LibratPDX

It's unfortunate that you're having to deal with so many brick walls, ugh. I understand they are about conservation, but I don't think it's a big deal if a pax specifically asks for a paper schedule, it's a request that should be granted. I would suggest asking the room steward for it though maybe? I have heard they can be/have been accommodating for this specific thing! You're clearly tech savvy, but one of the key things I was told is to make sure I have ZERO other apps running on my phone when using the app. To be fair, my sailings were no where near as full as yours is, so that may be part of the issue as well. For as tech forward as VV likes to be, it's odd that their app is often glitchy. You can't turn back the clock, but if you sail with VV again, definitely book your dinners as soon as you can (45 days before the cruise). And while they show full on the app, many have stated they can be booked upon boarding with Sailor Services. One of the bummers for us regular folk is that rock stars get on the ship and are able to book everything first, with limited space in the fitness classes, they fill up quickly. But as others have said, if you show up at the time of the class, they may have no-shows and you could still get in, same as shows that are showing as fully booked. AND if shows are fully booked, check again the day of, sometimes people cancel. I was able to book and not have to be in the standby line for a show that had been fully booked on my last VV cruise. If you haven't tried it yet, the Ship Eats are great and the $7 delivery fee is waived if you order something there is a charge for 🙂 I hope you enjoy the rest of your cruise!

You can not only book your dining reservations 45 days ahead, but you can VIEW the line-up of shows as well, so you can get an idea of when you might want to book your dining. More things will be added to the lineup a few days before your sailing. Keep in mind that some shows include the meal, if it says SUPPER CLUB, take a look at the menu for that show if possible.

sorry for the accidental double post

The porters are paid for the entire day no matter how long they work. Most of the porter jobs go to ILA unions workers who have seniority, rarely does a casual union worker get those jobs. I'm not sure where you got the idea they are "part time"?

I have waited to be seated for my assigned dining times M U C H longer on other cruise lines than I ever have on VV, but it's admittedly easier for me because I am solo and tend to dine early. That said, while reservations are encouraged, they are not required, and as many have said, they may not be available on the app prior to the cruise but you will be able to make them when you board. And it needs to be said, you are receiving a much better quality of food on VV than the MDR food of other cruise lines, you are receiving upgraded food without having to pay specialty restaurant pricing, with a few exceptions (seafood tower, tomahawk steak, teatime treats, I probably missed one or two). It's a little condescending to tell someone not to worry, so I won't say that, but I think your issues will be resolved once you board the ship and call or visit the restaurants regarding reservations. Many people have been successful not making reservations at all, completely winging it and just showing up. I for one am too twitchy to do that, lol, but I have never once seen any of the dining venues at maximum capacity, they are still spacing people for distancing purposes I believe. But I never saw a large line of any kind at any of the venues either. Enjoy your cruise!

As the new ships roll out, VV is using employees/entertainers/happenings cast with experience on them, so things should roll out pretty smoothly. And VV is paying attention to feedback and constantly updating/changing. When I was on the Valiant Lady I encountered numerous crew members in all types of jobs who I had met on the Scarlet Lady, and many of them asked me if I would be sailing the Resilient, since they would be transferring to her. I am on the Friends and Family Resilient cruise, so I will be finding out soon!! All will be well, I promise! It will be amazing, and I will see you there 🙂

Rock stars are supposed to be given the best seats when possible, which is fair IMO since they are paying more for their cabins. Otherwise, I think you can ask to be seated "over there" if you see a seat you would rather sit in other than where they have led you? I think asking nicely is enough 🙂

I would say that rather than asking fairly open and generic questions, join some groups on social media and read the boards here, it's a great way to gather lots of information. You can even search for specific topics on both.

I have luckily never encountered an aggressive baggage handler, and if I did, I would ask to talk to his/her boss and/or Union Official. I am ILWU, they are ILA, basically the same union on a different coast, and it is not kosher to extort people when you make a living wage. Tips are great if people give them willingly but threatening people is not acceptable behavior and their union bosses should be ashamed! If you have luggage you can fit through the scanner, you can walk on by the porters, in fact, just have your transport drop you off at the entry door instead of by the luggage drop off area. I do this most of the time, I like to unpack right away. 🙂

On my last trip via Miami, I was just about to order an UBER when I happened upon a shuttle van loading up people to Miami International for $15. I jumped on it!

I was able to get a 9:15 reservation at Razzle Dazzle on disembark day (one last taste of that bacon!) and several people had brought their luggage. I had left mine in my cabin but was ready to go directly after breakfast. At 10:15, the announcements started.....

You can message Sailor Services in your app instead of visiting them.....

I have read that happens a lot the first day or so after the excursions open up. Check back again and it should work, they can't be sold out if they just opened up.

You don't have to wait for an email (I never received one), you can go to the website and fill in your information (Google Virgin Voyages Upgrade and it comes up). It won't work until your sailing is eligible.

I swear on my last few cruises I looked every day and didn't find it. I might have missed a day? But in the past it was always out on the second day.....I'm glad someone else remembers it and it wasn't just a dream!

They seemed to have discontinued my favorite, a very rich chocolate cake that had honeycomb candy on top 😞

I agree, this is really no change from my cruise last month. I was able to go to my room and drop off my luggage but my cabin was not ready. Prior to boarding they routed me to a specific area, presumably the diamond/platinum lounge area, but boarding began shortly after.

Do you know if they only wash using hot water like other cruise lines?

You don't want to wear the "landing party guy who always dies" red ? lol

Those marble slabs are a head-scratcher for sure! They make me think of Superman's Fortress of Solitude for some reason? lol I much prefer Carnivals lovely curved heated tile loungers, built to hug the body. I didn't look into the spa at all when I was on board, the prices were just too dear.

I called them to give my friends some Sailor Loot on their cruise, I imagine you could do the same? But I don't know of a way to do it on the app or online. Plus, they don't have anything in place to say it's a gift, so you would have to tell them or they would think it's a mistake.

EXACTLY my thought..........rum and COKE doesn't need anything added to it 😛

I am a mere platinum on Carnival but they accepted my info immediately for the new VV Sailing Club/ Deep Blue Extras 🙂

No

I have cruised with VV once and have another cruise booked 2023. I sent them proof of my platinum status with Carnival and it was approved for the Deep Blue benefits immediately 🙂