Inside Virgin Voyages, the cruise ships that want to make sea travel cool again

Table Of Content

• Finally, the 43 best gifts to give your wife this Mother's Day, listed for you
• Suite dreams are made of this
• Inside deck 15, there's the Galley, a large dining space with several eateries similar to a buffet.
• Scarlet Lady activities

Scarlet Lady has all the requisite poolside and sun deck bars, including ones offering smoothies and juices after your indoor or outdoor workout. Virgin Voyages does not sell drink packages as typical cruise lines do. Instead, you can purchase a Bar Tab in advance, which is onboard credit you can only spend on drinks on the ship and at Virgin's Bimini Beach Club in the Bahamas.

Finally, the 43 best gifts to give your wife this Mother's Day, listed for you

But I thought B-Complex's offerings were consistent with gyms I've been to at home while offering a much better view — the ocean. Guests got comfortable and looked up at the night sky while crew members told stories about the stars. Virgin Voyages' ships are the first-ever cruises where you can get a tattoo on board, according to the cruise line. From personal pizzas to juicy steak dinners, there's plenty to eat on decks 5-7. From shops and swimming pools to game rooms and swing sets, I thought there was so much to do.

Suite dreams are made of this

The real attraction here is the full-size red hammock hung from the ceiling. A grown adult can easily lay out or simply sit and swing in the hammock. Be prepared to come to blows with your cabinmate over who gets the hammock first and for how long.

Inside deck 15, there's the Galley, a large dining space with several eateries similar to a buffet.

Virgin also does not use standard cruise industry lingo to refer to its rooms. Inside cabins are Insider rooms, ocean views are Sea Views, and balconies are Sea Terrace cabins. Many rooms can accommodate one to four guests, often in slightly unusual bed layouts, so pay attention if you're traveling in a pack and looking to save a few bucks on your cruise fare. Scarlet Lady is the perfect ship for modern, young-at-heart travelers who love cutting-age entertainment, good food, a good party and lots of R&R. It's not the right choice for folks who are conservative minded or easily offended, or longtime cruisers looking for a traditional experience.

From getting pampered to popping champagne, what’s happening on our adults only cruise ships.

The intent is for the lower beds to be made up as couches during the day and transformed into beds at night. Virgin claims that 86% of its cabins feature private balconies, and if you can, you want to book one of these. Because nearly every Sea Terrace comes with a sustainably sourced hammock that is extremely comfortable and unusual in the cruise industry — and for us, was the best part of the entire Virgin accommodation experience. Food is another major focus on the ship, and instead of one main dining room, there are six different restaurants—none of which have a buffet. These are not your typical cruise ship dining experiences, either, as each restaurant sports a distinctive design and concept. So on board you’ll find the first-ever tattoo parlor at sea; a record shop; a luxury shopping arcade with rotating partners like Bulgari and Gucci; and a one-of-a-kind convertible theater offering three unique shows (no Broadway revues here).

But I also hate paying extra for meals when food is already included. Scarlet Lady defies categorization when it comes to pricing, as well. Its cruise fares are more inclusive than your typical mass-market ship, and therefore more expensive than other mainstream lines. But it doesn't have the same vibe as luxury cruise ships that tend to cater to a retired, wealthy clientele, who are less active and not into dance parties or cutting-edge entertainment.

Scarlet Lady itineraries and pricing

The swanky night club was designed by Roman + Williams, while the two pool decks have plenty of hot tubs, loungers and swings, plus 10 private cabanas. Inside, passengers can expect a hot tub, a music room that can be transformed into an extra bedroom, two hammocks, an outdoor shower and more. As of Saturday's preview, there was still plenty of work to be done on the Mega RockStar Suites, just like the rest of the ship. With a more peaceful, private vibe than the rest of the pool deck, Richard's Rooftop was the only place on the ship where I could lie in the sun and feel like I was in bed simultaneously. So next time I cruise with Virgin Voyages, I'll consider upgrading to a suite. All cabins can sleep at least two, but adjustments can be made during the reservation process to accommodate more depending on the party.

Scarlet Lady activities

If you've never cruised because you don't like kids, crowds, banquet-style dining or lackluster entertainment, this might be the ship that changes your mind. Perhaps if the app were more intuitive, some of these issues could be mitigated. But I, who have successfully employed numerous cruise ship apps, had to ask a crew member to show me where to find deck plans in the Sailor App. In-app room service ordering was glitchy, but my cabin attendant hadn't left me a printout of the menu, so I never tried in-room dining. The drag show was a hoot, and the DanceShowPartyThing was different than any cruise ship show I've ever seen and a lighthearted fun time. The late-night jazz band at the On the Rocks bar kept the crowds engaged, and the crew knew how to keep the party going on the dance floor at The Manor – whether that was dancing on the stage wings or covering the crowd with a large parachute.

