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Observational documentary series following the lives of the crew and passengers heading out on the holiday of a lifetime on board the ships Scarlet Lady and Valiant in the Virgin Voyages fle... Read all Observational documentary series following the lives of the crew and passengers heading out on the holiday of a lifetime on board the ships Scarlet Lady and Valiant in the Virgin Voyages fleet. Observational documentary series following the lives of the crew and passengers heading out on the holiday of a lifetime on board the ships Scarlet Lady and Valiant in the Virgin Voyages fleet.

Sheridan Smith
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Feb 7, 2024
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June 19, 2022 (United Kingdom)
United Kingdom
Channel 5 (United Kingdom)
Title Role Productions
Channel 5 Television
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Runtime 1 hour

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The Cruise: Fun Loving Brits at Sea Behind the Scenes

Channel 5’s new show, ‘ The Cruise: Fun Loving Brits at Sea ’ is a 20-episode series following groups of holidaymakers as they sail through the Mediterranean on Regal Princess.

We caught up with Anne from Northern Ireland, who features on the TV programme, to find out what it was like to be part of the show.

The Cruise: Fun Loving Brits at Sea

This fly-on-the-wall TV show looks at cruising from a range of perspectives and what it means for those setting sail on their dream holiday.

The first episode introduced viewers to cruising newbies and best friends from Leeds, expert travellers from The Isle of Wight and cruise lover Carla who brings her new-to-cruise friends along for the journey.

The Cruise: Fun Loving Brits at Sea on Channel 5

The cruisers enjoy delicious treats and tipples in Italy and Greece, combining travel and education in Turkey.

The new Channel 5 programme promises to showcase the exhilarating activities and cultural immersion that a dream holiday at sea can offer.

Whether you are new to the cruise world or a cruise veteran, we’re sure this show will inspire you to start planning for your next dream holiday at sea.” Eithne Williamson, Vice President, Princess Cruises UK and Europe

Anne’s Experience on TV

Anne Norwood is a fellow cruise lover, who is a regular at the weekly #CruiseHour Twitter chat I host every Tuesday at 8pm BST/GMT. Through our chats online, I’ve come to call her my friend, even though we’ve never met in person!

Anne from Northern Ireland is no stranger to cruising but has had numerous disappointing setbacks after the pandemic saw many of her recent cruises cancelled.

When I discovered that Anne was starring in this new cruise TV show, I wanted to know all about it and she kindly agreed to have a chat about her experience on The Cruise: Fun Loving Brits at Sea.

Q. How did you come to be on The Cruise: Fun-Loving Brits at Sea?

Anne: Last year, I saw an advert on Facebook looking for cruise lovers to take part in a new Channel 5 series and I immediately fancied it.

I sent the link to my friends. Some said they’d not be able to get the time off work, one was a bit nervous about cruises and COVID; some just didn’t like the idea of cameras.

I left it a few days but it became like an itch that I had to scratch… so four days later, I decided I’d give it a go.

The advert invited people to email Title Role Productions telling them a bit about themselves and why they’d love to take part. I sat down at the computer and tried to write something that would make me sound interesting enough to stand out.

Once I’d finished, I discovered that the mailbox was full and applications were on hold.

I was a bit disappointed but then figured that I’d already invested the time to write it and had nothing to lose by trying. I sent it anyway and went outside to the garden. About 10 mins later, I received an email thanking me and asking me to provide some more information!

At first, I wasn’t sure if it was real or not, maybe it was an automated message that meant nothing? Or maybe it was an actual response as it did take a bit of time before I got it?

I decided to leave it…. but of course, I couldn’t let it sit, so the next evening I picked up the email again and followed the instructions.

It asked: Why did I apply? If successful who would I take with me? And why?

I’m slightly embarrassed to say that I did refer to the beloved Jane McDonald at this point!

I proposed my husband would join me first of all or if he couldn’t go, then one of my friends, Wendy. She’s self-employed like myself, so potentially flexible with dates. I knew she wanted to try a cruise as we already had a wee four-night cruise booked in October.

She’d had a few tough challenges and her mother had passed away only a few months before so I knew that she needed a break.

I hit the send button and thought that would be it but the next morning my mobile phone rang. It was one of the representatives from Title Role who wanted a chat about my application !

To say I was in shock was an understatement but there I was, talking about myself and why I’d like to go, who I would take etc. The call lasted half an hour or more.

A short while later she called back to ask more about my friend and if it would be ok to speak over Zoom.

I have to admit, the Zoom call seemed to go pretty well, Hollie from Title Role was lovely and we had a bit of craic! We went back over what I had put on my application and the earlier phone calls so that she could record it and present it to the channel to see if they felt the same as her – that I would be ideal for the show!

She then arranged the same for Wendy. Her sister, Pamela, helped her with the Zoom call. This is how there became three of us on the TV show.

We were asked to send some photos and videos showing us having fun so I dug out photos of me:

driving a Formula Ford racing car
on a zip line
horse riding
dressed up for an annual charity ball
line dancing
in a microlight plane
visiting places abroad, some with a cruise ship in the background
with friends, enjoying drinks and a laugh

Q. How did you find out you were going to be on TV?

Anne: A couple of weeks after the Zoom call I got an email with a proposed cruise date in August. Unfortunately, I had to decline as I was scheduled to have lens replacement surgery on my eyes and would not be able to travel.

Cheekily I saw a cruise itinerary which I really liked, and proposed that I would be able to travel on this later date if that suited. I didn’t want to miss out and hoped that the channel would wait for me and not choose someone else instead.

Fortunately, they agreed!

Title Role got back to me after a couple of weeks and started to make travel arrangements for us – all the while Wendy and Pamela were chasing after passports as they hadn’t got any!

Q. What did the selection process involve?

Anne: During the selection process we had to provide character references and complete some questionnaires regarding our integrity. We had to tell them if we’d ever appeared on a show before. We also had an interview with a Psychologist to determine if we could cope with any negativity that might arise as a result of the programme.

The next week we got our travel details, had to do an LFT Covid Test and before we knew it, a taxi was picking us up to take us to the airport!

Q: How long did the whole process?

Anne: From start to finish it was all done and dusted, filming in the can, in 9 weeks.

Q: Which cruise did you do as part of the TV programme?

Anne: We took a 7-night cruise on Regal Princess. It was a Mediterranean cruise with Greek Isles and Turkey.

The cruise Anne took for The Cruise: Fun Loving Brits at Sea

The ports we visited were:

We embarked in Civitavecchia with our first stop in Naples.

Day Two was a sea day with a formal night, which included the Captain’s Champagne Reception.

Next was Crete followed by Kusadasi and Istanbul. The film crew had problems with customs on their first visit so we enjoyed Kusadasi and Istanbul on our own.

Our last full day was spent in Mykonos and we disembarked the next day in Athens.

What were the highlights of this cruise?

Anne: We had so many, and quite a few were off camera!

The formal night topped them all. We were invited to pour the champagne and were introduced to the Captain.

anne the cruise: fund loving brits at sea

The onboard jewellery store lent us diamonds to wear for the occasion (but that bit wasn’t allowed to be shown as it wasn’t pre-approved!).

Wendy and Pamela were scheduled to get their hair done in the salon but there were only two spaces left. Wendy is a hairdresser, so she did my hair for me in the cabin before formal night.

While they were in the salon, I went to the Effy jewellery store and the manager, Jason, chose a diamond necklace, bracelet and earrings for me to wear with a diamond and sapphire bracelet. I was able to arrange earrings and a ring for Wendy. Jason and I then went down to the salon to surprise Wendy with them.

It was a real Cinderella moment: all dressed up with expensive gems and we had to have them back before the store closed!

We were introduced to Captain Aldo Traverso. Funnily enough, the Captain had been slightly concerned that conversation would be difficult, as previous people were nearly afraid to speak. We laughed that in our case, it would be more of an issue of getting us to stop talking!

I remember him asking what was our favourite part of the cruise was so far, and given we had really only had one stop (where I had got eaten alive by mosquitos) I couldn’t think and found myself saying “the bed!”

In truth, it was a highlight as it was just so very comfy. I remember comparing it to sleeping on a giant marshmallow – it was so soft and comfy. I don’t think he was quite expecting that answer!

How did the filming work? Did the crew follow you around or were you asked to do certain things?

Anne: There was a planner who arranged activities for us. Each night, we were sent a schedule of what they wanted us to do the next day. This included what time we had to meet and where and what we would be doing.

We just turned up, got wired up with mics and off we went.

On the very first day, when we arrived in the port of Civitavecchia, they asked us to take a selfie stick to record some footage, so Wendy took that.

I’m rubbish with technology, but I was fine with the crew following behind as I could switch off, pretend they weren’t there and just be myself.

The funniest part was when we were being filmed on deck about the experiences we had shared and there were people on their balconies watching and taking photos with their phones as if we were some sort of celebrities that they didn’t know about!

Q. What was it like to be on The Cruise: Fun Loving Brits at Sea?

Anne: It is quite surreal to think that we were chosen out of absolutely thousands of applicants.

It all happened so quickly, from the application to the interview and then being picked up to go to the airport.

I love to travel and our kids have always described our trips as ‘adventures’ so this was another adventure.

