A Pinnacle tries Virgin

[CruisingWalter]

It's great to see @little britain trying out VV. Everyone should try it at some point, they're a fun cruise line. We've sailed VV four times now and it's truly different than most every cruise line out there. Some big differences for Royal Caribbean / Celebrity sailors.

 

You cannot select your stateroom if you book yourself online, the system automatically assigns your stateroom, usually starting on Deck 14.  TAs can book a specific stateroom or you have to call Sailor Services to select a specific room

 

The best way to describe the experience is summer camp for adults. It's a very chill and relaxed ship that has one absolutely crazy night party on Scarlet Night. It's an absolute blast, but only one night. If you have sensitive ears, I recommend ear plugs for the big party on the pool deck. My wife really enjoys the speed puzzling events and the mural coloring.

 

Your rooms will be ready at embarkation because of the late start. So you can drop your bags off when you board the ship. If you want early embarkation without the Deep Blue Extras perks you can purchase the Splash of Romance package. One perk is early embarkation but only 75 to 90 are sold for each voyage.

 

Pool is a postage stamp. If you really like pools, you'll have to accept that VV created a 'lounge pool' with a tiny deep end with most of it about 4" deep for lounging and dancing. There is another round "pool" at the Gym and Tonic bar that looks like a huge hot tub for 20 or so, but is not heated. They missed a great opportunity to build a pool on 16 aft, ala The Haven on the Prima Class, but installed that catamaran net instead. The net is so uncomfortable, it's good for your selfie and that's about it. We are pool people but we give this a pass because we love so much about this cruise line.

 

A great spot to relax on sea days or any day are what I call the 'porches' on Deck 7 mid. You can choose to sit in the sun or the shade depending on which side of the ship you're on.

 

No Cruise Director. A Happenings Cast of 11 to 13 people who all 'specialize' in some aspect of of the cruise experience. Foodie, Gamer, Diva, etc...  Our favorite is usually the Diva and Bingo with the Diva is not to be missed. So much fun. Around the World in 80 Minutes with the Diva is a hoot as well.

 

Shows are quite different. The Red Room is a black box theater that can be configured in about four different ways from traditional stage show to standing room only performances. The shows are nothing like the traditional broadway style shows you'll see on Royal or the 'interesting' shows in Eden on Celebrity. These are more like off broadway, experimental theater. You'll either love them or hate them.

 

Amazing music and bands each evening at On The Rocks whiskey bar. If you like to chill with some really good music, that's your spot in the evening. 

 

Some incredible food that some people miss on their first VV voyage. The Dock has awesome tapas during embarkation and during Opa Hour each evening. Pizza is really good, egg with truffle oil is one of my favorites. Sun Cafe on Deck 16 has great Poke bowls. I have to have one French Toast Burger on each sailing. For me "must tries" for every first time VV guest are Pink Agave and Razzle Dazzle. If you're adventurous, Test Kitchen is a fun evening, though you may want some pizza afterwards as it is usually a pretty small meal. Extra Virgin has had the best steaks the past few times we've sailed. 

 

Best stateroom on the ladyship is the Cheeky Corner Suite. Just incredible balconies and views for days. Standard staterooms have very small showers. If you're looking for a larger shower and bathroom without a rockstar suite, that would be the XL Sea Terrace. But you have to choose wisely because not all come with a hammock due to the curved shape of the front of the ship. Some have 'birdcages.'  

 

If you want that hammock but want to save some loot, the view from the Ltd View Sea Terraces on 8 is not bad at all. Yes, the lifeboats are there but the view is not bad. We still haven't seen the view from the Brilliant Lady with her new tucked in lifeboats so we don't know how that will be. But you will get 2 hammocks on those. 🙂 

 

Enjoy your cruise little britain!  

 

 

 

 

[little britain]

The catamaran net has been closed all cruise so never got to try that. 
Agree about the spaces for seating - loads of lounging areas near the catamaran, the little striped huts for two, and the outside seating so you can take your freshly made pizza 🍕 to order and eat in comfort. 
As I said before there is so

much sp a c e  on this ship. 

