By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
I just got off a very enjoyable four-night voyage on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, and as anticipated, Richard Branson’s new cruise ship is “not your father’s cruise ship.” Adults only, with 20 restaurants all included, hammocks on each deck, design-forward intimate public spaces and a pink champagne are welcome.
To quote from the Virgin Voyages website, “We’re seeking to redefine what you should expect from a holiday at sea and create an Epic Sea Change for all. Scarlet Lady is unlike any other ship you’ve ever met. With RockStar Quarters, champagne on demand and amazing food, this is cruising but not as you know it.”
Let’s talk about those RockStar quarters. Our “Seriously Suite” – one of 12 suites ranging from 416 to 2,147 square feet – gives you “rockstar” status, Branson-style, including a record player, a selection of vinyls, a full bar with the first supply free and access to “Richard’s Rooftop.” The rooftop is a sanctuary on deck 16 with VIP access featuring sunbeds, jacuzzi and private bar, with food and drinks delivered on demand to your sunbed. You also get your own “rockstar agent” who acts as a concierge to arrange your dining and entertainment reservations. The marble bathrooms are massive with a great rainforest shower.
The food at the onboard restaurants is certainly fit for foodies. One of our favorites was The Wake, a retro steakhouse with a modern twist. Offering dinner and brunch each day, they have three styles of eggs benedict and the best clam chowder ever. You won’t be disappointed.
Another favorite was Gunbae, a Korean barbeque restaurant that offers really fun interactive dining, complete with drinking games and barbeque in the middle of your table, bringing you into the action of grilling your meal.
There is a wide assortment of fitness classes, including yoga, spinning, HIIT and cardio workshops – all included – to work off all that delicious food.
Bimini Islands was a favorite port stop. It features the Bimini Beach Club, a beautiful beach and pools with plenty of private lounge chairs. Food is included and drink can be put on your shipboard bar tab.
One of the best things about Scarlet Lady is discovering all her funky and fun public spaces. There are virtual bubbles in all elevators, which was a nice atmospheric touch. It’s great for both first-time cruisers and cruise mavens open to shaking it up a bit.
Speaking of shaking it up, if you have the Virgin app open, you can shake it. Bubbles appear on your phone, and they will bring Moet Chandon to wherever you are on the ship. You can use your “sailor loot” (you prepaid bar tab) to pay for it.
Entertainment on board is different. Duel Reality featured an acrobatic twist on Romeo and Juliet. I have to give a huge shoutout to their house band from Toronto, Free Label. They brought the house down with an R&B set on the last night.
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel in Milford.