This time, I wasn’t involved in deciding what we would do so that was quite interesting. There were definitely things that I would NOT have chosen to do myself!

We had great craic (common Irish word for fun), saw new countries, had new experiences, met some really great people and had lots and lots of laughs along the way.

I would like to return to some of the places because we didn’t get to see any of the historical sites.

The programme was put together so quickly and they hadn’t arranged permission to film in any of those locations.

Q. Would you do it again?

Anne: Absolutely! In a heartbeat! We had a great team and a good rapport with everyone, which really helped. We all clicked straight away which helped us to relax and just be ourselves. Even the Carnival guy was taking selfies with us after a few days!

‘Cruising with Anne and Friends’ – has a nice ring to it!

How to Watch The Cruise: Fun Loving Brits at Sea

Tune in to Channel 5 at 4pm every weekday from August 14 to watch The Cruise: Fun Loving Brits at Sea or catch up on My 5 .

Anne and her friends will feature in week four, starting 4th September.

Laura is a UK cruise blogger based in Cornwall, UK. She founded Cruise Lifestyle in 2016 to share useful advice about cruising, destinations and food. Last port visited: Bridgetown, Barbados Next port of call: unknown, but she can’t wait for cruising to resume safely!

Find me on: Twitter

You may also enjoy:

50 free things on britannia, ultimate guide to princess cruises drinks prices & …, princess cruises room service menu & guide.

Loving the series, I am hoping they have solo cruises to follow, would be reassuring to see how they get on, and hopefully inspire more to smack on a solo cruise

I don’t recall there being any solo cruisers on the TV programme but there are plenty of solo cruisers in real life.

New Channel 5 show goes behind the scenes on Virgin Voyages cruises - and it's not always plain sailing...

The Cruise offers an 'unfiltered glimpse’ into the lives of crew and passengers
Episode one goes on board Scarlet Lady on a five-night Caribbean cruise
It shows a 'trashed' suite bathroom and a second officer battling seasickness

By Ailbhe Macmahon For Mailonline

Published: 07:20 EDT, 17 June 2022 | Updated: 10:02 EDT, 17 June 2022

View comments

A brand-new TV series is lifting the veil on what goes on behind the scenes on Virgin Voyages cruises, from unusual passenger demands to crew battling seasickness.

Channel 5 's new reality show The Cruise offers an ‘unfiltered, energetic glimpse’ into the lives of Virgin Voyages’ crew and passengers, with the first episode diving inside the £500million Scarlet Lady as she sets sail from Miami on a five-night Caribbean cruise.

The ship, which launched last year, is 278m (912ft) long, can accommodate more than 2,770 passengers and a crew of 1,160 – and has engines, we learn from engineer David, that produce power that’s ‘the equivalent of about 600 family cars’.

Channel 5's new reality show The Cruise is lifting the veil on what goes on behind the scenes on Virgin Voyages cruises, with Scarlet Lady (above) starring in episode one

The new series offers an ‘unfiltered, energetic glimpse’ into the lives of Virgin Voyages’ crew (pictured) and passengers

The voyage gets off to a shaky start when it’s revealed that a departing passenger has ‘managed to trash’ one of the 78 ‘Rockstar’ suites, cracking several marble tiles in the designer bathroom. It takes a team of 16 engineers and crewmembers to repair it before guests board.

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Then we learn that the captain’s second in command, Briton Georgia, suffers from seasickness – and there are high winds ahead.

Another wobble emerges when a pair of Rockstar suite guests miss their dinner reservation. It’s Montenegrin ‘Rockstar Agent’ Selma to the rescue.

It’s revealed that a departing passenger has cracked several marble tiles in the designer bathroom of one of the 78 ‘Rockstar’ suites

We learn that the captain’s second in command, Briton Georgia (above), suffers from seasickness – and there are high winds ahead

Rockstar Agents are there to make the VIP passengers ‘feel like Richard Branson’.

By the time passengers board the ship, these Rockstar Agents already know their preferences - what they're drinking, where they like to eat, and how they like their service.

Selma reveals that she works seven days a week and can’t clock off until she’s checked on each and every one of her VIP guests.

When she learns of the guests missing their dinner reservation, cameras follow her as she races down the corridors to find them, before quickly securing them a table at one of the more than 20 eateries on board.

A wobble emerges when a pair of Rockstar suite guests (pictured right and centre) miss their dinner reservation

The trip goes more smoothly for first-time cruisers Damien and Paul, who admit they were under the impression that cruises were all about blue-rinses and buffet food before they boarded Scarlet Lady.

They are also Rockstar suite guests and discover that their tickets give them access to exclusive parts of the ship and special attention from the crew.

'We boarded as rock stars, we're going to disembark as divas,’ says Damien.

First-time cruisers Damien (left) and Paul (right) admit they were under the impression that cruises were all about blue-rinses and buffet food before they boarded Scarlet Lady

Damien shows off the fully stocked bar with a ‘full-on cocktail-making set’ in his Rockstar Suite

One couple insists they need a green drink ‘because it’s St Patrick's day’. Above is the tipple that the obliging crew prepared for them

They give the cameras a tour of their £4,000 suite, showing its turntable, bathrobes with the word ‘rockstar’ stitched across the back, and a fully stocked bar with a ‘full-on cocktail-making set’.

The TV show reveals how most meals on the ship are cooked on demand, and that there are occasionally unusual customer requests to be met – one couple insists they need a green drink ‘because it’s St Patrick's Day’.

Viewers also learn of the delights of the Razzle Dazzle bar. Here cameras show crewmember Ryan entertaining passengers on a pub crawl, which includes curated cocktails and drinking games in four different bars, finishing with a ‘pyjama party’ under the stars on the deck. ‘Sir Richard Branson outdid himself,’ says one of the happy revellers.

‘Sir Richard Branson outdid himself,’ says one reveller during their voyage on Scarlet Lady

Viewers learn of the delights of the Razzle Dazzle bar, pictured, where crewmember Ryan entertains passengers on a pub crawl

Above is one of the Rockstar Suites. Guests in these suites are assigned a 'Rockstar Agent', who are there to make the VIP passengers ‘feel like Richard Branson’

And the extravagant evening entertainment doesn't stop there. At a 'dance party' show, where the main prop is a pink PVC whale named Nugget, Scottish stage technician Callum is placed on ‘whale wobbling duty’, meaning he stands behind the enormous whale throughout the dance performance, wobbling it back and forth to keep the crowds entertained.

Commenting on the series, Shane Riley, Vice President of International Sales, said: ‘We’re so excited to give our UK fans a peek into life below deck. It’s rare to see the inner workings of a cruise ship or to follow the crew beyond sailors’ time on board. That’s what makes this series so unique and fun to watch.’

Watch The Cruise on Sunday, June 19, at 9pm on Channel 5 in the UK or stream it on My5. For more information, visit www.VirginVoyages.com .

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Channel 5 show spotlights life on board Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Voyages cruise ships

The Channel 5 show offers a unique insight into the lives of the crew and meets guests - or sailors - on the Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady ships

07:51, 17 JUN 2022
Updated 07:54, 17 JUN 2022

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New reality TV show The Cruise will take passengers behind the scenes of Sir Richard Branson's new Virgin Voyages' vessels in a fly-on-the-wall documentary. The series offers a unique insight into the lives of the crew and meets guests - or sailors - on the Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady ships.

Cameras take viewers inside for an authentic look at the inner workings of operating a 110,000-ton boutique hotel at sea. While stops at the world’s most dazzling coastal locations like Bimini, Ibiza, Marseilles and Cannes provide no shortage of irresistible backdrops. Crew members navigate the world of quirky Sailor requests, last-minute weather challenges and unique milestone celebrations.

Sir Richard Branson told me: "What makes Virgin different to any other company is the brilliant people who work for us – and this is so evident at Virgin Voyages. There’s more than 80 different nationalities working onboard – that’s almost half the world’s countries represented on our ships, all working together and bringing the experience to life with a smile."

Shane Riley, vice-president of International Sales, said: “We’re so excited to give our UK fans a peek into life below deck. It’s rare to see the inner-workings of a cruise ship or to follow the crew beyond sailors’ time on-board. That’s what makes this series so unique and fun to watch.

The UK was the birthplace of the Virgin brand and has played such an integral role for Virgin Voyages. We’ve had tremendous positive feedback from our sailors in the UK, and can’t wait to show audiences what truly goes into delivering an epic experience at sea.”

After launching the brand in 2021, this year has already been a blockbuster year for the line, launching Valiant Lady from the UK and once again from her homeport in Barcelona, opening brand new Terminal V in sunny Miami, and announcing an epic partnership with global icon Jennifer Lopez.

On deck for next year is the launch of two new ships: Resilient Lady, which will sail from Athens, Greece and Brilliant Lady, whose itineraries are yet to be confirmed. Read more about Virgin Voyages and The Cruise on www.VirginVoyages.com . The Cruise begins this Sunday at 9 p.m. on Channel 5 in the UK or stream on My5.

For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.

Most Recent

Meet Virgin Voyages' second ship – Valiant Lady

Virgin Voyages ’ second ship, is getting ready to set sail in spring 2022. And the cruise line has just revealed the mermaid design on the side of its brand new ship.

