A Guide to the Ultimate Cruise Experience
Ahoy, fellow explorers and cruise enthusiasts! If you've ever dreamed of embarking on a voyage that breaks away from tradition, you're in for a treat.
This adventure was one for the books, from unconventional cruise experiences to hidden Mediterranean gems!
Preparing for an Unconventional Cruise
As I eagerly anticipated setting sail on my first Virgin Voyages cruise, I quickly realized this would be no ordinary trip. From the outset, Virgin Voyages makes it clear that they are redefining the cruising experience. With an adults-only policy, cutting-edge entertainment, and an innovative take on dining, this voyage promised to be as exciting as it was unconventional.
This journey was even more special because it was a Virgin Voyages Celebration, packed with exclusive programming and surprises. Onboard, we were in for a treat—Richard Branson was joining the cruise, along with the legendary Boy George, who would be DJing during one of the special events. The excitement grew as I thought about the incredible experiences and interactions that awaited us.
The experience began well before stepping aboard. Even the packing required a bit more thought. With my swimwear and comfortable attire for exploring the ship, I couldn’t forget to pack something vibrant for Scarlet Night—a signature onboard celebration—or cozy yet fun pajamas for the lively Pajama Party! Whether lounging poolside or dancing the night away, I knew every day would bring a unique experience.
Virgin’s commitment to sustainability was also evident, with no single-use plastics and a focus on eco-conscious travel, which added a feel-good layer to the excitement. From the moment I booked, I felt this cruise would be unlike any other I'd experienced.
Where to Stay in the Alluring Barcelona
I opted for the Andante Hotel in the La Ramblas area, just a stroll away from the World Trade Center Dock and a quick ride to cruise terminals A, B, and C. While La Ramblas buzzes with energy, it can feel rough around the edges after dark. Thankfully, the Andante’s secured lobby access and night attendant keeping an eye on the elevators made me feel at ease.
The rooftop pool and bar made this stay notable—the perfect spot to sip a cocktail and enjoy the sunset. Watching the sunset over the city while imagining the voyage ahead was a moment I won’t soon forget. If you're looking for a convenient and safe hotel, the Andante Hotel is a solid choice. In the morning, we could see the Scarlet Lady, in all her glory, docked and ready for adventure.
Boarding the Scarlet Lady: What to Expect
Virgin Voyages follows a structured boarding time system, so arriving early won’t get you on the ship faster. Your assigned boarding time is important, and the process runs smoothly. When you arrive at the dock, you'll line up according to your designated time. Once the group ahead of you completes boarding, it's your turn.
If you arrive early, no problem! You can drop off your baggage anytime after 10 a.m. and explore the area until it’s time to board. When it’s your turn, you'll pass through x-ray security and line up for passport checks and wristband assignments. The seamless process makes it easy to transition from land to sea stress-free.
Once On Board: Your First Day Aboard the Scarlet Lady
As soon as you step aboard the Lady Ships, the Happenings Cast greets you in the Roundabout with music, smiles, and a preview of the fun ahead. Their energy sets the tone for your adventure. While jumping straight into the action is tempting, I recommend handling a few essentials first.
Your cabin is ready when you board, even if your luggage hasn’t arrived yet. You can drop off your carry-on and take a moment to explore your cabin, which offers comfort and convenience. Take this time to watch the safety video on the Virgin Voyages app or the in-cabin TV. Once that's done, head down to your muster station and check-in. With the safety stuff complete, find a cold beverage and explore the ship.
Make sure to familiarize yourself with the Virgin Voyages app. This app will guide you through everything onboard—whether you're booking dinner at specialty restaurants, reserving a fitness class, or checking the entertainment schedule. It’s a handy tool for customizing your cruise experience. If you prefer a printed schedule, you can grab one at various locations around the ship, including the Roundabout on Deck 7.
A tip to save you time: If you couldn’t secure dining reservations when they opened 45 days before the voyage, don’t rush to stand in line right after boarding. Instead, head to Sailor Services later in the evening or the following day when the lines are shorter. They’ll work with you to get into the restaurants you want to enjoy without the hassle of waiting around during those busy first hours on board.
Culinary & Cocktail Adventures at Sea
Life aboard the Lady Ships offers a variety of premium food and drink experiences that elevate your cruise. Whether you’re into culinary delights or mixology magic, there’s something for every foodie and drink enthusiast.
For food and drink lovers, several premium experiences are available, each worth the extra charge. You can indulge in curated culinary and cocktail adventures like Bubbles & Bites (pairing champagne with delicious bites) or Brews & Crews (a fun craft beer tasting). If you’re more into cocktails, the Path of the Negroni lets you explore variations of this classic drink, while Shot for Shot offers a lively mixology class with a competitive edge. For something unique, join the Loteria Gigante tequila event, the whimsical Grog Walk, or the hands-on sushi rolling class Rice Rice Baby. You can also try Mix It Up to create your cocktails under expert guidance.
