Love this question! While I think Virgin Voyages offers a lot for many, I would probably suggest Viking as an alternative I would choose. It’s difficult to say “best” in this case because these two cruise lines are VERY different- I’d say Viking is more similar to a “traditional” and old-school classic cruise whereas Virgin offers more young-vibe party aesthetic. Me personally, I’d go with Viking as I’ve grown up cruising and prefer that classic style of cruising.
We've been on Celebrity, MSC and we're platinum on NCL. We just got off our 2nd 5 night sailing on Valiant. We LOVE Virgin. I believe most people over the age of 35 would LOVE Virgin too. As we grow up, our cruise habits change and Virgin is #1 for my husband and I. We can't wait to sail out of Quebec City in Oct down to Miami on Brilliant Lady. To us there is no other cruise line that compares. Virgin has the BEST food, awesome complimentary internet, unlimited water, soda, and so much more is included in the price, along with tips too. It's the most affordable cruising around. The perks are HUGE and after 4 cruises Virgin puts the cruiser at the top of the list for benefits.
What ship has a big pool deck? Virgin is for a particular crowd of ppl. It's not a rowdy, bustling cruise. It's a cruise for those who want to have a good time without foolish and overcrowding. I can agree that the shows aren't the best but I don't care about shows I like to experience all the ships spaces and areas. I give Virgin 10 out of 10! Oh and the food was exceptional.
I have no hate towards Virgin, it definitely has its appeal for people! I would have loved it if the food was better and comparable to other cruise lines. As well, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC, to name a few have larger pool decks.
Interesting perspective though i largely disagree... As someone relatively new to cruising Virgin is head and shoulders above other cruise lines Ive been on, except Disney and for me the reason is that they are able to focus a specific demographic instead going for a broader "something for everyone" approach. I dont hate kids, but the lack of kids lets things like the test kitchen exist at all, i dont think that concept would fill seats enough to justify the ship soace on a carnival or princess boat. Ive done EU and Miami cruises now on virgin and i find the shorter itinieraries in Miami tend to get/feel a lot more crowded, especially the holiday cruises (Christmas and Fourth of July specifically) but the weeklong and longer cruises, especially our of the WU have a different vibe. What ive rrally found, though, as an extrovert especially, thr vibe of thr passengers has a huge impact on how i remember rach of my cruises... And Virgins demographic is more in line with the type of people I actively choose to be around, on land and sea (more progressive and open minded, younger or young at heart at least, etc.) In the end, they're just different experiences targeting different people though and theres room for all of them in the industry... Hopefully.
Welcome to cruising! Shorter cruises are notorious for feeling crowded across all cruise lines, it helps with longer cruises and less holidays because it costs more money and prices people out, as well as lessens the rate of kids (which wouldn’t apply here anyways). I would totally agree Virgin is above and beyond in service and relatively technology, but as you saw the food was lacking for me (and for me ranks last of all cruise lines I’ve been on) and the layout/design of the ship. The great thing about cruising is there’s something for everyone! I think for me, despite being younger and enjoying the “youth” of Virgin Voyages, I think a line like Viking (also kids free) is more my style as it has a more traditional cruise ship vibe that I’m used to and grew up on. Thanks for your comments, it’s always interesting to see what different people like and don’t like about cruises!
@thelifeofacruiser for sure, I actually loved the food on virgin but I'll definitely give Viking a try, maybe through an affiliate link from you when I book ;)
So, question. Out of 47 cruises, which one is the best adult only cruise? (No kids) Thanks!
Love this question! While I think Virgin Voyages offers a lot for many, I would probably suggest Viking as an alternative I would choose. It’s difficult to say “best” in this case because these two cruise lines are VERY different- I’d say Viking is more similar to a “traditional” and old-school classic cruise whereas Virgin offers more young-vibe party aesthetic. Me personally, I’d go with Viking as I’ve grown up cruising and prefer that classic style of cruising.
We've been on Celebrity, MSC and we're platinum on NCL. We just got off our 2nd 5 night sailing on Valiant. We LOVE Virgin. I believe most people over the age of 35 would LOVE Virgin too. As we grow up, our cruise habits change and Virgin is #1 for my husband and I. We can't wait to sail out of Quebec City in Oct down to Miami on Brilliant Lady. To us there is no other cruise line that compares. Virgin has the BEST food, awesome complimentary internet, unlimited water, soda, and so much more is included in the price, along with tips too. It's the most affordable cruising around. The perks are HUGE and after 4 cruises Virgin puts the cruiser at the top of the list for benefits.
To each their own! That’s what I love about cruising, there’s a cruise line for everyone.
What ship has a big pool deck? Virgin is for a particular crowd of ppl. It's not a rowdy, bustling cruise. It's a cruise for those who want to have a good time without foolish and overcrowding. I can agree that the shows aren't the best but I don't care about shows I like to experience all the ships spaces and areas. I give Virgin 10 out of 10! Oh and the food was exceptional.
I have no hate towards Virgin, it definitely has its appeal for people! I would have loved it if the food was better and comparable to other cruise lines. As well, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC, to name a few have larger pool decks.
Interesting perspective though i largely disagree... As someone relatively new to cruising Virgin is head and shoulders above other cruise lines Ive been on, except Disney and for me the reason is that they are able to focus a specific demographic instead going for a broader "something for everyone" approach. I dont hate kids, but the lack of kids lets things like the test kitchen exist at all, i dont think that concept would fill seats enough to justify the ship soace on a carnival or princess boat.
Ive done EU and Miami cruises now on virgin and i find the shorter itinieraries in Miami tend to get/feel a lot more crowded, especially the holiday cruises (Christmas and Fourth of July specifically) but the weeklong and longer cruises, especially our of the WU have a different vibe. What ive rrally found, though, as an extrovert especially, thr vibe of thr passengers has a huge impact on how i remember rach of my cruises... And Virgins demographic is more in line with the type of people I actively choose to be around, on land and sea (more progressive and open minded, younger or young at heart at least, etc.)
In the end, they're just different experiences targeting different people though and theres room for all of them in the industry... Hopefully.
Welcome to cruising!
Shorter cruises are notorious for feeling crowded across all cruise lines, it helps with longer cruises and less holidays because it costs more money and prices people out, as well as lessens the rate of kids (which wouldn’t apply here anyways).
I would totally agree Virgin is above and beyond in service and relatively technology, but as you saw the food was lacking for me (and for me ranks last of all cruise lines I’ve been on) and the layout/design of the ship. The great thing about cruising is there’s something for everyone! I think for me, despite being younger and enjoying the “youth” of Virgin Voyages, I think a line like Viking (also kids free) is more my style as it has a more traditional cruise ship vibe that I’m used to and grew up on.
Thanks for your comments, it’s always interesting to see what different people like and don’t like about cruises!
@thelifeofacruiser for sure, I actually loved the food on virgin but I'll definitely give Viking a try, maybe through an affiliate link from you when I book ;)
Which cruise line do you think has the best app? Comment your choice!
Royal/ Celebrity
Royal
Food poisoning or norovirus?
Definitely food poisoning! My symptoms/time frame didn’t match with norovirus.