I do this combined with tip number 3 and I have gotten around $600-1000 in total to spend onboard on sailings between the free bar tab, referral code, and the placeholder deal that they offer onboard.
Keep in mind they have changed shop merchants. I liked the one that had before and the new one doesn't have as high end of clothing/fashion as the other one did. Still the bags, perfumes, watches etc.@@TopherTino
So is Virgin Cruises comping you anything for your videos? Are you only getting paid if we book through your link? Just Curtis. Thank you; good videos.
We are sailing on our fourth Virgin cruise in March and I think you did an excellent job of covering all the tips! I had no idea that the Burger Bar had a burger of the day, and being totally honest I’ve never even had a burger in the ship just because there are so many options! One other thing I would add is that you don’t want to book your dinner reservation during the Sail Away party, that’s one thing I did on the last cruise but realized it and was able to change it.
Hey Brandon! Just completed our first Virgin cruise on Scarlet Lady and there will definitely be a second! We loved it. Had a great time. I think it’s our new favorite line. So many cool, innovative things, especially the Galley set up food hall. We didn’t miss the conventional buffet at all with everybody touching tongs and also can just grab a table and order from there vs walking around with a plate of food trying to find a table. The service in the Galley was great too. We felt the service all over the ship was great and the staff super friendly and helpful. The food at the dining venues was really good. We went to Extra Virgin, The Wake, Razzle Dazze and Pink Agave. The beach club on Bimini was a blast. They actually gave us a 25% future voyage credit because we did not stop at Key West due to rough seas and we purchased the onboard promotion for a future cruise. Super excited about a second trip! Thanks for all of your videos pertaining to Virgin, they were very helpful. Update: just booked our 2nd voyage on Virgin on the Scarlet Lady! We loved it. Had rough seas on our cruise on Nov 1 and didn’t stop in Key West so they gave us a 25% future credit, that paired with the onboard promo we purchased made this a no brainer. Thanks for all your tips. Definitely made our trip smoother.
That is fantastic!! On other cruise lines, if a port is cancelled, you are lucky if you even get your port and tax fees back! Glad you have found your cruise line!
Haven't been on the ship yet, already hate the reservation process,,,I don't want to be bothered with all this on my vacation. I did try to make reservations and was not able to even 45 days out,,,the app is clunky even on a new Iphone 14 Pro Max. So it's not my phone. Guess I'll be using the Galley quite a bit,,,I'll miss having a MDR. Gonna go anyway,,,
Check when you get there Billy and day of. Sometimes, I have had good luck going to Sailor Services to book. I have always made it in (frustrated but I made it).
I agree regarding the reservations process. Who wants to be tied to an app & trying to get a spot in sold out places?! It’s the last thing you want to be dealing with & it can get time consuming..
A dinning reservation may skip or miss…book brunch early at Razzle Dazzle or the Wake on Disembarkation day if you don’t have an early flight. Fill up your belly before you leave…you paid for it!
2:40 Brandon, I don't know what you are doing, but you are getting more handsome as time goes by! It must have a little something to do with your mixers and elixirs? Seriously, you are doing everything right and it helps that you have great genetics.
That's funny about the pajamas. Our TA said there's risque lingerie and skimpy bathing suits. She said her other clients felt it was adults on Spring Break. I wonder how long ago that was
I can def see that! Think this is more based on the specific cruise and the groups that are there. Some people egg each other on and encourage them more than others.
Thanks for the tips! Didn't know about the PJ Party! That should be fun. Quick question about the bar tab: if I don't purchase one, and just buy the drinks at a time, is gratuity included in the price of the drink or will it be added? Great video full of tips I'll take into account. 👍🏾
This is one of the amazing things about Virgin Voyages. When you buy a $10 drink, it cost $10. No additional gratuity will be added and their beverages are very reasonably priced.
@@TheWeekendCruiser OK, thanks. I just don't see the point in the tab, only to get about 4/5 drinks on them. I read that if you don't use it all, you lose it. Interesting concept though.
Razzle Dazzle is what I like to call "Vegan/Vegetarian Forward". Meaning, instead of having entrees with meat in them that you can customize and take off the meat they flip the script and start with vegan options and you can add meat to it. Their brunch is my favorite and my mom swears by the maple glazed bacon they serve! For the bar tab, this is a VERY personal question depending on how much you want to drink. Given their system, I would say undershoot your amount vs overshoot. Drink prices on Virgin are VERY reasonably priced and already include gratuities. Budget around $10 - $12 per cocktail.
