We've sailed 3 times with Virgin Voyages and it is absolutely amazing. Now, it is completely different than DCL, that is for sure, but I think that it has become our favorite line.
To address a prior point, I've never personally seen any nudity on a VV ship, so I am not sure where that came from. There was one show that was run when the line initially started that was, um, risqué to say the least, but that show has been discontinued. The show that replaced it (Miss Behave) is one of the craziest, most fun shows I've ever been to. I still couldn't tell you what it was about, but I can say it was one of my most enjoyable hours at sea I've had! They do still have the other main show, Duel Reality, which is more of a Cirque Du Soleil type show and is amazing as well.
The food on VV blows away most other cruise lines. There is no MDR. Every restaurant is "specialty" and they are all included. Sushi rolls are included in the "Galley" every day along with other cooked to order items. Like DCL, soft drinks are included. VV also includes gratuities into the fare, including those for drinks, so no "18% service charge" added to your bill. It's all included in the price, which is nice (keeps the "How much should I tip" debate threads away!).
And then there is the hammock on the balcony. At first, I thought it was a gimmick. Now, DW and I fight over who gets to spend time sitting in it...
Interestingly enough, the head of VV is Tom McAlpin, who used to be CEO of DCL...
Agree with all of this…we are Sea Blazers, have been twice, going on our third in November and taking my 70-yr-old parents…so, um, if that tells you anything lol
You can certainly partake in partying if that is your thing, I am sure it exists, probably mainly in The Manor, we just didn’t seek it out. I love how you CAN do that if you want, but there are so many other peaceful places around the ship to just chill and relax, nobody (I.e. Cruise director) is telling you what to do or when to do something…you just do whatever.
The crew members are all friendly and helpful, but not in a like “overly-friendly“ way expecting extra tips, if that makes sense, since they have already been compensated. They just interact with you like normal, friendly, respectful people.
No drink package, you just pay as you go or buy the bar tab in advance. Scan your band for drink purchases, no need to sign for it and add a tip, because it is already included.
The Never Sleep Alone show is no longer, like someone else said. We went to it, but nobody was making you go…like, “eat your dinner here and then make sure you catch the show after”….they just don’t do that. You do you.
Duel Reality is just awesome.
We also did Shot for Shot, extra $$ (mixing drinks and showing you how to take Instagram worthy pics), and the Grog Walk $$ (it’s a bar crawl where they try to get everyone to get to know each other and mingle by having you draw a card and doing what the card says to get your drink at that particular bar). There is NOTHING, I repeat NOTHING sexual on the cards! Lol just thought I would mention that since im sure some are wondering. It’s, like, ask someone you don‘t know what is on their bucketlist. Then you have to present that person to the host, introduce them and what’s on their bucket list, and then you get your drink. It’s a lot of fun, and I am an introverted person. They do pour well
The food is great, of course. The shrimp at the dock house…mmmm…
The pool is small, so if you are a pool person (we are not), that might annoy you.
We did purchase a hammock onboard and hung it on our enclosed deck behind our house just like they have it hung on the balcony…we fight over it.
I am also DCL platinum, and when I heard Tom McAlpin was involved, I knew it would be awesome, so we went their inaugural year. I am hoping they don’t change over the years, like food quality and such, and keep up everything we fell in love with. When all our kids are older and don’t need to be watched when we are away, we will go on their longer cruises, so far we have only done the four-nights on Scarlett. It’s such a great little time away!