Virgin Voyages
I was invited to spend time onboard a Virgin Voyage on a 5 night trip from Portsmouth earlier this month, visiting Amsterdam and Bruges.
This was a new experience for me, I had heard a lot about the newish cruise brand, Virgin burst on the the cruising scene amid much publicity. Virgin were always going to do cruise their way.
No set meal times, no dress code, no key cards, passengers are Sailors, onboard credit is Sailor Loot and a Bar Tab for your drinks.
Relaxed atmosphere onboard, Crew wear chinos and polo shirts, all first names.
Before you get near the ship everything about your cruise is on the VV (Virgin Voyages) App, once registered on the App your booking will show up, pre cruise information will come through the App, you buy your bar tab and excursions through the App, ship details what is where is onboard, nothing is on paper, everything is on the app. Lots of information on App for you to find.
When checking in cases given to staff to label, to be delivered to your cabin, once your passport has been checked you are given your red wrist band, this is very important, this device which is waterproof will open your cabin door, get you on and off the ship, you buy anything onboard.
Once onboard you start to find your way around, lots to find and explore. The main things that struck me was the contrast, outside could be quite loud and busy around the pools, having said that once you come inside you can find plenty of places to find a quiet corner, small bars you stumble across, a game area, a hidden bar - not forgetting the gym and spa (great emphasis on health an well being) sports deck. You will also find a daily schedule on the App this is also printed for you to pick up from various points around the ship, this tells you what is on where and when.
VV has won numerous awards from the trade and their customers particularly for their food.
Numerous places to eat both inside and out on deck as well, all food is included. Some places you pre book via the App or onboard some you can just walk in, something for everyone whatever you fancy to eat.
Pink Agave Mediterranean, Gumbae Korean inspired table BBQ, Extra Virgin Italian, Test Kitchen (think Heston Blumental meets Science Lab) The Galley food court wide selection of different foods, Pizza Place, Burger Bar, Razzle Dazzle Vegetarian, Juice and Ice Cream bars. You won't starve onboard, lots of places to eat and drink. Lovely calm decor, natural colours and materials. Unusual art work around the ship.
Included in the price all food, gratuities, basic WiFi (can be upgraded when onboard) tea and coffee and water. You pre purchase a bar tab for your drinks.
A choice of cabins, mainly balcony cabins, also inside and outside as well as Suites. The Rockstar Suites have access to the exclusive Richard Roof Top area.
I have added a selection of photographs to give you a snap shot of the ship and life onboard.
Virgin Voyages have 4 ships at the moment, number 5 on the way. Summer is spent in Europe, Winter in the Caribbean, Far East, Australia and Alaska planned. If you would like to know more about Virgin Voyages get in touch, let me arrange that for you.
