Breaking The Mold: Why It's Time To Book a Virgin Voyage

Embarkation Day:

Your first day on a Virgin Voyage will be very different than what you will experience on other cruise lines. First, boarding times typically start later, around 12:30pm, with some sailors (Virgin's term for guests) showing up as late as 4pm. With a boarding time of 2:45pm, we were able to enjoy our morning in Miami. We started by having a leisurely breakfast at a local bakery and cafe, followed by chilling at the hotel pool before our late checkout. This was a big difference from our usual early rise-and-shine, rushing to get to the cruise port.

No Ship Cards:

Upon checking in, we were given two Sea Bands, which are small bracelets with a radio frequency chip embedded in the bracelet. These bands act as both your wallet and room key while onboard. While we thought we would miss the ship card, we quickly embraced how nice it was to not have to worry about forgetting or losing our ship card. Having to not constantly search our bag and pant pockets to pay for a drink or souvenir was nice. In fact, the bracelet becomes a fun little souvenir if you choose not to recycle it at the end of your cruise.

Sail Away Party:

We often skip the formal sail away party on other cruise lines, because they can be redundant or low energy. But let me tell you, do not skip the Virgin sail away party! Instead of a cruise director, Virgin Voyages has the Happenings Cast. This group consists of 10 to 12 crew members in charge of making sure you have a good time. This band of merrymakers runs the party, including getting sailors off their seats and onto the dance deck. From free champagne to bass-thumping dance music, this was by far our favorite sail away party.

Squid Ink:

Currently, every Virgin ship has a tattoo and piercing parlor where sailors can get inked up to their heart's delight. To book a sitting on your voyage, make sure to show up outside Squid Ink on Day 1, one hour before they open. Sailors will have the option to pick from some Virgin Flash, these are simple predesigned tattoos. Or your tattoo artist can work with you on coming up with a custom creation. This was honestly one of our best experiences on any cruise ship and makes for memories that we will have forever.

The Red Room:

The Red Room is part dance club venue and part immersive theater. Unlike other cruise ships with large theaters that remain mostly empty during your trip with entertainment that seems to be the same from ship to ship. Virgin has broken the mold here. From "BINGO with the Diva", to interactive dance parties, the Red Room has something to offer everyone. On our voyage, we checked out "Dual Reality". This show is part acrobatics, part strength acts, part parkour and 100% immersive. We were entertained and thrilled by this modern take on Romeo and Juliet, a must-see if this show is on your cruise.

The Perch:

While we are mostly inflexible and have an inability to sit still, many of our fellow sailors did take advantage of sunrise yoga and meditation sessions at The Perch located on deck 17. Here you can get in touch with your "inner self" and let your troubles and worries drift across the sea from the top of the ship. Meditation not your thing? No worries, there are plenty of other fitness classes. From boot camps to spin classes, there is something for everyone, and the best part is they are all included with your fare.

The Arcade:

Still not over being able to beat your favorite childhood arcade game because you ran out of quarters and allowance money? The good news is Virgin has a chance for you to find redemption. Head over to The Arcade on deck 7 and take in some of your childhood favorites. ÷'From "Mortal Combat" to the less aggressive "Donkey Kong", there is a game for everyone, including one of my favorites, "Space Invaders".

In Room Entertainment:

Sometimes you don't feel like going out, perhaps because you have been going all out, feel free to spend some time in your room. With hundreds of movies and TV shows to choose from, including brand new releases, you can make it a proper movie night. Also, all the movies are included in your cruise fare. Want to enhance the experience? Order food and beverages from the tablet in your room for a nominal delivery charge or run up to deck seven and get a couple of pizzas to go from The Pizza Place.

Scarlet Night:

Celebrate all things Virgin Voyages on this special night that takes place on every voyage. Starting at 9pm in The Roundabout on decks six and seven, join the Happenings Cast in learning all about the legend of Scarlet Night. Followed by some dancing, group participation events, bar crawls and fun into the night. Make sure to pack your red outfit and get ready for the night of your life

Disembarkation:

Getting off a cruise ship is often the worst day of the cruise. From getting up early, waiting in long lines as you are rushed off the ship and having limited to no options for breakfast. This is a day that most cruisers dread. But Virgin has got you covered, with late departure times. We got off the ship at 10:15am and could make breakfast reservations at select venues. This was our most relaxing departure day ever. We started our day with a lovely flat white from the Grounds Club, followed by a morning walk around the ship. We finished with a leisurely breakfast at The Wake. This was a nice way to keep our holiday going for a bit longer.

While there are many places to eat and drink on The Scarlet Lady, here are some of our favorite spots to check out throughout the day:

Morning - The Grounds Club - From matcha lattes to flat whites, the crew at The Grounds Club is ready to help caffeinate your day. Located on deck seven midship, we started every day with a freshly prepared caramel latte and a salmon croissant from their selection of sweet and savory breakfast treats. Looking for something to take an edge off from the night before? Ask about their special take on an espresso martini.

Brunch - There are two brunch options on Scarlett Lady, Razzle Dazzle and The Wake. Our favorite was The Wake. Start with an appetizer of shrimp cocktail or clam chowder, followed by a main course of steak and eggs, or my favorite, the crab Benedict. For dessert, check out the crepe cake. Like a little bubbly with your brunch? Make sure to ask about the bottomless mimosa offering.

Afternoon Snack - Head towards the raft on deck seven and check out The Dock (outside seating) or The Dock House (inside seating) for some Mediterranean inspired dishes and cocktails. Here, they have a number of small plates to choose from, including the tender octopus and the ever-so-delicious grilled lamb.

Dinner - The great news about Virgin is all the dining onboard is included. The bad news is that reservations fill up fast, so make sure to book your restaurant reservations when they open up on the Virgin app (usually about 45 days before sailing). Our favorite option for this trip was the Korean BBQ at Gunbae located on deck 15. Here you will enjoy a multi-course meal consisting of some of your classic Korean BBQ favorites. Each table sits about 6 people and if you are traveling solo or with one other person, you will be sat with other sailors. While for some this might not be ideal, we found this the best part of the Gunbae experience and had a great time meeting others while playing some fun Korean drinking games.