Who is Valiant Lady?

The mermaid represents the beautiful tension between strength and vulnerability – a woman who is unafraid of her own power and never backs down. She was created by artist Hillary Wilson . Hillary wanted to convey the balance between the two and drew a mermaid who is confidently moving forward toward her dreams.

Hillary’s background is in classical art and medical drawing, allowing her to draw inspiration from both sides: one that’s more creative and less exact, and the other which is extremely precise. This results in a mermaid that looks like a real woman, a work of art that celebrates the human form in all its glory.

Hillary says that she’s inspired by the diversity of people in the world that she has an opportunity to paint. That’s what drives and inspires her creative process. She told Virgin Voyages: “The breadth of people that live and exist in the world – I feel so lucky that I get to experience them and create art from them. How lucky are we to get to paint all these kinds of people? To rejoice in all the kinds of people that exist and all the ways you can draw them.”

Virgin Voyages always knew it wanted an inclusive group of mermaids to reflect and celebrate diversity and Hillary knew that was important for the brand. She said that she generally tends to draw her subjects as Black, if not otherwise specified, noting that “you don’t need permission to make someone Black.” Virgin Voyages is purposefully trying to be more inclusive and make sure that its models, brand logos and depictions of people aren’t predominantly white. It wants to reflect the real, beautiful world that we all live in – allowing more than just white people to take up space, seeing only themselves and their stories represented.

What does Valiant Lady have to offer?

Valiant Lady offers sailors curated itineraries featuring longer port stays and overnighters in some of Europe’s most idyllic islands and effervescent cities, allowing Sailors to experience destinations how they want, when they want.

It gets even better... When it comes to additional costs, Virgin Voyages has you covered - all food, soft drinks, group fitness classes, entertainment and Wi-Fi are all included. All tips and port taxes are also covered.

With menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, the responsibly sourced food makes it easy to strike a balance. From their first-to-sea Korean BBQ and elegant steakhouse to the 24/7 diner, Virgin Voyages take food , and the experience around it, seriously.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virgin (@virgin)

This is your holiday and they’ve made it a point to ensure that you get a healthy dose of Vitamin Sea… This means there are no kids on board. From workout classes and gym facilities to luxe spa treatments, the adults-only voyage gives you plenty of chances to relax, rejuvenate, and restore. And if you want to sit back and do nothing, fresh-pressed juices served poolside will make “nothing” feel like everything .

Valiant Lady’s routes

Can’t wait to get on board Valiant Lady and set sail to somewhere fabulous? Here are some of the itineraries on offer on Virgin Voyages’ second ship:

Coast the Canary Islands, Spain, & Portugal – an 11-night voyage setting sail from Portsmouth, UK, with stops in La Coruña, Funchal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lisbon.

Long Weekender in Zeebrugge – a three-night cruise from Portsmouth, UK, to Zeebrugge (Bruges), with time to explore the historic seaside town.

Late Nights in Portugal and Spain – a one-way, 12-night sailing from Portsmouth, UK, to Valiant Lady’s homeport in Barcelona, stopping in La Coruña, Lisbon, Cádiz, Gibraltar, Málaga, and Palma de Mallorca along the way.

The Irresistible Med – a seven-night voyage from Barcelona, sampling the Med and its islands, visiting Toulon, Marina di Carrara, Ajaccio, Cagliari, and Ibiza.

French Daze & Ibiza Nights – a seven-night cruise from Barcelona, experiencing French glamour in Marseille and Monte Carlo, before partying the night away in Ibiza.

Spanish Obsession – a seven-night voyage from Barcelona to experience a selection of Spanish delights, including Palma de Mallorca, Gibraltar, Málaga, and Ibiza.

Visit Virgin Voyages to find out more and book your first voyage with Valiant Lady now.

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What to Expect on Virgin Voyages Compared to Other Cruise Lines (Differences, What to Know, & More)

Never sailed on Virgin Voyages and not quite sure what to expect? Maybe you’ve seen the advertisements and weren’t sure exactly how it compared to other major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Norwegian.

Or maybe you saw that it was adults only and wanted to know more before you spend your hard-earned money on sailing a relatively new cruise line?

So what’s Virgin Voyages like? How is it different from other lines? And what else should you know before you sail? Below, we dive into these questions and give you the real scoop of everything about the cruise line.

How Is Virgin Voyages Different Than Other Cruise Lines?

Trying to explain all the differences between Virgin and more traditional cruise lines is a challenge. Put bluntly, there are a lot of changes both big and small.

Let’s start with being adults only. That actually means much more than simply there are no kids running around the ship.

Instead, everything about the cruise can be tailored to adult tastes. Entertainment on the ship is more mature, such as drag shows in the nightclub. Many events go on until later at night than on a normal cruise. The food offered is more adventurous and upscale (though traditional options are available). The amenities offered around the ship are also different. Instead of waterslides and putt-putt, it’s yoga classes, tattoo parlors, and fitness equipment.

Along with these changes, Virgin also seems to have taken a hard look at traditional things in cruising and made changes that will appeal to many. For instance, the cruise director, art auctions, and roving photographers are out. Instead of a buffet where everyone serves themselves, the cruise line offers a food hall with a number of spots to eat where food is either prepared as you order or plated for you if already made.

There’s no main dining room or formal night. Instead, Virgin Voyages has several different sit down restaurants that are all included with your fare. Gratuities are included in your fare as well, as is wi-fi service.

Bottom line: It’s much more of an all-inclusive feel on the ship, with more that aims to cater to adults that you simply wouldn’t find on other lines.

What’s Included on Virgin Voyages?

One of the big differences we mentioned above is that a number of items that are typically an extra charge on a cruise are included in your fare. Of course, your room, food, and entertainment on the ship are all included. But so are the following items:

All restaurants on the ship
Crewmember gratuities
Basic non-alcoholic drinks, including soda
Basic wi-fi
Fitness classes

What you will still have to pay out of pocket for are things like casino gambling, spa treatments, shore excursions, and alcoholic drinks. Still, between food, gratuities, and wi-fi alone, the included items add up to hundreds of dollars per passenger.

What’s the Crowd Like Onboard?

Pool on Scarlet Lady from Virgin Voyages

Step onto the ship and you’ll likely notice that your other passengers overall are a little different than on some other lines. Compared to most lines, we think that Virgin Voyages sees passengers that skew younger and a bit more fashionable.

One thing you don’t have to worry about is fitting in. While marketing for Virgin seems to focus on the “cool” factor with lots of beautiful and trendy people, there are all sorts of people on the ship — young, old, black, white, beautiful and not-so-beautiful, gay, straight.

Overall, the crowd seems very inclusive and everyone was friendly as you’d expect on a normal cruise.

Is There a Difference Between Ships?

Anyone who has sailed before knows that so much of your cruise is actually spent onboard the ship. In many ways, the ship is the actual main destination of your cruise, not the ports of call.

Typically there is a major difference between newer and older ships. However, since Virgin Voyages is still a new line, it only has three ships (with a fourth on the way). These vessels all have the same layout. So whether you are on Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, or Resilient Lady, you’ll have a similar experience.

It also means you don’t have to worry about picking the right ship for your cruise. You really only have one option.

What’s the Atmosphere Like on the Ship?

Every cruise line has its own personality, and Virgin Voyages is no different. In our view, the atmosphere definitely tends to be more modern and a bit more “cool” than what’s seen on other lines. If Instagram built a cruise ship, it might look a bit like Virgin.

There’s a lot of use of color (especially lights) to set the mood for different spaces — even down to the wake coming off the back of the ship.

Around the ship are lots of seating and daybeds built for two, which combined with the red you see everywhere, adds to the “sexiness” of the cruise ship.

In fact, we found that most often the atmosphere can change depending on time of day. During most of the day, the atmosphere seems to focus more on relaxation and wellness. There are yoga classes, the vibe is relaxed, and generally slow-paced.

In the late afternoon and evening, things change up a bit with the evening programming that’s more focused on entertainment and partying, including Scarlet Night when everything is doused in red light and the nightclub can go until 3 a.m.

One other note: Overall, we found the staff to be a step above what’s on other cruise lines. Generally any cruise staff is going to be upbeat and friendly. On Virgin Voyages, it simply seemed more genuine and as if the staff had a strong camaraderie between each other. It’s hard to explain, but it was a feeling of the staff being happy you were there.

What Are the Cabins Like?

As you’d expect given the atmosphere on the ship, that “cool” factor extends to the cabin. You can expect the layout of the cruise cabin to be similar to other lines. You’ll have your bed, the bathroom, closet/storage, and balcony (with a hammock swing) if you choose that room type.

But cabins also have some upgraded touches. In a small (but loved) perk, Virgin offers a carafe of water and glasses. That means you don’t have to bring or buy bottles of water or drink out of the bathroom faucet just to get a swig of water in your cabin.

There are also some higher-end touches. In the cabin shower, there’s a rainfall showerhead included, instead of just the sprayer on the end of a wand. Your room is controlled by a tablet that acts as the remote control and can be used to dim lights, and even activate different colors to set the mood. Of course, if you don’t want to use the tablet, manual controls and a TV remote are also offered.

Bottom line: Much of the cabin will be familiar, but with some upgraded features that make it feel nicer than the average cruise room.

