Discovering the Luxury of Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady

sblume0
Mar 17
4 min read

Updated: Apr 6

My husband, my mother-in-law, who is in her mid-seventies and an avid cruiser, and I recently embarked on a four-night cruise to the Bahamas aboard Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady. We flew into Miami from New York the night before our cruise. This way, we avoided the stress of rushing to catch the ship. I always recommend this approach to my guests. Missing the ship due to a flight delay or other mishaps is a risk no one wants to take.

We stayed in North Miami at a beautiful Art Deco-style hotel right on the beach. After a lovely dinner, we enjoyed a quick dip in the oceanfront pool the next morning before taking a cab to the pier.

Arrival and Check-In

Before arriving, Virgin Voyages requests that you download their app. I’m not usually a fan of apps, but I found Virgin's to be incredibly useful. It sped up our check-in process and provided a wealth of information while on board. The app shows where to find things on the ship, restaurant hours, reservation times, and spa appointments. It helps keep you organized about where to be and when. One unique feature is the "Shake for Champagne." Simply shake your phone, and a crew member will bring a bottle of Champagne to you anywhere on the ship. It's a fun way to enjoy a drink while saving water!

Cabins: Comfort and Style

Many first-time cruisers are surprised by the size of the average cabin on a cruise ship. Virgin offers cabins starting at 130 square feet, which is quite comfortable, especially for solo travelers. While many cabins provide spacious options, my favorite spot was the balcony with the handmade red hammock.

If you need more space to feel comfortable, consider a Mega Rockstar or Rockstar suite. These suites range from 353 square feet to an impressive 2,147 square feet. They come with several extra perks, including access to Richard's Rooftop, an exclusive sundeck with stunning views and fantastic happy hours. Additional benefits include transfers or parking, an open bar in your suite, Wi-Fi, early booking for dining, shore excursions, and onboard experiences, spa access, bar credits, and more.

Dining Options: A Culinary Delight

The food on Virgin Voyages was exceptional. You have a wide variety of à la carte restaurants, but there are no buffets. Instead, the Galley offers a casual dining experience with options like a 24-hour American-style diner, a pastry shop, ramen, tacos, sushi with bento boxes, soups, salads, and my personal favorite, the grab-and-go. Scarlet Lady also features a juice bar.

For à la carte dining, don't miss Gumbae, which offers K-Pot style Asian dishes, and The Wake, known for its fabulous steaks and seafood. The optional seafood tower is perfect for sharing. Pink Agave serves upscale Mexican cuisine and boasts an extensive Mezcal menu. However, my top recommendation is The Kitchen. It offers a Michelin star-level tasting menu experience with unique presentations and diverse course options. I chose venison over beef filet, and it was unforgettable.

Drinks: A Unique Approach

Piano Lounge Adult Only Cruise — Piano Lounge on the Scarlet Lady Adult Only Cruise

Virgin Voyages stands out in how it handles alcohol sales. Unlike most major cruise lines, where you must purchase a drink package, Virgin allows you to run a bar tab. If you pre-pay some of the bar tab, you can often take advantage of promotions that add bonus money to your account. Drink prices are also lower than those on other cruise lines, with beers starting around $6 and wines at about $8 per glass. Cocktails are a bit pricier but still more affordable than on other cruise lines.

Spa and Other Services: Relaxation Awaits

One of the perks of booking a suite is the ability to pre-book spa treatments. I highly recommend making a reservation as soon as possible. If you're not in a suite, you can book once on board, but the spa is very popular. It features steam rooms, hot and cold plunge pools, massages, facials, wraps, and more. There’s something for everyone, making it a great place to unwind.

In addition to the spa, there's a full-service salon offering manicures, pedicures, haircuts for both men and women, shaves, beard grooming, and many other services. Virgin also provides a variety of fitness classes, including yoga, barre, cycling, and boxing. Fitness doesn't stop when you disembark; you can join group hikes or stand-up paddleboard classes while ashore.

Entertainment: Fun for Everyone

Virgin Voyages offers a fantastic range of entertainment options. In addition to a vibrant club and theater-style shows, there are spontaneous performers entertaining guests by the pool or bar. Karaoke is organized every night, and there are several piano lounges on the ship with varying entertainment each evening.

You can also enjoy a wide selection of international board games, and trivia is a big hit, with plenty of prizes and fun. The ship features a full arcade, reminiscent of a small version of RoundOne. For those looking for something unique, Virgin boasts the only tattoo parlor at sea. Be sure to book an appointment as soon as you board, as they are quite busy.

Scarlet Lady also has a microbrewery on board, allowing you to sample new brews at sea. The ship includes a casino, several shops, a hot tub, and a pool. For a small charge, high tea is offered in the afternoon, with optional Champagne.

A Memorable Experience

Being on board the Scarlet Lady felt more like being on a yacht than a traditional cruise ship. However, one area that could use improvement is the Wi-Fi. To be fair, Wi-Fi on most ships tends to be slow, but this might be a blessing in disguise, encouraging us to disconnect from technology and be present in the moment.

One of my favorite memories was visiting the grab-and-go each night to pick up various small bento boxes of charcuterie. I enjoyed them with a glass of excellent wine while watching the sunset from my hammock. It was a perfect way to relax before heading out for a high-energy night. I can't wait for my next Virgin Voyage!