Exploring Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady: A Cruise Experience Like No Other
Bag drop and check in at Barcelona was very easy, well communicated and lots of staff available to help. Virgin have a great app, which you can access before your trip to choose a check in time, the earlier the better to avoid any queues. My check in was straight forward, taking thirty minutes from bag drop to getting to my room.
Modern Design Once onboard, I was immediately struck by the décor of the ship. Scarlet Lady is a new ship, with her inaugural sail in 2021. With sleek, modern designs, every corner of this ship feels like stepping into a luxury hotel. Scarlet Lady is also eco-conscious, she’s equipped with state-of-the-art energy efficiency systems, a ban on single-use plastics, and a commitment to reducing environmental impact while at sea.
I stayed in a sea view central room with terrace, which felt like a chic hotel room. High-tech features include a tablet to control the lighting, temperature, and TV, adding a convenient, modern touch. The ensuite bathroom has a walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead and quality toiletries. I had a private balcony with ocean views, complete with a hammock for a truly relaxing space to watch the sea.
Entertainment The superb entertainment on board was evident from Day 1 with free-flowing champagne at the sail away party, where guests all gathered on the top deck, entertained by DJ Tash. The party continued into the night, with a PJ party, where guests could change into their PJs to dance the night away.
The entertainment team on board are fantastic. Some of the areas that I visited: • The Red Room: A transformative space that hosts everything from drag shows to modern circus performances. I attended Diva Bingo, a two-hour long show, full of laughter and fun. Although I didn’t win, I had the most enjoyable afternoon. • The Manor: A two-story nightclub inspired by Virgin’s iconic musical roots, perfect for dancing the night away. Some great DJs and live acts. • Scarlet Night: This signature themed party transforms the entire ship into a vibrant, red-hued wonderland, filled with surprises at every turn. There was karaoke, circus performances and pool entertainment which lasted until the early hours, quite the spectacle. If this isn’t your thing, there is also live music in different areas throughout the ship, The Dock and The Roundabout. There are pop quizzes & board games in the social area, Art classes, health and wellness talks, star gazing – Virgin really thought of something for every age and interest.
Dining Virgin Voyages do not follow the traditional cruise buffets. Instead, there’s more than 20 onboard dining options with no additional cost, and no main dining room. From Michelin-star chefs to street food-inspired bites.
Highlights for me include: • The Wake: A stunning, sophisticated restaurant offering premium seafood and steak in a sophisticated ambiance. I had a three-course breakfast and a fabulous evening meal here, I think it may have been the first time I’ve eaten prawns for breakfast ‘starter’, finished with a layered crepe cake for breakfast dessert. • The Test Kitchen: One of the most unique aspects of the Test Kitchen is that it’s not just about the food, but also the culinary journey. Throughout the meal, chefs come out to explain each course, sharing insights about the ingredients, preparation techniques, and inspirations behind the dish - this makes it a highly immersive experience. My meal contained mushroom pate, asparagus with cashew nuts, scallops, beef and blue cheese ice cream. • Razzle Dazzle: This trendy, plant-forward restaurant has a rebellious spirit, serving both vegan and indulgent comfort food. Expect surprises like "Impossible burgers" alongside unicorn-coloured cocktails. • Gunbae: For fans of interactive dining, this lively Korean BBQ spot brings friends together over sizzling grills and games. It was the perfect restaurant for our group on the first night of our cruise. • Bento Baby: Located in the Galley, I loved the grab and go fruit boxes in morning which had the perfect amount of fruit, granola and yoghurt; quite the contrast to my three-course breakfast at the Wake.
All of the speciality’s restaurants can be booked on the App, before boarding. If you have any issues, guest services are available onboard to help with reservations. Reservations also crop up during the week, I was able to eat in all of the specialities on board.
Wellness If relaxation is on your agenda, Scarlet Lady has you covered. The ship’s Redemption Spa is a retreat, offering everything from massages to mud rooms and even a hydrotherapy pool. I spent a sea day relaxing in the Thermal suite, watching the waves out the window in the sauna.
For those looking to workout, the ship boasts high-end fitness facilities, including: • B-Complex Gym: Cardio machines and weight training • The Athletic Club: A fun, outdoor space with a boxing ring, basketball court, and even a playful set of oversized hammocks for post-workout lounging.
There is daily yoga, spin classes, and even sunrise meditation sessions on deck. I hadn’t done a spin class in years and managed two in the week, I loved them and what a setting I had, watching the sunrise over the sea. The HIIT class was epic also, I only managed one of these, as having not gymed in some time, I needed some R&R by the pool to recover after this class. Lastly, there’s a running track on the top deck, 250 metres and a lovely space to get away from it all, whether walking or running.
Scarlet Lady was designed for the modern traveller, she’s bold, luxurious, and unapologetically different from traditional cruise ships. If you’ve ever dreamed of a cruise experience that combines adventure, indulgence, and style, then hop aboard and discover what makes this ship a game-changer.
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