What Is The Band?

If you’ve cruised before, it was likely on a line that has a credit card style room key that served to open your room, check you on and off the ship, and charge items to your onboard account.

On Virgin Voyages, you have “The Band” instead. This is a stylish little bracelet (complete with an anchor clasp) that holds a gray tag. This serves the same function as the room keycard. You swipe it on your door sign to unlock the room. It’s scanned when you come and go on the ship, and it’s scanned whenever you make a purchase onboard.

It’s a bit easier than having to dig out your card each time to need it, but it does have a tendency to want to come off occasionally.

What Sort of Entertainment Is There on the Ship?

You’d expect that a ship focused on adults might have different entertainment, and in this case, you’re right.

First, the biggest difference we noticed is that Virgin doesn’t offer a traditional large theater that seats hundreds and hundreds at one time. Instead, they have smaller venues. As a result, there aren’t the big production shows like you see elsewhere.

Instead, the shows are more intimate in crowd size, but still feature amazing talent. One show we say was an acrobatic program between a red team and blue team that features climbing a 25-foot pole in the middle of the stage with no harness, flips after being launched in the air on a see-saw, juggling, and more.

Other shows included a mentalist and comedian with a quick-witted sense of humor that was able to make off-color jokes since everyone was adults. Virgin also had a resident drag queen with several performances during the cruise.

Are Drinks Included? How Much Do They Cost?

So much is included on your cruise, but one area that isn’t — alcoholic beverages. Virgin Voyages does charge for these, but there are a couple of things to know.

First, when it comes to cost the menu prices range from about $10-14 depending on the drink. We ordered some simple drinks (Moscow mule and a mojito) that were only $9. One nice thing is that because gratuity is included, the menu price is what you pay. There is no additional tip tacked on.

As well, Virgin doesn’t have drink packages. Instead they have a “Bar Tab” that’s credit toward drinks. Depending on your booking, you can get this included in your trip. During our cruise we booked and had $300 already included, so drinks were on the house.

How Does Food Work on the Cruise? Is it Good?

One thing you’ll like about Virgin Voyages is that all food on the ship is included. There are no extra charges for some restaurants.

The dining onboard can be thought of in two groups. First, there is The Galley. While the ships don’t have buffets, The Galley is a large dining hall with a number of different stalls serving different foods. There’s a burger spot, a taco spot, ramen/noodle bar, a sushi area, salad area, dessert spot and more. All of these spots are either grab and go or you simply wait a few minutes while they prepare your meal.

Then there are a number of sit-down restaurants serving anything from upscale Mexican to Italian, steak, and more. These spots typically require reservations (though walk-ins are welcome) and fill up quickly. It’s your choice where to eat, and you can dine at whatever time you are able. There is no assigned seating or dining rooms like on many other cruise lines.

To us, the food was solid to very good. The Galley offers a lot of options, whether you want simple (burger and fries) to more adventurous (sushi, ramen). However, the sit-down restaurants are a step above. We especially enjoyed Pink Agave, the upscale Mexican restaurant where everything was phenomenal.

What’s Good About Cruising Virgin Voyages?

There’s a lot that’s different about Virgin Voyages, and we think that’s what makes it a great cruise line to sail if you’re an adult looking for a getaway.

For one, we think the cruise line earns high marks in reinventing what a cruise can be. If you’re someone that’s been turned off by some of the “kitsch” in cruising, then cruising Virgin will be refreshing. There’s no line dancing on the pool deck or roving photographers or overly-excited cruise director.

As well, by including many things with the cruise, the headache of being nickeled and dimed around the ship is gone. Essentially the only things you’ll pay for onboard are alcohol, spa treatments, and gambling.

Finally, by catering to adults Virgin has shifted the design of everything from the ship to food to entertainment to more mature tastes that are more appealing to many.

What Are the Downsides of Cruising Virgin Voyages?

A crowded pool on a Virgin Voyages cruise ship

There’s a lot to like about Virgin, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. So what should you know that’s not so good?

Our biggest complaint is that the pool area seems small given the size of the ship. There are two pools, but the main pool only had seating for a couple of hundred people around it that seemed to fill up quickly when at sea.

As well, the reservation system for restaurants needs work. During our cruise we found that reservations were completely booked days in advance, yet when we went down to see if there was any space for walk-in, the restaurants had plenty of open tables. (We were seated immediately.)

We will also say that compared to other mass market lines with mega ships, there aren’t near as many things to do as you see elsewhere. For instance, there’s no roller coaster, go-kart track, zipline, rock-climbing wall or the like. That’s by design as these are largely included to appeal to kids and teens on the ship. However, if you’re someone that likes to be more active, you might be wanting more things to do.

Is Virgin Voyages Right for Me?

Having sailed the line recently, we think there is a lot for passengers to like about the cruise line no matter who you are. As mentioned, we saw all types on the ship from older couples to bachelorette parties. And the appeal is broad.

Overall, the crowd seems to skew younger — and more upscale — than most cruises. The atmosphere — ranging from the vibe on the ship to food to entertainment — definitely caters more to adult tastes. We think who would love the cruise line the most would be a couple from 30-60 years old celebrating an anniversary, special occasion, or simply wanting a romantic trip away. That, however, also casts too narrow a net as we saw all sorts having a great time.

In fact, outside of families, we have a hard time pinpointing who the cruise line wouldn’t appeal to. Personally we were worried that the cruise would be too trendy and cool for us to feel comfortable (there is a tattoo parlor onboard, after all), but that wasn’t the case at all. Instead, it was a great time with a lot of changes made to the traditional cruise to make it more appealing.

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Too hip or just right? Here's what it was really like sailing on Virgin Voyages for the first time

With a nighttime show called "Never Sleep Alone" that awards golden condoms to participants, an onboard tattoo parlor and in-room music and lighting settings with options like "get it on" and "hangover mode," adults-only Virgin Voyages clearly caters to a kid-free crowd. Still, I had no idea what to expect as I stepped onto Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady .

Leading up to its maiden voyage in 2021, Virgin Voyages marketed itself as the cruise line for vacationers who otherwise weren't interested in traditional cruising. It aimed to appeal to those who were young and hip, wanted to party and craved an atmosphere without little kids running around.

Up until recently, I'd only ever sailed with Disney Cruise Line — and with my kids in tow. However, the Virgin Voyages concept has intrigued me since it launched.

Could Richard Branson's edgy Virgin Voyages truly be a perfect match for trips without kids? Or, would I feel completely out of place and overwhelmed by the rock star attitude featured throughout the cruise line's ships?

There was only one way to satisfy my curiosity — I booked a sailing on Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady.

Would the four-night cruise from Miami , with stops in both Key West, Florida, and Bimini, Bahamas, impress me enough to consider Virgin Voyages for future trips? Here's what I took away from the experience — and whether I'd cruise with Virgin Voyages again.

There's a surprisingly diverse crowd on board

Like many people, I went into my cruise expecting most passengers (or "sailors," as the line calls them) to be millennials based on the flashy marketing I've seen from the line. Much to my surprise, though, there was a fair mix of people on my sailing.

Sure, there were millennials in their late 20s, 30s and even early 40s — including me, as I fall within the oldest bracket for that generation — but for every 27-year-old on board, there was also someone close to 70 years old like the cruise line's founder, Richard Branson.

Last year, Tom McAlpin, the president and CEO of Virgin Voyages, told TPG's resident cruise expert Gene Sloan that on early sailings of Scarlet Lady, the average passenger age was in the 50s, with plenty on board in their 60s and 70s. Based on my trip, I'd say that is still a pretty accurate representation.

After a few days on board, it became clear that what passengers had in common wasn't the age listed in their passports but rather the shared desire to have a good time. For the most part, my fellow cruisers were a diverse, inclusive and vibrant group of vacationers who were all eager to strike up conversations with others, regardless of age.

Related: First look: 10 things I love about Virgin Voyages' new Valiant Lady cruise ship

The adult-oriented persona isn't as extreme as you might expect

While there is a "Scarlet Night" celebration featuring lots of red lights and sailors donning their best scarlet-colored attire, the atmosphere on board is far from what you'll find in Amsterdam's Red Light District.

The entertainment we experienced fell somewhere between PG-13 and R, though we admittedly headed to bed by 11 p.m., so perhaps offerings leaned more X-rated as the night went on.

There were a couple of shows that I wouldn't want to see with, say, my parents, such as the previously mentioned "Never Sleep Alone." During that event, participants were awarded golden condoms that granted access to a post-show VIP party. However, those adult activities were easy to spot on the agenda, so you could easily skip them if you wanted a more tame cruise experience.

Beyond the evening entertainment, the vibe was similar to what you'd find in Las Vegas . The pools, restaurants, spa, casino and exercise classes all featured plenty of skimpy outfits and adult-oriented jokes and innuendos, though you could avoid anything that was too outside your comfort zone.

Related: 5 cruise lines to try if you just can't stand being around kids on vacation

Dining options are plentiful (albeit hit or miss)

As far as I'm concerned, cruises are for eating — and Virgin Voyages offers numerous places to dine on Scarlet Lady.

