We went on the 5 day/4 night Virgin Voyages’ Bahamas cruise, one of the new line’s first, over New Year’s. We went with a girlfriend who booked a solo cabin. Sure enough, the Scarlet Lady review is we all loved it, and didn’t get COVID. If you’re concerned about wanting to be in open spaces, read on for the list of all the outdoor options at the end. I haven’t been an ocean cruiser. My millennial son took the inaugural cruise of Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady and kept telling me, “Mom, you’re going to love this”. He seldom says that. Richard Branson’s unconventional cruise ship has great energy, vibe, variety, an interesting mix of adults of all ages and the attractive public areas look like a boutique hotel. Its exterior even looks different with its sleek silvery grey hull and bright red touches; the color palette reminded me of a Nike sneaker. Plus 20+ eateries for what were 1200 passengers and much more. I’m ready to go back and repeat the same cruise.
First, you’re probably wondering about safety. All passengers had to be fully vaccinated. After dropping off our luggage at the pier, we walked onto the ship and everyone got an antigen test with results 20 minutes later. If the results were positive, passengers’ luggage was returned and they had to leave the ship. All staff wore masks and passengers were asked to wear masks when not eating or drinking. We wore our masks whenever we could, and a few weeks after leaving ship, we and our friend are fine (we got tested to be sure).
But back to the experience. Instead of having large areas – one big swimming pool, a few big restaurants, etc. the Scarlet Lady is about a lot of small areas for eating/dining, nightspots, workouts and grooming and pampering. Plus, there are new and different twists on what is offered within these areas. Drinking?
Shake your phone with the app and champagne is delivered to you wherever you are, or have a proper afternoon tea but with champagne. Spa? Evening spa parties with a DJ. Grooming? Find the first ever tattoo studio on board a cruise ship with permanent makeup too. Cabins? A top suite has its own music room complete with guitars and amplifier with a vinyl turntable and an outdoor dining table for six. Eating? How about a Korean BBQ restaurant, a food hall, or an eatery with comfort food and every board game you could think of.
Half of the large indoor gym plus there’s a jogging track, outdoor exercise space, boxing ring and training area and classes
And more on my Scarlet Lady review
Daytime is spent at one of two pool areas, one for hot tubs and the other conventional, each with its own bar; working out at a boxing ring, running track or top notch gym; participating in classes; spa- ing; doing shore excursions or in our case, spending the day at their private beach club in Bimini with a gorgeous white powder sand beach, lagoon pool, and oh so transparent multi blue water.
There’s every imaginable kind of food most people would crave. We’re talking about attractive specialty restaurants offering everything from Italian and steak and seafood, to Korean barbecue, the “Test Kitchen,” part cooking school and part restaurant, contemporary vegetarian, elevated Mexican and more.
A food hall offers options including an all-day diner, panini shop, ramen bar, taco shack, soup and salad bar, bakery and pastry shop. State of the art coffee bar with serious Italian machines and pastries, and a very good ice cream shop, too.
Evening brings a choice of champagne bar and loungey martini and cocktail bar with live music and shows like a contemporary take on Cirque de Soleil that we felt was far better, a dance show that’s like a music video, and Never Sleep Alone, a participatory show with a funny “relationship therapist”; bottom line, no entertainment the same old same old.
The crew, representing dozens of nationalities, couldn’t have been friendlier and did a good job, plus one could see they really enjoyed working there, a big plus in my book. The ship accommodates 2770; on our cruise we were at about half capacity (they’re currently sailing at 50-65% capacity).
Eighty six percent of cabins have balconies with a bright red sleeping hammock. Most are 225-265 square feet so not large, but are well designed and you don’t feel cramped.
If you want more space, opt for the category they call “RockStar” suites (78), from over 350 square feet to over 2000. They also bring with them VIP treatment – priority boarding, custom bar setup, unpacking service and swimsuit drying, special area at the beach club, and entry to Richard’s Rooftop on the top deck with its own bar, seating area and hot tubs. It’s well worth the upgrade if your budget allows.
Passengers (and staff) manage everything, from housekeeping requests and room service, to restaurant and show reservations and exercise classes through an app. (I recommend you try to book your restaurant and show reservations in advance of your departure) That being said, the app is very difficult to use. But on the plus side,on board there’s a print out of the day’s activities, and one can get help by going to Sailor Services with IT support throughout the day or at certain hours 24/7. Since now the line is in the early stages of the its launch, they should get this worked out soon.
This year, Virgin Voyages will offer cruises to the Bahamas, Mexico and the Dominican Republic from the Port of Miami and a second ship, Valiant Lady, will set sail from Barcelona, Spain. Prices start at $2,100 for a Sea Terrace for the 5 day/4 night cruise and include gratuities, all meals, non-alcoholic beverages and basic WIFI. Specialty coffees, spa and grooming services and wine and liquor are additional. For more information, click here.
An interview with Virgin Voyages about the outdoors options in all categories on their ships:
- If people don’t want to eat indoors what can they do? Order room service (is there a charge for this?)
Sailors have the option to order ShipEats, our room service and own version of UberEats, for a small fee. ShipEats is available 24/7 and Sailors can order through the app or tablet on each cabin. The Galley has outdoor seating available and, just as indoors, a Crew member will take their order and bring it to the Sailor’s table outdoors. Additionally, we have two outdoor eateries onboard, The Dock, a mezze lounge offering a variety of small bites and the Sun Club Cafe, where Sailors can enjoy fresh and healthy poke bowls.
2.How many bars are there outdoors?
We offer a total of six bars outdoors: The Dock, The Athletic Club Bar, The Sun Club Bar, Gym & Tonic, The Aquatic Club Bar and Richard’s Rooftop (for RockStars only).
3. What about outdoor entertainment?
The brand’s signature Scarlet Night party where everyone is encouraged to dress in red, takes place at the pool, if weather permits, on every itinerary. In addition, there’s Let’s Set Sail from the Pool, PJ Party Under The Stars, Stargazers, a celestial and romantic evening outdoors regaling tales of the stars, and more.
4. Outdoor exercise/workout options?
We offer meditation and yoga classes at The Perch, our outdoor wellness space. The Training Center at the Athletic Club features an outdoor training zone, including a boxing ring, strength and gymnastics equipment. The Sports Court is also available on Deck 16.
One Response
what fun!
sara