Happy 2nd wedding anniversary to my hubby! We are currently in Dusseldorf, staying with our nephew who moved here for work and planning to go to Amsterdam for the weekend to keep all the celebrations going 🙂
And by celebrations, I mean…we just wrapped up our Virgin Voyages group cruise celebrating my husband Derick and his twin brother, Erick’s 38th birthday – sailing on the Scarlet Lady from Barcelona to Italy, France, and Ibiza! It was our second time sailing with Virgin Voyages (adults only cruiseline!) and it did not disappoint.
For any newbies to cruising or newbies to Virgin Voyages, here are my top tips to maximize your first (next) Virgin Voyages sailing:
🎟️ Book Experiences Early and Smart To make the most of your time onboard, I highly recommend making your brunch and dinner reservations before you even set sail. This way, you secure the times and restaurants you want without the stress of last-minute changes. Be sure to line up your dining times with any shore excursions or port arrival and departure schedules—this helps your day flow seamlessly. Also, consider purchasing a bar tab ahead of time; Virgin often includes some nice extra perks when you do, so it’s a savvy way to enjoy the onboard drinks without worrying later. And don’t forget to book your shore excursions early too—Virgin offers some unique experiences that tend to fill up quickly.
🍽️ Explore the Food Scene If your itinerary allows, try to sample all the restaurants on the ship—you really get the full flavor of Virgin Voyages that way (at no additional cost!). My personal favorites? Razzle Dazzle is a must for brunch and dinner—think vibrant, creative dishes that surprise and delight. Then there’s The Wake – steakhouse vibe, also fantastic for brunch and dinner, must have the salt-crusted dorade and clam chowder. The Galley is your go-to for made-to-order options like ramen, breakfast all day, burgers, tacos, and a great salad bar. Pizza cravings? No worries—the pizza place stays open late until 2am, perfect for a night snack. Up by the pool deck, you’ll find delicious poke bowls that hit the spot. And don’t miss the Mediterranean tapas at the Dock—it’s a perfect spot to enjoy some bites while sailing away from the port.
🎉 Embrace the Nightlife, But Pace Yourself Virgin Voyages offers a nightlife scene that truly has something for everyone. If you’re new to the casino, don’t worry—they even teach you how to play, making it approachable and fun. The Happenings Crew puts on amazing shows that showcase incredible talent and creativity, so be sure to catch at least one performance. Live music and DJs keep the energy buzzing all night long, and themed parties add an extra layer of fun. Whether it’s the pajama party, Scarlet Night where everyone dresses in red to dance on the pool deck, 70s and 80s throwbacks, or the energetic 2000s New Year’s Eve bash, there’s always something happening. Just remember to pace yourself so you can enjoy those relaxing mornings and wellness spots the next day!
🛀 Take Time to Unwind Virgin Voyages strikes a great balance between fun and relaxation. If you want to keep active, fitness classes like Zumba, cycling, strength training, yoga, and dance are all included—plus there’s a fully-equipped gym if you prefer to work out on your own schedule. When it’s time to really relax, the spa is a fantastic option (though it’s an additional cost), and honestly, it’s totally worth it for the indulgence and pampering. And taking a nap in the hammock on your balcony while the sea rocks you to sleep, now that is what I call relaxation. Whether you’re moving your body or just chilling with a good view, taking time to unwind is part of the magic onboard.
📱 Use the App The Virgin Voyages app is seriously helpful for managing reservations, daily schedules, and even ordering drinks or food to your cabin. It keeps all your plans in one place and helps you stay in the loop with ship happenings. Also, if you give it a shake, a bottle of champagne will get delivered to your exact location!!
🛳️ Book through a Travel Advisor!
Did I convince you yet?!? Are you ready for your first (or next) Virgin Voyages getaway? At VS1 Travels, we are able to get you bonus onboard credit if you book through us (on top of current VV promotions), so contact us today, and let’s start planning your next unforgettable adventure!
