Onboard Review: Virgin’s Valiant Lady—For the Young at Heart

ROOMVirgin’s Valiant Lady—For the Young at HeartBy Laurel HermanVirgin Voyages’ 2,770-guest Valiant Lady set sail on her maiden voyage from PortMiami this past fall, and we were on board to savor the experience during the 6-night itinerary. What we found while cruising from Miami to Central America and Mexico on board this mid-sized, adults-only ship, is that the cruise line truly delivers on its pillars: wellness; culinary; entertainment; and sustainability. As Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Voyages, noted during the sailing, “I think we got every single detail right, from the food to the entertainment. And the staff is fantastic. All at an affordable price.” When asked about the ideal client travel advisors should book on Virgin Voyages, Branson smiled and said, “Your customers that are young at heart.” PINK AGAVE REST Tom McAlpin, president of Virgin Voyages, was on this same sailing and added: “While our sweet spot is 35 to 55 and 30 percent of our customers are first-timers, we attract sailors of all ages. They are drawn to Virgin Voyages’ premium-plus offering, which is without the pomp and circumstance, rather [offering] relaxed cruising [style].” And let clients know that every sailing includes value already integrated into the fare—meaning gratuities, WiFi, group fitness classes, food and essential drinks (coffee, tea and water). With another two Scarlet-class sister ships coming this year, McAlpin tells Recommend that Virgin Voyages will offer cruisers destinations around the world, including sailings from Athens and, later in the year, from Melbourne on Resilient Lady. And, of course, Valiant Lady will be heading back to Europe on her 7-night Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona. Meanwhile, winter destinations (December 2023) for Brilliant Lady, which will be docked in San Juan, Puerto Rico, include Tortola, Pointe-a-Pitre, Bridgetown, Castries, St. John, Oranjestad, Willemstad, Fort-de-France and Basseterre. CHARCUTERIE BOARDBoutique BrandThe inspiration behind Virgin Voyages is to offer a boutique vibe at sea, so those cruising on Valiant Lady will find an array of cozy areas as opposed to massive public spaces. As McAlpin noted: “Our clients wanted a more intimate experience, and we believe we designed the ship to deliver that.” Sip, the Champagne lounge where clients can order Moet and caviar, is very cozy, elegant and relaxed. Other cool comfy spaces include The Social Club, home to The Arcade, ideal for cruisers who want to kick back and play some board games, air hockey or arcade games, all while feasting on diner treats
such as hot dogs, burgers and fries as well as sweet treats. There’s also The Scene, a quiet nook outfitted with full-length windows and perfect for reading and relaxing or private gatherings. The Redemption Spa and wellness area are massive, offering an array of activities daily. There’s a full menu of spa services, including a thermal suite featuring salt, steam and sauna rooms, as well as other water treatments (bookable for 3-hour time frames). Additionally, the training center at the Athletic Club features an assortment of equipment complemented by an outdoor training zone. At B-Complex, all manner of classes are on the menu, including yoga, spinning, circuit training and even an upswing bungee class. When it comes to dining, Virgin Voyages keeps to its boutique ambiance with restaurants holding only 170 to 210 people. We enjoyed a different restaurant each evening and while all were beautifully and uniquely designed with inimitable experiences, we are calling out two favorites. A must is the elegant Pink Agave, inspired by Mexico City’s food street scene (the scrumptious chicken tamales are to die for). My personal favorite, though, is the lively and convivial Extra Virgin. Indulge me while I brag about the meal we had in this modern, sophisticated restaurant: We ordered a charcuterie board overflowing with, among other items, aged Romano cheese, prosciutto, salami and eggplant tapenade; semolina fried calamari with lemon and chili dip; pappardelle al ragu; and grilled Mediterranean sea bass. The service? Top-notch, of course. For comfort food, including a wide selection of