Adult Only Travel ~ Cruise or All-inclusive Resort which is best?
- Susan Blume,CTC,VTA
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Virgin Voyages Adults Only Cruise vs. Sandals Adults Only Resorts.
Most of you know that I have been a certified Sandals specialist for over two decades, but I am
also a certified Virgin Voyages specialist for several years now. I am often asked by guests for insight on both aspects of adult-only travel. Both are adult-only but offer very different experiences
and cater to different guests.
Vibe
Sandals has many resorts throughout the Caribbean on several islands. All of the islands have somewhat a different vibe and something unique to offer; I would say the same applies to Sandals resorts. Yes, Sandals is a chain, but it's not cookie-cutter. You will find some things that are the same, but then some things are different in each resort. For example, some restaurants are the same throughout the chain, but then you have some things that are resort-specific, like Sandals Royal Plantation, which is all butler suites set on a private cove, offers high tea daily with sweeping ocean views, but Sandals Curacao offers a free car rental and special dining program. Some guests at Sandals Curacao may use one of the cars located on the property to dine in some excellent local restaurants with a dining credit from Sandals.
The surprise in Virgin Voyages is that there is so much to do or not do on the ship.
Scarlet Lady, which I was on, offers tons of restaurants, a club and several bars, shows, a running/walking track on the top deck with always great views, boxing classes, yoga classes, gym, hot tub, pool, cooking demonstrations, amazing food hall, video arcade, pool and billiards tables, very large board game selection, specialty coffee house, microbrewery, shops, world-class spa, and the only tattoo parlor at sea.
Difference between Virgin Voyages and Sandals Resorts
Sandals is a laid-back upscale beach retreat focused on romance. Sandals offers a great opportunity to meet and connect with other like-minded couples. Events in and around the pool and evening entertainment help break the ice. Think romantic retreat with each resort having its own feel and many having exchange privileges with other nearby Sandals resorts.
Virgin Voyages offers lots of options in terms of destinations such as the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and Alaska. Virgin is open to any adult over the age of 18, not just couples. Virgin is more an adult-only cruise lifestyle experience. Lots to do and many options in terms of experiences onboard. Virgin has a floating boutique hotel feel to it; even at maximum guest capacity, you never feel that the ship is crowded.
Dining options
Both are excellent in terms of quality, variety, and service levels. The staff at both are very well trained and make guests feel that they are well cared for.
Sandals does offer buffets, but they are well done with carving stations and made-to-order stations.
Very large variety of food on the buffet, but the majority of Sandals dining is à la carte.
Sandals also does private candlelight dinners on the beach and some over-the-water restaurants.
Many of the restaurants are white glove service but never feel stuffy or pretentious. Most Sandals resorts offer more restaurant options than you could enjoy in a one-week stay.
Virgin has à la carte restaurants and an amazing food hall. The food hall consists of small restaurants that are quick service but mostly made to order and was a big hit to refuel after hitting the club. They also have grab-and-go outlets which offer salads, sandwiches, sushi, and charcuterie boxes. I would avail of two or three different types of these charcuterie boxes each night and enjoy them with a glass of wine at sunset with friends on our balcony before we headed out for the evening. Great way to kick off the night. They also provide a Michelin star-quality dining experience at the Test Kitchen. This venue offers a unique 6-course experimental dining event with a laboratory ambiance, making it a must-try experience.
Typical Day
A typical day at Sandals varies based on what guests request. Many guests have me schedule tours, activities such as ATV rides, or spa treatments in advance. Most guests ask us to book a private candlelight dinner on the beach, and we can also organize photo shoots.
A typical day on a Virgin Voyages ship includes a variety of activities, ranging from classes to pre-arranged shore excursions based on the ports visited. Many of our guests prefer to have us organize their daily tours and excursions to ensure they don't miss out on experiences they truly want. Booking once you're on the ship might mean the tour is already fully booked.
In the evening after dinner, both offer entertainment and nightlife.
Both offer great value in terms of pricing. Since we are a preferred travel agency with both Sandals and Virgin, we often have advance knowledge of sales and promotions. We have also personal experience with both, so we will be able to match you with the best resort or cabin.
Personal Escape Travel is Your Source For Personalized Travel. Please reach out for a free consultation and quote. www.PersonalEscapeTravel.com
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