I love that they do the bar tab. A drink package never worked for us as we are relatively light drinkers. However, the bar tab can be shared with anyone you wish--cabin mate, new best friend, etc. It is good on any paid beverage on the ship (smoothies, cold pressed juices, specialty coffee or tea, alcohol, mocktails, etc), so a small tab makes great sense for us while $80-130 per day per person depending on the cruise line, never would. And thru 2024, bookings include a free bar tab of $300 or $ 600 depending on cruise length.
Even as moderate drinker, I prefer the bar tab method. Especially since still and sparkling water, sodas/pop, etc are Included at no extra charge!! On RCL, I never actually fully get the value of the premium drinks package even though I have about 4-5 drinks a day on average.
This is the first time I've ever seen a video where people sitting at the bar in Extra Virgin. Do you know, will they serve dinner at the bar? We like to eat at the bar.
First of all, love that this comment was "flagged" by CZcams! Yes, you can absolutley sit at the bar and order food/drinks. I did this exact thing last week and had a wonderful meal there! It is also first come first serve, so if you don't have a reservation or want to go a differnet time, it is a solid option.
You do not. Their buffet or "The Galley" as they call it is a walk-in whenever you want situation. They even have one breakfast dinner that is open 24/7.
@@TheWeekendCruiser I only use the MDR's for special sailings like birthdays etc & if I'm sailing with some one that's on their first cruise. I enjoy helping making their first experience a memorial one.
@@JRWoods-ei4pr That is very nice! If you travel on Virgin, they don't have a classic Main Dinning Room but several "specialty" like restaurants included with the cruise faire. Even if solo cruising, I would recommend checking these out. Personally, I stayed away from the Korean BBQ restaurant because you have to do a shared table but love doing the others.
They sure do! I read earlier they have about 40 which is a strong number. Though, it isn't always as good of a deal as you would think. Always price check with a normal room.
Here's my nine tips for Virgin Voyages: 1) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers 2) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers 3) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers 4) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers 5) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers 6) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers 7) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers 8) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers 9) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers
@@traveler320ak7 I thought you wore it so you felt sexy? Maybe I am talking about things I don't know much about, my lingerie collection. Closest thing I have to lingerie is a speedo for the pool and it has not seen the light of day in over a decade.
Let me know if you have any good Pro Tips to share! I am sure I didn't hit them all!
Tip 10: book during a promo deal when the bar tab is free. I booked 3 cruises this way and haven't paid for a bar tab yet. Love your videos!
Thank you Iris!! Yes! If you can snag a promo, you are golden! Thanks for mentioning in the comments for others!
I do this combined with tip number 3 and I have gotten around $600-1000 in total to spend onboard on sailings between the free bar tab, referral code, and the placeholder deal that they offer onboard.
@@TopherTino Now that is how it is done!
@@TheWeekendCruiser this go ‘round we have $1200, I just hope the shops are open now.
Keep in mind they have changed shop merchants. I liked the one that had before and the new one doesn't have as high end of clothing/fashion as the other one did. Still the bags, perfumes, watches etc.@@TopherTino
The brunch is my favorite 🤩
Yeah! Thank you for this. Going on my first VV cruise….casino comped 😊 in March 2024. Very excited for this one!
Woot!!! Careful in the casino, it is notorious for being very tight.
I met Brandon briefly on this sailing-or politely ambushed him while low key fangirling lol-super nice and chill!
haha you are too kind!! It was a pleasure to meet you and hope you had a great sailing!
@@TheWeekendCruiser it was my very first cruise and it was amazing! Your ship tour video helped us immensely 💕
@@SunKissedSai hope to see you in another cruise soon!
So is Virgin Cruises comping you anything for your videos? Are you only getting paid if we book through your link? Just Curtis. Thank you; good videos.
We are sailing on our fourth Virgin cruise in March and I think you did an excellent job of covering all the tips! I had no idea that the Burger Bar had a burger of the day, and being totally honest I’ve never even had a burger in the ship just because there are so many options! One other thing I would add is that you don’t want to book your dinner reservation during the Sail Away party, that’s one thing I did on the last cruise but realized it and was able to change it.
haha yes, dinner does not happen during sail away. That's free champagne time!
Can’t wait to use your advice! We board December 3!
Have a blast!!! Hope you love it!