Inside Virgin’s new Scarlet Lady cruise ship with a tattoo parlor

Each cabin is custom-created to accommodate the Seabed, the first-ever transformational cabin bed-at-sea, specially engineered and handcrafted by Walter Knoll in Germany. Think of it as the sofa-bed or futon of the ocean as the bed can be reconfigured to a couch easily, reflecting Virgin's emphasis that this is a social ship rather than a place to quietly get away from it all. There are minor tweaks from ship to ship, like the original artwork.

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Also here is Virgin Voyages' groundbreaking tattoo parlor, Squid Ink, where you can pay inflated rates for the bragging rights of having gotten a tattoo at sea. For your other bodily needs, The Tune Up offers medispa treatments, manicures and pedicures by the pool on Deck 15. Scarlet Lady's Redemption Spa is also broken up and scattered around the ship. The main venue is tucked away on Deck 5 on the other side of the elevator bank from Sailor Services, Pink Agave and Razzle Dazzle.

I kept placing my toilet bag under the elevated soap dish and realizing the soap would drip on it. I had the same experience at The Dock after a late excursion; several of us waited far too long for a waiter to appear and take our order – even though a server had escorted me outside five minutes prior. As much as I'm not a fan of buffets, sometimes I just want to eat quickly and get on with my day. This concept works well when you have time to kill or the venue is empty.

In April 2024, the ship will sail an epic 14-night transatlantic cruise to Barcelona, which will be Scarlet Lady's homebase at least through October 2024. From Spain, it will sail seven-night itineraries to ports in Italy, Spain and the French Riviera, all with overnights on the party island of Ibiza. Pretty much every night there's a themed party in The Manor or out on deck, but the ones you need to pack for are the PJ Party and Scarlet Night. Scarlet Lady's first-night pajama party is optional, but if you do want to get your Virgin vibe going on day one, pack a pair of party PJs and head to the Athletic Club bar on the first night. The two most popular bars on board each night are Sip, the Champagne bar (which also serves wine and cocktails), and On The Rocks, which is central to everything and usually has live music.

According to Virgin Voyages, the lounge was named for and inspired by founder Richard Branson. Valiant Lady just debuted with her "mermaiden" voyage this spring. Resilient Lady will follow later this summer, and Brilliant Lady will set sail, as originally planned, in 2023. "We have the newest fleet in the industry. So we've been able to benefit from all of the work that we've done to make it as fuel efficient as possible," McAlpin says. "And with every last ounce of energy, we tried to train and not consume, and we have a lot less waste on board." Valiant Lady just debuted with her “mermaiden” voyage this spring.

Inside Virgin Voyages' second cruise ship: Valiant Lady

Table Of Content

• At the same restaurant, I had fancy doughnuts for dessert.
• To get up and down the ship's many decks, elevators take guests to 13 of the 17 levels.
• Richard Bransons
• These are the 11 best bronzing drops we tested for glowy, sun-kissed skin every time

They're great for checking the weather, drying swimsuits and eating room service breakfast – but I rarely spend much time hanging out on them. Usually that's because the chairs are upright and made of metal (or metal and plastic mesh) and the veranda is small, and you can't get comfortable. Friend groups, solo Sailors, and duos alike can get in on the Insider action. Roomy Rainshowers and mood lighting punctuate our cozy escapes — giving you the space to recover today and prepare for tomorrow. Whether you're in the Peek-a-Boo shower inside, or rinsing off on the Peek-a-View shower outside, the ecstasy-inducing sea views pulse through every part of the design of this suite.

At the same restaurant, I had fancy doughnuts for dessert.

A lavish Suite cheekily located at the corner of the ship for wrapping panoramic views of the wake (you’re welcome).

To get up and down the ship's many decks, elevators take guests to 13 of the 17 levels.

They have free weights and machines as well as fitness classes from yoga to spin sessions. Similar to a typical cruise ship buffet, there are several stands with a wide range of offerings. But unlike most buffets, servers make the plates and hand them to the customers. Many of the venues for these events are on decks six and seven, including the Red Room for performances; On the Rocks, a music bar; and the Manor, a nightclub and theater. Extra Virgin is an Italian aperitivo-inspired concept with terrazzo tabletops, and Pink Agave is a Mexico City-style spot with what Virgin claims to be the largest collection of rare tequila and mezcal at sea.

