Virgin Voyages Reviews 1.307

We did a four night cruise with VV on Scarlet Lady from Miami to Key West and Bimini Beach.

The App you have to use is quite buggy (I have latest Android phone and not sure the App had been thoroughly tested on it) and it's very hard to get hold of any one in customer services. I requested a call back and no one ever called me back.

Our initial assigned cabin appeared to be right above one of the main night clubs and so we bid $40 for an upgrade which we managed to get a few days before departure.

Once on board the ship is very well equipped and there is a lot to do. It's definitely a party boat with lots of groups celebrating various events. We were in a group of about 40. The only issue from that point of view is that it was very hard to do any sort of large group bookings for dinners.

The staff members were all excellent and our cabin was well designed. There are several different restaurants which you can book, need to do that well in advance. There is also a large "galley" serving all sorts of food all day long.

Good to see VV using proper cutlery, decent reusable glasses and generally trying not to be wasteful.

Disembarking the ship on final day was ok to the point of needing transport to get out of the Port area. The HopOnHopOff bus got cancelled that morning! The queues for taxis/Ubers was enormous. There were several other cruise ships in at the same time and all the construction work going on caused utter chaos. We ended up walking back over the bridge into Miami as that was quicker than waiting for transport. This is not specifically VV issue, but it's something you need to be aware of on last day.

The company’s management appears to show a lack of genuine concern for crewmembers’ well-being, which often leads to increased stress and anxiety in the workplace. Employee concerns are not handled with the level of care and fairness one would expect, as proper hearings are rarely conducted and individuals are not given adequate opportunities to explain their side. Disciplinary actions, including warnings, seem to be issued arbitrarily and without thorough or transparent investigation. There are also instances where feedback or complaints from colleagues are placed directly into performance appraisals without proper validation or investigation, which raises concerns about fairness and accuracy. This creates an environment where unverified claims can impact an employee’s record. Additionally, management appears to enable workplace dynamics driven by jealousy or bias, with indications that factors such as race and gender may influence how individuals are treated. This lack of balance and objectivity further contributes to a workplace culture that feels inequitable. When considering similar feedback shared across other review platforms, it becomes clear that these concerns are not isolated but part of a broader pattern. Overall, this results in a work environment that does not feel supportive, transparent, or fair, making it a challenging place to work.

This was our first ever cruise. Never again, at least with this company.
Positives -Excellent food, staff friendly and helpful, extremely clean and stylish ship. Staff were constantly cleaning. Mind Mangler was the best show we saw. Extremely talented entertainment crew.
Negatives - whilst travelling with a disabled person, it was impossible to get organised on a morning to be up early enough to claim a spot around the small pool or hot tubs or at the rear of the ship where there were lots of sun beds. Scarlet night around the pool was a waste of time. Again, unless you were in a prime position at least 2 hours beforehand, forget it. We couldn’t see a thing once the short entertainment piece started.
Standing is important to see some of these shows, which definitely isn’t ideal. Lola’s Library was sleazy, with people, sorry, sailors!!! ( I hated being called that, I was a guest) allowed to video the performance. One man sat right at the front only videoing the girls when they were dressed seductively. I feel these performers’ integrity was put at risk.
Disembarking to leave the ship at port was confusing. No announcements given when able to disembark.
Large screens stated disembarkation details and time before disembarkation was open. It was never open at the time stated, we understand why, this should have only been displayed once it was open. People were descending in lifts only to be sent back up again, causing overcrowding in elevator areas. When there was an option of two disembarkation points, people with limited mobility were not informed of which one to use therefore went to the wrong one only to be sent back up in the lift and then go to another part of the ship to go down in another lift, which hadn’t been unlocked, causing confusion.
Poor choice of ports. We felt we never saw the real Caribbean . One destination being a tourist trap and too commercialised.
One of us were celebrating a special birthday. We were told there would be surprise and delight. A piece of cake presented after the dessert was presented in the restaurant a photocopy piece of card pushed under the door is not surprise and delight. It was a let down. If we’d stayed in the rockstar cabins I was told a bottle of bubbles would have been given. Not impressed

⭐️ – One Star (Before Sailing)
I have not even boarded yet, and I’m already extremely disappointed with Virgin Voyages.
This trip was booked for myself, my wife, and a group of friends specifically for a warm-weather getaway after a long and demanding winter. The itinerary was changed to a colder destination (New Brunswick), completely altering the purpose of the trip.
While I understand that changes can happen, the way this was handled is unacceptable. The only real option offered was a future cruise credit with a one-year expiration—which is not realistic for a group that already had to coordinate schedules to make this trip happen.
We ultimately decided to still go, but the compensation provided was just $100 onboard credit. For a change of this magnitude, that feels completely inadequate.
As a business owner, I understand that things don’t always go as planned—but when the product changes this significantly, it should be made right. That has not been the case here.
Very disappointing experience so far—and we haven’t even stepped on the ship yet

Not what it use to be! Currently on a flight home from Charleston while the Valiant Lady is parked in the harbor. I've never left a vacation early but poor hospitality from a majority of the staff and the lack of varity things to do helped make the decision. I have 3 other crusies booked this year with Virgin but consider canceling all 3 after this experience.

