Many videos I have seen raved about the Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady. Well, at least Virgin Voyages. After viewing stories about the food and how amazing the Michelin Star cuisine is, I definitely had to convince my wife to go. Was it the right choice? Well, depends on what you want out of a cruise. For us, there were definitely more misses than hits, so for the price… We’re out.
THE HITS
1. THE DECOR
If you haven’t sailed on an NCL cruise, you’re missing out on some of the best quality theater shows. We have seen Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages (2x), not to mention Noise Boys and Choir of Men. The broadway show featured on the Prima is Donna Summers: The Musical. This was an amazing show on the story of her life from a young age to her older years. We never knew the many of the satires told in this music. The 3 singers who represented Donna Summers were truly incredible. NCL’s musicals are one of the reasons we enjoy sailing on their ships. The Breakaway class a little more.
You cannot miss this show. The minute you get on board, you MUST go to the theater or where ever they are signing people up for the entertainment. Do NOT wait. It will be sold out within the first couple of hours easily. We were very fortunate because of Gil’s status, but don’t rely on it. NCL’s quality broadway theater shows are worth it. The VIVA will showcase Beetlejuice. I know, right???
2. DINING EXPERIENCE
Yes. The dining experience made it to the Hits list. Why wouldn’t it? If you’re a city boy/gal you know there are quite a few bougie restaurants in the neighborhood. Ones where you’d never think to go to because it probably costs the amount of a car note. On the Virgin Voyages ships, there are no “Specialty” Restaurants. There are just restaurants that a part of your cruise. You don’t have to pay extra for them, like you would on an NCL, Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruise, to name a few. This is a great time to go out and experience something you probably wouldn’t try back in the city. The experience was well worth it.
3. THE PARTIES
Where do we even start?
4. THE SPACE
You’re zipping through traffic and cutting tight on that hair pin turn. You can hear the wind howling while you speed through the chicane. You press that boost button to square by the driver in front of you. All the while you’re in the ocean sailing to the next island. Yes, this is a ship you’re driving on. This is a new feature that was added to a couple of the ships on the Breakaway Class. On the Prima and soon to be Viva, you’ll have 3 decks of race track. This is your only chance to race on a ship at sea. With cruise lines looking to add unique and fun attractions, this one surely takes the case. The Speedway is definitely a fun attraction. You have the options of driving with others on the track or taking on the track by yourself for 3 laps. This is a leader board for the duration of your cruise. The winner gets a prize. Unfortunately I (Gil) was unable to get that top spot. I made the top 15. Boy was I disappointed. Being that I am a competitive person, I was looking to race as many times as I could, but I wasn’t looking to pay $20 per session just to break the record. If it were free, then I’m sure I’d spend the whole day racing. It was a pretty cool experience that I recommend for everyone to try. This is the only place at sea.
THE MISSES
1. QUALITY THEATER SHOWS
The Beach Club is an all Adult spot. No children in this section. If you find yourself having to fight for chairs or wanting a much quieter place to relax and tan, the Vibe Beach Club is the perfect spot for you. It has 2 hot tubs on each side and a full bar. Here’s the problem that many would probably have. There is a cost. It’s around $209 per person for the week (7 Days). You can purchase for the day, but good luck with that as it gets sold out in a heart beat. Now I know what you’re thinking. It’s too much for your blood. Here’s the thing… it is worth it. With the Haven costing so much more for their cabins and their perks, Vibe gives you that special place where they treat you like you ARE a part of the Haven. At a fraction of the cost as well. We went up to Vibe at all hours of the day. Never did we have to try and look for a lounge chair or a bigger round sofa for 2 when we went up there. Normally when you go on a cruise and you want to tan, you have to get up early enough and claim your spot. Not this time. We’ll go get breakfast, go down to the cabin and back up a little later. Always a spot. It’s just so comfortable and relaxing.
