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My friend’s husband read too many comments about “swingers,” “in-cabin toy packages,” and other tales that made him wonder why we chose Virgin. We, and the people we met on board, laughed at those exaggerated stories. When my best friend suggested we needed some one-on-one girl time, we knew we wanted to spend a week in the Caribbean sun and escape winter’s wrath. It just so happened that Virgin Voyages, which has only been in operation since the pandemic, had recently launched a 7-night itinerary from San Juan to island hop in Antigua, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, and St. Lucia.
Best Cruise Ships for Adults
Along with the new appointment was announced a capital raise of USD 550 million (~EUR 512M/~GBP 440M) with funds managed by Ares Management's Private Equity Group. As of 2023, Ares had ~US$49,2 billion of AUM/assets under management. In late-October 2019 was approved the agreement for Brightline Miami to be rebranded "Virgin Trains" and Virgin Group to build a train station (Virgin Trains PortMiami) at the cruise port. The new station serves high-speed trains and connects PortMiami directly with the USA's intercity railway system and Orlando International Airport. Join Virgin Red and you can earn up to four Virgin Points per pound when booking a Virgin Voyages cruise via Virgin Atlantic Holidays.
A room with a (porthole) view
A gratuity for your therapist after a spa treatment is encouraged but discretionary. Complimentary classes include sunrise yoga, spin class, or an HIIT workout; you can even book a guided hike in port. Throw a one-two punch at the outdoor boxing arena, or simply unwind at The Perch, an al fresco wellness space. Fitness and wellness are concepts that were heavily considered when developing Virgin Voyages, and guests will notice ample space—both indoors and under the open sky—to take advantage of both.
A major cruise line is testing a monthly subscription service - TheStreet
A major cruise line is testing a monthly subscription service.
Posted: Mon, 11 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
History, Review, Itineraries, Ships, Deck Plans, News
During the ceremony were also revealed the ship design and hull art of the future Virgin "Lady Ships". Earlier in 2016, Virgin settled US$300M lawsuits filed by Colin Veitch (former NCL-Norwegian CEO), who claimed Virgin had stolen his ideas and moved on with the cruise line concept without him. In 2020, Virgin Cruises officially started operations (from Miami Florida USA) with the 2800-passenger Scarlet Lady. Three more sisterships were inaugurated in the following years - Valiant Lady (2021), Resilient Lady (2022) and Brilliant Lady (2024).
But our fears were for naught because even during our one at-sea day, Valiant Lady never felt crowded. RockStars get the first access to book restaurants and experiences and are moved to the front of the line for any shows that do not require reservations. Considering the booking window opens 45 days before the sailing date, and that passengers in the know set their alarms to begin booking as soon as the app launches, this first access alone can be worth its weight. Whether you choose to jumpstart the morning with a wheatgrass shot from Gym & Tonic or a Filthy Mary from The Red Bar, you can trust that any path you take will remain unobstructed by little feet. We’re proud of our design-forward eateries and bars and we created them specifically for adults, either for mingling with like-minded adventurers or for cozying up and reconnecting with the person you came aboard with. On top of the spaces themselves being kid-free havens, the menu items served within may also be a little advanced for the average tyke.
Fares are also inclusive of dining (shipwide / 20 options, some 24-hour), unlimited WiFi, all fitness classes. For 5-day itineraries, fares start from ~USD 250 pp per day (excluding taxes-fees). Sea-Rovers are guests who have sailed twice between January 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023. Upon a third voyage, these loyalty guests gain access to the Deep Blue Extras as well as additional onboard credit, and more. Sea Blazers sailed in 2021and are rewarded for participating in the cruise line’s inaugural season with automatic access to all perks, including a $125 credit added to any $300 bar tab purchased, for life.
Virgin cruise ships
All your exercise classes are included too, as well as your food and basic drinks, and tips for Virgin Voyages’ crew. Explore iconic sites along the Red Sea and the Mediterranean on this 14-night one-way voyage from Dubai to Piraeus (Athens). After experiencing the modern wonders of the Arabian Gulf, you’ll cross the Suez Canal and reach the stunning Greek coast. With late-night stays in Safaga and Alexandria, plus full days in Rhodes and Santorini there’s plenty of time to soak up the history, revel in the desert sunshine and get your island glow going.
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. Extra bathroom space with completely separate toilet and rainshower chambers. 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. The diversity was evident with and felt by the passengers and crew, and it seemed everyone was simply happy to be together at sea. I miss Valiant Lady and her crew and hope to sail with Virgin Voyages again soon.
Longer sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean
That actually means much more than simply there are no kids running around the ship. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
V-Ships Leisure is responsible for Virgin ships' technical support/management and crew sourcing. As part of the company's sustainable travel policy, Virgin banned single-use plastics and there is no buffet food on the ships. All shipboard food is made-to-order - to reduce waste and lower energy consumption and emissions. Savings are reinvested into fresh (locally sourced) top-quality products, exotic ingredients, highly trained staff, and clean technologies.
A Virgin Voyages cruise isn’t just for the 20-somethings but the young spirited, inviting anyone who is open to a good time to set sail. Marketed to individuals who might have never cruised before, the passenger mix is an eclectic one spanning coasts and generations, friend groups, couples, and single people. Inclusion is a focus, so expect solid representation from the LGBTQIA+ community. There is a 24/7 diner onboard for late-night cravings, as well as an ice cream shop and coffee house. The idea of room service has been replaced by Ship Eats, a set menu that is operated by the app and can be delivered anywhere onboard for a $5 surcharge. As an adults-only cruise line, the minimum age is 18, but passengers in their 70s and 80s were also onboard the Greek Islands cruise.
In October 2016, "Virgin Cruises" was rebranded as "Virgin Voyages". At the time it was first announced, the company's founder Branson said his goal was to create a brand cruising experience that is more likely to appeal to millennials and other people who don't normally take cruise ship vacations. Bain Capital (1984-founded) is based in Boston (Massachusetts USA) and specializes in private equity, venture capital, credit, public equity, life sciences and real estate, with assets (under management in FY2018) ~USD 105 billion. I’ve sailed a variety of cruise lines throughout the years, beginning with my first voyage as an 18-year-old living in Fort Lauderdale when my mother took me on a nighttime sail. Back in those days (not to date myself), you could get on a ship out of Port Everglades and go into international waters to drink and gamble.
"The entertainment is unique and feels like something you would see or experience in a major city like NYC, Miami, or London." Yoga, meditation, cycling, HIIT classes, and more — all your group fitness classes are covered. We've taken care (of taking care) of your servers, so we cover the gratuities for your onboard experiences. From refined dining to relaxed casual, all of our 20+ eateries featuring menus curated by Michelin star chefs are yours to enjoy.
RockStar Suite passengers benefit from complimentary food service, exclusive bar and outdoor terrace lounge, VIP beach cabanas. The 7-mile (11-km) long island offers extraordinary activities like boating, snorkeling, wreck diving. The partially sunk wreck of SS Sapona (concrete-hulled steamship that ran aground in 1926) is located just a few miles off the island's southern coast. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports.Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world.
