jon81uk

Yes, ask the housekeeping attendant, or tap in the app or in-room tablet and it will alert them to bring some.

There was a difference on this Celebration voyage. The CEO was present with a short thank you speech and they had canapés available. Still the same sangria and sparkling rose though, but held in the Manor (on the Portsmouth voyage).

or just no planned action by Extinction Rebellion on a Wednesday compared to a Saturday.

Did you go to the talks or events by the VPs etc?

Except for the captain’s announcement about 5.30pm on the first day you’ll never hear from an officer unless there is a safety issue, safety drill or medical emergency. Don’t expect them to take part or make speeches, that’s what the cast is there for. Personally at the drinks party I like the relaxed atmosphere with the solo performance.

For musicians I’ve preferred the busker style soloists more than the bands, Daniel Parks, Selki and Matthew Lennox have all been good. I may not have seen them for long enough as more often was in the Manor late night but no band has really stuck with me. I didn’t really like Madison Grace. For the festival stage acts; Tape Face was as good as expected, lots of silly fun. Lucy Darling magician was great and despite the Red Room being almost empty put on a great show and happily roasted our drunk friend. Tom Crosbie Performing Nerd is great with a perfect show of comedy magic. Andre Vincent is a good northern British comedian. There was a good acapella group I can’t remember the name of. Michael John was a terrible magician who the audience were actively trying to ignore, I was surprised he didn’t get a boo. Ben Price was an OK magician. I can’t recall all the acts I’ve seen onboard but there have been a few other reasonsble British comedians.

We missed a reservation as I got the time wrong and for a walk up we had to come back in half hour, so it is possible but not always immediate. Previously they did 4 nights of one menu and three nights of another so unless things have changed that strategy should work.

From what I’ve read they will only be serving two menus, it will either be A and B or A and C in rotation.

Europe does have Diet Coke, it’s just called Coke Light. We’ve had it on VV. But in general (not on the ship) a lot of bars choose to only stock regular Coca Cola and Coke Zero and don’t bother ordering Coke Light. VV of course also often has stock issues!

Onboard the only diet option is Diet Coke. the soda available is Coca Cola Diet Coke Coke Zero Sprite Fanta orange Seagrams ginger

Mainly on deck 8, they are the light pink colour on the deck plan (slightly smaller balcony) https://vvinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Virgin-Voyages-Brilliant-Lady-Deck-Plans.pdf On the other ships the deck 8 cabins are limited view but on Brilliant Lady the lifeboats are closer in so the ship is allowed through the Panama Canal which means the balconies on deck 8 are smaller, so no other furniture except the two hammocks.

The good thing about b2b is you’ll be first on the ship for the second leg so you can start booking things onboard.

The first times to fill up are 7-7.45pm so that’s what I think most people consider as the “good ones”. I’m British and normally aim for 7pm dinner at home.

Booking dining 60 days would mean they are in a suite. your travel agent should be able to sort out linking the bookings so you can book for them and vice versa. They only open up about third of the slots in advance, make more bookings, or change what you have once onboard the ship WiFi.

Yes, I’ve done the party three times and it’s always been the same drink options.

It’s got more shade umbrellas than most of the rest of deck 16 and the pool area. We found it a good option to have a pick of spaces to sit at when the other sun decks are busier. But as you say the big downside is it’s often very windy. We spent a lot of time there for happy hour of course, but otherwise maybe an hour or two each sea day, especially in the hot tubs which are much quieter than the others.

It’s an hour of sparkling rose wine and sangria being served and drinks constantly being topped up. There will usually be an acoustic guitarist or similar artist performing. Often takes place around 5pm and you’ll get an app notification or letter in the cabin telling you exactly what day.

Which is why it’s frustrating that they haven’t made a customer facing webpage you can book through.

Exactly the same as it does if you were to do it yourself. Main advantage is the agents have a website view not app.

From what I’ve read other cruise line apps are just as bad. But VV have a new one coming in the next year. I still think there should be an option to make bookings on the website for everyone though, not just the app.

Virgin Voyages the cruise brand is American. I don’t think they accept anything other than USD cash, but I’ve not tried myself.

That is weird then. The two times I’ve boarded at Barcelona after we did check in we walked directly into the ship.

Out of interest, what arrival time did you have, what time did you arrive at the terminal and what time did you actually board?

Resilient Lady has 3-4 different shows compared to Scarlet/Valiant. VV Insider has a good list of what shows are on each ship. https://vvinsider.com/on-board/events/

they really should have a system so everyone can do it on website or app.