In addition to featuring more than 20 grab-and-go spots and traditional sit-down eateries, there's the large Galley venue with various vendors arranged in a way similar to what you'd find in a food court or buffet.

Given all the options available, there were more places than we could try on our first Virgin Voyages cruise. Still, we sought to sample as much as possible during our four-night sailing.

If you're looking for a traditional sit-down experience, six onboard restaurants accept reservations for dinner: The Wake (which serves steaks and seafood), Razzle Dazzle Restaurant (a contemporary venue with vegetarian and American fare), The Test Kitchen (a laboratory-style eatery), Pink Agave (where gourmet Mexican cuisine is on the menu), Extra Virgin (an Italian-inspired venue) and Gunbae (which specializes in Korean barbecue).

Your cruise price covers dining at all of these spots, plus the quick bite options on the ship. However, some restaurants offer buy-up options labeled as "treat yourself" dishes that cost extra. For example, a half-dozen oysters at The Wake are going to set you back an additional $20, but the steak and clam chowder are 100% included.

Besides the main restaurants, there's the previously mentioned Galley, where you can savor everything from sushi roll bento boxes to 24-hour diner food. It is a hybrid of a grab-and-go and dine-in experience, meaning how you order will vary depending on which station you visit.

Additionally, you'll find casual spots that serve ice cream, pizza, poke bowls and more. You can also order room service; the food is complimentary, but there's a $5 delivery fee.

While I appreciated the array of options at our disposal, I found the quality of the food and service to be hit or miss. Some restaurants I loved so much that I went back a second time; at others, I took a solitary bite of food before deciding to move on.

For example, the tuna poke bowl I excitedly tried at the Sun Club Cafe was patently awful, and the sushi rolls at The Galley were disappointing, reminding me of what I'd find in my Texas grocery store.

Similarly, The Wake was lackluster, to say the least. While some fellow cruisers we met enjoyed the restaurant, it was extremely underwhelming during our visit, serving the worst shrimp and grits I've ever had. Not to mention, the service was slow and seafood options were surprisingly limited for a restaurant that claims to specialize in steak and seafood.

It wasn't all mediocre, though.

Gunbae's Korean fare was not only delicious but served in a setting that was an absolute blast to experience. It really captured how Virgin markets itself by offering staff-led drinking games and communal seating that encourages socializing. We had such a great time there that when we walked into a quiet and sparsely populated restaurant on our last night, we turned around and went back to Gunbae for a repeat experience that was just as memorable as our first visit.

Pink Agave was another standout restaurant. It didn't offer as much of a party vibe as Gunbae, but it still felt lively and served a solid selection of Mexican dishes.

Related: Cruise ship restaurant nirvana: The 9 best meals you can have at sea

The cabins are decent but could be improved

Unless you splurge on a pricy RockStar suite , you'll be placed in a cabin that looks modern but otherwise seems fairly standard, other than the fancy mood lighting.

Our Sea Terrace cabin was spotless and stayed true to the modern theme featured throughout the ship, but it wasn't the most comfortable spot on the whole.

While we enjoyed the red outdoor hammock that was shockingly comfortable and not merely a cute, Instagram-worthy gimmick, as well as the selection of in-room movies, which ranged from the original "Top Gun" to newer releases like "Elvis," the rest of the cabin left a lot to be desired.

The bathroom was quite small, to the point where it bordered on being a claustrophobic experience.

The bed was also rather hard and uncomfortable for my personal tastes, so much so that by the last night of our trip, I was ready to return to my more inviting setup at home.

Additionally, unlike Disney Cruise Line, where cabin attendants make it a point to get to know you and your preferences, Virgin Voyages lacked the same personalized service. I never interacted with a person in charge of our cabin, as it would be serviced while we were out (after pushing a button that sent the request to the crew) by a person that, to us, remained nameless and faceless.

Related: Virgin Voyages to debut cruise loyalty program in 2023, with temporary perks available now

The private beach club is top-notch

While other ports of call vary based on the sailing, a constant for Scarlet Lady is a stop at its private beach club in the Bahamas.

Situated on the island of Bimini, this spot was, in a word, fabulous.

Although it's not quite a private island like Royal Caribbean's CocoCay and Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay, that doesn't really matter. You'll feel like you're in an exclusive setting after taking the open-air tram from the ship's dock to the modern, beautiful beach club.

The club offers a couple of large pools, ample lounge chairs and towels, plenty of bars and a picture-perfect beach. A swim-up bar would have been nice, but that's being picky.

During your visit to the club, any drinks you order are charged to the ship, so bar tab credits you have during your cruise will work here, too. The food, which ranged from snapper steamed in a banana leaf to a salad featuring Bahamian mango and macadamia, is included, though some dishes were better than others. I loved mixing the curry, rice and snapper I ordered all together to create a pretty tasty bowl.

On-island entertainment is available as well, though I can't speak to what happened as the afternoon wore on, as we hit our sun quota by midday. However, rumor has it there was a pool float party that occurred after our departure.

Related: Virgin Voyages hopes to draw cruise newbies like me: Here's my first impression from its first sailing

You won't find the usual cruise experience on board

Virgin Voyages does not simply give its amenities and activities quirky names — like "Lick Me Til Ice Cream" for the onboard ice cream shop. The overall experience is a bit different than what you'll come across on traditional cruise lines.

To start, there are no drink packages — and that was a big complaint I heard on the ship from folks who were used to sailing with other lines that offer unlimited drink inclusion options . Instead, Virgin Voyages offers a bar tab that you can load before you sail. Sometimes bar tab credit is also included with the sailing as part of a promotion.

Blessedly, there are no keycards and associated lanyards to keep up with but rather adjustable bracelets that look like friendship bracelets from middle school. Unlike the ones from your childhood, these have built-in technology that opens your cabin door, allows you to charge things to your account and more.

There are also no set dining times, restaurant rotations or dress codes, though you can — and should — make dinner reservations. As a result, you can dine at whichever restaurant you prefer at a time that works for you.

Other than the cabin cleanings, the crew was more noticeable, too. We saw crew members on the basketball courts, eating in The Galley and just generally out and about around the ship even when they didn't appear to be on the clock, which helped create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Additionally, we didn't have to worry about extra tips, taxes or fees. Tips for the crew, spa services and more are factored into your cruise price, so what you see on the menu really is what you can expect to pay.

Another noticeable (and welcome) difference was how laid-back the line was with announcements and disembarking. Outside of a welcome announcement from the captain on the first day, we didn't hear another peep. On the last day, you just had to be off the ship by a respectable 10:45 a.m., so you could still go to a workout class, play some air hockey and have brunch without feeling rushed to depart.

Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly

Bottom line

Despite some underwhelming aspects here and there, such as some design choices we didn't love and a very crowded pool area, we had a great time.

The late-night spicy ramen, social atmosphere and fun ports more than made up for any hiccups. For us, it was like a four-day long party without the hangover.

In fact, we had such a great time that before disembarking Scarlet Lady, we put a $300 deposit down on a future Virgin Voyages sailing so we could receive $900 in discounts and credits the next time around.

It's safe to say that overall, the cruise was absolutely worth it — and one we can't wait to do all over again.

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About Virgin Voyages cruises

Virgin voyages cabins, virgin voyages cruise prices, how many ships does virgin voyages have, what’s included, virgin voyages loyalty program: sailing club.

Virgin Voyages is an adults-only cruise line with various destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe, Australia and more.

Virgin Voyages says it is a luxury-inclusive experience. This means passengers won’t pay more for Wi-Fi, gratuities, soda or specialty restaurants. Here's a look at Virgin Voyages, what the cruise line offers and other details about this newcomer.

Here’s a quick overview of a few key features of Virgin Voyages cruises.

Cabin types: Virgin Voyages cruise ships feature up to five types of cabin: Insider rooms, Sea View rooms, Sea Terrace rooms, RockStar Quarters and Mega RockStar Quarters.

Main U.S. routes: Virgin Voyages main U.S. routes head to the Caribbean and leave from Miami.

Loyalty program: Virgin Voyages has a Sailing Club with two levels of status based on when you’ve cruised with the line.

Virgin Voyages cruise destinations

Generally, Virgin Voyages sails throughout the Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean, Australia and New Zealand. Its longest trips max out at 16 nights and often include repositioning from one port to another. Its shortest journeys are a quick two nights, though you’ll also find four-night adventures.

» Learn more: The best ways to book a cruise

Cabins range from 105 square feet to 2,167 square feet. The cheapest cabin is the Insider Cabin, while the Mega RockStar Quarters Cabin is the cruise line's most luxurious option, which comes with several added perks.

Insider Cabin : Ranges from 105-177 square feet, insider cabins are the most basic rooms on the ship. There are no windows.

Sea View Cabin : Ranges from 130-190 square feet and includes either a window seat or a porthole window.

Sea Terrace Cabin : Ranges from 185-225 square feet and includes a balcony generally with a built-in terrace hammock.

RockStar Quarters Suite : Ranges from 352-857 square feet and includes a balcony with a hammock, table and loungers. This cabin also includes a curated in-room bar, priority access to bookings, and a large marble bathroom.

Mega RockStar Quarters Suite : The largest available room on the ship, these range from 570-2,167 square feet. Added amenities include bottomless in-room bar, priority access, daily spa access, premium Wi-Fi and more.

