Frequent Sailors...

[Lustate]

From what I can see and from chatting with others onboard, VV has a lot of repeat sailors. We seem to hop on board and either love VV and feel right at home, or demand "old school" cruising. 

 

I have been on four voyages (over two ships), have two booked, and am about to complete a third booking today. For me it's the food and crew that keep me coming back. You know the quality, and it does not drop. The more I hear about other cruise lines, the less I want to go on them. 

 

How many VV have you been on or booked? and what keeps you coming back?

 

[cantgetin]

I have almost 50 cruises total, 4 on VV.  My thoughts are the same as yours--best food I've experienced, although individual dishes on other lines may have been better, particularly in the specialty restaurants.  I like the almost all inclusive model--I don't have to decide whether buying a soda package is "worth it" or whether I really need internet.  I like being able to eat where and when I want to.  THe line treats the crew well, and the crew treats the sailors well.  VV definitely has the happiest crew at sea, likely due to their ability to communicate with families at home with free internet and the self expression they are given....comfortable "normal" uniforms, not costumes, and salaries three times higher than some other lines.

I was pleased that on our last cruise, we had some new entertainment, both in the "big" shows and the comedians, etc.  Some of the entertainment, seating, and activities are not to my taste, but there is enough that is good to keep me coming back.  We have 2 more scheduled at this point.  

[_tacocat_]

13th VV coming up this weekend!  I’d only been on one cruise before and thought it was terrible.  Still won’t step on any other lines, but virgin is great!

[CineGraphic]

Our first 2 cruises with VV were two short b2bs on Scarlet, last October.

Having grown tired of cutbacks and excuses from Princess, we were ready for something new.

 

We loved everything so much that I called my TA from my hammock on Bimini, and told her to cancel any remaining bookings with other lines.

 

We then sailed 8 days on the Valiant for my birthday in February.

 

We have 4 more booked: Barcelona to Miami 10/23, San Juan to Lisbon 4/24, and 2 short b2bs in July of 2024 to celebrate our 25th anniversary.

 

For over 10 years were were convinced that we'd be spending our 25th anniversary on a Princess Cruise. Ha! We deleted the Princess app from our phones before we even disembarked our fist Virgin Voyage!

[Lustate]

16 minutes ago, CineGraphic said:

Our first 2 cruises with VV were two short b2bs on Scarlet, last October.

Having grown tired of cutbacks and excuses from Princess, we were ready for something new.

 

We loved everything so much that I called my TA from my hammock on Bimini, and told her to cancel any remaining bookings with other lines.

 

We then sailed 8 days on the Valiant for my birthday in February.

 

We have 4 more booked: Barcelona to Miami 10/23, San Juan to Lisbon 4/24, and 2 short b2bs in July of 2024 to celebrate our 25th anniversary.

 

For over 10 years were were convinced that we'd be spending our 25th anniversary on a Princess Cruise. Ha! We deleted the Princess app from our phones before we even disembarked our fist Virgin Voyage!

Congratulations on the anniversary, 22 years and counting for us.

 

[cantgetin]

There is no comparison between Princess and VV.  The only reason we'd consider Princess again would be a great itinerary that we couldn't get elsewhere.

[aqlollipop]

Before our first VV this past September (we were celebrating 25 and our empty nest!), we would not have considered ourselves cruisers, having been on collectively 3-4. We walked off the ship with 2 MNVV. I've done 3 now myself (got my BFF to do a girls trip with me), and H and I are off on my 4th and his 3rd this weekend. We've got one booked for a year from now and another in the works for the winter (after we pick up more MNVV this weekend lol). If you asked us, we, and especially he, would probably still not say we are cruisers. But it gets hard after a while of telling people you are off on "another cruise" to deny it!

 

Truthfully, he is worried he will become bored of VV and wanted to try something else, but when we looked around, nothing compared to what he likes about Virgin, which I'm not gonna lie, is mostly the social club with the games, arcade, foosball and air hockey! We did a big family cruise this year on HAL (my mom's line of choice) and he was bored, and hated the smoking in the casino.

 

I think he's still open to trying others, but for me it always comes back to what Virgin includes makes  the price very all-inclusive for us. I hate feeling like there are sneaky hidden fees everywhere, and that's the vibe I get from other lines. Even with the "packages", there's always something missing, or a catch. I like to know what I'm paying and not be surprised. The drink thing doesn't bother me because we're casual drinkers so drink packages don't pencil out anyway(might for him but not for me). Bar tab is way better.

 

I don't wear rose colored glasses. VV is not perfect, nor is it right for everyone. But it's been very good for us.

[Freelancer3]

9 cruises so far and 5 more booked. 

