VV Virgin questions

[TheDarkestBlue]

Hi everybody! 🙂

 

VV first timer, a couple months out, 45 days for rsvp's coming soon and I have some questions, thanks!

 

Celebrating a milestone birthday of my long time bff - as part of her gift to herself, she wanted her own cabin, so we are side by side, in the central sea terrace. I'm kind of excited that she pushed for this, as I've never had my own cabin and probably never will again, LOL. She's only been on one cruise before and I've been on a few. 

 

Since we're each paying for our own cabins, how do we make reservations for dinner, shows and exercise classes, for two of us at one time? Meaning, can I, as one person in a room, be allowed to make reservations for two people, me and someone in another cabin?

 

Can the door between our balconies be opened so we can hang out together, or have passage to the other room without going in the hallway?

 

Are there bathrobes and slippers in the room? Is the bar soap really black? 😋

 

I was wondering about the temperature around the ship and restaurants?  Leaving from Miami -  I realize that the ship is moving creating wind, but how cold on deck if they have the dance parties out there? I'm trying hard not to overpack, my fam won't be there to help me💪🏻

 

Thanks for any info! Getting excited, it looks like a lot of fun 💃🏻💃🏻

 

[cantgetin]

No robes or slippers except in rockstar suites.  No soap normally, but if you ask your stateroom host, they will bring a nice white.  NO ONE liked the original black.  I always recommend a sweater or jacket for on deck at night.....if you don't use it, no big deal.  We've never been cold around the ship, but I do have that black "go with everything" sweater in my cabin.

All you need to do is to link your reservations on the app, then you can make dinner, entertainment, or whatever res for each other.  It is totally easy to do.  There are no connecting doors between cabins.,.. or at least not between most cabins.  

 

[warmwinds]

The bathrooms are soooo tiny you are going to be soooo happy you each have your own.

 

I can't recall soap at all, just the 3 usual dispensers in the shower.

 

I found the temps inside the ship perfect, never needed a sweater of any kind.  We were on a hot itinerary and it was hot outside, perfect inside.  And the thermostat in the cabin works very well, we were always comfortable.

 

There was no connecting door to our balcony.

[jon81uk]

On Valiant Lady last week bar soap was provided and it’s not black, think they got rid of that last year or longer ago.

 

On the first screen of the app there is a share and add your mates option, use that to link up and book dining for each other.

 

I’ve read reviews from others that got the balcony divider opened when they knew the person next door. Be aware the aircon needs the balcony door to be closed and locked to turn on, so you can’t leave the door unlocked to go between each others rooms and get it cooled.

 

i was on Valiant Lady last week so in Mediterranean not Caribbean and was occasionally a little cold at dinner as I wore shorts to restaurants. On deck it was cool but was fine to dance at Scarlet night with other people around. It’s usually warmer in Caribbean though so should be fine.

[Chrish2]

Phone up and make sure your cabins are linked under the “celebrate together” promotion. This is better than doing it yourself by adding a contact. After a few days you will see this in the app under “me” > “add-ins”. On your second day onboard you will both get a bottle of bubbles delivered to your rooms. If you already can see this in the app then it’s already done. Check under “messenger” > “contacts”.

 

 

[mbfrenc0586]

In the app you can add your friend as a contact and then you will be able to make reservations for both people right in the app. 

 

The balcony can be opened up to combine them.  Just ask your room steward on day 1.  They may have you sign a waiver before they open them.

 

No robes in regular rooms.  The soap has been black on some of my cruises but I believe the last one it was white. 

 

Temperature on the ship has always been great.  Outside can be a bit chilly at night while moving.  

[TheDarkestBlue]

13 hours ago, cantgetin said:

No robes or slippers except in rockstar suites.  No soap normally, but if you ask your stateroom host, they will bring a nice white.  NO ONE liked the original black.  I always recommend a sweater or jacket for on deck at night.....if you don't use it, no big deal.  We've never been cold around the ship, but I do have that black "go with everything" sweater in my cabin.

All you need to do is to link your reservations on the app, then you can make dinner, entertainment, or whatever res for each other.  It is totally easy to do.  There are no connecting doors between cabins.,.. or at least not between most cabins.  

