What it's really like to sail with Virgin Voyages

Table Of Content

• View All People & Culture
• Fleet
• Richard Branson, who never liked cruising, looks to disrupt the industry with Virgin Voyages
• Richard Branson's Virgin Voyages Is Making Waves in the Travel Industry — Here's What He Has to Say About It
• China Starts Assembly of Second Cruise Ship, Hails Progress in Shipbuilding

Not to mention, the service was slow and seafood options were surprisingly limited for a restaurant that claims to specialize in steak and seafood. While I appreciated the array of options at our disposal, I found the quality of the food and service to be hit or miss. Some restaurants I loved so much that I went back a second time; at others, I took a solitary bite of food before deciding to move on. The entertainment we experienced fell somewhere between PG-13 and R, though we admittedly headed to bed by 11 p.m., so perhaps offerings leaned more X-rated as the night went on.

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Virgin Voyages has begun operations in the UK and the first U.S. voyage is set for October 2022. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Fleet

In addition to standard rooms, Virgin Voyages will offer upgraded staterooms that they call RockStar suites. Another way Virgin Voyages hopes to stand apart from other lines is to allow guests more time in the ports of call they visit. Richard Branson's newest venture has turned a lot of heads, starting with its first ship, Scarlet Lady, that began service in October 2021. During his decades in business, Sir Richard has funded forays into banking, space tourism, aviation, insurance, soft drinks and telecoms. Its looming collapse is a blow to the tycoon as well as public market investors who backed Virgin Orbit's 2021 merger with a special purpose acquisition company listed in New York at a valuation of over $3bn.

British tycoon Sir Richard Branson welcomes his cruise ship to Australia - 9News

British tycoon Sir Richard Branson welcomes his cruise ship to Australia.

Posted: Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Richard Branson, who never liked cruising, looks to disrupt the industry with Virgin Voyages

From the luxurious elegance of Royal Caribbean International to the laid-back vibes of Norwegian Cruise Line, there is something for everyone. Each offering a unique experience, these cruise lines promise to take you on an unforgettable adventure, immersing you in the rugged landscapes and awe-inspiring wildlife of Seward, Alaska. These trends and innovations are not only essential for the industry’s survival but also open up opportunities for growth and adaptation in the post-pandemic era, where cruise lines can redefine the future of travel.

Despite the current challenges, there still remains potential for growth and adaptation as the industry navigates through these unprecedented times. Lastly, identifying areas for improvement is essential for a company to continually strive for better customer satisfaction. Carnival Corporation, for example, operates multiple cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line. This dedication to excellence is a testament to the company’s brand identity and values, which will be further explored in the next section. This strong corporate leadership has been crucial in positioning Virgin Cruise Lines for further expansion and fleet growth. Understanding the ownership structure of Virgin Cruise Lines provides insight into the company’s foundation and the stakeholders involved.

Richard Branson's Virgin Voyages Is Making Waves in the Travel Industry — Here's What He Has to Say About It

Yes, there are special promotions and discounts available for booking a cruise to Seward, Alaska. You can save money and take advantage of amazing deals when booking your cruise to this beautiful destination. To make the most of your Crystal Cruise experience, the best time to visit Seward is during the summer months of June to August. This is when the weather is mild, and you can witness stunning wildlife, such as whales and sea lions, in their natural habitat. Whether you want to explore the stunning glaciers of Alaska, relax on the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean, or discover the rich history of Europe, Celebrity Cruises has a wide range of itineraries to suit your preferences.

Imagine the thrill of riding the FloRider Surf Simulator or soaring above the ship in the North Star. For the less adventurous, there’s the Sky Pad trampoline and the SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea. And let’s not forget Splashaway Bay, the kid-sized water park where little ones can splash and play. I can’t wait to explore all the unique features that Odyssey of the Seas has to offer. These attractions are perfect for those seeking adventure and looking to push their limits. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, these adrenaline pumping attractions are guaranteed to give you an unforgettable experience.

There are several major players vying for market dominance, including Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. Virgin Cruise Lines values excellence in service and strives to exceed customer expectations at every turn. This dedication to providing exceptional experiences has resulted in a high level of customer loyalty, with many guests becoming repeat cruisers.