We like:

• The attitude of the staff.
• Almost... All inclusive pricing. Virgin seems to be adding extra for some events, but i haven't experienced it personally yet. VV, please control the urge to add more...
• Faster internet than most other lines and less expensive. 
• Diversity of guests and no one cares.
• Guests can dress as they like - casual or dress.
• Quality of food in restaurants. 
• The hammock. I spend hours in it.
• Stops in Bimini.
• No announcements from a cruise director.
• Little "pockets" on the ship where people can spread out and not feel crowded by others. 
• No tipping policy. VV, please keep this in place and requests all staff to reject the tips! VV i suggest you establish a "guest reward" where each guest can provide points to a specific staff member during the cruise. 
• And smaller things, like soda and coffee included, automated lights and curtains, and roving entertainment. 
• I could provide a list - from my prospective -of possible improvements but I wont include it as this is off topic.

[lisabucsfan1]

Just finished my 4th with 2 more booked and while I do have 2 other cruises booked (1 on RCL Wonder of the Seas, 1 on Celebrity Edge), those were booked other friends that had already picked out the ship/itinerary so we are tag alongs.

I think pretty much everything that others have expressed is what keeps me coming back even though all 4 of my trips and the 2 upcoming are ALL on SL...

 

I hadn't realized HOW much better VV treats their crew until we spoke to one of our waiters one night. He had been with Celebrity for something like 15-16 years and had no problems making the switch. For him, he isn't nickel & dime'd for everything (having to pay for his uniform and wifi - Celebrity charged him $8/hour!!! being the 2 specifics he mentioned).

 

I agree with the comment above that VV may not be for everyone, but we sure do enjoy it ourselves.

 

Oh - and no Photographers... didn't see that one mentioned... it's huge for us...

 

[MoonSurf]

Completed 4, (2 on SL, 2 on VL) 3 more booked, 4 MNVV to figure out when I can escape work.  2 of the 3 coming are on BL.  Fingers crossed those do work out.  Want to book for RL but then, you know, the working thing and the airfare these days...solos get no help with that and single supplement now not quite as nice as when originally booked.

 

Agree with all above.  Surprised though no one yet mentioning my absolute favorite things about VV, no kids, no kids and no kids.

[WhyWeCruise]

I've been on 4 and have another 7 booked...
Tried Princess... so not my vibe. 
Trying Celebrity, worst comes to worst I'll get some good relaxing in.

[-The-True-North-]

How do you find the deals to do so many cruises?

 

We really want to book Greek Island Glow for end of August... but it's over $5.5k CAD for 2 people.

 

Yes, it's Balcony, but only because Oceanview is soldout, and insider is still $4.2k.

 

Do you all book inside, then bid for an upgrade?

 

Or buy these buy $300 get $300 future credit.

 

I get... and am happy to pay, for a premium product, but this just seem extremely costly compared to others.

[cantgetin]

1 minute ago, -The-True-North- said:

How do you find the deals to do so many cruises?

 

We really want to book Greek Island Glow for end of August... but it's over $5.5k CAD for 2 people.

 

Yes, it's Balcony, but only because Oceanview is soldout, and insider is still $4.2k.

 

Do you all book inside, then bid for an upgrade?

 

Or buy these buy $300 get $300 future credit.

 

I get... and am happy to pay, for a premium product, but this just seem extremely costly compared to others.

We always take advantage of the MNVV (future cruise) deal and the 10% off PIF discount.  Every little bit counts.  I also look for less costly cruises when possible.  For my next 2 bookings, I've paid about half of similar cruises on other lines.  I don't want to see the fall 2024 rates....thinking that VV knows they have a good product and don't have to discount any more to fill ships.  We always book the balcony, and book as near the release date of the sailings as we can...then keep eyes open for any price reductions.  Because we need an accessible cabin, we can't do any of the bid for upgrade or other tricks.

[_tacocat_]

4 hours ago, -The-True-North- said:

How do you find the deals to do so many cruises?

 

We really want to book Greek Island Glow for end of August... but it's over $5.5k CAD for 2 people.

 

Yes, it's Balcony, but only because Oceanview is soldout, and insider is still $4.2k.

 

Do you all book inside, then bid for an upgrade?

 

Or buy these buy $300 get $300 future credit.

 

I get... and am happy to pay, for a premium product, but this just seem extremely costly compared to others.

The fares used to be waaaay lower when they were trying to fill the ships, suites used to be included in sales, and there was a promotion late last year that I ended up with over $1k per voyage of onboard credit.  
 

since they’ve started filling scarlet up, those promotions have ground to a halt.  There are still deals to be had on the Europe voyages, but then you also have the cost and logistics of getting yourself over there!

[jon81uk]

6 hours ago, -The-True-North- said:

How do you find the deals to do so many cruises?

 

We really want to book Greek Island Glow for end of August... but it's over $5.5k CAD for 2 people.

 

Yes, it's Balcony, but only because Oceanview is soldout, and insider is still $4.2k.

 

Do you all book inside, then bid for an upgrade?

 

Or buy these buy $300 get $300 future credit.

 

I get... and am happy to pay, for a premium product, but this just seem extremely costly compared to others.

we booked Greek Island Glow back in March when there was a good discount and we are sailing this Sunday, it was much cheaper than the August/September cruises and we also went for the lock it in rate (still don’t have a cabin number though) and that was around £700 cheaper than the regular rate. So paid under £2500. But it looks like the cruises later in the year are selling better as lock it in rate has sold out.