I hadn't been on a cruise in many years and wanted to try it again and see how we liked it. Let me tell you, it was a great experience and I was overwhelmed by the ship, staff, food and overall friendliness of the staff. From the reservation restaurants to the walk in food areas everything was fantastic. I would high ly recommend anyone interested in cruising to give Virgin Voyages a try. 5 Stars all around!!!!

Sandra, Bojanna, Kyle,(Rockstar upper deck) Marko, (Extra Virgin) Ivory Joy, Ryan, and Aldo(Sip). Top-notch servers and bartenders. They always went above and beyond to make our stay feel special. The attention to food safety was above and beyond. As a clinical dietitian, I was very impressed. The food was spectacular. Except for room service, yuck. Luke warm, dried out food. Late-night diners don't want a chicken or steak dinner; we want snack foods or burgers/fries, ice cream, fruit, or a salad. They need to revamp their "ship eats" menus. So, that aside, they get an A+. I absolutely would travel with Virgin again.

absolutely had a wonderful experience with my girlfriend

3rd time with Virgin and we have experienced a decline every time with this time being the last. We will not cruise with Virgin again. Very disappointed. Virgin you need to do better. Your restaurants need to be ramped and offer more options, your quality of the food has dropped and the portions are a bit sad. The entertainment on the ship is from an elementary talent show and the cleanliness is unacceptable on the ship, our cabin headboard had a layer of dust on it and the stains through out the carpet and bathroom had my imagination on full speed. Never again Virgin! Best of luck !

Beds were like sleeping on the floor. Never been so uncomfortable. Bedding had a smell to it even after washing. Rooms small. Bathroom very small. Most of the food was terrible. Only 3 good meals on entire cruise. Classes were geared towards exercise or selling something. Entertainment was cheesy. Same entertainers in different outfits.
A couple of good singers and the rest less than average. Some of the servers in the restaurant didn’t know what the drinks were when you ordered. Some service slow. Pool area too crowded. Shore excursions horrible and painful. Didn’t dock at Bimini and all they perked you with was a glass of champagne.
Big mix of different people.
Ready to leave after 3 days. No more Virgin for me…

Have been on 15 cruises--first time on Virgin Voyages--it definitely won't be my last! Loved the electronic bracelets that allowed access to everything--a definite improvement vs lanyards and ID cards used on other cruise lines. The food in every venue was delicious, and the crew was personable and professional. Didn't have to stand in long lines for anything, and the ship was immaculate. Loved that it was for adults only!

The cruise was beautiful! We had an amazing time on board. And the crew was awesome, the guys from entertainment are great! We loved the Diva!! Special mention to Dawid at the Spanish restaurant :)
We can’t wait to go back!

Service was awful, food was basically a food truck on the water bed was a futon. No value for what you pay here as you pay a premium.

Just returned from our second Virgin Voyage cruise. Disappointed is the nicest word I can use for this cruise. It all started before we got on the ship with a threatening letter that we owed $10 and if not paid in 24 hours, they may cancel – this was after we received notification we were paid in full. And, paid in full included the extra charge for tips we paid for – everything all included as Virgin Facebook ads boast even today is no longer true. Then, Virgin put us in the cabin from hell. We paid extra for an XL Sea Terrace. This room was in the bow of the ship – we had a steel wall balcony limiting our view, and our room was over the crew area used to dock and undock the ship – horrible noises from the hydraulic pumps, docking rope machines, and steel doors opening and closing under our feet. Not to mention crew chatter we could hear. It was way over and above the normal docking noises everyone hears on the ship when docking/undocking. This banging, clanking and hydraulic whines were right under our feet. The horrible noise would start as early as 4:30am. When we asked for help, Virgin customer service offered us a smaller room in a different area of the ship as the only alternative and with no offer to refund us the extra we paid for the XL cabin to a downgraded cabin they were offering. It was insulting. The CS was trying to save a dollar with this insulting offer, but this will cost them 10 fold as we will never come back. We were excited to book our second Virgin cruise, but as much as we enjoyed the first, we hated the second ever more. We are frequent cruisers, but this will be our last on Virgin.

