Setting Sail With A Virgin Voyages Travel Agent

Terminal V: The new Terminal V is beautifully designed with a retro feel, the vibe is perfectly Virgin and sets the tone for an amazing trip. The boarding process is efficient and organized with plenty of friendly and helpful agents to guide you or answer questions.

As a Fora advisor, we had Priority Anytime Boarding (bonus - ALL of my clients get this perk too!), which meant we showed up to the port at 1:40pm and were quickly ushered into Terminal V (and back into the glorious A/C!) to start our boarding process. Getting checked in and through security took about 10 minutes, and before we knew it, we were onboard. We decided to drop off our bags in our cabin and head down to one of my favorite spots - The Dock, to grab a cocktail and a snack to start booking our shows.

Tip: The earlier you board the ship, the sooner you can connect to the ship's Wi-Fi. Once connected, you can start booking your shows and events. Sometimes they fill up fast, so priority boarding is an awesome perk to make sure you snag your spot at the best times.

The Sea Terrace Cabins: These balcony rooms are perfectly designed with more than enough space for two people. The balcony hammock is my favorite place to relax and unwind after an active day of exploring and excursions or a night full of dancing. The closet space includes plenty of shelves, bins, and hanging space to accommodate even the biggest overpackers. There are also hidden drawers underneath the bed that most people don't realize are there - great for longer trips to store extra shoes, purses and hats.

Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Happenings

While the main dining, activities and shows are featured and talked about all over social media, I am going to take you through some of my favorite hidden gems and lesser-known happenings. I have had the opportunity to fully explore the ship as a Virgin Voyages Travel Agent and as a sailor, so I am excited to share a few things on my Love List. Even though I have been onboard several times, I discover new places and spaces each time! With a few more voyages on the books, I am excited to find even more to love and keep sharing.

The Dock: As mentioned above, one of my absolute favorite places on the ship is The Dock. This Mediterranean-inspired bar and lounge area features on-theme specialty cocktails and the best mezze bites. Grab a lounge bed, a glass of champagne and take in the views.

The Dock House: This indoor bar and restaurant connected to the outdoor space of The Dock offers the same boho chic and Mediterranean vibes. It's the perfect place to escape to when you’re ready to head in from the sun and catch a live acoustic set.

The Social Club: This space is the perfect mix of arcade and carnival, from traditional fairground foods to modern boozy milkshakes. The photo opportunities here are endless. Grab a few friends and check out the library of board games, have a foosball or air hockey tournament, and test your skills at the old-school arcade in a game of Donkey Kong or Pac-Man!

The Groupie: An often-overlooked spot on the ship is this awesome private karaoke lounge. These private spaces can also be used as gaming lounges or movie rooms!

The Pizza Place: Perfect for a midday bite or a late-night snack, this pizza is heavenly. I am pretty sure I got a pizza to go and found a cozy outdoor couch to enjoy it each night of my voyage. (Pro-tip: Pretty Fly for a White Pie is the best one!)

Ship Eats: I know this is an unusual ‘favorite’ on a ship full of unique activities and gourmet dining, but hear me out. After a long day of competing in Pop Music Trivia, Speed Puzzle Challenges, and an 80’s VHS Workout, you finally head back to your cabin to relax and hunger hits you. Ship Eats to the rescue, this 24-hour food delivery service is always available in your app. Delivering delicious snacks, adult and basic beverages, specialty coffees and full meals to your cabin-or wherever you are on the ship. There is a $7 delivery fee, but if you order a specialty coffee or cocktail (anything with a charge from the menu) that fee is waived! I usually order a few extra sodas and snacks to keep in my cabin also.

Scarlet Night: This red-themed night is full of pop-up shows, entertainment, and surprises. Go full glam in a red ball gown or add a few red accessories - anything goes! Throughout the night, you’ll learn all about Scarlet Night and its connection to the Lady Ships. I won't say too much, but be ready for an experience! After the epic pool party, head to The Manor for an after-party like no other.

Grog Walk: Hands-down the best bar crawl you have ever been on, meet your group and make your way through the different bars onboard while completing fun challenges. Each challenge completed earns you a signature cocktail (or mocktail)! This is an awesome and fun way to meet other sailors on board.

Millennial Loteria: This hilarious twist on American Bingo and Mexican Loteria ditches Bingo stampers and numbered balls and replaces them with ‘Bitcoin’ chips and cards filled with Millennial clichés.

Redemption Spa: A tranquil escape that will no doubt wash away any stress and leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Sea-Horse Auction + Races: This particular event wasn’t offered on my 4-night trip, but it was on my 8-night and it was so much fun I had to mention it. Usually during the first sea day, but make sure to keep an eye on the activities schedule, as this can change per sailing, there is an auction to become the proud owner of a Seahorse. You will then be able to personalize (and name!) your Seahorse with the resident artist on board. Later in the sailing your Seahorse will compete in Horseplay to win a cash prize!

Classes + Challenges: The activities, group classes, fitness classes, challenges and games onboard are endless, and you will no doubt end your voyage wishing you could have done everything. So make sure to start a mental note of ‘must-dos’ for your next sailing!

Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a group looking for adventure, I can assist you in planning the best possible voyage with Virgin Voyages. From foodies to adventure-seekers, fitness and wellness fanatics or more of an unwind and lounge type of traveler, Virgin Voyages has something for everyone.

Virgin Voyages Travel Agents are well-versed in all things Virgin Voyages. They have access to the latest information about ship updates, itineraries and special offers. This allows them to offer you the most up-to-date advice and recommendations, as well as take the pressure off you to remember dates and schedules. Your First Mate will send reminders when it's almost time to book dining reservations and shore excursions and can even go ahead and get them booked for you so you can worry about what to wear on Scarlet Night and leave the rest to your First Mate.

Regarding cruising with Virgin Voyages, using a Travel Agent is the best decision you could make. You’ll enjoy exclusive perks, insider tips, and in the rare and unfortunate event something doesn't go as planned, you don't have to worry about sitting on the phone or making things right; your First Mate is your advocate and is here for you every step of the way.

Reach out and let's make ship happen!