 

 

Thank you so much for the speedy reply! I can't imagine that black soap going over well with anybody except the marketing team, LOL. I bet it was a mess to clean up off the sink, too. I will bring my black go with everything sweater, will go nicely with the red 🙂

[TheDarkestBlue]

12 hours ago, warmwinds said:

The bathrooms are soooo tiny you are going to be soooo happy you each have your own.

 

I can't recall soap at all, just the 3 usual dispensers in the shower.

 

I found the temps inside the ship perfect, never needed a sweater of any kind.  We were on a hot itinerary and it was hot outside, perfect inside.  And the thermostat in the cabin works very well, we were always comfortable.

 

There was no connecting door to our balcony.

 

Thanks for answering, I'm really happy to be having my own cabin, and that bathroom does look tiny, shower especially. I usually have to share a balcony room with my husband and son who take up a lot of room, LOL. I haven't been on a vacation away from my family in many years and looking forward to the luxury of having my own space. The hammock looks like a great place for a nap! I'm glad to hear that we have control over the temperature in the room, and that you were always comfortable in the ship. Trying so hard not to overpack 🫠

[TheDarkestBlue]

8 hours ago, jon81uk said:

On Valiant Lady last week bar soap was provided and it’s not black, think they got rid of that last year or longer ago.

 

On the first screen of the app there is a share and add your mates option, use that to link up and book dining for each other.

 

I’ve read reviews from others that got the balcony divider opened when they knew the person next door. Be aware the aircon needs the balcony door to be closed and locked to turn on, so you can’t leave the door unlocked to go between each others rooms and get it cooled.

 

i was on Valiant Lady last week so in Mediterranean not Caribbean and was occasionally a little cold at dinner as I wore shorts to restaurants. On deck it was cool but was fine to dance at Scarlet night with other people around. It’s usually warmer in Caribbean though so should be fine.

 

Thank you so much for the information! 🙂I just got in touch with my friend and we're exchanging QR codes that I found on the app under messages, then contacts, which brought up a link for me to send her. We'll see how this goes, but it does look pretty straightforward.

 

I'm  glad to hear we may be able to open the divider on the balcony and have our own little back alley, LOL. I know they open them when they are cleaning the rooms and turning over the ship in between sailings. Thanks for letting me know about the door lock - it would be very unfortunate to come back to a super hot room if I went out through her front door on our way out.

[TheDarkestBlue]

7 hours ago, Chrish2 said:

Phone up and make sure your cabins are linked under the “celebrate together” promotion. This is better than doing it yourself by adding a contact. After a few days you will see this in the app under “me” > “add-ins”. On your second day onboard you will both get a bottle of bubbles delivered to your rooms. If you already can see this in the app then it’s already done. Check under “messenger” > “contacts”.

 

 

 

OMG, this will be fantastic! 🥂🍾 thanks for taking the time to post this up for me, we will say a toast to you and CC after we open the bottle! Cheers! 🥳

[TheDarkestBlue]

2 hours ago, mbfrenc0586 said:

In the app you can add your friend as a contact and then you will be able to make reservations for both people right in the app. 

 

The balcony can be opened up to combine them.  Just ask your room steward on day 1.  They may have you sign a waiver before they open them.

 

No robes in regular rooms.  The soap has been black on some of my cruises but I believe the last one it was white. 

 

Temperature on the ship has always been great.  Outside can be a bit chilly at night while moving.  

 

Thanks for your help! I can't believe there's no robes in the rooms, I think they're truly missing a marketing possibility. Not sure what the robes look like in the Rockstar Suites, but I can imagine some very swanky, red/black satin robes to make you feel extra, could be a big seller? On one cruise line that shall remain nameless, they removed the robes from the room the day before disembarkation, perhaps to avert accidental pilfering 🙄 didn't notice this until I stepped out of the shower and went to put it on, lol, no worries this time! 😄 

 

[TheDarkestBlue]

Ok! Our reservations have been successfully linked together 😊

 

I just called to find out about the celebrate together promotion, and unfortunately you need to have three cabins linked, though the wording isn't that clear.

 

When you’re onboard celebrating with your crew, we make it easy to book, link your reservations, and dine together — and get perks for doing it.