As with most cruise lines, the cost of a cruise depends upon when you’re traveling. You’ll find the most expensive cruises during periods of high demand such as summer and spring break.

For bookings open from March 2024 to October 2025, the five-night Dominican Daze sailing out of Miami ranges from around $1,700 to $2,500 plus taxes and fees for an interior cabin. The seven-night French Daze and Ibiza nights sailing out of Barcelona ranges from around $2,100 to $2,500 plus taxes and fees for an interior cabin.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Because Virgin Voyages is new, it has three ships in its fleet: Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady.

The oldest ship, Scarlet Lady, started sailing in 2021. As far as the onboard experience goes, they’re pretty similar. Each ship has more than 20 eateries (reservations are required for some), provides live entertainment and has plenty of locations to grab a drink.

What is the newest Virgin Voyages ship?

The newest (and fourth) Virgin Voyages ship, the Brilliant Lady, will have a home port in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Although originally expected to launch in early 2024, it was delayed with no date set for the new first voyage.

All meals, including specialty dining.

Gratuities, including service at restaurants and housekeeping.

Wi-Fi, though premium Wi-Fi is available for a fee.

Fitness classes.

Soda, juice, coffee, tea.

Live entertainment, including shows and other events.

Gym and pool access.

Beach access on eligible sailings.

» Learn more: Are cruises all-inclusive?

Sailing Club levels

The Sailing Club levels are Sea-Blazers and Sea-Rovers.

Sea-Blazers

How to earn: Sea-Blazers earned status by sailing once during 2021.

Best benefits: Deep Blue Extras through 2024, extra $125 for every $300 bar tab purchased for life.

How to earn: Sea-Rovers earned status by sailing twice between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2023.

Best benefits: Deep Blue Extras through 2024.

For those who missed those dates, the Virgin Voyages Sailing Club will announce new ways to join at some point in 2024.

Deep Blue Extras

If you're a Sea-Blazer or a Sea-Rover, you're entitled to perks called Deep Blue Extras. This includes expedited boarding, a $100 bar tab credit, unlimited premium Wi-Fi, dedicated sailor services, an exclusive cocktail event, laundry service and a $10 daily specialty coffee credit per cabin.

Virgin Voyages offers free Wi-Fi to all travelers as part of its package. However, those with elite status who qualify for Deep Blue Extras are eligible for complimentary premium Wi-Fi, as well as those staying in select suites.

Virgin Voyages cruises are more inclusive than those at many other cruise lines. The cruise cost includes traditional and speciality dining, juice, soda, Wi-Fi, gratuities and group fitness classes. You’ll still need to pay for alcohol that you drink.

Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer any all-inclusive drink packages. Instead, you have the option of purchasing a bar tab up to 24 hours before sailing or paying per drink on board. If you have Sailing Club elite status, you’ll be eligible for a $100 bar tab credit. Certain promotions also offer onboard credits with the purchase of a bar tab.

No, Virgin Voyages doesn't require any COVID test or vaccine to board.

Unlike many other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages is available exclusively to adults. This means that those under the age of 18 aren't able to board a Virgin Voyages ship.

Virgin Voyages has a few locations from where it sails. In the U.S., it takes off exclusively from its terminal in Miami.

For its Mediterranean cruises, departures are from Barcelona, Spain, or Athens, Greece.

Finally, for cruises in Oceania, cruises can start in Auckland, New Zealand, or Melbourne, Australia.

Note that Virgin Voyages repositions its ships each year, which means there will occasionally be some interesting itineraries as these ships cross oceans. These include sailings with stops in Dubai, Thailand, India, Singapore, Indonesia and more.

(Top photo courtesy of Virgin Voyages)

How to maximize your rewards

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Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

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Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card

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60,000 Receive 60,000 online bonus points - a $600 value - after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

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As a First Mate registered to do business with us, you have access to Seacademy, our award winning online learning platform. Here you’ll complete tiers of lessons to learn everything about selling our sailings, while earning valuable rewards. After all, no person is an island, and our commitment to ‘Making an Epic Sea Change For All’ is not a revolution of one. We need you by our side, and we are dedicated to making sure you’re completely comfortable and confident in sharing Virgin Voyages with your Sailors. Every completed Seacademy tier earns you a knot, and your level of knot-iness speaks to your mastery of Virgin Voyages. And that’s knot all! Each Seacademy tier is worth 3 elective credits towards CLIA's certification program (US ONLY). With or without knots, remember that First Mates always earn 16% commission on voyage fare, and 10% commission on bookables, like Shore Things and Bar Tab.

Sea you there!

New to FirstMates.com? Sit tight - your approval can take up to 2 business days.

Our Violet Tier is your stepping stone to industry leading benefits. After completing five Seacademy lessons, you’ll earn your first knot. As a First Mate with one tier down, you’ll receive a downloadable certificate and a stamp to add to your email signature.

After completing ten Seacademy lessons, you’ll earn your second knot and an updated certificate and email signature stamp, plus a £75/$100 Bonus Commission Voucher (one per First Mate, not combinable with any other voucher).

Now you’re getting the hang of it, and we’re so thrilled. When you complete 15 Seacademy lessons, you’ll again receive an updated certificate and email signature. Your hard work also pays off with access to First Mate-exclusive rates from $100 per Sailor per night.

After 20 Seacademy lessons, you’ve certainly learned the ropes of selling Virgin Voyages and it’s time to celebrate! You’ll receive a downloadable certificate and email signature with your updated level, and three bonuses to show our appreciation for your support and dedication: $150 in Sailor Loot for your cabin on a voyage, priority access to events, and first dibs on future fam trips. We are committed to providing you with the Inside Intel—a blended journey of educational opportunities, marketing materials, and actually getting aboard our ships—so you can get the first-hand experience you need in order to share Virgin Voyages with your Sailors. Seacademy is your portal to the information, insight, and inspiration you need to Raise Your Sales.

Seacademy FAQs

1. i've signed up to do business as a first mate, do i need to sign up for seacademy as well, 2. what is the best web browser to use, 3. should i use a laptop/desktop or can i use an ipad or mobile device, 4. i was in the middle of learning and my connection dropped out., 5. what about cache and cookies, 6. do i have to click on all sections, 7. i didn't achieve the passmark for a quiz, what do i do, 8. i've forgotten my password.

Check out our new and improved marketing portal featuring the latest photos, videos, PDFs, and guides to help you learn and sell Virgin Voyages.

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CRUISE TV EPISODE 195

Discover our hottest new getaways! Dan & Sam bring you an exciting Spain & France escape with MSC Cruises, a luxurious 6* South African adventure with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and a thrilling Caribbean retreat with Norwegian Cruise Line. Plus, there are even more incredible deals waiting for you...

PREVIOUS EPISODES

Click to watch the previous episodes and to view the cruise offers.

CRUISE TV DEALS: EPISODE 195

The latest episode of Cruise TV is here, bringing you a new wave of unmissable deals. Discover our six hottest bespoke cruise holidays, packaged by LoveitBookit Cruise Specialists, at prices you simply can't resist…

Bespoke Itineraries
Incredible Inclusions
Exclusive LoveitBookit Savings

No-Fly Coastal Delights of Spain & France

From £799 pp

LOVE IT BOOK IT OFFER

View Itinerary
Interior £799 pp
Oceanview £979 pp
Balcony £999 pp
Aurea Balcony £1,199 pp
Yacht Club £2,549 pp

Cruise includes:

FREE Premium Drinks Package
All-Inclusive Cruising
Sail From Southampton
Exclusive Onboard Entertainment
Onboard Activities
Port Taxes & Fees

To find out more or book call one of our cruise experts: 0203 393 1003

27th September 2025 Embark MSC Virtuosa in Southampton, UK
28th September 2025 At Sea
29th September 2025 Gijon, Spain
30th September 2025 La Rochelle, France
1st October 2025 Bilbao, Spain
2nd October 2025 At Sea
3rd October 2025 Cherbourg (Mt. St Michell), France
4th October 2025 Southampton, UK

Wonders of the West Coast: Alaska, California & Las Vegas

From £2,999 pp

LOVE IT BOOK IT PACKAGE

Interior £2,999 pp
Oceanview £3,149 pp
Balcony £3,699 pp
Club Balcony £4,149 pp
Suite £5,699 pp
Haven £8,099 pp
FREE Premium Drinks Package (Worth Over $1560pp)
FREE Speciality Dining Package
FREE WiFi Package
FREE Shore Excursion Credit
FREE San Diego Tour Included
Return Flights Included
2-Night Deluxe Hotel Stay in Vancouver
3-Night Hotel Stay in Las Vegas
Full Board Cruise
4th October 2025 Fly to Vancouver, Canada (Deluxe Hotel Stay)
5th October 2025 Vancouver, Canada (Deluxe Hotel Stay)
6th October 2025 Embark Norwegian Jade in Vancouver, Canada
7th October 2025 At sea
8th October 2025 Sitka, Alaska
9th October 2025 Skagway, Alaska
10th October 2025 Ketchikan, Alaska
11th October 2025 At sea
12th October 2025 Seattle, USA
13th October 2025 Astoria, USA
14th October 2025 At sea
15th October 2025 San Francisco, USA
16th October 2025 At sea
17th October 2025 Santa Barbara, USA
18th October 2025 San Diego, USA. Fly to Las Vegas, USA (Hotel Stay)
19th October 2025 Las Vegas, USA (Hotel Stay)
20th October 2025 Las Vegas, USA (Hotel Stay)
21st October 2025 Las Vegas, USA. Fly to UK
22nd October 2025 Arrive UK

