to people who were surprised. I had the pork belly appetizer and the pastrami sir loin. Wasn’t bad. Nothing on the dessert menu appealed to us so we just got ice cream instead.

 

Then I did some of what my wife refers to throwing money away. Gotta say, probably one of the smallest casinos I’ve seen on a ship.

[Jaquisam]

Great start. Hope you manage to get the dinners you want.

[cantgetin]

On our cruises, there was a dinner special served in The Galley each night; we did it once when the meat special was Beef Wellington (with all the trimmings).  While the atmosphere isn't great, the food was. My cruise partner ordered a second serving of the vegetables which were cooked and seasoned to perfection!  I considered a second order of the Wellington, but decided to be reasonable.  There was no wait as it was almost empty. The special for each night was listed in the paper directory that was available at  4 locations around the ship.  I understand that you didn't book the cruise to eat dinner at The Galley, but it is another option, particularly if you don't like the food at the place you were scheduled.

The marinated beef in Gumbae is good.  There is way too much food, so we have learned to order only what we like rather than the "favorites."  Test Kitchen is...different.  We don't care for it although the A menu is tolerable with a couple of substitutions from the vegetarian menu.  For instance, I don't like mushrooms, so I substitute the gazpacho.  We tried each menu once.  We book elsewhere now.  I know, I'm not terribly adventurous.

I couldn't really tell from your description if you liked RD.  We haven't had the new menu.  Your thoughts?

[cantgetin]

The hammock is a chair hammock.  Basically, sit your bottom in the middle of it.  Use your feet to stretch out the part of it under the feet, so they are supported rather than dangling.  Then reach back and pull up the part behind you so it is under your head.  You should now be in a semi-reclining position.  To get out of it, use your feet to slide back the part under your feet (this puts them down in a dangling position.)  Then, if you are old and awkward like I am, grab the balcony railing for support and stand up.

[1025cruise]

To be honest, not that impressed with RD. Though, that's no fault of Virgin. Just that we're picky eaters and the menu just didn't really appeal to us.

 

Today we're in Costa Maya. We'll be heading to the thermal suite for a couple of hours, and then a massage.

 

Just to add, the galley, pizza, etc are our backup plans if we go to a restaurant and don't care for the food.

Edited July 4, 2023 by 1025cruise

[cantgetin]

If you haven't tried The Dock, that's another "worth a try" spot.

[LMaxwell]

17 minutes ago, cantgetin said:

If you haven't tried The Dock, that's another "worth a try" spot.

Yes there's basically 4 food options at the Dock 

 

Mezze Cart with small plates, grab and go. Looks like a push cart. Maybe 5 options

Grab and go Refrigerator across from Juice Bar (similar items to Grab and go in the Galley)

The regular Dock menu all day w the shrimp skewers, steak, etc. 

4:30-6:30 Happy hour menu with another 5 or 6 new food options.  

 

 

[Tyler414]

Definitely try The Pizza Place.  Just got back from a Mediterranean cruise on Valiant and the restaurants were average at best. The Pizza Place was the highlight, even though I don’t go on cruises for pizza 😆

[1025cruise]

Yeah, the menu at the dock isn’t thrilling to us either. We are loving the pizza. Still haven’t had lunch at the galley.

[CineGraphic]

37 minutes ago, 1025cruise said:

Yeah, the menu at the dock isn’t thrilling to us either

 

I don't think I've ever heard anyone not being thrilled with the food at the dock, other than to say they refuse to try octopus. The grilled shrimp with garlic yogurt and alepo butter is so delicious, I now make it at home.

 

Hoping you're still enjoying the cruise.

[1025cruise]

9 minutes ago, CineGraphic said:

 

I don't think I've ever heard anyone not being thrilled with the food at the dock, other than to say they refuse to try octopus. The grilled shrimp with garlic yogurt and alepo butter is so delicious, I now make it at home.

 

Hoping you're still enjoying the cruise.

We don’t eat shellfish.

All in all, we’re having a good time.

[pettit03]

How are the lines at the bars with a full ship?

[1025cruise]

I’m probably the wrong person to ask about bars. 

[cantgetin]

THe steak at The Dock is really good.

 

[1025cruise]

Last night was our best dinner on the ship. We are at Wake. The food and service was exceptional. 

Today we are seeing an afternoon showing off the Diva show, and then the circus show tonight before Pink Agave.

[CineGraphic]

32 minutes ago, 1025cruise said:

Pink Agave.

 

Their ribeye is amazing....many say better than the Wake,

As for apps, one word: Corn

 

[1025cruise]

Well, the Diva show was great.

[KPookey]

Following…sailing in a few weeks 😊

[cantgetin]

3 hours ago, 1025cruise said:

Well, the Diva show was great.

You had a good diva then.  We've seen 2 different ones.  One was great, the other not so much.

[Gretchendz]

On 7/5/2023 at 4:00 PM, 1025cruise said:

Well, the Diva show was great.

 

Did you have Carlos? Best diva ever...

[1025cruise]

Yes, Carlos was our diva.

[quickrate]

On 7/4/2023 at 4:46 PM, CineGraphic said:

 

I don't think I've ever heard anyone not being thrilled with the food at the dock, other than to say they refuse to try octopus. The grilled shrimp with garlic yogurt and alepo butter is so delicious, I now make it at home.

 

Hoping you're still enjoying the cruise.

I have to agree with you! I could have eaten that shrimp at the dock all day and all night! I found the food on virgin to be wonderful but I am an adventurous eater willing to try new things.