For a more creative experience, Paint and Sip combines artistic expression with your favorite drink, allowing you to relax and create your masterpiece. Each event brings new flavors, fun moments, and memories shared with fellow sailors.
Can’t Miss Dining Experiences
The dining options aboard the Lady Ships are incredible, with each restaurant offering a unique culinary adventure. Whether you're in the mood for modern, experimental dishes or classic comfort food, there’s something for everyone.
The Test Kitchen: If you’re adventurous, this is a must. It offers an experimental dining experience where science meets gastronomy. The menu lists ingredients, and the chefs surprise you with inventive, beautifully crafted dishes.
Gunbae: If you love lively atmospheres, head to this Korean BBQ restaurant, where grills are built right into the tables. You’ll enjoy an interactive dining experience of laughter, food, and the famous soju drinking game.
The Wake: Craving a sophisticated steakhouse experience? A dinner here offers an elevated twist on surf and turf, with beautiful views over the ship’s wake. It’s perfect for a special dinner, with options ranging from oysters to prime rib.
Razzle Dazzle: Known for its playful and vibrant décor, it has something for everyone, including a daily Bottomless Brunch for $25, where you can enjoy up to two hours of unlimited brunch drinks. Don’t forget to ask for the “secret burger”, and if you choose brunch, make sure to try the Fairy French Toast, made with brioche soaked in condensed milk.
Pink Agave: For a modern take on Mexican cuisine, this restaurant offers a flavorful selection of elevated street food, from tacos to ceviches. Its vibrant setting makes it an excellent spot for dinner with friends or a romantic meal.
Extra Virgin: This is the place to go if you're craving Italian food. Handmade pasta takes center stage here, with fresh, rich flavors that make you feel like you're in Italy. Try the pork cheeks; they are amazing. Don’t forget to save room for a delicious affogato for dessert!
Endless Fun Beyond Food and Drink
The Lady Ships offers more than just great food. The ship is packed with activities for every type of traveler, whether you're seeking relaxation, entertainment, or adventure.
Start with the lively Sail Away Party, where you can mingle with fellow sailors and the Happenings Cast as the ship begins its journey. For something more interactive, join Karaoke with the Happenings Cast and sing your favorite tunes alongside the crew.
Don’t miss Bingo with the Diva, a fun twist on the classic game, full of cheeky humor and high-energy fun. Feeling competitive? Try your hand at the Speed Puzzle Competition or test your knowledge with Daily Trivia.
For something truly unique, check out the Horseplay Seahorse Auction. You’ll start by joining a painting session with an artist to decorate your seahorse. Watch the seahorses compete in a fun and lively race at the end of the cruise!
Here’s a tip: Plain-clothed crew members raise the price of a seahorse to at least $250, adding some playful competition to the auction.
Nights aboard the Lady Ships come alive with music and entertainment. Hit the Club Nights to dance to world-class DJs or catch live performances throughout the ship, from cabaret shows to live music sessions.
Scarlet Night: The Ultimate Celebration at Sea
Scarlet Night is one of the most immersive events on any Virgin Voyage, where the entire ship transforms into a sea of red for an unforgettable night of dancing, storytelling, and wild fun. Here’s what you can expect:
Scarlet Night Opening Event: The Happenings Cast starts the evening with music, dancing, and a special Virgin Voyages toast to start the festivities. This is your invitation to get into the spirit of the night and prepare for a journey full of surprises.
Scarlet Night Pool Party: This event heats up the night with dancing and, yes, even splashing in the pool!
Tip: Get to the pool deck as soon as it gets dark. They inflate the giant octopus early, and it’s a perfect spot for selfies before the party gets going. Sometimes, the octopus sets up in the Sip Lounge and the Roundabout instead of the pool deck, so watch for where the fun unfolds.
Scarlet Night (Not-so-pool) Party: If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the Scarlet Night festivities move indoors to The Red Room, keeping the energy alive with just as much excitement.
Scarlet Night Afterparty: Once the pool party or Red Room celebration starts winding down, head to The Manor. The entire space glows red, and the DJs spin a mix of pop hits and club beats, keeping the night alive.
The Octopus Garden - The Story of Scarlet Night: Dive deeper into the world of Scarlet Night with the Octopus Goddess in her underwater realm. This part of the night brings an enchanting and mythical performance as you explore the mysterious story behind Scarlet Night.
The Tentacle Tour: This tour is an invite-only experience full of mystery, reserved for VIP guests. If you’re lucky enough to receive an invitation, this is an exclusive event you won’t want to miss.