The hot tubs were the icing on the cake. When we got on the ship and went to reserve entertainment and spots to go to, cruisers found that Vibe was sold out. I remember seeing Vibe Beach Club on Breakaway classes, but there was also SPICE H20. No need to pay for Vibe. Being that there is no Adult spot for free, this is the place to be. We didn’t have to worry about major lines for the bar. They gave us chilled towels, fruits, pitchers of water and even got a couple of free drinks out of it. They attendants take care of you. One morning we decided to eat our breakfast at Vibe and one of the attendees said, “Good morning, Mr. Gilbert. Where is Luciana?” That was cool. They knew who we were. They had things ready for us. It was that kind of service. That’s when I knew we were going back to Vibe when we sail on the NCL Viva. No question about it.
2. NO BUFFET
The Beach Club is an all Adult spot. No children in this section. If you find yourself having to fight for chairs or wanting a much quieter place to relax and tan, the Vibe Beach Club is the perfect spot for you. It has 2 hot tubs on each side and a full bar. Here’s the problem that many would probably have. There is a cost. It’s around $209 per person for the week (7 Days). You can purchase for the day, but good luck with that as it gets sold out in a heart beat. Now I know what you’re thinking. It’s too much for your blood. Here’s the thing… it is worth it. With the Haven costing so much more for their cabins and their perks, Vibe gives you that special place where they treat you like you ARE a part of the Haven. At a fraction of the cost as well. We went up to Vibe at all hours of the day. Never did we have to try and look for a lounge chair or a bigger round sofa for 2 when we went up there. Normally when you go on a cruise and you want to tan, you have to get up early enough and claim your spot. Not this time. We’ll go get breakfast, go down to the cabin and back up a little later. Always a spot. It’s just so comfortable and relaxing.
The hot tubs were the icing on the cake. When we got on the ship and went to reserve entertainment and spots to go to, cruisers found that Vibe was sold out. I remember seeing Vibe Beach Club on Breakaway classes, but there was also SPICE H20. No need to pay for Vibe. Being that there is no Adult spot for free, this is the place to be. We didn’t have to worry about major lines for the bar. They gave us chilled towels, fruits, pitchers of water and even got a couple of free drinks out of it. They attendants take care of you. One morning we decided to eat our breakfast at Vibe and one of the attendees said, “Good morning, Mr. Gilbert. Where is Luciana?” That was cool. They knew who we were. They had things ready for us. It was that kind of service. That’s when I knew we were going back to Vibe when we sail on the NCL Viva. No question about it.
3. FOOD QUALITY
The Beach Club is an all Adult spot. No children in this section. If you find yourself having to fight for chairs or wanting a much quieter place to relax and tan, the Vibe Beach Club is the perfect spot for you. It has 2 hot tubs on each side and a full bar. Here’s the problem that many would probably have. There is a cost. It’s around $209 per person for the week (7 Days). You can purchase for the day, but good luck with that as it gets sold out in a heart beat. Now I know what you’re thinking. It’s too much for your blood. Here’s the thing… it is worth it. With the Haven costing so much more for their cabins and their perks, Vibe gives you that special place where they treat you like you ARE a part of the Haven. At a fraction of the cost as well. We went up to Vibe at all hours of the day. Never did we have to try and look for a lounge chair or a bigger round sofa for 2 when we went up there. Normally when you go on a cruise and you want to tan, you have to get up early enough and claim your spot. Not this time. We’ll go get breakfast, go down to the cabin and back up a little later. Always a spot. It’s just so comfortable and relaxing.
The hot tubs were the icing on the cake. When we got on the ship and went to reserve entertainment and spots to go to, cruisers found that Vibe was sold out. I remember seeing Vibe Beach Club on Breakaway classes, but there was also SPICE H20. No need to pay for Vibe. Being that there is no Adult spot for free, this is the place to be. We didn’t have to worry about major lines for the bar. They gave us chilled towels, fruits, pitchers of water and even got a couple of free drinks out of it. They attendants take care of you. One morning we decided to eat our breakfast at Vibe and one of the attendees said, “Good morning, Mr. Gilbert. Where is Luciana?” That was cool. They knew who we were. They had things ready for us. It was that kind of service. That’s when I knew we were going back to Vibe when we sail on the NCL Viva. No question about it.