 

 

I would say that the signage is pretty poor. There are no maps of the ship and the bar names are often on very small plaques and easily missed. We have given the bars nicknames as we don’t know what their real name is!!  Loose Cannon 🤷‍♀️ no idea ! 
 

 

I have now discovered that you are meant to leave your boarding tag 🏷️ on your suitcase as it is also your disembarkation tag 🤦‍♀️ … of course I didn’t read that on the tag and pulled it off immediately as I always do! Quick trip to Sailor Services to pick up a new one.  There never is any queue there at all. 
 

Apparently they are as strict on disembarkation times as they were on boarding times to stagger the crowds. 

Edited September 2 by little britain

[little britain]

5 hours ago, Ergates The Ant said:

Looks like a lot of shared tables? Are tables for two available? 

Yes, we had the best table at The Wake last night right by the aft window.
We did sit at a long shared table for TK but there was a place setting separating each couple, so you didn’t have to speak to your neighbours if you didn’t want to. 

[little britain]

OK - when did you last see cakes like this on RCI??! 
These are just 2 of the daily cake selections in The Galley (WJ)! It even has flipping gold leaf on!

 

I cannot stress enough how the good quality and presentation is on a different scale… and all included. 
 

One teeny criticism would be that the menus are the same in the restaurants every day ( apart from TK which changes every few days) but there are so many options within each restaurant menu that you need never repeat. 
The Galley also does daily specials - tonight it is Greek leg of lamb. Or there is a different burger flavour of the day. 

Edited September 2 by little britain

[Hoopster95]

4 hours ago, little britain said:

Quick trip to Sailor Services to pick up a new one.  There never is any queue there at all. 

 

My first time on Oceania I marvelled everyday that there was NO ONE at guest services... EVER! Nothing to complain about. Same with Virgin I assume 👍

 

Loving all the food pics and various venues. Thx again LB.

[little britain]

19 minutes ago, Hoopster95 said:

 

My first time on Oceania I marvelled everyday that there was NO ONE at guest services... EVER! Nothing to complain about. Same with Virgin I assume 👍

 

Loving all the food pics and various venues. Thx again LB.

They can’t queue up to take off the tips for starters so I guess that kills off half the crowd!!!

 

Listening to singer 👩‍🎤 in one of the bars, amazing voice but the lack of a live band so just canned music detracts.  This is one of the few places they fall down imho

 

 

To give an idea of drinks prices. 

Edited September 2 by little britain

[little britain]

Final dinner was in Extra Virgin which is the Italian. 
Between us we had a small cheese charcuterie board, meatballs, carbonara and sea bass- DH says the sea bass was superb and second best dinner of the cruise behind the steak last night. 
We had one final drink listening to some live music ( at last) and then time to put our suitcases outside by 11pm.

 

Final thoughts: if the most important part of your cruise is food then you will never go anything other than VV because the variety and quality far exceeds any other mainstream line we’ve tried ( including Azamara). 

Of course there is more than just the food… what we loved;

No kids or to be more precise adults only and that means they treat you as adults.. no reminder to wash your hands, announcements calling you to bingo or telling you that you can now get off the ship. You’re old enough to work these things out for yourself. 
Looking out to sea: every bar and restaurant had sea views and some had outside seating. There was a connection with the sea. Lifeboats did not block your view.
It never felt crowded.

A younger demographic ( always dangerous to judge on a short cruise) but with a younger vibe it feels more fun and relaxed but not tacky. 
With every dish being prepared to order you feel there is not as much food waste. 
No nickel and dime-ing anywhere - no one has tried to sell us a thing.  No flyers in the cabin promoting spa deals etc
No tips!!! The staff genuinely seemed happy and very efficient without trying to be your best friend in the hope of a 10. 
No one has mentioned about points or tiers…it just is not a thing. 
 