Sailing with Virgin Voyages: Secrets for Your Time Aboard
Here are some insider tips to make your journey aboard the Scarlet Lady even more enjoyable:
For Scarlet Night: Get to the pool deck when it gets dark. They inflate the giant octopus early, making it the perfect selfie spot. If the weather isn’t great, check the Sip Lounge or the Roundabout for the octopus instead.
Bar tip: Head to The Red Bar at Razzle Dazzle for some of the best cocktails. It’s usually quiet, so grab a drink and head upstairs to On The Rocks for live music.
Breakfast Before Disembarking: If you want a full breakfast on your last morning, book at Razzle Dazzle or The Wake as soon as you board the ship. It’s a great way to end your cruise.
Brunch at Razzle Dazzle: Don’t miss the Fairy French Toast, made with brioche soaked in condensed milk. Be sure to try their Biscoff cookie milk with the warm cookie dessert.
Book Time at the Redemption Spa: Reserve a 4-hour time slot at the Redemption Spa for ultimate relaxation on your sea day. It’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge between activities.
Tequila Lovers, Don’t Miss Loteria Gigantica: The Loteria Gigantica event is a must if you love tequila. It’s a lively and unique experience that blends fun with great tequila tasting.
Fill Your Water Bottles at The Galley or Gym: The cold water bottle fillers in The Galley and at the gym provide refreshing, cold water—perfect for filling up before shore days or staying hydrated onboard.
Bring a Tote or Backpack for Shore Days: A small tote or backpack will be handy for shore excursions. It will let you carry your essentials while keeping your hands free.
Deck 7 for walking laps: Head outside on Deck 7 and walk toward the front of the ship. When you think you’re entering a crew-only area, keep going. You’ll find a quiet hallway connecting the ship's left and right sides—a hidden gem for doing laps or enjoying a peaceful stroll with partial shade.
Enjoy the Peace of Deck 7: Deck 7’s outdoor area is often quieter than the pool deck, with shady spots for unwinding away from the crowds.
ADA Restrooms on Deck 16: If you need ADA-accessible facilities, there’s a restroom near the central elevators on Deck 16, just inside the Training Camp. Another accessible restroom is located near the Perch Area by the running track.
Scenic Restrooms on Deck 15: For a unique bathroom experience, check out the restrooms on Deck 15 near The Galley. They feature big, beautiful windows with scenic views.
Use the Aft Elevators for Quick Access: The aft elevators are rarely busy, making them an excellent option for quickly moving from the back of The Galley to Deck 7 without waiting. Or take the stairs—they are never busy!
Find a Quiet Spot: If you’re searching for a quiet place to relax, try The Scene on Deck 15 (port side, just forward of the pool), or enjoy the often-empty restaurants during midday. Additionally, head to the back of Deck 15, where you’ll find a shaded seating area with tables and couches that provide the perfect sea view. It’s generally not crowded and ideal for a peaceful escape.
The Dock House: Head to The Dock House at the back of the ship for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere during the day. It’s perfect for enjoying tapas-style bites and lounging with a view of the ocean.
Secret Sun Deck: A small, often-overlooked sun deck is above the Redemption Spa. It’s typically less crowded than the main pool deck, making it a peaceful spot to catch some sun.
Red Room Configuration: The Red Room can transform from a traditional theater to a nightclub-style venue. Access and seating are also available from Deck 7. It’s less crowded than Deck 6 and offers a great view of the action. Depending on the show, seating might transform into an open-floor dance space or a lounge setup.
Sneaky Hot Tub Access: If the main pool deck hot tubs are crowded, check the hidden hot tubs near the Aquatic Club (aft on Deck 15). These are often less busy and offer a more relaxed soak.
Late-Night Pizza: The Pizza Place is open late into the night, offering fresh-made pizzas. The buzzer works inside The Manor so that you can enjoy your wait with some entertainment. There’s also outside seating for when you want to enjoy your pizza with a view. It’s perfect for grabbing a snack after dancing the night away.
Gym & Spa Showers: If you want extra space or a quiet place to shower, head to the Redemption Spa or the Athletic Club for their large, luxurious showers.
Free gelato at Lick Me Till... Ice Cream: While there’s no charge for the artisan gelato at Lick Me Till... Many people don’t realize that ice cream is available throughout the day. It's a perfect treat after a meal or to cool down on a hot day.
Test Kitchen Secret Menu: Some chefs at the Test Kitchen love to experiment with dishes not listed on the menu. If you're feeling adventurous, ask if there’s a “chef’s special” or anything off-menu you can try.
Ship Eats Tips: Room service includes a $5 delivery fee. However, you can waive this fee by ordering any paid drink along with your food. They offer coffee, cocktails, wines, and canned beer, which are also perfect for stocking your mini-fridge. And don’t miss out on the secret chicken soup—it's not listed on the menu, but you can order it from room service, and it's delicious!
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