The Rockstar Experience Aboard Virgin Voyages

I just got off the Valiant Lady after a seven-night cruise in the Lesser Antilles. By booking a Rockstar Suite on your Virgin Voyages sailing, I received a myriad of perks and amenities exclusive to the Rockstars aboard.

My experience started with early boarding; after checking in and receiving my Rockstar black band, I was able to pass through security easily without waiting in long lines. This meant that I was one of the first sailors to board the ship, allowing me to connect to my premium WiFi (another Rockstar perk) and access to book onboard events. If you are departing from Miami, you can take advantage of the Rockstar Lounge, which provides snacks and beverages before you board the ship. In my case, I was departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they do not have a lounge, but there was still an area or Rockstars where these amenities are provided.

Rockstar Suites on Virgin Voyages cruises are exceptional and unmatched by any other suite offering at sea. The suites are incredibly spacious, featuring a king-sized bed, ample storage, large bathrooms with separate water closets and peekaboo showers, and a sizeable balcony with the iconic Virgin Voyages red hammock. The suites also have an in-room bar and a vinyl player, and you can expect twice-daily turndown service. One of my favorite perks was the in-room bar, which included beer, wine, five bottles of alcohol, and all my desired mixers.

On the day of embarkation, after checking in to my muster station and taking care of the safety briefing, I was treated to a Rockstar Champagne Hour at the Sip Lounge. This is where I met my Rockstar agent, and we chatted about my previous experiences with Virgin or other cruises and any preferences I had. They also ensured my excursions, dinner reservations, and events were planned and triple-checked that my itinerary had no conflicting events or if more time was needed between events. This is also where they asked about my alcohol and music preferences so that I could get my in-room bar and vinyl selection customized. I got my liquors switched out to tequila and vodka and got extra club soda, margarita mix, and fresh limes to use. I was also able to get an excess supply of Diet Cokes, which are my go-to cures for hangovers.

What was great about my Rockstar agent was that if we needed any changes to our reservations, he would take care of it for us. For example, one night, we wanted to go to an earlier showing of Dual Reality so we could attend a different event at the original time. I messaged him my request via the app, and he got us tickets, moved our dinner reservation, and got us into the other event. Meanwhile, I got to sit by the pool and enjoy a strawberry daiquiri.

In addition to all the above, I had access to Richard's rooftop, an exclusive area at the front of the ship with additional jacuzzis and several daybeds and loungers to relax in. It was much quieter than other parts of the ship, but every day from 5 to 6 p.m., they had a champagne hour where they poured endless Moet and Chandon for Rockstars to enjoy. If you are sailing on one of the itineraries out of Miami, you will be stopping in Bimini, and you will also have access to the Rockstar area at the Bimini Beach Club.

The last thing I loved about being a Virgin Voyage Rockstar was the VIP treatment we got for any events requiring a line. Whether the event or show required a reservation or was first-come, first-serve, we were able to show up to an event and skip the whole line, make our way to the front, and be allowed in first. We got some of the best seats in the house for things like the "It's a Ship Show" variety show and dinner and "The Hostess Sings Her Secrets," a fun burlesque show where the Hostess (part of the Happenings Cast) does retro covers to modern songs. On our last day, when we were sadly disembarking, there was a very long line to get off the ship, but our Rockstar agents saw us and escorted us to the front of the line, allowing us to get off the ship about 30 to 45 minutes quicker than if we had been in line.

The trip itself was excellent, and everything great that I had remembered about Virgin Voyages the first time happened once more. The entertainment was fantastic as usual, with great shows like Dual Reality, a modern take on Romeo and Juliet with acrobatics and other circus acts, or #UNTITLEDDANCEPARTYTHING, which, no spoilers, you need to experience for yourself.

One of my favorite parts about Virgin Voyages is that, unlike other cruise lines, they do not have buffets or a main dining room; instead, they have over 20 different eateries across the ship from which you can pick and choose. My new personal favorite is Razzle Dazzle, a vegetarian-forward restaurant that has a "naughty" side of the menu with carnivorous options. My favorite dishes included the tuna tartare, the fried chicken, and the Nashville hot cauliflower bites. Yes... fried chicken at the vegetarian restaurant is one of my favorite dishes.

Sailing out of Puerto Rico was fantastic because we got to go to new (for me) ports of call in the Lesser Antilles, including Aruba, Martinique, Saint Kitts, and my new favorite island, Curacao. A great thing about Virgin Voyages is that they plan their itineraries with longer days at ports, so you're not rushing to get back to the ship by 2 or 3 p.m., with some all aboard times as late as 10 p.m. (or even overnight for specific European ports)

Virgin Voyages has cemented itself as one of the best cruise options available, especially if you are sailing without children. Fares are all-inclusive, and the pricing is very transparent. I cannot wait to go on another Virgin Voyage cruise and look forward to having Rockstar status again.

Here is a list of Your Rockstar Perks:

Rockstar Suite (In-Room Bar, Vinyl Player, Twice Daily Turn Down Service)
Black wristband to cut the lines at shows and events
Early boarding with VIP Entrance and Lounge
Upgraded Premium WiFi
Priority access to booking at eateries and Shore Things (15 days before the rest of the sailors)
Access to Richard’s Rooftop
Daily champagne hour at Richard's Rooftop (changed to cocktail hour with more options as of February 1st)
Access to the Rockstar VIP area at the Beach Club at Bimini
Rockstar Agent (assist in planning meals, shows, excursions, and other requests)

There a limited amount of Rockstar suites on each sailing, with multiple room types. Talk to your travel advisor about which suite type would suit you best!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on cruise travel. In need of further inspiration? Check out Heather Budd’s guide, Virgin Voyages - 4 Fabulous Nights on the Scarlet Lady.