Cruising the Virgin way

Let's welcome the world's newest cruise line - Virgin! If you are looking for an unforgettable travel experience, then a voyage with Virgin Cruises is what you need.

The first thing that you need to know about Virgin, is that they have thrown away the cruise 'rule book' and have re-imagined cruising all together. They undertook extensive research to find out what people really want, and then they made it happen! From dining to accommodation, shows and activities, they really have recreated cruising.

Virgin Cruises is a relatively new entrant in the world of cruising, having launched in 2020. However, the company has already established a reputation for offering unique and exciting experiences to its passengers. They have been scooping the board with travel awards, and they are truly well deserved. 

Last week I sailed out of Barcelona on the Scarlet Lady, I am finding hard to find the words to explain explain how perfect it was. Let me try though...

• Booking, boarding and all the pre departure paperwork was super easy and intuitive.
• They collected my luggage from the Barcelona luggage area and the next time I saw it , it was in my cabin. I didn't even know about this service and I am Virgin cruise expert! They love to keep a few 'Wow's' up their sleeve.
• My balcony cabin was fabulous....The room was spacious, well designed and felt luxurious. There is a tablet in the room which controls everything...think lighting, curtains, room service and  sailor services - all at the touch of a button. We had a fridge and fresh free water daily....if you are a cruiser you may know that water is usually super expensive on board. All balcony cabins and above have a hammock outside....pure bliss.
• There we so many activities - I really don't want to spoil it for you, but one of my favourites was Plate, Snap and eat. With a small group of other sailors we made our breakfast, had a photography and videography lesson and then tucked into the glorious food we had made.
• The food. All I can say is WOW! Everything is included except your alcohol and specialist hot drinks.  They have the best snacks and goodies. You can grab anything from a salad to pick 'n' mix. Try the glorious tapas, you will come away very happy.
• Virgin entertainment is like nothing you will have ever seen before....please, please please go and see all that they offer. Day's after seeing the Mis-Behave show I am still chiuckling.
• The last thing I want to rave about is 'the vibe'. You can party or you can relax. The dress code is 'anything goes' and relaxed. Some nights I didn't want to dress up and I felt totally comfortable. The only exception is 'Scarlet night'where you will be encouraged to wear 'something' red. It could even be red earrings or shoes, so no pressure. 

The Scarlet Lady is a stunning ship, with sleek and modern interiors that are sure to impress anyone. The ship features a variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment options, ensuring that there is always something to do or see. From the trendy nightclub to the luxurious spa, there is something for everyone on board.

One of the things that stood out to me about Virgin Cruises was the focus on sustainability. The company has taken great steps to reduce its environmental impact, and it was evident throughout my time on board. For instance, the ship uses sustainable materials such as bamboo and recycled plastics, and even the crew takes measures to reduce waste and energy consumption. One of the most notable aspects of Virgin Cruises, however, is the company's commitment to sustainability. The Scarlet Lady is equipped with a range of eco-friendly technologies, including a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system and an energy-efficient propulsion system. The ship also features a range of sustainable design elements, such as the use of recycled materials and the incorporation of green spaces throughout the ship.Your room key (a bracelet) is made form recycled plastic pulled from the sea!  As a travel agent and frequent traveller, this means the world to me. Sustainable travel is at the forefront of peoples minds these days and it is THE only way forward -  in my humble opinion anyway!

As for the destinations, the Scarlet Lady sails to some of the most beautiful places in the world, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and South America. My recent trip around the Mediterranean stopped in Barcelona, Cannes, Corsica, Ajaccio and Ibiza. 

The food on board the Scarlet Lady was exceptional, with a wide range of options to suit all tastes. The ship has over 20 restaurants and bars, ranging from casual cafes to high-end fine dining establishments. My personal favorite was the Korean BBQ restaurant, which offered a unique and interactive dining experience. You will not find a single buffet on board. Instead, you will find a dining area like no other.....think of the best street market you have ever been to and times that by 10! Whatever you choose is freshly cooked while you wait. My top recommendations would be to eat at Test Kitchen and Gunbae.

Another highlight of my trip was the entertainment on board. The Scarlet Lady has a range of shows and performances, including music, comedy, and dance. The standout for me was the "Scarlet Night" party, which was a high-energy celebration that lasted well into the morning.....there is rumor that I jumped into the pool fully clothed.

Overall, my experience with Virgin Cruises was exceptional. From the luxurious accommodations to the sustainable practices and activities that I actually wanted to do. I would highly recommend Virgin Cruises to anyone looking for a unique and exciting way to explore the world.