Is Virgin Voyages Really the Right Cruise Line for You?

The world of cruising has undergone a transformation in recent years, with new players challenging the traditional cruise industry. Virgin Voyages, the brainchild of Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, has set out to redefine the cruising experience. I travel hacked a free Virgin Voyage and was surprised (and at times a bit shocked) to see the innovative and modern approach Virgin Voyages has taken. So, sail with me while I compare my experience on Virgin’s Resilient Lady to mainstream cruise lines.

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Vision and Branding

Virgin Voyages burst onto the cruise scene with a bold vision – to disrupt the industry with a fresh and contemporary approach. Their branding oozes sophistication, with a stylish and modern aesthetic that appeals to a younger, more diverse demographic. The ship’s interiors are designed to be chic and trendy, providing a unique and vibrant atmosphere for passengers.

Mainstream cruise lines, on the other hand, have a reputation for adhering to time-honored traditions and catering to a more traditional audience. While they offer a sense of comfort and familiarity, they may not appeal as strongly to travelers seeking something totally new and exciting. For a comparison of mainstream cruise lines, check out my post Get Cruising: A Comparison of the Major Ocean Cruise Lines.

Adult-Only Experience

One of the most distinctive features of Virgin Voyages is its adults-only policy. Passengers must be at least 18 years old, creating an environment tailored for adults seeking a vacation without the presence of children. This decision aligns with Virgin Voyages’ desire to create an upscale, serene, and sophisticated atmosphere.

Mainstream cruise lines typically cater to a broader demographic, including families with children. While this inclusivity can be appealing for families, it may not provide the same level of serenity and adult-focused amenities that Virgin Voyages offers.

Dining Experiences

Virgin Voyages prides itself on its innovative dining experiences. Passengers can indulge in a variety of restaurants, each with a unique theme and cuisine. Unlike traditional cruise lines where dining may be limited to set times and locations, Virgin Voyages offers more flexibility and choice.

Mainstream cruise lines still offer traditional dining options with assigned seating times and set menus. While they do provide a sense of routine and familiarity, they may not match the culinary adventure that Virgin Voyages offers.

Entertainment

Virgin Voyages takes entertainment to a whole new level with its immersive and theatrical performances. Passengers can enjoy cutting-edge shows, live music, and interactive experiences that engage all the senses. The focus is on creating memorable moments that go beyond the typical cruise ship entertainment.

Mainstream cruise lines often offer classic forms of entertainment like Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, and live music. While these options are fabulous, they may not provide the same level of innovation and immersion found on Virgin Voyages.

Wellness and Fitness

Wellness is a significant focus for Virgin Voyages. Their ships feature a state-of-the-art fitness center, a spa, and various wellness activities such as yoga and meditation. They even offer a dedicated outdoor gym, giving passengers the chance to work out with breathtaking ocean views.

Mainstream cruise lines also offer wellness amenities, but they may not prioritize it to the same extent as Virgin Voyages. Passengers seeking a holistic wellness experience might find Virgin Voyages more appealing.

Environmental Responsibility

Virgin Voyages is committed to reducing its environmental footprint. They’ve invested in technology to minimize emissions and have eliminated single-use plastics on their ships. Their dedication to sustainability aligns with the values of many modern travelers.

While mainstream cruise lines have also taken steps toward sustainability, they vary in their commitment. Some have made significant strides in reducing their impact, while others are still catching up.

Destinations

Virgin Voyages is striving to focus on unique and less-visited destinations, allowing them to explore off-the-beaten-path locations. This can be a draw for travelers seeking new and adventurous experiences. There are currently only four Virgin Voyage ships sailing, but they offer fabulous itineraries from Miami and in Europe.

Mainstream cruise lines tend to visit well-established and popular ports of call. And the major ones have numerous ships sailing year-round across the globe.

Cabin Design and Accommodations

Virgin Voyages’ cabins are designed with a modern, yacht-inspired aesthetic. They feature adjustable mood lighting, large beds, and high-quality amenities. The attention to detail and stylish design set them apart from more traditional cruise ship cabins. And don’t even get me started discussing the wonderful hand-woven hammocks on each balcony!

Mainstream cruise lines offer comfortable cabins with a focus on traditional design. They provide all the necessary comforts, but they may not quite as cutting-edge as Virgin Voyages.

Inclusivity and Extras

Virgin Voyages takes an almost all-inclusive approach. Wi-Fi, gratuities, basic beverages, and dining at most restaurants are included in the fare. This simplifies the cruise experience and eliminates many hidden costs.

Mainstream cruise lines often use an à la carte pricing model, where passengers pay for various extras and amenities like Wi-Fi and staff gratuities separately. This can lead to a less transparent vacation experience.

My Personal Experience with Virgin Voyages

I have had the privilege of enjoying several cruises over the years and have absolutely loved each and every one. But I have to say, I was a bit blown away by Virgin Voyages. The ship design and all-inclusive nature of the cruise was fabulous. I can’t live without Wi-Fi and really enjoy a Coke Zero every morning. On Virgin Voyages, both were included in my cruise fare. The crew was fun, energetic, and over-the-top hospitable and the food was the best I have ever tasted on a cruise ship. I loved being able to treat myself to a gelato (rather than plain old soft serve) anytime I wanted.

I have mixed feelings about the entertainment. While it was definitely innovative and immersive, it was also a bit risqué for me. Now let’s be honest, I live a very G-rated life (PG when I am feeling naughty), so the in-your-face sexual inuendo was a bit much for me. There is no doubt that the performers were incredibly talented, it just really wasn’t my scene. I would totally sail Virgin Voyages again; I would just skip the parties and shows.

So, if you are looking for a fresh approach to cruising and a true “almost all inclusive” experience, then Virgin Voyages might be the cruise-line for you. But if you want more traditional entertainment, then maybe stick to one of the other major cruise lines.

How I Sailed for Free On Virgin Voyages

I can’t end this post without explaining how I travel hacked my way onto a free Virgin Voyage out of Athens. Virgin Atlantic offered a 30% bonus to anyone who transferred points from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Capital One Venture X.

I transferred 62,000 points (part of the 100,000 points I received as a bonus for opening a Chase Sapphire card). If I had cashed in the points, I would have received $620.
Those 62,000 points became 80,600 points upon transfer to Virgin.
I used 80,000 points to purchase an access key for Virgin Voyages. Virgin Voyages was offering access keys for several sailings out of Europe.
I used my access key for a 7-night Greece and Adriatic Gems cruise for my friend Theresa and I. We enjoyed a Sea Terrace Cabin with an unobstructed balcony and didn’t pay a penny!
Then I used airline miles to purchase my flights!

Check out all Deidra’s Travel Hacking Posts to learn to earn points for free travel!

Ready to Plan Your Virgin Voyage?

The choice between Virgin Voyages and mainstream cruise lines ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities, but one thing is clear – the world of cruising is changing. Check out my post on when is the Best Time to Book Your Dream Vacation and start planning your cruise on Virgin Voyages or any of the other wonderful major ocean cruise lines! Check out these posts for more information!

Plan your trip! Shoot me an email or give me a ring to start planning your next cruise vacation. As an Ocean Cruising Specialist, I am able to help you book the perfect cruise on Virgin Voyages or any of the major lines. Tell me what you are looking for! Plan to book online? Give me a try. I promise it won’t cost you a penny extra and it may even save you a bit!

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