China Starts Assembly of Second Cruise Ship, Hails Progress in Shipbuilding

Month-Long Summer Mediterranean Cruise Pass - Virgin Voyages

Month-Long Summer Mediterranean Cruise Pass.

Posted: Thu, 07 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Richard Branson plays a crucial role in Virgin Cruise Lines as the founder of the brand and the chairman of the company. His vision for the brand is centered around creating a unique and innovative cruise experience that is different from traditional cruise lines. Originally scheduled to set sail in summer 2022, Resilient Lady made its “MerMaiden” (the company’s internal name for maiden voyages) sailing out of Athens across the Aegean Sea in May. She follows Valiant Lady, which launched one year prior in the Mediterranean, and Scarlet Lady, the inaugural ship that sails frequently through the Caribbean.

There were a couple of shows that I wouldn't want to see with, say, my parents, such as the previously mentioned "Never Sleep Alone." During that event, participants were awarded golden condoms that granted access to a post-show VIP party. However, those adult activities were easy to spot on the agenda, so you could easily skip them if you wanted a more tame cruise experience. Would the four-night cruise from Miami, with stops in both Key West, Florida, and Bimini, Bahamas, impress me enough to consider Virgin Voyages for future trips? Here's what I took away from the experience — and whether I'd cruise with Virgin Voyages again. Leading up to its maiden voyage in 2021, Virgin Voyages marketed itself as the cruise line for vacationers who otherwise weren't interested in traditional cruising.

In July, the mobile app developer celebrated his 40th birthday on another Virgin ship, Valiant Lady. He signed up for his first Virgin Voyage while living in Miami and saw Virgin ships in port there. “I’ve never been interested in going on cruises,” Sir Richard Branson tells me on the first day of a cruise of the Greek Islands on the Virgin Voyages ship Resilient Lady in early September. From touring all 16 decks of Virgin Voyages' Scarlet Lady on the dock at Port Miami this week, I noticed the ship's emphasis on wellness and fun, including a late-night cabaret inside the nightclub.

In conclusion, holistic cruises offer a transformative and holistic approach to wellness at sea. Through specialized dietary options, educational programs, and support from fellow cruisers, individuals have the opportunity to improve their overall health and well-being. While skepticism exists within the medical community, personal testimonials highlight the positive health outcomes experienced by passengers.

These backdrops transport you to different worlds and enhance the shows, creating a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience. The best live music performances on Odyssey of the Seas can be found in multiple venues. Exploring the nightlife options on board, you’ll discover the Music Hall and Crown And Compass Pub, both popular spots for live music.

It’s perfect for families looking for a memorable adventure with family-friendly activities onboard. This ship also offers thrilling attractions like the FloRider Surf Simulator and the RipCord by iFLY. So, get ready to unleash your adventurous side and enjoy the endless entertainment options that Odyssey of the Seas has to offer. This cruise ship has it all – from heart-pounding attractions like the North Star and FloRider Surf Simulator to mouthwatering dining options and jaw-dropping entertainment. There are unique excursions and specific itineraries offered by cruise lines in Seward, Alaska. From glacier hikes to wildlife tours, these experiences allow you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the area.

Bain Capital, the private equity firm, and Virgin Group also participated in that round. Some of those share sales came during a period when he also sought emergency financial support from the government to shore up his airline business. Virgin Voyages is seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in fresh capital just eight months after raising $550m from investors led by the world’s biggest asset manager, Sky News learns. With some of the itineraries, the choices we’re making, we are on purpose looking to go to slightly off-the-beaten-path destinations that are very difficult to get to on your own. To do that on one trip is complicated, and the airfare is not great to do something like that. So that’s why we always try to pick these ports off-the-beaten-path, like Bodrum, Turkey on Resilient Lady.

We seek to provide flexible capital to support businesses and create value for our stakeholders and within our communities. By collaborating across our investment groups, we aim to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of June 30, 2023, Ares Management Corporation's global platform had approximately $378 billion of assets under management, with over 2,600 employees operating across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Branson said the fact that he had never enjoyed cruising is what actually motivated him to start Virgin Voyages.