Just back from 11 nights in the Caribbean. Ports were Aruba, Ocho Rios, Cartagena & Grand Cayman. The whole cruise was fantastic! My only suggestion is that if weather won’t permit Scarlet Night to be outdoors PLEASE postpone for a night that will allow. Moving to Red Room is just not good and no one can really enjoy it. Way too crowded!
The staff was exceptional in every setting from the Galley, restaurants, bars, grounds too, and especially the cabin stewards. We had Lizzy on Brilliant Lady as our steward and she was amazing! Millie in Grounds Too also top notch! Artem in Extra Virgin was exceptional! Would have loved only 1 night in Cartagena and 2 in Grand Cayman since it was such a short port day. All the Social Club activities were great as was the Up With A Twist dinner show. The debark process was a bit of a cluster with having to clear customs but the Virgin team was cheerful and worked hard to get everyone through in orderly fashion. Hands down Virgin again has exceeded all expectations! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!

From start to finish everything we encountered, that was supposed to run smoothly, went wrong. Too many to address.
Room changed-last minute without notifying us. Took several attempts at sailor services to get explanation-BTW-Matt really tried to make things better, but unfortunately with all the technology we were forced to use, communication for our requests, was useless.
Food was way too spicy to be palatable (why couldn't a plain croissant be available at Razzle (Not) Dazzle instead of a Jalapeño cheese one? Just not a great experience, (there's too many things to say. but I'll run out of room)

Our trip with friends on Virgin was perfect! Excellent food, great entertainment and our time at the spa exceeded our expectations! We’ll be back again for sure!

Virgin ship resilient lady
Room 14229Z
Loud noise from above deck
Everywhere is a sales pitch
Korean bbq is awful
Acts are basic and slightly better than amateurs
Basically in uk it used to be called a 18-30 holiday
Although no kids it’s just as crackers with noises from older kids who have never been allowed out before with a grown up
Food is average at best
There is a thing in performance/ events that you use volume to make up for content and that’s what happens all over the ship they make it loud to give the impression it’s exciting oldest trick in the book
Some events they even charge for !! But they advertise as all inclusive , they basically try and charge you at every opportunity
It’s a slight of hand when they say £500 onboard credit , when you are in your cabin it’s then split between onboard sales stuff and bar so not quite what they elude to, as a non drinker it’s wasted on me ,as a drinker the amount is only half of the £500 sly really !
The talent is somewhere between local pub and karaoke except for the Mis behaving show , she at least had talent the rest were shockingly bad and some couldn’t even hold a note which really rubs the wrong way when you think of the cost of the trip
Would never recommend ever

We loved everything about this cruise. In particular, the food was amazing at every venue. The ratings and comments are read and reacted to within twenty four hours. We're looking forward to our next Virgin Voyage.

We have sailed with Virgin Voyages before and have consistently been strong ambassadors for the brand. One of the primary reasons we recommend Virgin to friends and clients is the entertainment. Virgin’s approach to cruise ship production has always felt innovative, modern, and refreshingly different from traditional cruise lines.

On this sailing, however, the entertainment experience was deeply disappointing.

We traveled with a group of 17 additional guests, many of whom work in the entertainment industry and were excited to experience the programming we had spoken so highly about. Unfortunately, the voyage was plagued with repeated entertainment scheduling issues that significantly impacted our experience.

Throughout the cruise, events appeared and disappeared from the app, conflicting information was provided by crew members, and in one instance multiple events were scheduled at the same time in the same venue. Two highly anticipated events, Persephone and Drag Bingo, were listed on the schedule later in the week and then removed entirely. Our group had planned our week around these offerings, and they were never rescheduled.

When we reached out to Sailor Services for clarification, we were given incorrect information about drag performances onboard. We were told there were no additional drag shows, only to later stumble into one already in progress at On the Rocks. Because we were unaware it was happening, we arrived mid-performance and were unable to find seating or even standing room without obstructing other guests.

Multiple crew members later shared that the disruption was related to a new cast rehearsing onboard. While we understand that entertainment transitions happen, rehearsals and cast changeovers are planned well in advance and should never meaningfully disrupt advertised guest programming without clear communication or some form of recovery.

This was not a weather cancellation or artist illness. It was a preventable internal issue that was compounded by poor communication and no meaningful service recovery.

The overall quantity of large production shows on this sailing also felt noticeably reduced compared to previous Virgin voyages. When the programming that did exist was further mishandled, it amplified the disappointment for our entire group.

Cruise ships are complex operations and we are generally very flexible travelers. However, what we experienced felt like a breakdown in coordination and guest communication that Virgin simply did not address.

We have long loved Virgin Voyages for its creativity, inclusivity, and bold entertainment programming. This sailing unfortunately did not reflect the standard we have experienced in the past, and we hope the company takes these issues seriously and works to ensure future voyages deliver on the brand promise that originally made Virgin stand out.