My First Virgin Cruise: A Surprising Mix of Luxury and Laid-Back Vibes
Recently, I embarked on my very first Virgin cruise, and it was an experience that left me with mixed, but overall positive, feelings. As a seasoned cruiser, I was curious to see how this new, much-hyped cruise line would compare to the more traditional giants like Royal Caribbean. Here’s a breakdown of my experience, from the high-tech rooms to the themed parties, and a few quirks along the way.
The Pros: What Virgin Got Right
1. Theme Nights that Wow One of the highlights of my trip was the themed nights. From the fun energy of Scarlett Night to the glitz and glam of Dress to Impress, and even a cozy Pajama Night, each evening brought something unique. The entrance to the dance club was a blast, offering Instagram-worthy photo ops at every turn. It felt like stepping into a different world each night, and the creativity was impressive.
2. High-Tech, Sleek Rooms The rooms were a revelation. Sleek, modern, and loaded with tech, I loved being able to control everything from the lights to the shades with an iPad. Ordering water or tuning into the TV was just a tap away. It felt like a hip hotel on water. I especially enjoyed the red hammock on the balcony making for a perfect place to nap after a long day in the sun.
3. Dining that Delivers One of the biggest surprises was the food. Virgin has really upped the ante, offering dining experiences that felt more like eating at a boutique hotel rather than a traditional cruise buffet. Each night, we dined at different restaurants, each with its own vibe and menu, and the quality was consistently impressive. There were no buffets on the cruise ship either which I really appreciated.
4. A Ship that Never Felt Crowded This ship never felt crowded. There isn’t a main promenade like on other cruise lines, so there were plenty of small, intimate spaces throughout. This design meant that we could explore without ever feeling overwhelmed by crowds—a refreshing change.
5. Stress-Free Disembarkation Disembarkation is usually a stressful experience, but Virgin turned it into a leisurely goodbye. We didn’t have to leave the ship until 10:30 a.m., which meant we could enjoy a relaxed morning with coffee, breakfast, and even a movie in our room. It was the most stress-free departure I’ve ever had.
The Cons: Where Virgin Missed the Mark
1. An Unexpectedly Romantic Atmosphere One of the biggest surprises was the demographic. It felt like we were on the love boat, surrounded by couples. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it did mean there were fewer groups celebrating birthdays, bachelorette parties, or reunions, which might have contributed to a slightly less lively atmosphere.
2. Not as Social as Expected While the themed parties were fun, the overall vibe was more subdued than we expected. People tended to keep to themselves, and it wasn’t the mingling, meet-new-friends experience that we’ve enjoyed on other cruises. This could be due to the couples-heavy crowd, but it did feel less like a party at times.
3. Confusing Bathroom Layouts A small but surprisingly annoying issue was the placement and signage of the bathrooms. On most cruise lines, bathrooms are easy to find—usually in the same location on every floor. Not so on this ship. The bathrooms were scattered in random spots, and the lack of signage made it a bit of a scavenger hunt every time we needed one.
4. Overcrowded Thermal Spa Our visit to the thermal spa was a bit of a letdown. We went on a sea day, which may have been our mistake, but it was overly crowded. Towels were piled up, and there was only one small, two-person hot tub—a detail that seemed to fit the overall couples theme of the cruise.
Final Thoughts: Would I Cruise with Virgin Again?
As the cruise came to an end, my friend and I debated whether we’d return to Virgin. The verdict? We’d love to come back—with our spouses. There’s a lot to love about this cruise line, from the food to the innovative room designs, but at the end of the day, it’s clear why traditional lines like Royal Caribbean have such a loyal following. Virgin offers a unique, more intimate experience that’s perfect for couples, but if you’re looking for a high-energy, social atmosphere, you might find yourself missing the old standbys.
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