When you book and link your reservation with your fellow Sailors, you’ll get a complimentary bottle of bubbly (1 per cabin)

 

I did mention that it was a big birthday, so he said they may be able to come up with a surprise for her. Maybe I'll just put a bottle of champagne in her room? He said there was  a $50 credit for referral, but it had ended and if they reestablish it, I can ask for it if it happens before we sail. More money for spa always good 🙂 

Edited October 9, 2023 by TheDarkestBlue

[jon81uk]

41 minutes ago, TheDarkestBlue said:

 

Thanks for your help! I can't believe there's no robes in the rooms, I think they're truly missing a marketing possibility. Not sure what the robes look like in the Rockstar Suites, but I can imagine some very swanky, red/black satin robes to make you feel extra, could be a big seller? On one cruise line that shall remain nameless, they removed the robes from the room the day before disembarkation, perhaps to avert accidental pilfering 🙄 didn't notice this until I stepped out of the shower and went to put it on, lol, no worries this time! 😄 

 

I think you’ve kind of answered why they don’t put robes in the regular rooms, it’s something that many guests steal so they’ve just decided it’s too much for housekeeping to monitor and therefore easier not to bother with them. 
 

The ones in the suites are nothing special, they are the same as the spa, just standard waffle texture.

[jon81uk]

41 minutes ago, TheDarkestBlue said:

 

Thanks for your help! I can't believe there's no robes in the rooms, I think they're truly missing a marketing possibility. Not sure what the robes look like in the Rockstar Suites, but I can imagine some very swanky, red/black satin robes to make you feel extra, could be a big seller? On one cruise line that shall remain nameless, they removed the robes from the room the day before disembarkation, perhaps to avert accidental pilfering 🙄 didn't notice this until I stepped out of the shower and went to put it on, lol, no worries this time! 😄 

 

I think you’ve kind of answered why they don’t put robes in the regular rooms, it’s something that many guests steal so they’ve just decided it’s too much for housekeeping to monitor and therefore easier not to bother with them. 
 

The ones in the suites are nothing special, they are the same as the spa, just standard waffle texture.

[cantgetin]

1 hour ago, jon81uk said:

I think you’ve kind of answered why they don’t put robes in the regular rooms, it’s something that many guests steal so they’ve just decided it’s too much for housekeeping to monitor and therefore easier not to bother with them. 
 

 

There are robes for sale in the Logo shop...at least sometimes.

[CruisingWalter]

On 10/8/2023 at 9:07 PM, TheDarkestBlue said:

Since we're each paying for our own cabins, how do we make reservations for dinner, shows and exercise classes, for two of us at one time? Meaning, can I, as one person in a room, be allowed to make reservations for two people, me and someone in another cabin?

 

Can the door between our balconies be opened so we can hang out together, or have passage to the other room without going in the hallway?

 

Are there bathrobes and slippers in the room? Is the bar soap really black? 😋

 

I was wondering about the temperature around the ship and restaurants?  Leaving from Miami -  I realize that the ship is moving creating wind, but how cold on deck if they have the dance parties out there? I'm trying hard not to overpack, my fam won't be there to help me💪🏻

 

You can Link your reservations together to make one set of dinner reservations for both of you.

 

Yes the balcony divider can be opened up so long as it's not a firewall. Just ask your room attendant to have it opened up.

 

The black soap was gone the last time we were on the ships. Bathrobe and slippers are for the Rock Star suites, I don't think any other categories have them. 

 

In the winter months it can be long sleeve or light sweater weather at night in the Caribbean especially if the ship is underway. We sailed last December on other cruise line and it was all shorts and t-shirts until the last two days when a Polar Vortex came through and really dropped the temperatures. 

[TheDarkestBlue]

3 hours ago, CruisingWalter said:

In the winter months it can be long sleeve or light sweater weather at night in the Caribbean especially if the ship is underway. We sailed last December on other cruise line and it was all shorts and t-shirts until the last two days when a Polar Vortex came through and really dropped the temperatures. 

 

 

The polar vortex 🥶 Damn. Forgot about that. Everything so changeable now. I get cold easily, so thanks for the heads up, hopefully it will be warm and sunny, but you never know anymore. Might have to dance to keep warm, LOL , looks like one of the last places I can blend in with the crowd 😅

 

We got our reservations linked together, and I think I'm going to revisit the bottle of champagne with them. I found terms and conditions

 

  c. The group of cabins using the Referral Link must have (1) additional cabin linked, for a total of (2) cabins

[TheDarkestBlue]

Thanks for all the help 🙂 some more, please? 

