A Summer Soiree On Scarlet Lady
Having spent the weekend at “Sea” onboard the beautiful Scarlet Lady the first Lady Ship to join Virgin Voyages fleet, whilst she may have been delayed from hitting the high seas due to Covid-19 the wait for us as sailors was definitely worth it, my only complaint the voyage wasn’t long enough, however I am fortunate that Virgin Voyages have invited me back onboard next Monday for another 4 night sailing, so I shall get to witness all those places I didn’t find on my next voyage.
We travelled down early on Friday morning as you can never rely on our lovely Motorway network and wanted to ensure that we arrived with plenty of time to enjoy our time onboard. We familiarised ourselves with the testing site location and car park at the cruise terminal and then went for a spot of lunch and shopping at Gunwharf Quays which is about 5 minute drive from the cruise terminal.
We then headed back over to the testing site to get our Covid-19 tests and proof of double vaccination checked. Once we received our negative test results we were presented with a band which confirmed our negative result and headed over to the cruise terminal bag drop and car park before heading to the check in area. Check in was quick and seamless and we were taken by bus to the gangway to board Scarlet Lady.
First impressions – She’s a beauty
Our muster point was displayed in the Virgin Voyages Sailor App (it can also be found on the back of the door in your cabin) and made our way to the muster station to complete the necessary safety procedures. Once we were all ship shape we headed over to the Draught Haus where welcome drinks were being served. A few Champagnes later and it was time to find our cabin.
Our cabin was a Central Sea Terrace, located mid ship on deck 13, we arrived to find our luggage, we quickly unpacked and took in all the features of our cabin, the TV, lights and curtains all controlled by a tablet in the room, if you’re not tech savvy, they do have light switches, a TV remote and you can open the curtains by hand too. Here you can head out to your balcony, which features 2 chairs and a mini table and my favourite feature the hammock (so comfy, you could sleep in it). The wardrobe area is located by the door to the cabin, hangers are included, and a single wardrobe door behind which you will find your life jackets, safety deposit and more storage. The bathroom is compact but has everything you need including an amazing rainfall shower with complimentary toiletries, which we used to quickly freshen up and head out to Pink Agave for dinner.
We had reservations at three of the main restaurants, Pink Agave, The Wake and Gunbae Korean BBQ. The food which was served to us was all of high quality, all beautifully presented and all cooked to perfection, there was nothing that could be faulted, the staff in the restaurants were all very friendly and gave recommendations on dishes and we weren’t disappointed.
During our time onboard we experienced most of the bars and places to get quick bites to eat, the freshly made pizza is a good place to share a bite to eat if you’re feeling peckish, as is The Dock where you can sample mezze dishes from The Grill, with an outdoor lounge area it is the place for a chill out. If you are celebrating an occasion onboard head to The Wake for bottomless brunch for just $25 offering a choice of drinks and brunch items, it truly is better value than most high street competitors and a better view
If you’re more of an energetic person, head on up to decks 15 & 16 where you’ll find the Pool, Well-Being Pool, Athletic Club, including indoor and outdoor fitness activities, and the largest day bed at sea, complete with catamaran net.
The entertainment onboard is fantastic, put on by the Happenings Crew, lead by Abi the Hostess this team will do their best to ensure you have an amazing time onboard, whether that be Scarlet Night, watching Duel Reality, Bingo, Risky Quizness or Odyssea Pool Party, whether you choose to participate is up to you. We had a fantastic time onboard, we shook for Champagne, had sophisticated cocktails, ate some beautiful meals and made wonderful memories.
Hats off to Virgin Voyages, they wanted to be different to traditional cruise lines, I think they’ve pretty much nailed it. Bravo