5* Best of Thailand & Vietnam

Concierge Class £3,399 pp
Aqua Class £3,749 pp
Suite £5,499 pp
FREE Upgrade From Oceanview to Concierge Class
FREE Drinks Package (Worth Over $1250pp)
FREE WiFi Package (Worth Over $240pp)
FREE Airport Transfers
2-Night Deluxe Hotel Stay in Singapore
1-Night Deluxe Hotel Stay in Hong Kong
12th January 2026 Fly to Singapore
13th January 2026 Singapore (Deluxe Hotel Stay)
14th January 2026 Singapore (Deluxe Hotel Stay)
15th January 2026 Embark Celebrity Solstice in Singapore
16th January 2026 At sea
17th January 2026 Ko Samui, Thailand
18th January 2026 Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand (Overnight Port Stay)
19th January 2026 Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand
20th January 2026 At sea
21st January 2026 Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Vietnam
22nd January 2026 Nha Trang, Vietnam
23rd January 2026 Hue/Danang (Chan May), Vietnam
24th January 2026 Ha Long Bay (Hanoi), Vietnam (Overnight Port Stay)
25th January 2026 Ha Long Bay (Hanoi), Vietnam
26th January 2026 At sea
27th January 2026 Hong Kong (Deluxe Hotel Stay)
28th January 2026 Hong Kong. Fly to UK
29th January 2026 Arrive UK

5* Luxury Italy, Greece & Adriatic Treasures

From £2,749 pp

Oceanview £2,749 pp
Balcony £2,999 pp
Concierge Class £3,199 pp
Aqua Class £3,599 pp
Suite SOLD OUT
Sail Onboard NEW Celebrity Ascent
FREE Upgrade To Oceanview
FREE Drinks Package (Worth Over $1060pp)
FREE WiFi Package (Worth Over $200pp)
FREE Transfers Included
2-Night Deluxe Hotel Stay in Rome
14th May 2025 Fly to Rome, Italy (Deluxe Hotel Stay)
15th May 2025 Rome, Italy (Deluxe Hotel Stay)
16th May 2025 Embark Celebrity Ascent in Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
17th May 2025 At Sea
18th May 2025 Olympia (Katakolon), Greece
19th May 2025 Corfu, Greece
20th May 2025 Split, Croatia
21st May 2025 Dubrovnik, Croatia
22nd May 2025 Bar, Montenegro
23rd May 2025 At Sea
24th May 2025 Messina, Sicily
25th May 2025 Naples (For Capri), Italy
26th May 2025 Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. Fly to UK

6* Luxury South African Serenade: Wildlife, Vineyards & Beaches

From £5,999 pp

Veranda Suite £5,999 pp
Deluxe Veranda Suite £6,299 pp
Concierge Suite £6,999 pp
Penthouse Suite £7,699 pp
LoveitBookit Exclusive: Save Up To £2,650pp
Unlimited Drinks, Including Fine Wines, Spirits, Champagne & More
Unlimited Dining, Including Speciality Restaurants
Unlimited Shore Excursions in Every Port
2-Night Deluxe Hotel Stay in Cape Town
Valet Laundry Service
24-Hour In-Suite Dining
Unlimited Access to Spa Facilities
10th January 2026 Fly to Cape Town, South Africa
11th January 2026 Cape Town, South Africa (Deluxe Hotel Stay)
12th January 2026 Cape Town, South Africa (Deluxe Hotel Stay)
13th January 2026 Embark Seven Seas Voyager in Cape Town, South Africa
14th January 2026 At sea
15th January 2026 Walvis Bay, Namibia (Overnight Port Stay)
16th January 2026 Walvis Bay, Namibia
17th January 2026 At sea
18th January 2026 Cape of Good Hope (Cruising), South Africa
19th January 2026 Port Elizabeth, South Africa (Overnight Port Stay)
20th January 2026 Port Elizabeth, South Africa
21st January 2026 East London, South Africa
22nd January 2026 Durban, South Africa
23rd January 2026 At sea
24th January 2026 At sea
25th January 2026 Mossel Bay, South Africa
26th January 2026 Cape Town, South Africa (Overnight Port Stay)
27th January 2026 Cape Town, South Africa. Fly to UK
28th January 2026 Arrive UK

Miami Glamour & Caribbean Island Getaway

From £2,249 pp

Interior £2,249 pp
Oceanview £2,399 pp
Balcony £2,599 pp
Club Balcony £2,849 pp
Haven £4,599 pp
FREE Premium Drinks Package (Worth Over $1,300pp)
2-Night Deluxe Hotel Stay in Miami
29th November 2025 Fly to Miami, USA (Deluxe Hotel Stay)
30th November 2025 Miami, USA (Deluxe Hotel Stay)
1st December 2025 Embark Norwegian Getaway in Miami, USA
2nd December 2025 At sea
3rd December 2025 Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
4th December 2025 St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
5th December 2025 St. John's, Antigua
6th December 2025 Philipsburg, St. Maarten
7th December 2025 Basseterre, St. Kitts
8th December 2025 San Juan, Puerto Rico
9th December 2025 At sea
10th December 2025 Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas
11th December 2025 Miami, USA. Fly to UK
12th December 2025 Arrive UK

Let us inspire you

WHY BOOK WITH LOVEITBOOKIT

LoveitBookit are proud to be accredited as one of the leading, independent cruise agencies in the UK. Our reliable, CLIA-recognised cruise experts are here to help you plan your dream cruise holiday and support you through every step of your journey.

Our passion lies in curating unparalleled cruise experiences for our customers, ensuring you book your dream holiday with absolute confidence. As well as being part of the Travel Trust Association and a 5-times winner of the Platinum Trusted Service Award from Feefo, you can rest assured that when you book a LoveitBookit cruise escape, your holiday is fully ATOL and Financially Protected.

BESPOKE PACKAGES

We handpick cruise itineraries and package them with incredible, added-value inclusions to create the perfect tailor-made holiday experience for our customers.

TRAVEL EXPERTS

Holiday planning made easy! Our dedicated team boasts unrivalled cruise industry and destination knowledge and are committed to delivering exceptional customer service.

AS SEEN ON TV

For holiday inspiration and cruise line insights, you can watch our hottest cruise escapes come to life on your television screen daily with Cruise TV by LoveitBookit.

Your enquiry has been sent

Thank you for submitting your holiday enquiry. we are currently experiencing a high volume of email enquiries and are working through them as quickly as possible. To speak to us instantly, we recoomend calling our Cruise Specialists on 0203 393 1003 (option 1), where a member of our team will be more than happy to help you over the phone. Your enquiry is important to us and we look forward to speaking to you soon.

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Our team of cruise experts are here to help you organise your dream cruise holiday. Complete the form below or talk to one of our team on 0203 393 1003

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+18877996677

THE VIEW FROM THE TOP

We’re setting sail in new waters — and new hemispheres.

We’re taking our time and exploring new parts of the world. And these new routes come with the same included luxury you’ve come to love.

We’re teeing up voyages from San Juan around the Caribbean, and from Portsmouth, UK, to Bilbao and Bordeaux. We’re throwing new perks into our Sailing Club loyalty program and jazzing up our onboard shows and entertainment — all while keeping Sailors’ favorite routes (like our timeless Med sailings), favorite sailings (Celebration Voyages, Eat & Drink Festival, and our wellbeing voyages), and favorite things on board (just about everything, if the 2023 Cruise Critics Awards are any indication).

SEA YOURSELF HERE

Our new destinations

New in: Basque in Spanish sunlight. Dance in Puerto Rican twilight.

We’re all about giving Sailors more. More customizable vacation lengths, starting at 3 and lasting up to 14 nights at sea. More places to sail from, whether it’s the southern end of the UK or our new home port in the historic city of San Juan, PR. More one-of-a-kind encounters with nature, from Marseille’s elegant calanques to underground caverns in Cozumel. And in every new place we go, we’re teaming up with the best local partners there to make sure you have an unforgettable time.

CRUISE DESTINATIONS

Explore 100+ gorgeous destinations aboard our 4 lady ships

From relaxing, idyllic islands to vibrant coastal cityscapes, we’re cruising serene, azure waters and painting the world (Virgin) red.

Caribbean Cruises

North america cruises, europe cruises.

OUR LADY SHIPS ARE SHOW-ING OFF

New Shows, New Laughs

This year, we’re doubling down on the entertainment you love, bringing more comedy into our lineup, and even sending one of our shows to tour on land.

We’re already the Cruise Critic Editors’ Pick for Best Entertainment in the industry — but as usual, we’re not satisfied with stopping there. We’re staying “light-years ahead of the pack” (their words, not ours) and refreshing our onboard lineup, adding ship-specific options to round out our fleetwide array of shows. And we’re doing it all with your incredible feedback and preferences in mind. Scarlet Lady is welcoming the LOLz Supper Club for fans of stand-up comedy. And Duel Reality, a thrilling acrobatic retelling of Romeo & Juliet developed exclusively for Virgin Voyages, is so good, it’s starting a tour of the US — becoming one of the first ship shows ever to transfer over to land.