This was so helpful! I’m an experienced cruiser but I’ll be a first time virgin cruiser next year! I can’t wait! Thank you!
Appreciate the tip on adding the calendar reminders for dining and events.
I'm a big fan of setting important dates in a calendar! Only way I will ever remember it.
I will be on Scarlet Lady for 2 weeks in June, I cannot wait to use your tips !!
Have a blast!!! That is amazing!
Perfect timing for my cruise on Sunday, Brandon! Thanks so much for sharing!
Hey Brandon! Just completed our first Virgin cruise on Scarlet Lady and there will definitely be a second! We loved it. Had a great time. I think it’s our new favorite line. So many cool, innovative things, especially the Galley set up food hall. We didn’t miss the conventional buffet at all with everybody touching tongs and also can just grab a table and order from there vs walking around with a plate of food trying to find a table. The service in the Galley was great too. We felt the service all over the ship was great and the staff super friendly and helpful. The food at the dining venues was really good. We went to Extra Virgin, The Wake, Razzle Dazze and Pink Agave. The beach club on Bimini was a blast. They actually gave us a 25% future voyage credit because we did not stop at Key West due to rough seas and we purchased the onboard promotion for a future cruise. Super excited about a second trip! Thanks for all of your videos pertaining to Virgin, they were very helpful.
Update: just booked our 2nd voyage on Virgin on the Scarlet Lady! We loved it. Had rough seas on our cruise on Nov 1 and didn’t stop in Key West so they gave us a 25% future credit, that paired with the onboard promo we purchased made this a no brainer. Thanks for all your tips. Definitely made our trip smoother.
That is fantastic!! On other cruise lines, if a port is cancelled, you are lucky if you even get your port and tax fees back! Glad you have found your cruise line!
I didn't realise I'd bought tickets to the gunshow! 😍💪
haha now I am going to have to re-watch the video and see what I was wearing!
Thank you! Sailing Nov 1 Scarlet Lady!!
Have a blast!
Brandon, thank you for these excellent tips!
Thanks for correcting that…Bar Tab can be purchased, Sailor Loot is a promo! Great tips
Thank you 🎉 taking my first solo cruise on Virgin for Thanksgiving. Can't waite.
You are going to LOVE it Karla!!!! Have a blast and let us know how it goes!
Great tips, Brandon! I've been thinking about trying Virgin next year but I was unsure whether they only catered to a young crowd.
Nope! They are a bit pricey which naturally makes it a bit older. I think you would have a blast!
It may be "pricey" but gratuities are INCLUDED. If you compare other cruise lines with gratuities to VV with no gratuities it about breaks even
I'm saving my red velvet blazer for this one. 😎
Going to be looking snazy!
We booked for September 2024. We were given a 300.00 obc
Super tips
Haven't been on the ship yet, already hate the reservation process,,,I don't want to be bothered with all this on my vacation. I did try to make reservations and was not able to even 45 days out,,,the app is clunky even on a new Iphone 14 Pro Max. So it's not my phone. Guess I'll be using the Galley quite a bit,,,I'll miss having a MDR. Gonna go anyway,,,
Check when you get there Billy and day of. Sometimes, I have had good luck going to Sailor Services to book. I have always made it in (frustrated but I made it).
I agree regarding the reservations process. Who wants to be tied to an app & trying to get a spot in sold out places?! It’s the last thing you want to be dealing with & it can get time consuming..
I did not know brunch was a thing during my cruise. Guess I have to go back!
hahah you totally should! Just for the maple bacon alone!
A dinning reservation may skip or miss…book brunch early at Razzle Dazzle or the Wake on Disembarkation day if you don’t have an early flight. Fill up your belly before you leave…you paid for it!
Great advice!
2:40 Brandon, I don't know what you are doing, but you are getting more handsome as time goes by! It must have a little something to do with your mixers and elixirs? Seriously, you are doing everything right and it helps that you have great genetics.
hahah thank you Mitchell!! Just me being me :-)
Now you have me thinking about that song, “I’ve got to be me”!
That's funny about the pajamas. Our TA said there's risque lingerie and skimpy bathing suits. She said her other clients felt it was adults on Spring Break. I wonder how long ago that was
I can def see that! Think this is more based on the specific cruise and the groups that are there. Some people egg each other on and encourage them more than others.
