CineGraphic

I think that VV is in a much better position than the other lines simply because they have less ships to worry about filling in order to keep the bookkeepers happy. I love the fact that VV is screwing with the other lines daily just by existing. They are bringing many 1st time cruisers to the scene. Once they try the other lines, they'll realize just how special VV is. The other lines are indeed making cuts, and to make matters worse, they are understaffed. I recently took a free cruise on another line. Dinner in the main dining room took 2 hours the first night. That was the last time I bothered going to the MDR. No wonder the buffet was so crowded. So even though I only paid taxes and gratuities, I was underwhelmed by the whole experience.

I've seen it say "HOLA" in the past.

We were booked and paid in full for 5 days on the Scarlet Lady, 2/26 - 3/3, and felt that 5 days just wasn't long enough for us. Adding another 5 days was a tad too much for us, thanks to 2 recent flat tires, and a washing machine that died on us, so I asked my TA if she could speak with Virgin and get our booking switched to the Valiant Lady leaving the day before for an 8 day Caribbean sailing. Usually after final payment, cruise lines won't let you do squat. Virgin was more than happy to make the change. We only had to pay the price difference. The change was quick, and seamless. All of our perks are in place, and we feel like we scored an excellent deal. We now have $800 in sailor loot, and a $700 bar tab to play with for 8 days. What a way to celebrate this old man's birthday! Thanks Virgin.....you're shaking up the cruise world, one passenger (sailor) at a time.

It's part of this very thread.

They are indeed....but it's not for everyone. The uptight and closed-minded would have a tough time. Virgin is winning many folks over, and attracting many first-time cruisers. No announcements to interrupt your day. No photographers slowing down embarkation and disembarkation. No cruise director. No art auctions. No MDR. We cancelled our future Princess bookings while on our 1st Virgin sailing, and can't foresee going back.

I (Heart) 305. (The area code for Miami. At one point it covered the entire state)

If you have rolling luggage, bring it with you. We used to do that with Princess, otherwise it would take hours for our bags to show up. At least with Virgin, your cabins are ready when you board so you can just drop them off instead of lugging them around while waiting for your cabin. Hopefully, have just had a 1-off experience, as I didn't witness any porters being overly aggressive while we waited outside.

A fire boat will be pulling up alongside of her for the evacuation.

We just watched my sister and bother in-law sail away on the Valiant. How I wish we were there with them, but we'll have to wait until February.

While watching Virgin's Valiant Lady depart Miami, I heard radio traffic from the Rotterdam. They are currently 2 miles from the Port of Miami, waiting to disembark someone for medical reasons.

Another option would be to simply save a screen shot either on your cloud or with your other photos.

The $200 deal is a casino offer, and you'll get the $200 back in OBC.

I think you mean @ConSolo

Here's the page for Virgin Gift Cards, but it looks like Virgin Voyages is not an option. https://www.thevirgingiftcard.co.uk/where-to-spend/

I'm not talking about Alaska or TAs....those will always be bad. How's it been in the Caribbean recently?

You ARE required to have a passport for both Alaskan and Hawaiian cruises because they both have to stop in foreign countries because it's required by both Mexico and Canada.

Sorry, but this is bad info. Alaskan cruises from the US must stop in a foreign port (Canada) The same is true for Hawaii...they usually stop in Ensenada Mexico.

There is little to no traffic when you have to be at the airport at 5am for a 7am flight. We've done this many times. First flights of the day are rarely delayed, and if the s%#@ hits the fan, and you act early enough, you could even drive to FLL and still make the ship. ATL to FLL is a no-brainer, with multiple options.

The train is a great option. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJ7wuarHktw

We've flown into FLL from ATL the morning of many times....first flight out, non-stop, no problems. Relax. Enjoy your cruise.

We paid in full for a couple of sailings last October, and the price eventually dropped just a tad. When I called and asked about an adjustment or obc for the price difference, they told me that they couldn't do anything.

Our choice to sail has nothing to do with bragging rights. I would never book such a trip with my old go-to line Princess, but I have a lot more faith in Virgin, their attention to details makes all the difference in the world.

Normally, I would tend to agree with you on this point. However, Virgin seems to handle cancellations and delays much better than the other lines. We may not do the Christmas cruise, but we certainly want to be on board for New years Eve.

That's one we're looking at too!

We plan on sailing on her first two sailings out of San Juan. We've never sailed over the holidays, and this looks like a great opportunity. It looks like we'll have to get off the ship and find a hotel room for one day between sailings.....probably for previews for the press and travel agents.