Virgin Voyages (Valiant Lady) – Initial Impressions on Day One
Introduction
Embarking on my six-day journey with Virgin Voyages from Miami to Puerto Rico, I’m eager to document my adventure and provide genuine insights into the Virgin cruising experience. This blog will cover the highs, lows, and hopefully minimal lows, offering valuable perspectives on Virgin Voyages, their ship (Valiant Lady), service, entertainment, and more.
Day 1 – Boarding Process (Thumbs Up)
Arriving at the port around 3 pm with a scheduled boarding time of 4:15 pm, I anticipated a casual boarding experience. To my surprise, clearly posted boarding times led to lengthy queues. Despite my initial frustration, the boarding process commenced approximately 20 minutes later, exceeding my expectations. Virgin employees efficiently checked us in, making the overall boarding experience highly commendable.
Ship Impressions
The Room
Approaching the ship, the Valiant Lady stood out with its sleek, modern design—a departure from the typical all-white cruise ships. Excitement mounted as I explored the interior of my “Central Sea Terrace Stateroom” with a balcony, strategically located mid-ship for easy access to activities. While the room size aligned with balcony rooms on other cruise lines, the furnishings felt a bit cheap. A puzzling wooden box near the queen bed seemed unnecessary, though I learned it served a purpose for guests preferring two full-size beds. The bathroom, while modern, lacked storage and featured a small sink top. On the positive side, ample clothing storage and a balcony with two chairs and a hammock were notable features.
Electronics in the room boasted the latest technology, with a tablet controlling various functions. The TV, fixed to the wall, couldn’t be repositioned. The tablet offered light and sound themes, adding a touch of novelty. While this might appeal to a younger audience, I found it somewhat gimmicky. Overall, the room received a lukewarm rating.
Layout and Amenities
Compared to other cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, NCL, Holland America, and Princess, the Valiant Lady’s layout felt more compartmentalized. The absence of a grand, centrally located area with soaring ceilings made the interior spaces seem confined. The ship’s lower ceilings and fewer windows in common areas diminished the light and scenic views found on other cruise ships. Outdoor decks offered ample loungers, but some spaces seemed dedicated to activities with limited appeal, like a small boxing ring and unnecessary workout stations. The overall ship layout garnered a thumbs down.
Food and Restaurants
As with other cruise lines, Virgin Voyages provided a variety of restaurants and buffets. Booking reservations through the Virgin app proved challenging, seemingly fully booked. Onboard, assistance from a Virgin employee directed me to the right place, where I endured a short wait to secure reservations, albeit with limited time slots. Unfortunately, cruise staff later turned away guests seeking reservations, creating a negative experience.
On the culinary front, the first-day dining experience was positive, with good food and service. Virgin Voyages stands out by not charging additional fees for specialty restaurants—all dining options are included. However, the absence of a formal dining room or larger dining venues might be a drawback. A comprehensive evaluation of the food will follow as the cruise progresses.
First Day Summary
For the initial day aboard the Valiant Lady, I’d rate it as “so-so.” The ship’s compartmentalized layout didn’t align with my preferences for expansive, communal spaces. I appreciate venues where passengers can gather around bars, coffee shops, and central entertainment hubs, facilitating better socialization and people-watching. With five more days ahead, I anticipate discovering more aspects to appreciate or critique. Join me on the remaining journey!