vegetarian items, clients can partake in the fun at Razzle Dazzle. For those seeking an upscale dining venue there’s The Wake, serving steak, seafood and more (also open for an elegant brunch), while The Galley—a lively food hall with eight-plus food stations and no reservations needed—is for casual dining (open for breakfast and lunch as well). Other choices are Test Kitchen, where wait staff are dressed in lab coats and the chef surprises you with a daily selection; Gunbae, a unique Korean interactive bbq experience; Pizza Place, where clients can order freshly baked custom pies; and The Dock House, located aft outdoors and perfect for a light Mediterranean lunch.SHIP AT SEAIt’s EntertainmentNo matter what time of day, there’s always something on board to entertain guests, from the aforementioned wellness activities, including 80s-inspired workouts, to karaoke, trivia games, live music and dance parties. We particularly loved The Manor, the ship’s 2-story nightclub where clients can enjoy dinner and a show and, later, drinks at one of the many private tables. There’s even a VIP room that can be booked for 30 or 40 people for that special celebratory vacation. The Red Room, the first multiform theater at sea, is where your clients will find everything from dance parties to an ongoing acrobatic show, Duel Reality.High-Tech TouchesThe high-tech Sea Terrace cabin we called home during our sailing featured a balcony and hammock (86 percent of the cabins have balconies), a king bed and all the comforts your clients would need including a desk area, reading chair, safe, full-length mirror and a small bathroom. The cabins, boasting a minimalist decor, are high-tech with a tablet to control the lights (mood lighting that adjusts to match the time of day), the entertainment system and the curtains as well as for ordering room service and extra towels and for booking dinner, spa and shore excursions. For clients wanting larger accommodations, there are 78 RockStar Suites. These have a turntable, a selection of vinyls, a full bar and a lounging area, and all RockStars get exclusive access to a private sundeck, Richard’s Rooftop. Also included in suite status is VIP boarding. Bridging technology with sustainability, at check-in your clients will receive a smart wristband made of recycled ocean plastic (created in partnership with BIONIC Yarn, each band represents the removal of two pounds of marine and coastal plastic). This is your client’s boarding card, cabin key and virtual wallet—no need to sign anything. Other sustainability actions include a ban on single-use plastics on board, the latest energy-efficient equipment and a commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. THE SOCIAL CLUBTravel Advisors, Take NoteMcAlpin says, “We need more travel advisors on board experiencing the brand,” and to that end he recommends the cruise line’s online training program Seacademy, which offers travel advisors, or First Mates, who complete the program sailings so they can get that first-hand experience. “Forty percent of our sailors are repeat customers,” he says, “so travel advisors will benefit from repeat bookings.” Virgin Voyages also has no NCFs and its policy is to pay commissions right after your client pays. Also, commissions are paid on items such as Bar Tab (drink packages), Shore Things (excursions) and other add-ons, when booked in advance. Contact InformationVirgin Voyages: firstmates.com/fmdc/s/registrationtype

COVEREXPLORA JOURNEYSTable of ContentsPALLADIUMPALLADIUM SPREADEditor's NotesSANDALSSANDALS SPREADIndustry InsightsPALLADIUM 1Advisor SpeakSpecial Section: Cruising into 2023Onboard Review: 10 Top Hits on Board Celebrity BeyondOnboard Review: Virgin’s Valiant Lady—For the Young at HeartOnboard Review: MSC Seascape—A Peek Inside MSC Cruises’ Newest ShipSEABOURN SCSEABOURN CRUISESEXPLORA JOURNEYS SCLove & Luxury in Mexico and the CaribbeanAn Interview with Frank Maduro: Advisors are Key for KarismaAn Interview with Armin Asceric: SunSwept Resorts Delivers in the Wellbeing SegmentSANDALS SCEMPORIO CANCUN SCEMPORIO CANCUNSAINT LUCIA SCSAINT LUCIAOnsite Review: Palladium & Wyndham Couple UpGlobal: G’day, Mates—Three Tour Operators Talk Down UnderOnsite Review: QatarGOWAY TRAVEL SCEDU HOUSE ADAMERICAN CRUISE LINES