4. ACTIVITIES
The Beach Club is an all Adult spot. No children in this section. If you find yourself having to fight for chairs or wanting a much quieter place to relax and tan, the Vibe Beach Club is the perfect spot for you. It has 2 hot tubs on each side and a full bar. Here’s the problem that many would probably have. There is a cost. It’s around $209 per person for the week (7 Days). You can purchase for the day, but good luck with that as it gets sold out in a heart beat. Now I know what you’re thinking. It’s too much for your blood. Here’s the thing… it is worth it. With the Haven costing so much more for their cabins and their perks, Vibe gives you that special place where they treat you like you ARE a part of the Haven. At a fraction of the cost as well. We went up to Vibe at all hours of the day. Never did we have to try and look for a lounge chair or a bigger round sofa for 2 when we went up there. Normally when you go on a cruise and you want to tan, you have to get up early enough and claim your spot. Not this time. We’ll go get breakfast, go down to the cabin and back up a little later. Always a spot. It’s just so comfortable and relaxing.
The hot tubs were the icing on the cake. When we got on the ship and went to reserve entertainment and spots to go to, cruisers found that Vibe was sold out. I remember seeing Vibe Beach Club on Breakaway classes, but there was also SPICE H20. No need to pay for Vibe. Being that there is no Adult spot for free, this is the place to be. We didn’t have to worry about major lines for the bar. They gave us chilled towels, fruits, pitchers of water and even got a couple of free drinks out of it. They attendants take care of you. One morning we decided to eat our breakfast at Vibe and one of the attendees said, “Good morning, Mr. Gilbert. Where is Luciana?” That was cool. They knew who we were. They had things ready for us. It was that kind of service. That’s when I knew we were going back to Vibe when we sail on the NCL Viva. No question about it.
5. POOL
The Beach Club is an all Adult spot. No children in this section. If you find yourself having to fight for chairs or wanting a much quieter place to relax and tan, the Vibe Beach Club is the perfect spot for you. It has 2 hot tubs on each side and a full bar. Here’s the problem that many would probably have. There is a cost. It’s around $209 per person for the week (7 Days). You can purchase for the day, but good luck with that as it gets sold out in a heart beat. Now I know what you’re thinking. It’s too much for your blood. Here’s the thing… it is worth it. With the Haven costing so much more for their cabins and their perks, Vibe gives you that special place where they treat you like you ARE a part of the Haven. At a fraction of the cost as well. We went up to Vibe at all hours of the day. Never did we have to try and look for a lounge chair or a bigger round sofa for 2 when we went up there. Normally when you go on a cruise and you want to tan, you have to get up early enough and claim your spot. Not this time. We’ll go get breakfast, go down to the cabin and back up a little later. Always a spot. It’s just so comfortable and relaxing.
The hot tubs were the icing on the cake. When we got on the ship and went to reserve entertainment and spots to go to, cruisers found that Vibe was sold out. I remember seeing Vibe Beach Club on Breakaway classes, but there was also SPICE H20. No need to pay for Vibe. Being that there is no Adult spot for free, this is the place to be. We didn’t have to worry about major lines for the bar. They gave us chilled towels, fruits, pitchers of water and even got a couple of free drinks out of it. They attendants take care of you. One morning we decided to eat our breakfast at Vibe and one of the attendees said, “Good morning, Mr. Gilbert. Where is Luciana?” That was cool. They knew who we were. They had things ready for us. It was that kind of service. That’s when I knew we were going back to Vibe when we sail on the NCL Viva. No question about it.