The negatives: entertainment and lack of live bands. The Persephone show was very weak compared to any RCI show… but the comedy magicians were amusing and fun. 
You won’t survive without an iPhone 

Lack of information - disembarking / bag tags/ suitcase outside door times 

The Ahoy Sailor is faux and can be grating

A bit too Scandinavian and stark in design. Some art in the hallway or stairwells wouldn’t go amiss. The balcony furniture is not comfy but the hammock is amaze-balls. 

We never saw an officer, no cruise director, no channel on the tv telling you what is going on. 
A tiny pool. No indoor solarium 

 

And finally - the last acronym is MNVV - my next Virgin voyage which is a next cruise option…. I’ll leave you to decide whether we bought one or not. 
 

Thanks for reading. 
Little Britain 🇬🇧 

 

 

 

 

[GetToLivin]

Every single food pic looked absolutely amazing, thanks for sharing your experience. I've been curious about this line as well 😊

[Sunshine3601]

Thank you for sharing your cruise with us😊

[TripsYouMustDo]

19 hours ago, little britain said:

It’s not made clear at all, but in the app under Shore Things ( shore excursions) you have to book your departure time. Latest is 10:30 🕥.  Thankfully someone asked about this in our roll call group
I’m not sure yet what happens to luggage 🧳 

Leave the same tags on as what they put on during embarkation. Put outside of your cabin by 10pm. Then pick it up at the terminal just like you do with Royal. They sort it by your selected disembarkation time. You don't need to get a disembarkation luggage tag like you do on Royal.

 

I'm not sure if there is anything special or extra nice that happens to it because of your Deep Blue status. 

 

Glad you are enjoying your cruise! 

Edited September 3 by TripsYouMustDo

[bobmacliberty]

18 hours ago, little britain said:

And finally - the last acronym is MNVV - my next Virgin voyage which is a next cruise option…. I’ll leave you to decide whether we bought one or not. 
 

Thanks for reading. 
Little Britain 🇬🇧 

 

Thanks for posting this review.  I've been mildly interested in Virgin, but not enough to seriously consider booking.  I don't think we're the target audience for Virgin so we'll probably just live vicariously through others.  My guess...you decided that you were glad that you took this cruise but won't be doing another one????

[little britain]

On 9/3/2024 at 5:38 PM, bobmacliberty said:

 

My guess...you decided that you were glad that you took this cruise but won't be doing another one????

Sorry. Wrong answer! 

Edited September 4 by little britain

[Jetdriver787]

Great review and interesting perspective LB. 
 

last year we took advantage of the exceptional points offer for a week around the Med’ in August. Booked a sea terrace and “won” an upgrade to a Brilliant suite for a floor level bid. Absolutely loved it! They also offered “Deep blue extras” which have lived on through to the end of 2025 apparently.

 

So many of your observations mirror our own experiences. I feel we were a bit spoiled and when an opportunity arose for another good deal (not quite as great as the last one,) I booked another Sea Terrace. This time we got an upgrade to an XL (with glass and hammock) for less than $100, so I can’t really complain (although I am British, retired, and my wife would call paramedics if I didn’t, so naturally I will!)
 

Boarding next Saturday for 5 days. Since booking In May, this cruise has become a “Comedy festival,” with Russel Howard as the headliner, so something extra to add a bit more variety.
 

For anybody worrying about “the demographic,” I would echo your sentiments and say don’t. The vibe is very different but also very refreshing! Certainly worth giving it a go. 

Edited September 4 by Jetdriver787

[TripsYouMustDo]

On 9/2/2024 at 1:43 AM, Ergates The Ant said:

Looks like a lot of shared tables? Are tables for two available? 

We've been on 5 VV cruises and the only places where you *have to* share a table are Gunbae (Korean BBQ) and Test Kitchen. (I believe in Test Kitchen it's possible to get a private table but it's hard). The rest of the restaurants have plenty of tables for two and my wife and I were never seated at a shared table other than the places I mentioned.

[helen haywood]

Thank you so much for this review!  We primarily sail Celebrity (although we’ve also sailed Royal, NCL, MSC, HAL and Carnival.)  Lately I’ve been looking at some other lines.  I have an Azamara cruise booked and the food on Virgin definitely sounds fantastic!!