Thanks for the tips! Didn't know about the PJ Party! That should be fun. Quick question about the bar tab: if I don't purchase one, and just buy the drinks at a time, is gratuity included in the price of the drink or will it be added? Great video full of tips I'll take into account. 👍🏾
This is one of the amazing things about Virgin Voyages. When you buy a $10 drink, it cost $10. No additional gratuity will be added and their beverages are very reasonably priced.
@@TheWeekendCruiser OK, thanks. I just don't see the point in the tab, only to get about 4/5 drinks on them. I read that if you don't use it all, you lose it. Interesting concept though.
It is different. All comes down to how much you drink. Some people, need two of them lol@@murphsan84
Isn't Razzle Dazzle vegan? Is that also for brunch?
How much bar tab do you recommend per day? Can you buy more than $300? Our cruise is 14 days.
Razzle Dazzle is what I like to call "Vegan/Vegetarian Forward". Meaning, instead of having entrees with meat in them that you can customize and take off the meat they flip the script and start with vegan options and you can add meat to it. Their brunch is my favorite and my mom swears by the maple glazed bacon they serve!
For the bar tab, this is a VERY personal question depending on how much you want to drink. Given their system, I would say undershoot your amount vs overshoot. Drink prices on Virgin are VERY reasonably priced and already include gratuities. Budget around $10 - $12 per cocktail.
Good tips. I do wish they would have a drink package.
I love that they do the bar tab. A drink package never worked for us as we are relatively light drinkers. However, the bar tab can be shared with anyone you wish--cabin mate, new best friend, etc. It is good on any paid beverage on the ship (smoothies, cold pressed juices, specialty coffee or tea, alcohol, mocktails, etc), so a small tab makes great sense for us while $80-130 per day per person depending on the cruise line, never would. And thru 2024, bookings include a free bar tab of $300 or $ 600 depending on cruise length.
Even as moderate drinker, I prefer the bar tab method. Especially since still and sparkling water, sodas/pop, etc are Included at no extra charge!! On RCL, I never actually fully get the value of the premium drinks package even though I have about 4-5 drinks a day on average.
This is the first time I've ever seen a video where people sitting at the bar in Extra Virgin. Do you know, will they serve dinner at the bar?
We like to eat at the bar.
First of all, love that this comment was "flagged" by CZcams! Yes, you can absolutley sit at the bar and order food/drinks. I did this exact thing last week and had a wonderful meal there! It is also first come first serve, so if you don't have a reservation or want to go a differnet time, it is a solid option.
if you’re traveling with another couple, are you able to make a reservation for 4?
Yes! In the app, you will see a feature to link to other sailors. This should allow you to book dinner for everyone linked.
When making reservations for dinner, do you have to do that also for the buffet ?
You do not. Their buffet or "The Galley" as they call it is a walk-in whenever you want situation. They even have one breakfast dinner that is open 24/7.
@@TheWeekendCruiser I only use the MDR's for special sailings like birthdays etc & if I'm sailing with some one that's on their first cruise. I enjoy helping making their first experience a memorial one.
@@JRWoods-ei4pr That is very nice! If you travel on Virgin, they don't have a classic Main Dinning Room but several "specialty" like restaurants included with the cruise faire. Even if solo cruising, I would recommend checking these out. Personally, I stayed away from the Korean BBQ restaurant because you have to do a shared table but love doing the others.
Brendon, you are so cute, getting handsome everyday.
haha thank you!! 😊😊
I can NOT wait to book and go on my very first Virgin Voyages sailing...do they have solo cabins?
Yes, quite popular and limited, need to book early to secure them.
They sure do! I read earlier they have about 40 which is a strong number. Though, it isn't always as good of a deal as you would think. Always price check with a normal room.
@@yuecao4658 thanks
@@TheWeekendCruiser awesome; thank you
I called. They have very few solo cabins & they get sold out very quickly she said.
Here's my nine tips for Virgin Voyages:
1) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers
2) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers
3) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers
4) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers
5) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers
6) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers
7) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers
8) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers
9) Book your dinners way ahead of time or you'll eat nothing but pizza and burgers
💯💯💯
The Karens stare at me regardless , I will be wearing my lingerie to the party. 😂
LOVE IT!!!! I would dance with you!
Isn’t that the whole idea of wearing lingerie..to be stared at. That’s why we do it right?
@@traveler320ak7 I thought you wore it so you felt sexy? Maybe I am talking about things I don't know much about, my lingerie collection. Closest thing I have to lingerie is a speedo for the pool and it has not seen the light of day in over a decade.