 

Beds - I hear the beds can be really firm, read that someone had to have the room steward put two comforters on top of their mattress instead of an egg crate. Did an egg crate or mattress topper actually exist, and they were just out of them, or is that just a fish tale? 🎣  how's the pillows? 

 

Is there someplace to eat 24 hours? When is last call?

 

What time do the events wrap up?  Does the ship get quiet in the wee hours?

 

Been reading reviews, it really runs the gamut of people who were bored and felt everything closed up way early, to people who thought there was too much partying going on. I know it's a personal take on things. Someone was complaining about people just coming too close - I guess it's a product of how many sailors are aboard, or is that just the vibe?

 

[3rdCoastFan]

25 minutes ago, TheDarkestBlue said:

Thanks for all the help 🙂 some more, please? 

 

Beds - I hear the beds can be really firm, read that someone had to have the room steward put two comforters on top of their mattress instead of an egg crate. Did an egg crate or mattress topper actually exist, and they were just out of them, or is that just a fish tale? 🎣  how's the pillows? 

 

Is there someplace to eat 24 hours? When is last call?

 

What time do the events wrap up?  Does the ship get quiet in the wee hours?

 

Been reading reviews, it really runs the gamut of people who were bored and felt everything closed up way early, to people who thought there was too much partying going on. I know it's a personal take on things. Someone was complaining about people just coming too close - I guess it's a product of how many sailors are aboard, or is that just the vibe?

 

We had an actual egg-crate style mattress topper on our Feb 2023 Caribbean cruise on the Scarlet Lady. It helped, though I suspect an extra comforter would have been better. We found the mattress firm for our tastes but not rock hard and  we ended up sleeping just fine. 
 

Diner & Dash in the Galley is open 24hrs, though the menu is limited to American diner breakfast staples. Ship Eats (room service) is also an option.
 

Most shows and events, including live music in On The Rocks, wrap up around 11 but there’s usually a party in the Manor that can go until 2-3. 

[jon81uk]

4 hours ago, TheDarkestBlue said:

Is there someplace to eat 24 hours? When is last call?

Bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns, beans, omelette are available 24/7 from the diner counter in the Galley food court. Burgers are available until midnight. Ramen noodles and salads are until 10pm. Toasted sandwiches and tacos are only until 3pm.

There are hot dogs and wings until 10pm in the social club.

 

The pizza place is usually open to 2am (note the pizza place is a separate location on deck 7, it’s not in the Galley). This is most people’s choice of late night food.

 

4 hours ago, TheDarkestBlue said:

What time do the events wrap up?  Does the ship get quiet in the wee hours?

 

The parties in the Manor night club generally start at 11pm and run through to 2am, 3am or longer depending how busy.

On the Rocks bar will have live music until around 1am and then close, the casino and its bar will also be open until 2am or later. Most other bars close 10pm, 11pm or midnight. Some venues like the Dockhouse will be quiet in the evenings before closing at 10pm, but On the Rocks where there is music will be busier. Then after midnight it’s normally only the Manor and the casino that are busy.

 

It does depend on the type of people onboard and how busy the ship is, some areas like the Dockhouse will be empty even at 8pm (most people are at dinner or in a show) but generally On the Rocks and the Manor will be busy. There is generally something going on to 10pm like trivia or karaoke, then it’s just the band or nightclub. Except the overnight in Ibiza when there is nothing happening on the ship, the Manor nightclub stays closed as most people go out in town.
 

Im happy with the firm bed as it’s what we have at home, on Valiant last week there was a thin mattress protector sewn into the fitted sheet but no topper.

[CruisingWalter]

10 hours ago, TheDarkestBlue said:

Beds - I hear the beds can be really firm, read that someone had to have the room steward put two comforters on top of their mattress instead of an egg crate. Did an egg crate or mattress topper actually exist, and they were just out of them, or is that just a fish tale? 🎣  how's the pillows? 

 

Is there someplace to eat 24 hours? When is last call?