[TheBeardedCruiser]

On 9/2/2024 at 5:37 PM, little britain said:

You won’t survive without an iPhone 

Thank you for your review! I enjoyed seeing the ship through your perspective!

 

As someone that vacations to temporarily avoid technology, I do not carry my phone anywhere on the cruise ship. Would you mind elaborating the statement above? I'm not saying having to carry my phone is a deal breaker, but it is very unappealing to me! Thanks!

[little britain]

2 hours ago, TheBeardedCruiser said:

Thank you for your review! I enjoyed seeing the ship through your perspective!

 

As someone that vacations to temporarily avoid technology, I do not carry my phone anywhere on the cruise ship. Would you mind elaborating the statement above? I'm not saying having to carry my phone is a deal breaker, but it is very unappealing to me! Thanks!

The phone /app is needed for the checkin process, booking restaurants etc. 

On board there is a cruise compass equivalent but it isn’t delivered to the cabin, you pick it up from certain locations around the ship: however if event locations change ( weather etc) as our pyjama party did, of course the app updates… there were many people at the old location wondering where the action was!! 
The OBC account updating as you spend is pretty instantaneous. 
The app is great for being able to message Guest services 

 

But no you don’t need to carry it around with you.
 

My comment was more geared to say that it’s app reliant in the whole booking process… technophobes with a Nokia 6610 won’t cope!! 

[TheBeardedCruiser]

5 hours ago, little britain said:

The phone /app is needed for the checkin process, booking restaurants etc. 

On board there is a cruise compass equivalent but it isn’t delivered to the cabin, you pick it up from certain locations around the ship: however if event locations change ( weather etc) as our pyjama party did, of course the app updates… there were many people at the old location wondering where the action was!! 
The OBC account updating as you spend is pretty instantaneous. 
The app is great for being able to message Guest services 

 

But no you don’t need to carry it around with you.
 

My comment was more geared to say that it’s app reliant in the whole booking process… technophobes with a Nokia 6610 won’t cope!! 

That doesn't sound horrendous. Thank you!

[beardedladies]

We're also pinnacles trying out new lines and are on the last day of the same type of 4 day Amsterdam trip, and wanted to give a counterpoint to Little Britain's posts - we've not had such a great time. In fact we've booked a B2B but have no desire to do the second leg!

 

Embarkation day was great - I'd heard that it's chaotic if you have early embarkation and get there for things opening up, so left it to 2.30 and was checked in instantly and on the ship in 10 mins. Fantastic! Loved having the room ready as soon as you board - but we're not big fans of the room. We don't like the lack of desk space as if you're anything like us it quickly loses any spare room with all the junk we bring with us. As Brits we really miss a kettle - we need our tea in the morning! And to add insult to injury there if you order tea on room services it can come with sugar, lemon.... but NOT milk! What were they thinking?! The deal breaker though is the bed. It's got an awful mattress, like a futon sofa bed mattress that is very hard. We don't sleep well and usually wake with back pain.

 

First day food was great, loved Razzle Dazzle for dinner and service was good. But things fell apart day two as we got to Amsterdam. We booked Pink Agave for 6.30 and it was rammed. Waited 30 mins for starters which were OK but nothing to write home about. Then another 30 mins for mains. I ordered duck, the other half fish. His was cold. Mine was raw. I know duck can be pink but this was not that - it was raw and not just a little. I tried to make the best of it, and ate the end pieces that seemed OK. The waitress was upset and called her manager who tried to gaslight me into thinking I should have requested it be ordered well done - it's described as roasted duck, why would I think I needed to?! It was a big mistake to eat some of it as I got food poisoning.... threw up that night, then the next day had the other end. Meant I had to miss scarlet night.

 

Service has been highly hit and miss on the ship. Sometimes it's great, other times awful. We had to leave Razzle Dazzle for breakfast today as after 15 mins they still hadn't even given us some water, let alone take orders and there were many others still waiting to do so that came in before us!

