The Connected Traveler’s Guide to Cruising with Virgin Voyages

Cruising with Virgin is unlike any other cruise you have ever taken. For those who think they know the cruise routine, you are in for a big surprise. This is not the norm. In fact, I like to call Virgin the “anti-cruise” cruise line. Words don’t describe.

First, everything about the Virgin experience is designed to promote you being your authentic self. You can be you without any pretense. If you want to dress up, dress up. If you want to be low key, be low key. The entire experience is designed for you to relax and recharge. Want to go to 1,001 events, Virgin will support you. Want to relax and just sit at the pool for hours on end, Virgin will support you. You be you.

Second, Virgin is about simplicity. So, you don’t need a lanyard and to find your key card. You have a simple anchor bracelet that has an electronic chip that opens your door to your room and allows you to charge your drinks. You can take it in the pool and hot tub—there is nothing to worry about and nothing to carry. In fact, to survive and thrive on a Virgin cruise, you only need to remember what you learned in kindergarten. Be pleasant to others and ask questions about things you do not know. More on this later.

Third, you do not have to go eat at a specific time with specific people every day. There are over 22 places to eat on board. Go where you want when you want. With that said, there are several main restaurants where you will want to make reservations: The Wake, the steakhouse; Extra Virgin, Italian food; Pink Agave, non-traditional Mexican; Razzle Dazzle, a vegan/vegetarian friendly menu; Gumbae, Korean bbq; and Test Kitchen, a culinary experience. Please note these are not the official descriptions of these restaurants. Two of these restaurants, The Wake and Razzle Dazzle serve brunch, complete with champagne. These are not the only restaurants or places to go eat. There are over 22 eateries, but the remaining spots will not require a reservation. In fact, there are more than ten different international eateries located in the Galley, the “floating fresh food market.” There are light bites, bold burgers, noodles, tacos and more. You will not go hungry.

In fact, many of the restaurants have secret menus and secret drinks that are only available if you ask for them. Who would expect that the vegan/vegetarian Razzle Dazzle would have one of the best steak dishes on the cruise? I certainly didn’t. You have to ask. Remember, kindergarten rules apply. Why kindergarten rules? Virgin wants everyone to enjoy themselves; they want it non-stress; they want to re-awaken that inner child (there are even swings and teeter-totters on this no kids cruise line); and they want you to be your authentic self. To promote this environment, rules need to be simple.

If you forgot to make a reservation, it is not a big deal. All of the restaurants leave room to accommodate walk-ins. However, without a reservation, you may have to wait a little bit. It’s just like if you went downtown on a Friday night, you might have to wait 30 to 45 minutes or more. That is why there is a bar.

As for which restaurant is best, it goes back and forth. We have enjoyed them all. Know this: nothing is “normal.” Everything will have a twist to it. The guacamole at Pink Agave has pomegranates in it. The only tacos at Pink Agave are the chocolate tacos available for dessert. If you do not like something, open your mouth and tell them. They will be happy to bring you something else. Do not starve.
We recommend that you make reservations before you get on board for dinner. You can’t make brunch reservations until you are on board. You can change reservations easily by visiting sailor services or the restaurant.

Test Kitchen tends to be the most controversial restaurant for the Virgin experience. People either love it or hate it. It is a culinary experience. Be prepared. It is about flavors and textures. The menu is atypical and changes. It is definitely worth trying at least once. Remember, you can always go to visit another restaurant or the Galley if you do not like that evening’s experimental menu.

When you stop in Bimini, all the food is included, you will have dining and it is not the traditional hamburger and hot dog. You have fish tacos, ribs, and more. It was amazing. Even better, you don’t need to bring money. Your anchor bracelet works to get you drinks.

However, please remember, Virgin is the most eco-friendly cruise line in existence. There are no plastic bottles. Rather, there are water refill stations with reverse osmosis purified and filtered water throughout the ship. Bring a refillable water bottle to the cruise—just like you brought a thermos to school way back in the day.

