Aboard the Scarlet Lady: An iBestTravel Journey

Making waves with its very direct approach to onboarding the next generation of cruisers, Virgin Voyages has finally launched its first of four ships in the US earlier this month.

As a novice cruiser under the age of 25, I accepted an invitation to be among the first to check out the new Scarlet Lady. This cruise featured a new standard route, spanning four nights from Miami to Nassau and Bimini Beach in the Bahamas, which is distinctly different from the standard 7-10 night Caribbean trips offered by other cruise lines.

What I found onboard was surprising and provided definitive answers to the questions many travelers are pondering: Can Virgin Voyages actually bridge the generation gap and be considered cool?

Who is sailing on Virgin Voyages?

If you are 18 or older and fully vaccinated, welcome aboard! The adults-only scene provided by Virgin Voyages alters the attitude and energy of everyone onboard, giving the entire experience an exclusive, club-like vibe. The ship offers everything you’d expect from a standard cruise, with an array of uniquely themed bars (a dozen in total), two pools, multiple hot tubs, and a nightclub that rivals any found on solid ground. The guests on my sailing came from various walks of life and were notably younger.

Will I have to wear a mask on board?

Mask requirements are quite flexible, as they are recommended but not mandatory. While strolling around the ship, I noticed that about one in every 50 individuals chose to wear a mask, while all staff members remained masked at all times. With a sweeping vaccine mandate for all passengers and crew, along with thorough testing before boarding at each port, Virgin aims to significantly mitigate the risk of onboard outbreaks. It is important to note that a full vaccine mandate is not feasible on cruises that include children, making Virgin Voyages one of the safest travel experiences today.

The new, affordable spring break destination

As soon as the Scarlet Lady leaves US waters, the drinking age drops to 18, and the ship is prepared to host a party. The pricing for this cruise line is structured somewhat differently, charging for cabins accommodating up to three passengers (or ‘sailors,’ as referred by the line). With rates around $1,300 per cabin for 4-5 night trips, Virgin targets friends groups looking for an upscale yet affordable vacation that allows them to explore new destinations.

What are the cabins like? Will I feel comfortable?

During my stay, I was placed in a Sea Terrace cabin, which serves as their standard balcony cabin. Although the bathroom felt slightly cramped, I appreciated the stylish room’s spaciousness. The cabin is tech-savvy and user-friendly, featuring a tablet that centralizes all controls, including lights, air conditioning, the television, and window shades. The ambiance can be adjusted with a simple swipe, thanks to lighting presets that provide playful options for various activities—particularly useful for social media photoshoots and recovery from late-night partying.

My favorite feature was the red hammock on the terrace, perfect for relaxing while enjoying the stunning sea views.

Will I be able to post easily on Instagram while onboard?

Recognizing that the ship caters to social media enthusiasts, Virgin made WiFi accessible and free for all guests. Additionally, premium and higher-speed WiFi packages are available for a fee. The highest speed package costs $40 for the entire voyage if purchased on the first day. While the free WiFi allows for seamless social media access and posting, work-related activities may prove challenging. Most video call services are blocked by the cruise line or consume too much bandwidth to function effectively. Therefore, if you find yourself needing to make an important client call, you might encounter difficulties.

What’s the food like?

Virgin truly excels at creating an atmospheric dining experience. The all-inclusive onboard restaurants are distinct, unique, and vibrant. Popular choices included the fresh Mexican fare at Pink Agave and the interactive Korean BBQ experience at Gunbae, where guests can cook their own meals. Each restaurant also features premium “Treat Yourself” options, such as lobster, steak, and oysters. However, the included food selections were more than satisfactory.

Will I have to bring my wallet around the ship to tip?

There is no requirement to tip when enjoying meals or drinks onboard or at their private beach club, creating a hassle-free experience. Even when purchasing alcoholic beverages, there is no need to leave a tip, nor is an automatic service charge added to your account as it typically is with other cruise lines. I personally attempted to offer a cash tip to my bartender one night, but they politely declined. Use your judgment here.

The Beach Club at Bimini: A private island oasis

Anticipate chic, Vegas-inspired pool party vibes at Virgin Voyages’ exclusive Beach Club at Bimini, a destination featured on most of its voyages. Here, the focus is on fun rather than relaxation. With upbeat music, ample drinks, and free WiFi around the pool, social media access is ensured. The music selection is diverse, extending beyond standard Top 40 hits and Caribbean tunes. Be sure to stay into the evening for the spectacular sunset bonfire, which offers an idyllic way to unwind after a day in paradise.

Yes, you can get a tattoo on the ship

Indeed, they offer a tattoo parlor onboard, called Squid Ink, truly making it a unique opportunity. It is advisable to book in advance, as this exclusive chance to get inked at sea fills up quickly.

The shows are genuinely entertaining

Each live performance I attended was enjoyable and immersive. With at least one live show scheduled nightly in the ship’s theater, it’s likely you’ll miss out on some performances. The highlight for me was the ship’s “Untitled Dance Party Show Thing,” a one-of-a-kind variety show that transforms the audience into part of the spectacle as the space evolves into a dance club. The youthful crowd was ecstatic, and so was I; it might just be one of the best live performances I’ve ever witnessed.

What’s the overall vibe on the ship?

Entertainment and performance are the stars of the Scarlet Lady. Vibrant live entertainment is available throughout the ship, creating a lively atmosphere. Consequently, instead of a traditional cruise director, a “Happenings” cast composed of various personalities, including “the Artist,” “the Dancer,” and “the Gamer,” leads interactive experiences and fun events during your journey.

The Bottom Line

Virgin Voyages offers a plethora of experiences that differentiate them from other players in the industry. However, at the end of the day, it remains a cruise—a particularly exciting one that is certainly worth the journey with iBestTravel.