Comments fron Virgins on Virgin Voyages
Alright, let's get this out of the way. We were Virgin Voyages virgins. After sailing with lines like Costa, MSC, and Holland America, we thought we knew the cruise world inside and out. We were wrong. Our trip from Barcelona to Civitavecchia on the Scarlet Lady completely reset our expectations of what a vacation at sea can be.
A Whole New Way to Cruise
I'll be honest, it takes a day or two to get into the groove. If you're used to the traditional cruise routine—set dining times, a massive main dining hall, formal nights—you have to unlearn all of that. Virgin throws that old rulebook overboard. The freedom is incredible. The ship has a vibe that's more like a cool, adults-only boutique hotel than a classic cruise ship. It’s relaxed, it’s modern, and you do things on your own schedule. Once we got used to it, we absolutely loved it.
The Food is a Game-Changer
Let’s talk about the food, because wow. Forget everything you think you know about cruise dining. There are no buffets with lukewarm food sitting under heat lamps. Instead, you get over 20 different eateries, and they are all included.
And then there's The Test Kitchen. This place isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience. It’s part cooking school, part science lab, where you get a tasting menu that is creative, surprising, and absolutely delicious. The chefs are pushing boundaries here, and honestly, the quality and innovation are Michelin-star worthy. It was a culinary highlight, not just of the cruise, but of our year.
Beyond that, from the incredible steak and seafood at The Wake to the amazing Korean BBQ at Gunbae, the quality was consistently high. This alone makes it worth it.
Entertainment and a Crew That Cares
The entertainment is fresh, modern, and genuinely engaging. But the real secret weapon of Virgin Voyages is its crew. On many other cruises, the staff are friendly but often seem rushed off their feet. On the Scarlet Lady, the crew has time for you. They stop for a chat, they remember your name, and they seem genuinely happy and relaxed themselves. This creates a level of service that feels personal and authentic, not just scripted. It makes a huge difference.
The Verdict
For us, this trip was a 10 out of 10, hands down. It was a completely different experience that ruined us for other cruise lines in the best way possible.
One pro tip: the best restaurants are popular, so book your spots through the app as soon as you can. It guarantees you won't miss out on amazing meals like the ones at The Test Kitchen.
If you’re looking for fantastic food, a relaxed atmosphere, and service with a genuine smile, you have to give Virgin a try. We boarded as first-timers, but we definitely left as converts.