Richard Bransons

However, its standard rooms won't keep you inside when the real fun is found in the ships' public areas. The Fab Suite, at 950 square feet, is essentially an oversized version of the Posh Suite. The extra space allows for additional seating areas in both the living room and bedroom. The Gorgeous Suite is the smallest at 570 square feet, and can sleep up to four. Its interior is similar to the Brilliant Suite, but the difference is in the balcony.

The Posh Suite measures 833 square feet, with living and sleeping areas divided by a wall. It can sleep four (the living room sofa can convert to a bed) and has a bath and a half (the master with a peekaboo shower looking into the bedroom and out the balcony doors beyond). The balcony is similar to the other suite terraces with lounge chairs, a hammock, Champagne table and chairs and a small couch. Instead, you can make dinner reservations at one of its six restaurants, or make a more casual meal from the pizza parlor, food hall, snack bar (featuring wings and hot dogs) or the Dock and Dock House lounge with their mezze menu.

feature a Sea Terrace hammock

You enter the main living area with a circular couch seating area and a full bar. To one side is the music room, which can double as an extra bedroom; the suite sleeps up to four — that is if you don't stay up rocking out on the provided guitars all night. The newest ship sailing in the fleet, Valiant Lady has nearly 80 suites, ranging from 352 square feet for more budget-friendly cabins to upwards of 2,147 square feet for those who want to travel like rock stars.

You may want to bring some cash to tip the porters who take your suitcases from the pier to the ship and any tour guides who lead your ship-sponsored or private excursion in port. In addition, you will need to check in for your cruise online, fill out the appropriate information and select an arrival time for embarkation day. On Deck 6, men can get a shave at Stubble and Groom, while women can get blowouts for Scarlet Night at Dry Dock.

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To sleep four, two people will need to share a bed, the third bed will be perpendicular in an L shape (so three heads in close proximity) and the fourth is a bunk flush with the cabin wall above. They measure 105 to 177 square feet and can sleep one (Solo Insiders) to four people (Social Insiders). The four-person arrangement is two twin beds arranged in an L shape head to head, with two bunkbeds also in L shape right above.

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Inside Virgin Voyages' second cruise ship: Valiant Lady - Fortune

Inside Virgin Voyages' second cruise ship: Valiant Lady.

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Cruise travel is typically thought to be more appealing to families and older travelers—and for good reason as they are convenient for groups and parties looking for less hassle with little planning required beyond the reservation. Cruise guests can select an itinerary, and have little to worry about after that as far as logistics go. On deck 17, the track is the perfect place to run — or walk, if you vacation like me — with constant views of the wide-open ocean. I don't like to work out on vacation unless it's a fun activity that makes me forget I'm exercising at all.

Virgin Voyages gave BI access to Richard's Rooftop, and I thought it was the most relaxing place on the ship. On deck 16, the Athletic Club is home to an outdoor training center with strength and gymnastics equipment as well as a boxing ring. In the Galley, I had tacos, sushi, desserts, and breakfast foods. There's also a burger grill, a noodle bar, a panini shop, and a popsicle stand.

Cheeky Corner and Suite Aft Suites are also divided into Pretty Big Terrace, Even Bigger Terrace and Biggest Terrace classes. Other cabins and suites in all categories can sleep three or four guests. Groups who don't want to squeeze four into a room (and we wouldn't recommend it, given Virgin's tiny bathrooms and limited storage) can take advantage of connecting rooms. While these cruise rooms may be unique in the cruise industry, you won't have trouble choosing your cabin or suite. Virgin offers a reasonable three styles of standard cabin and eight categories of suites, so your choice will be guided by your requirements around space, price and light. True to its brand, Virgin Voyages does things a little differently than other cruise lines, and this ethos extends to its accommodations.

Women are taught to be pretty, patient, and strong — and those are often traits we’re allowed to own. But being smart, being absolutely brilliant, is a characteristic that women are so rarely allowed to celebrate without fear of being called arrogant. Virgin Voyages’ brand design ethos can be summed up as "modern romance of sailing," capturing a fresh, contemporary, and sleek look, with nods of glamour and romance with touches of saltiness and nautical traditions. "What seemed missing in the market was a really good adults-only cruise line," he said. From the outset, the flashy and colorful designs as well as a heightened focus on fitness and wellness would make it seem that Virgin Voyages aiming to attract a younger audience. But millennials and Generation Z have much less spending power compared to their parents' and grandparents' generations amid record inflation that has not been matched in adequate salary gains.

