A New Cruise Line and New Way to Cruise!

It’s not very often that a completely new cruise line launches, but that is what is happening this fall with Virgin Voyages. They were set to debut in the summer of 2020, but we all know why that got delayed. Their ship Scarlet Lady is set for her “Mer-Maiden” voyage on October 6th. I was invited down to Miami for a sneak preview of the ship, and I definitely liked what I saw!

Virgin Voyages has created a new category of cruising: adults-only, vaccinated-only (at the moment), glamorous, but still at a very reasonable price point. Their cruise fare also includes many extras (that you would have to pay additionally for on other cruise lines): gratuities, basic beverages (this includes soda and many non-alcoholic drinks), internet, and group fitness classes. They also offer a bar tab you can pre-purchase in place of the traditional specialty drink package. No matter when you sail, they will always provide a bonus to your bar tab of at least $50 if purchased prior to your cruise.

What may be the most exciting is the FOOD! They have over 20 different eateries onboard and ALL are included with your cruise fare. There is NO main dining room and NO buffet. I’m talking gourmet restaurants that include authentic Italian, Mexican, Korean BBQ, and vegan/vegetarian to name a few. The food I had onboard was all really excellent. It’s truly like all their included restaurants are of the same caliber as the specialty, extra-fee dining on other cruise lines.

We were also treated to a viewing of one of their onboard shows, and WOW was it amazing! Very comparable to shows you would see in Las Vegas. In fact, that is the perfect analogy for this ship and cruise line: it’s like Las Vegas meets cruising. It has a very fun, lively, party-like atmosphere, with phenomenal food and entertainment.

The cabins are well-appointed and have an innovative “day mode” and “night mode” where the bed transforms into couch seating and back. If you’re feeling like stepping it up a notch, their suites are very luxurious and beautiful, and you will literally be referred to as a “Rock Star” while on board. That also grants you exclusive access to Richard’s Rooftop deck, early excursion (“shore things”) booking, and early dining/show booking.

They have several promotions running right now:
**Sail in 2021 and you will receive $300 off a 2022 sailing (stackable with all other promotions), a $125 bar tab bonus for LIFE, and a limited run welcome gift for these first sailors they are calling “Sea-Blazers”
**Book 180+ days in advance and receive 10% off. If you pay in full at the time of booking, you will receive an additional 10% off.
**Book 179-121 days in advance and receive 5% off (no pay in full discount).

Please reach out if you have any questions about Virgin Voyages or if you are ready to set sail!

Brenda Price
[email protected]