[WhyWeCruise]

14 hours ago, -The-True-North- said:

How do you find the deals to do so many cruises?

Similar to others -- I book early to take advantage of the PIF discount, have MNVVs, am not afraid of solo rooms, and try to go during the off-peak months.

This latest round of price increases though is getting very close to pricing me out. I know that Virgin is trying to fill the Med sails right now since they're all leaving ATM with 1000-1200 sailors, but am curious in the long run where the pricing will settle -- still fill ships, but not price out the majority.  

[cantgetin]

I'm dreading seeing the costs of the late 2024 sailings.  We have what we want for now, but I do have my hopes out for a fall 2024.

[-The-True-North-]

4 hours ago, WhyWeCruise said:

Similar to others -- I book early to take advantage of the PIF discount, have MNVVs, am not afraid of solo rooms, and try to go during the off-peak months.

This latest round of price increases though is getting very close to pricing me out. I know that Virgin is trying to fill the Med sails right now since they're all leaving ATM with 1000-1200 sailors, but am curious in the long run where the pricing will settle -- still fill ships, but not price out the majority.  

What's a PIF discount?

 

Is 1000 - 1200 a normal amount? Or pretty low? If they are trying to fill ships they aren't making it easy for people being able to justify the price... Looking at doing Greek Island Glow and it's 5.6K CAD for 2 of us in a regular balcony. Plus 1400 a person to fly...

 

Our Have it All cruise to Alaska in the fall was $1600 a person or $3.2k CAD for a balcony with all drinks, tips, excursion credits included.

 

We are having a hard time justify $5.6k

[WhyWeCruise]

20 minutes ago, -The-True-North- said:

What's a PIF discount?

 

Is 1000 - 1200 a normal amount? Or pretty low? If they are trying to fill ships they aren't making it easy for people being able to justify the price... Looking at doing Greek Island Glow and it's 5.6K CAD for 2 of us in a regular balcony. Plus 1400 a person to fly...

Pay in full. If you book a cruise that is 180+ days away, you can apply a 10% discount on the entire cruise fare if you pay it out right immediately upon booking. 

1000-1200 was pretty normal for off-peak sailings, especially with PIF AND MNVV. Those are looking more like 1400-1500 now. Late Oct, November, early December.

[jamesv92]

Just bought the points to book on to Greek Island Glow for July from Virgin Red, total cost £1185 which is amazing, so excited!

 

As others have said Virgin Voyages is way above rivals in my opinion for the onboard experience. It's so appealing to have drinks, WiFi and tips included and the food is high quality and varied. The cabins are amazing and comfortable with tech which we love.

 

All I would improve is the pool, wish it was bigger or more than one and their customer service off the ship can be hit and miss. The staff on it seem happy and chilled though which must say something..

[-The-True-North-]

Hoping we also really love this Kool-Aid everyone is drinking on VV.

 

Because... our first cruise is BOOKED!

[neverendingcruising]

4 hours ago, jamesv92 said:

Just bought the points to book on to Greek Island Glow for July from Virgin Red, total cost £1185 which is amazing, so excited!

 

As others have said Virgin Voyages is way above rivals in my opinion for the onboard experience. It's so appealing to have drinks, WiFi and tips included and the food is high quality and varied. The cabins are amazing and comfortable with tech which we love.

 

All I would improve is the pool, wish it was bigger or more than one and their customer service off the ship can be hit and miss. The staff on it seem happy and chilled though which must say something..

 

They listened, the pool on Resilient is larger. They reduced the shallow area on the forward side so the overall foot print is the same on deck but the pool itself is probably close to 50% larger. It's still not big enough, but so glad they did something! 

[TYCruise]

31 minutes ago, neverendingcruising said:

 

They listened, the pool on Resilient is larger. They reduced the shallow area on the forward side so the overall foot print is the same on deck but the pool itself is probably close to 50% larger. It's still not big enough, but so glad they did something! 

That's great!

 

You can see it in this video at about 15:50

 

[_tacocat_]

2 hours ago, neverendingcruising said:

 

They listened, the pool on Resilient is larger. They reduced the shallow area on the forward side so the overall foot print is the same on deck but the pool itself is probably close to 50% larger. It's still not big enough, but so glad they did something! 

Hah I was in it yesterday and thought it felt way bigger than the other ships, but thought that it was just because there were like 5 people in it!!

[_tacocat_]

3 hours ago, _tacocat_ said:

Hah I was in it yesterday and thought it felt way bigger than the other ships, but thought that it was just because there were like 5 people in it!!

So the shallow “shelf” on the opposite end from the entry stairs is about 6-8’ shorter than the other ships.  Sad to report that this format of pool now invites wannabe lap swimmers 😢

 

I have to say, it was SO nice to not have to dodge goggle-less flailing splashers on the other ships, but I’m sure this format of pool will be more welcome for the extra bodies looking to cool off in the hot Caribbean sun.