You'll want to make your dinner reservations as soon as you get on board. One thing that surprised me was the ship requests you also make reservations for breakfast, brunch or lunch at sit-down restaurants, such as The Wake and Razzle Dazzle. Walk-ins are welcome at less busy times (such as right when the venue opens for breakfast), but I was lightly scolded for not booking in advance.

More importantly, perhaps, it allows crew members to locate you when you shake for Champagne delivery. Virgin Voyages takes a reasonable approach to passengers bringing drinks on board. Each guest may bring on board a maximum of 12 sealed 12-ounce or smaller cans or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages (water, sports drinks, soda, non-alcoholic beer, etc.) and two 750mL bottles of wine. You are welcome to tip your bartender or cabin attendant extra if you feel they've gone above or beyond, but it's not necessary.

"When we went into this business, we did this because the cruise industry was successful," says Tom McAlpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages. "But we wanted to take the best of what cruising is, one that has unique entertainment and is sophisticated, with lots of flexibility in an elegant way, not in a stuffy environment...And we believe by doing that, people will pay you." The Virgin Voyages fleet are also “adult-by-design,” welcoming guests only 18 years and older, with a capacity of approximately 2,700 passengers per ship. Additionally on deck 15, there's a standalone restaurant called Gunbae that serves family-style Korean barbecue dishes. My ship sailed round-trip from Barcelona, Spain, to ports in Italy and France, including Toulon, Ajaccio, and Marina di Carrara. As we headed up to the pool bar for a sundowner, the city’s twinkling skyline seemed bewitched with sherbet orange secrets.

Scarlet Lady’s diverse spaces also ensure that there are separate areas for fun, relaxation and entertainment—and plenty of places made with adults in mind, as everyone on board must be at least 18-years-old. “Adult-by-design is really something that was needed in the industry,” says Weber. Passengers will not receive keycards unless they have access to Richard's Rooftop, an exclusive sun deck reserved for cruisers booked in Rockstar Suites.

The 11 Best Cruise Lines and Ships for Families and Kids in 2024

Table Of Content

• Best for All Ages
• SET SAIL ABOARD THE BEST SHIPS FOR FAMILIES
• How I Chose the Best Cruise Lines for Families
• Are Cruises Worth It for Families?
• Best Cruise Lines for Families (and Their 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships)
• Best for International Cruising
• Most Popular Family Cruise Lines

However, Norwegian does offer group babysitting during the evenings for parents to enjoy a child-free dinner. Get your kicks at the Aqua Park, a water park for tweens and teens. The Norwegian Joy even has a Kids’ Aqua Park for the little ones. I’m here to help you make this all-important choice by reviewing 12 of the best cruise ships for kids. Family fun awaits at every turn, such as arcades, pinball, water slides and pools, rock-climbing walls, mini golf, and plenty of other organized sports like soccer, baseball, basketball, and bowling.

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Best for All Ages

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Best Cruise Ships for Families in 2024.

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Families don't need to pull out their wallets to feed ravenous teens or sugar-fueled children. Guy Fieri burgers and barbecue, burritos for breakfast and lunch and Shaquille O'Neal's fried chicken are all included in your cruise fares. They want to keep you happy, so make sure you talk to them about the best options to suit your family on your multi-generation cruise. The teen’s club was an absolute blast and there were so many activities to do onboard.

SET SAIL ABOARD THE BEST SHIPS FOR FAMILIES

Whilst this cruise line is good for children of any age, those older than seven or eight may have more fun on a ship with more facilities. On many ships, you’ll find a dedicated baby area where parents can bring their babies at certain times. Disney Cruises are pretty much exclusively for families and are popular with children of all ages, but there are plenty of adult-only areas too. Under threes can be cared for in the nursery, but this is quite expensive. Don’t forget about Disney’s private island, which will surely be the cherry on top of your vacation if you are headed to the Bahamas. According to the report, Disney receives accolades from families for its whimsical amenities and well-equipped staterooms.

How I Chose the Best Cruise Lines for Families

It’s a perfect way to get the whole family together in one place, and here we look at the best family-friendly cruise lines. If you’re planning a family or multi-generational cruise for Christmas, New Year’s or during school break, you’ll find a lot of families and kids onboard. Celebrity cruises offer a 5-star cruising experience on board modern and luxurious ships. The newest ships Celebrity ships have some uber-cool features such as real grass lawns, a ‘flying carpet’ that moves up and down the side of the ship and a silent disco. The nationality of passengers varies depending on theitinerary, with lots of Brits sailing from Southampton and lots of Americanssailing from other ports, including European ports.