 

Food is odd. It's like they have a need to be different, it's actually hard to find something 'normal' to eat and I'm relatvely adventurous, but sometimes you just want something ordinary that you'd find in most normal restaurants and if you didn't book somewhere that does that kind of food like the Wake, you're likely stuck.

 

The ship layout is also odd. It's so damn hard to find anywhere! Deadends abound and there's a real lack of a central area.

 

Overall the brand just isn't for us, and so it's not something I want to waste more holiday on. Good to have tried, but now we know what we don't want and Virgin has too much of that. Definitely would have prefered a Royal cruise instead of this, but we will continue testing the waters with some other lines but ones a little closer to the Royal/Celebrity vibe we like.

Edited September 22 by beardedladies

[cruiseboy89130]

19 hours ago, cruiseboy89130 said:

👍

 

[little britain]

Agree with your layout comments- we got dizzy crossing from one side of the ship to the other!!!
Also with their need to be “different” - why can’t they send out bag tags beforehand like any normal line instead of making people wait outside the terminal? My friends who did the cruise between yours and mine were waiting outside for 45 mins .. thank goodness it wasn’t raining in Portsmouth! 

We had no issues with food quality or service but as a fussy eater I did literally only have a few items in each menu I would eat. I cannot imagine someone only doing this as their one cruise line of choice as they are a one trick pony and it would get very repetitive imho - yes, we have got a MNVV and will do one more in 2026. But that will be for itinerary, to try other dining venues and ties in with a land based vacation - But then that will be us done I suspect 

[Jasukkie]

Last year, the DBE perks included early boarding which was very worthwhile on a hot day in Miami. We skipped a huge line. I think there may have been a $200 drinks credit at that time too.

 

I cruise happily on either line. I'm not a partier but I enjoy people watching for a bit on the Virgin parties. I see the drinks prices have gone up. I do think on the whole they are a much better quality than drinks on Royal, and actually include alcohol lol. I love spaces like the dock, the tapas menu, just hanging out in the late afternoon listening to the live music there. I wish Royal had a similar space.

 

The point about navigating around the ship is so valid. I think I had it down by my third sailing. I love the overall design and finishings, but the floorplan is very difficult. It's an extra burden on disabled people to not have an entire floor be accessible from bow to aft. Having a "you can't get there from here" design just sucks.

 

Anyway, great review, and it's something people should really try for themselves. Hopefully the "Ahoy, Sailor" stuff will be retired soon. 

[gingersvp]

We enjoy VV when we're traveling without the kids and Royal when traveling as a family. I've sailed in Terrace, XL, plus Rockstar and Mega. I don't think they have the suite perks down quite right and don't find the value in the extra expense (unlike Royal where the suite perks are worth it to me). Perhaps it's just because you just don't need to schedule as much and the ship truly doesn't feel crowded. I love all the small spaces that make things feel intimate and that all the elevated dining is included. We took advantage of buying some certificates onboard for future cruises and now have something like $800 in bar tab between the voucher and our booking credit - there will be another $200 for our Deep Blue Perks also. 

However, am also super looking forward to the 2 bedroom Aquatheater suite we have booked next month on the Harmony!

[DCGuy64]

On 9/22/2024 at 11:20 AM, beardedladies said:

Overall the brand just isn't for us, and so it's not something I want to waste more holiday on. Good to have tried, but now we know what we don't want and Virgin has too much of that. Definitely would have prefered a Royal cruise instead of this, but we will continue testing the waters with some other lines but ones a little closer to the Royal/Celebrity vibe we like.

Definitely sounds like VV isn't for you. We are going on a Royal Caribbean cruise in late December and then on our first Virgin cruise about a week later, so we'll compare the two. We may end up liking Virgin or maybe not. Only time will tell.

[broberts]

On 9/26/2024 at 2:39 AM, little britain said:

I cannot imagine someone only doing this as their one cruise line of choice as they are a one trick pony and it would get very repetitive imho - yes,

 

This would be true of any mass market cruise line.