Fourth, Virgin does not employ a “Julie” from the Love Boat. Rather, they have 13 different crew members that they call the “Happenings Cast.” Each of the Cast has a different role. There is the Hostess (typically an amazing singer), the Artist, the Gamer, the Diva (the drag queen) and more. Get to know these people. They are the folks who will ensure you are having a good time. They will be greeting you as you board the cruise. Do not rush past them.

Fifth, the entertainment is different. There are pop up shows, secret concerts, secret performances, and entertainment options galore. Gone are the reproduction of Broadway shows, and in their place are shows like a cross between cirque du soleil and Romeo and Juliet. Gone are the huge auditorium style rooms that seat thousands. In fact, all of Virgin is designed with smaller, intimate spaces to foster communication. I like to say I am an introvert/extrovert. I like to meet people and talk but don’t want to feel “pushed” or “forced” to do so. On Virgin, the design of the spaces promotes interaction without pushing it in your face. In fact, the largest gather spacing is no more than a little over 400 seats.

Personal note: We met folks on our first Virgin cruise that we speak to almost daily. We have made lifelong friends on a cruise where we knew no one. This does not happen very frequently on cruise lines.

Now, when you meet the Happening Cast, ask them questions. This is your shot to learn about the cruise. Ask them if there is a show you should attend, or there is an activity they would recommend. Ask them if they have a secret show or participate in a secret show, and if you can attend.

To that end, Virgin has certain unique activities that we definitely recommend. You can book these activities once you get on board the cruise, not before. The only things that you can book ahead of time are dining and shore excursions. (Side note: if you want a cabana in Bimini, book it early). Day One, get on board and get an early boarding time if you can. Get to your room and drop stuff off. Walk around, meet cast members, ask them about food and drinks. Maybe, get a bathing suit and go hang at the pool. There will be a sail away champagne toast and an introduction of the Happenings Cast around 6 pm to attend.

We also recommend that you take The Grog Walk on Day One or Two. This will introduce you to at least 4 or 5 members of the Happenings Cast. The Grog Walk is essentially a pub crawl, and they take you to four of restaurants/bars that are available to you. You get to sample drinks and learn about secret drinks and menus—especially if you ask. At the Grog Walk, many wear masks. Feel free to bring your own or enjoy one offered by the cast mates.

Later on, Day One, there is typically a Pajama Party. We love the pajama party. Now, this is Virgin. Be your authentic self. If you want to wear jeans and a t-shirt go for it. If you want to wear flannel pjs with dinosaurs, go for it. This is about you having fun and being comfortable. The PJ Party is a very fun party with the Happenings Cast, great music, and dancing, as well as some orchestrated dancing by the Happenings Cast. Typically, there is some live music provided by either the Diva or the Hostess as well. Then, as this is a PJ Party, they break out the milk and cookies. It is just a lot of fun. This party is typically outside up by the swings and teeter totters of course.

There are other orchestrated parties and events throughout the cruise. You are never required to dress up. Some folks will and some will not. We went to the 80s VHS work out. We had no idea what to expect. In the work out were several folks in full 80s attire complete with Aqua Net, leggings, and shake weights. No, I am not kidding. There is a disco, etc. All the normal fun activities.

The most controversial show is easily No One Sleeps Alone with Dr. A. If you go to this show, you were warned. It can be a little risqué. Some folks love it, some hate it. Personally, I have not been yet. I have found so many other things that I wanted to do. You also should decide if you want to sit on the voyeur side before you go.

The entire cruise culminates with the Scarlet Night party. There are pop up performances and secret performances all over the ship. At 9 pm, dancers started dancing around the roundabout area, and the best spot would be to hang out close to the stairs. You will see the performers.

This is why it is good to meet the Happenings Cast. Find your favorite one and ask them if you can go with them. Follow them around to different spectacles all throughout the cruise ship. You will see the dancers, show members, Dr. A and more.

The night typically ends up at the pool and don’t be surprised when everyone jumps in fully clothed. It is a lot of fun, and it is just a fun night.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes on Scarlet Night. There is a lot of walking around, so you want to be comfortable.

Far too soon, the cruise will be over. Pay attention to any cruise offer. Let us know what helped and what didn’t help in advising you on this journey.

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