P&O Cruises

Luxury cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will no doubt have a superb menu, but they may not be expert kid-pleasers like Disney Cruise Line when it comes to food. But either way, the square footage matters — even more so if you’ll spend quite a bit of your time onboard the ship. Just like when you choose a hotel, families look for certain amenities for a cruise vacation. Ilana Schattauer is a cruise travel expert behind Life Well Cruised, a popular website and YouTube channel that provides valuable insights into the world of cruising. As a seasoned writer and content creator, she shares valuable cruise tips and travel guides. Her platform is dedicated to sharing cruise advice, destination tips and firsthand experiences to help travelers plan their cruises with ease.

There’s no single answer on the best cruise line for kids, though. Some cruise ships, which are fantastic for teenagers, would be a nightmare for parents of toddlers. Some family cruise lines have lots of activities for parents and kids to do together, whereas others have fantastic kids’ clubs that your children won’t want to leave.

Best Cruise Lines for Families (and Their 12 Most Kid-Friendly Ships)

Adults can feel like kids again, and the kids are creatively entertained from dawn until dusk! It’s also a fantastic way for grandparents to make memories with their grandchildren. And parents get a welcome break when grandparents can enjoy activities with the kids in a fun environment. Are you considering a family cruise and wondering about the best cruise lines for families?

Best for International Cruising

There are a dozen dining options across each ship such as the French restaurant Normandie or the Mediterranean eatery Cyprus Restaurant. Specialty dining options include Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, Raw on 5 Restaurant serving fresh seafood, and Fine Cut Steakhouse. Celebrity Cruises features large ships but aims to provide a more high-end experience than you’ll find on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises. It also does a great job of catering to multi-generational cruisers.

Most Popular Family Cruise Lines

Assessed by nutritionists, the menu features fun dishes for all ages, including babies from 6 to 12 months. The buffets each have a Kids’ Corner and all the specialty restaurants have a menu, so your kiddo can find a meal that they’ll like. They have both specialty (where kids under 12 can eat for free) and a complimentary buffet where even the pickiest eater of the fam will find something to enjoy.

The Park Cafe venue is also found in the Solarium, so you can grab a bite to eat. Like Disney, each Carnival ship carries approximately one crew member for every three passengers. The No. 3 best cruise for families is Carnival Cruise Line, with a rating of 3.90. Disney Cruise Line allows customers to travel to the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean, Australia and the Pacific and trips can last between two and 15 nights. Disney Cruise Line is the best cruise line for families, with a rating of 4.46.

Guests especially love Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, when cruising select Caribbean itineraries. Dining options aboard Disney cruises include main and casual dining as well as adult-exclusive dining options. There are almost a dozen restaurants, cafes, and snack shops on each ship. Some nod to beloved Disney movie characters, like Lumiere’s on Disney Magic and Tiana’s Place on Disney Wonder.

Both Adventure Ocean and the Royal Babies & Tots programs provide care and educational activities for kids in different age groups. Adventure Ocean also offers a Late Night Party Zone group sitting for children ages 3-11 between the hours of 10 p.m. And 2 a.m., so you can enjoy a stress-free adults-only night out on deck. Family-friendly vacation destinations are always on the itinerary when you sail with Royal Caribbean®.

Passengers can expect the typical array of dining options aboard MSC Cruises as well as a special kids’ corner available at the buffet. The stateroom categories aboard both the Norwegian Getaway and the Norwegian Breakaway include Studio, Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Spa, Club Balcony Suite, and The Haven. Within those categories are another 30 stateroom types to choose from, including a 2-bedroom family villa. The Haven is an exclusive set of staterooms at the top level of the ship that features a 24-hour butler, concierge service, and sundeck.

Another plus for MSC Cruises is that they offer unbeatable value. The prices are very competitive on MSC Cruises, and they often offer discounts and promotions that can save you even more money. Add in the fact that their ships are top-notch and offer a ton of amenities, and it’s easy to see why MSC Cruises is such a great choice for families. Carnival has 25 ships that depart from all over the world, including New York, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami and more. The cruise line offers trips to Mexico, Hawaii, Europe and the Caribbean, to name a few. Disney Cruise Line is typically more expensive than other family-friendly cruise lines, the report states.