What to Know Before Your Virgin Voyages Cruise
You’re going on a Virgin Voyage! Your cruise vacation is going to be amazing and below are helpful tips to make sure you feel prepared.
Things to pack:
Bring a pair of cute pjs you don’t mind being seen in - There will be a pj party one night onboard. You don’t have to wear pjs to participate but it’s nice to have the option if you want to go on theme.
Something red to wear for Scarlet Night. While certainly not required, it’s really fun to participate in all the red themed activities onboard. There will be pop up parties all over the ship, as well as a big party out by the pool, if weather permits that night. Pro tip: Wear something to the pool party you don’t mind getting wet. No one will force you in the pool but you may find yourself having so much fun that you decide to jump in!
Consider bringing a refillable tumbler. While there is plenty of water available around the ship, there are no disposable water bottles. Water refill stations are the most convenient way to stay hydrated. (There will also be carafes of sparkling and still water in your cabin - which is so nice!)
When you arrive at the terminal:
There are some things that cannot be booked until you’re onboard (group fitness classes like the VHS workout that people LOVE and activities like Grog Walk, the super popular pub crawl). After you check in and receive your wearable (wristband), you’ll be able to connect to the network and begin reserving things like workout classes and entertainment. Try to book as soon as possible, as many of the activities and classes fill up quickly once everyone is onboard. Be aware there is a 24-hour cancelation policy for paid activities like the Grog Walk and Behind the Scenes Tour, so only register if you’re sure you want to go.
Things to do:
There will be a sail away party on the first evening on the pool deck, typically with lots of free sparkling wine flowing. Be sure to stop by if you’d like to toast to an epic voyage!
Attend as many of the early gatherings on the schedule as possible. The Happenings Cast has been known to give out secret party/invitation-only wristbands or cards to people who attend these meetups.
Food:
Make dinner reservations for each night in the app before your voyage. There are incredible dining options and two of the standout favorites for many sailors are Pink Agave (get the bread pudding!) and Extra Virgin, Virgin Voyage’s Italian concept. Gunbae is also an excellent option for dinner night one because they’ll seat you with other sailors (ahoy, new friends!) and there’s a fun game to get everyone loosened up too. Gunbae also has a great view of the cityscape as the ship leaves the terminal.
Other than the main six restaurants and the food stalls in The Galley, there are several other places to eat scattered throughout the ship including: The Dock and The Dock House (tapas and mezze, Deck 7 Aft), The Social Club (bar food, Deck 7 Mid), The Sun Club Cafe (poke bowls, Deck 16 forward), and, of course, The Pizza Place (Deck 7 Mid). The Pizza Place will also give you a take out box for your pizza so you can eat it anywhere you want.
In addition to The Galley, The Wake and Razzle Dazzle are open for breakfast and brunch/lunch. You typically won’t need reservations for lunch but it’s not a bad idea to go ahead and book them on sea days or on the last day of the voyage. You’ll be able to book these once you’re onboard.
On sea days around 5PM, there is a hosted event called Appertivo with the Foodie. This is hosted at the bar area of Extra Virgin with complimentary appetizers and cocktails for a charge. This is a great opportunity to meet other sailors and The Foodie, from the Happenings Cast.
There are grab-and-go items like salads, charcuterie, trail mix, desserts, etc. at several places in The Galley and by the Aft exit to The Dock. Pro tip: Scoop up a couple of these items and stash them in your mini-fridge. This is the perfect in-room snack when you’re getting ready or if you wake up feeling extra hungry.
Room service (called Ship Eats) is available from the VV app or on the in-cabin tablet and it’s really good. If you’d like to enjoy Ship Eats for breakfast, place your order the night before.
Other Deets:
For Caribbean itineraries, The Beach Club at Bimini is Virgin’s private area in Bimini and it’s absolutely worth a visit. A complimentary trolly will drive you from the pier right up to the entrance to the Beach Club. All of the food is included and although the menu looks a bit odd, the food is all incredible.
And finally, if you need to steam any wrinkles out of your clothes, feel free to request a steamer in your room, as you’re not allowed to bring an iron or steamer onboard.
Get excited because your Virgin Voyages cruise will be unlike any other cruise you’ve ever experienced!
Reach out here for the most lucrative offer available: $300 off the cruise fare and $600 in Sailor Loot onboard credit on Sea Terrace cabins and above (Lock It In rate and Limited View excluded). This deal must be booked directly with Curated by Laura Poe, so reach out before this offer sails away!
