Lustate

Halloween is celebrated in Spain, but Virgin wont have any ships in Europe at that time as it will have just arrived in Miami for the winter. 

12 hours ago, Stephenmclean23 said:

Hey, does anyone know if any winners have been notified ? 

I asked on twitter and had a reply back form VV...

Hi Rob, we're sorry about the above tweet that was sent in error. We are still contacting winners for the contest. Please keep an eye on your email inbox

7 hours ago, edgar72 said:

 

* I used on of the verification codes that was listen in a thread below for loot.  I received the credit, but I have not received the link to share my code.  I look all over my dashboard, and it's nowhere to be found.

If you open the dashboard on the VV website (your log in) at the bottom you will see a box called "share the love" with the details and how to post the link to others to both get your credit. 

7 hours ago, edgar72 said:

* I have seen some reference to ships sailing at way below capacity.  I know other cruise lines show what cabins are available, but how do i find out this info from Virgin?

Virgin do not publish deck plan loads (cabin empty), as they always try and appoint people to the best cabins best, or even "bump" people to better cabins at port if they are available and operationally worth while for them. 

7 hours ago, edgar72 said:

* I cannot wait to try the food.  However, I am a bariatric patient and cannot eat a large volume.  Can I request half portions?  

You can request smaller / half portions but be aware that meat would not be split, only the sides or items such as pasta, as half portions would be going to waste in the kitchen. I saw several people have these at both The Wake, and in Pink Agave. 

7 hours ago, edgar72 said:

* Has anyone been successful requesting free upgrades?  If so, how?  

Asking for an upgrade is a bit cheeky, but by being polite, friendly and flexible if its like airlines they may have something they can pull out the bag at boarding / the port. 

3 hours ago, Jipster said:

Does anyone know what time in the UK the restaurants bookings are available in the app? 

 

I know the phone line is on US Eastern times only. 

 

Thanks 

Hi Andy,
I would not sweat the booking to the hour. Suites will have had a head start already, and most places do have availability most evenings, or can do a walk up with a short 15-20min wait at the bar. 

6 hours ago, ceilidh1 said:

Trying this again. I have seen one report of a winning email received on Saturday. No idea if this is true or not.

who knows.

Something does seem a little odd, but it might just be a glitch with the company running it (which is not VV) and they may be sorting "back of house" to make it happen.

I would say though for 1,000 people to have won prizes, who all had to apply online, it does seem odd that no one is posting. Unless of course they have to do a disclaimer that they wont post online or mention while on board that they have a free cabin as it could be off putting to other paying sailors on the same voyage. 

15 minutes ago, AndyUK said:

ahoy!

 

I read somewhere that for you get to 'craft your own mini bar' in your room.. in that you can ask for certain drinks before boarding. I see another thread that talks about it for rockstars, but has anyone had experience with mega rockstar rooms? And do they ask you before boarding ?

 

Thank you!

Andy 

Hi,
Its not really a mini bar, but a bar made up of half size bottles and plus plenty of mixers. 

It used to be one of 5 starter packages, but not most people get a mixed starter bar, and you can request from your onboard rock star agent things to be added or taken away if you dont want them and want more space. 

They should be contacting you in advance with any specifics and to clear up items like your transfers etc if your a mega. 

4 hours ago, _tacocat_ said:

The casino is small, but was sufficient for me - not a huge gambler.

 

Shows are definitely not your typical cruise ship shows.  Right now, there are a few main shows- Never Sleep Alone, which is a one-woman sex-themed comedy/cabaret show that can get a little raunchy for some folks; untitleddanceshowpartything, which is a dance... show.. party.. thing?  not really sure how best to describe it, but there are cast members floating around the dance floor, different pieces of stage that move across the room throughout the event.  Ships in the Night is probably the most traditional show they have - it's mostly dance + a singer, with a theme woven through of everyone being glued to technology all the time/missing out on real world interactions.  Duel Reality is an acrobatic show with a twist on romeo & juliet theme.  They have a few others that pop up here and there with shorter contracts (1 month i think?) including a blues guitarist and his band, cabaret-style singers in one of the main bars, and a drag show.

 

Food is phenomenal, and 99% of things are included - the only upcharges are for things like caviar, a ridiculously large tomahawk steak, and seafood towers.  On shorter voyages, you are limited to 1 reservation per restaurant in the app (more for longer, but I don't know how many off the top of my head).  You can, however, walk up to the restaurant to see if they have room or join a virtual queue if you'd like to dine at the same restaurant again.

 

Spa access is included with the mega rockstar level of suites, but those are $$$$ and also include all alcohol (among a ton of other things).  Regular rockstar suites get 1 fill of their mini bar (a few bottles of liquor, wine and beers).  Anyone can access the spa if you purchase a $39 pass for 3 hours.  This access is not included with any treatment  3 hours was definitely enough time for me to enjoy the thermal suite.  All spa treatments seem crazy expensive, but they already include gratuity, so it ends up being about the same (or less) than you'd pay at any resort property in the US that i've been to recently.

 

Balcony is excellent, and the hammocks are soooo comfy!

 

Overall, throw all of your expectations away about what a traditional cruise is.  It feels more like a boutique hotel at sea.  No announcements, no cruise director pushing you to do this or that, no buffets, no belly flop or hairy chest contests, etc.  The app can be a royal pain in the ass at times, which can get frustrating because that's where you make all your reservations for meals/activities, but Sailor Services onboard is typically very helpful in resolving issues/helping out!

 

Hi @gatorgirl1971 I would totally agree with @_tacocat_

The casino is very small and more of an "extra" so I would not be planning on spending night after night in there. It has a few games tables and slots but does not have the "big ship" feel which is part of the appeal. 

The "on the rocks" bar every night has a music line up played live. It can vary from the house band to acts brought in for shorter contracts and keeps the whole feel as fresh and changing, rather than the traditional band who will do the same set for 5 years with a muscle memory approach. 

One thing most people forget to mention are the staff. They are outstanding on both VV ships. They are chatty, friendly (but professional) and never feel like its to much to ask for something.

We have done the sea terrace and a corner suite. Both have big pluses, but neither had a downside, just very different. For the third cruise we have a XL terrace so slowly working our way around the ship 🙂 

For the PJ party..l go all in. It’s a holiday!

We also entered the draw and heard nothing. Maybe they doing in phases or not contacted people yet as lots going on? On twitter today they said "Lucky sailors should be receiving an email soon" 

Hi All, 
We have been on board Scarlet and Valiant but never really long enough to have spent time in the above places on board. Does anyone have a photo / copy of the prices and services offered at them? The spa seems to be online in some blogs but the others seem to have no real lists. 

Thanks All!
PS - we are on the Med to Miami in October 2022. 

On 6/28/2022 at 5:06 PM, dippyblond said:

I asked the same question during a phone conversation with VV - and was told No they would not be allowed access to Richards Rooftop

The access is via a gate with a touch pad like you have for the room entry. When we were onboard friends may have "tailgated" and ensured the wearables were not being waved in all directions, and of course then who knew or cared.

It was pretty empty but it may be because it was Europe in the spring.