 

What time do the events wrap up?  Does the ship get quiet in the wee hours?

 

Been reading reviews, it really runs the gamut of people who were bored and felt everything closed up way early, to people who thought there was too much partying going on. I know it's a personal take on things. Someone was complaining about people just coming too close - I guess it's a product of how many sailors are aboard, or is that just the vibe?

 

Regular beds are very firm with rather thin mattresses. Suite Beds are awesome because they are real beds. 

 

Dine and Dash is your 24 hour joint in The Galley, all night breakfast. Speaking of breakfast. the French Toast Burger from the Burger Bar in the morning is freakin' awesome. Heavy but awesome. 

 

The ship can actually be quiet all day and all night if you want it to be. The all night spot is The Manor if your plans are to party all night other than Scarlet Night. But even on Scarlet Night if you hang out in The Dock or The Dock House or anywhere in the back of the ship it's still a quiet vibe.

 

We love looking for some of the different games to do during the day like speed puzzling, scavenger hunt and the like. 

 

People coming too close? Not really sure what that's referencing but I've not seen that any more than the other 8 cruise lines we've sailed. 

 

One thing to note from all your questions, don't overthink it. Virgin Voyages is unlike any other cruise line in how they do things. Just go in with an open mind that it's going to be different. You'll like some things about your VV experience and you'll find other things lacking compared to other cruise lines. We love VV but there are definitely things we wish they would change, like those beds. 🙂 

Edited October 11, 2023 by CruisingWalter

[cantgetin]

• Bed suggestion--get a mattress topper from amazon.  THey are about $20-30 and come packed in compression plastic, weigh almost nothing.   You can leave it or donate it to a crew member when you leave the ship as you likely won't be able to repack it into your suitcase. You can ask for one from your room host, but there is no telling what will be available on your ship, your cruise as it seems to change.
  
  Food...several Galley locations are open till 10:30pm, and All Day Breakfast is open 24/7.  Pizza till 2 am.  Room service well past midnight, but I don't know how late.  Later than I was ever awake. We've gotten salad at 10:15 and put it in the fridge for later.
  
  Shows end by 11, but other stuff is happening on the ship until 2-3am.

[TheDarkestBlue]

You guys are great! 😊 Sounds like there's more options than I know what to do with late night.

 

Walter, you're right, I am overthinking this, but that's just who I am, LOL 😄 I dragged my best friend into this and I have to make sure she has an awesome time. Now that you guys have chimed in, I feel much better. We are both very excited and happy to be going, it'll be much easier for me to be flexible without my family in tow. Searching for my red outfit as we speak!💃🏻

 

Thanks for the heads up about the bed. Not sure about bringing a mattress topper with me on the airplane, but buying a cheap one in Miami might be an option, a firmer mattress can be ok, but I don't want to wake up like I slept on a pull-out couch 🥱

[cantgetin]

30 minutes ago, TheDarkestBlue said:

 

 

Thanks for the heads up about the bed. Not sure about bringing a mattress topper with me on the airplane, but buying a cheap one in Miami might be an option, a firmer mattress can be ok, but I don't want to wake up like I slept on a pull-out couch 🥱

It isn't as bad as a fold out couch, but the beds are pretty firm.  Your host can always put an extra comforter or two under the sheet...the only question is whether they'll have a real mattress topper available.  And yes, if you have time to purchase one in Miami, that will work.  Or even check with your hotel and see whether they will accept and hold a package delivery for you.  We typically come in the evening before the cruise and wouldn't feel like making a shopping expedition after a long flight.

Edited October 11, 2023 by cantgetin

[TheDarkestBlue]

My rsvp day is approaching, plan to stay up and make my dinner/show reservations 🙂

 

What restaurants are open for lunch and do you need to reserve them? Is afternoon tea available every day? Does that come out of your bar tab or loot?  We're thinking about having brunch before heading out in Bimini, is RD or the wake open then?

 

What shows are rsvp-able on this 45 day mark? 

 

Spa treatments - they are available ahead of time to book, is it better to wait and do it on the boat, which is what I've done in the past, or is it really hard to get in? There are so many choices, does anybody have recommendations for things they have had done? Wanting to get a massage but wondering about some of the therapies.

 

Thanks! 🧜‍♀️