LOLz Supper Club

Duel reality: now on land, festival stage acts.

LOVE & LOYALTY

Virgin Voyages Sailing Club

The Virgin Voyages Sailing Club is getting an (even more) epic upgrade.

We love our Sailors — and in keeping with our award-winning service from sea to shore, we’re leveling up our loyalty program so that your future voyages will be more brilliant than ever. We’ve got updates about Deep Blue Extras, new ways to earn perks, and more surprises we can’t wait to share.

SPECIAL SAILINGS

More onboard celebrations to join in on

We’re changing things up — but we know when to leave a good thing alone. And our beloved flagship events aren’t going anywhere.

You know them. You love them. Our special sailings and themed months are back. Whether you’re looking to get hands-on cooking tutorials from an elite New York City chef or a really good meditation session, we’ve got a lineup of sailings for Sailors with any focus. Join us (or come back) for any of our below fleetwide events — you’ll be glad you did.

Celebration Voyages

Elevate voyages, eat & drink festival.

IMAGES

Channel 5 reveals the behind-the-scenes on Virgin Voyages cruises
Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady
Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady Cruise Review
Virgin Voyages Unveils New Perks Program
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages showcased in TV show

VIDEO

Virgin Cruise "Biggest Mistake" I can't believe they did this and best spot on the ship
Virgin Voyages Cruise From Miami
Virgin Cruise On Sea
Virgin Cruise 🚢 #virgincruise#virginvoyages#cruise#cruiseship#travelvlog#travel#traveling

COMMENTS

Our TV Debut on Channel 5's The Cruise.
Anchors up — because we're making our TV debut on Channel 5 this Sunday, starring in The Cruise; a brand new 20-episode series narrated by the enigmatic Sheridan Smith. Produced by Title Role Productions, the first episode premieres in the UK at 9 p.m. this Sunday, June 19th. And you really can't miss it.
The Cruise (TV Series 2022- )
The Cruise: With Sheridan Smith. Observational documentary series following the lives of the crew and passengers heading out on the holiday of a lifetime on board the ships Scarlet Lady and Valiant in the Virgin Voyages fleet.
The Cruise on Channel 5
We're making our TV debut in the UK starring in Channel 5's, The Cruise; a brand new 20-episode series — shining a light on the experiences of our Crew and S...
The Cruise: Fun Loving Brits at Sea Behind the Scenes
The Cruise: Fun Loving Brits at Sea. This fly-on-the-wall TV show looks at cruising from a range of perspectives and what it means for those setting sail on their dream holiday. The first episode introduced viewers to cruising newbies and best friends from Leeds, expert travellers from The Isle of Wight and cruise lover Carla who brings her new ...
Virgin Voyages' entertainment is now the best on any cruise
ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY. When Virgin Voyages tapped Weiner Entertainment Group to create a new show that's a partnership between the ship's entertainment and food and beverage teams, the result was "Another Rose." "The original launch of Scarlet Lady was intended to have 'Another Rose' on it," Kilman explained.
New Channel 5 show goes behind the scenes on Virgin Voyages cruises
Watch The Cruise on Sunday, June 19, at 9pm on Channel 5 in the UK or stream it on My5. For more information, visit www.VirginVoyages.com. Channel 5. The first episode of Channel 5's new reality ...
Cruise Entertainment
The two-story, three-bar space, named after Richard's first recording studio, is inspired by a classic theatrical zeitgeist — layered with a moody and sexy '70s, punk vibe. Ground-breaking shows will kick the night off before it transitions into a mind-blowing, goodbye-early-morning-workout nightclub. Gaming & Lounge.
Virgin Voyages set to steal the show with a brand-new entertainment
15 March 2023. Virgin Voyages is setting the stage for a remarkable year. The award-winning cruise brand has revealed details of spectacular new shows, live music acts and a festival of rotating performances for 2023. The new entertainment promises something for everyone - from intimate solo performances at The Dock House, to epic, can't ...
Watch The Cruise
Join Prime. Watch with Prime. S1 E3 - Episode 3. July 8, 2022. 44min. 13+. Scarlet Lady, one of the newest and most luxurious ships at sea, is nearing the end of a cruise around the Caribbean. And whilst the seas might be calm, there are some rough heads on board, after last night's 'Scarlet Night' pool party. Store Filled.
TV show spotlights life on Sir Richard Branson's cruise ships
New reality TV show The Cruise will take passengers behind the scenes of Sir Richard Branson's new Virgin Voyages' vessels in a fly-on-the-wall documentary.
Meet Virgin Voyages' second ship
Here are some of the itineraries on offer on Virgin Voyages' second ship: Coast the Canary Islands, Spain, & Portugal - an 11-night voyage setting sail from Portsmouth, UK, with stops in La Coruña, Funchal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lisbon. Long Weekender in Zeebrugge - a three-night cruise from Portsmouth, UK, to ...
Best New Cruise Ships for Adults
110,000t. 86,982 London buses. 100% Adults Only. Exclusively Adult experiences. From decadent dinners to drenched-in-red afterparties, reconnect with your plus one, best friends, and yourself to celebrate life's sweetest moments aboard our 100% adults-only voyages. Learn More.
What to Expect on Virgin Voyages Compared to Other Cruise Lines
The crowd on Virgin Voyages seems to skew a little younger than a normal cruise, but all ages are represented. In fact, there seems to be a nice mix of everyone. Step onto the ship and you'll likely notice that your other passengers overall are a little different than on some other lines.
What it's really like to sail with Virgin Voyages
Related: Virgin Voyages to debut cruise loyalty program in 2023, with temporary perks available now. The private beach club is top-notch. While other ports of call vary based on the sailing, a constant for Scarlet Lady is a stop at its private beach club in the Bahamas. Situated on the island of Bimini, this spot was, in a word, fabulous.
Virgin Voyages: What to Know
Virgin Voyages cabins. Cabins range from 105 square feet to 2,167 square feet. The cheapest cabin is the Insider Cabin, while the Mega RockStar Quarters Cabin is the cruise line's most luxurious ...
12 Best Cruise TV Shows To Watch In The UK Right Now
3. Cruising with Jane McDonald. Where to watch it now: My5 Player. Number of seasons: 7. The same Jane McDonald that starred as a slightly nervous cruise ship singer in BBC One's The Cruise is now one of Britain's most prominent cruise ship travel show hosts.
What's Included on a Cruise?
Food to elevate your mood. When we say "included," we mean it. From comfort go-to's to experimental cuisine, elaborate brunches to Korean BBQ, all our specialty eateries are on us — no hidden tax, no pesky disclaimer, no crowded buffets or designated dining times. Plus, all our food is sustainably sourced, made fresh-to-order, and ...
First Mates
Unlock epic experiences with our 7 to 11-night European voyages in 2025. Offer your Sailors the best rates and cabin locations for new bucket-list destinations like Iceland, Morocco, Norway, and beyond! Plan their dream summer escape today (and boost your commission with airfare and Shore Things). With longer 6 to 11-night voyages and the best ...
Seacademy
Welcome to Seacademy. As a First Mate registered to do business with us, you have access to Seacademy, our award winning online learning platform. Here you'll complete tiers of lessons to learn everything about selling our sailings, while earning valuable rewards. After all, no person is an island, and our commitment to 'Making an Epic Sea ...
Cruise TV Deals
Checkout all our exclusive cruise TV cruise package offers directly from our TV show that airs daily on selected Freeview channels. Cruise TV Deals; Cruise Packages; Destinations. Destinations. ... U.S. Virgin Islands 5th December 2025 St. John's, Antigua 6th December 2025 Philipsburg, St. Maarten; 7th December 2025 Basseterre, St. Kitts;
Cruises & Cruise Holidays
We're giving a Virgin-style makeover to cruise spas and fitness programming. Sweat, relax, or just be still and breathe — whether your idea of wellbeing is a HIIT class, or a deep-tissue massage, our gorgeous lady ships are the perfect place to get it OMMM. Unlimited group workouts. Multi-story fitness complex. MyBeast Adult Playground.
Watch Planet Cruise TV wherever you are
Planet Cruise TV Show Times. Planet Cruise TV airs on Tuesdays at 8.15pm on Ideal World. The show lasts 45 minutes and can be watched live on Sky 664 and 671, Freeview 22, Virgin 747, Freesat 812, Apple TV and Amazon Fire. Latest Planet Cruise TV Episodes 3rd May 2022. Sky Princess, Bolette, Arvia, Queen Elizabeth and Rocky Mountaineer ...
Guide To Using Virgin Atlantic Points
Virgin Atlantic is a small but mighty U.K.-based airline with a new co-branded credit card on the way. Here are some of the best ways to use its frequent flyer miles to travel all over the world.
Cruises 2024
Eat & Drink Festival. You loved it, so we brought it back. Three ships, two months, one epic onboard program for discerning foodies. Sailing June 30th through August 4th. New year and a shipload of incredible new experiences and epic events to give you even more reasons to come cruise with us in 2024.