A Thrilling Sea Day on Valiant Lady - But Where Is the Crew?

[@Bum_Hip]

I appreciate how fair you are in your videos. If something didn’t meat your expectations, you say so. You also aren’t afraid to point out the positives too. Plus, you seem to have reasonable, common sense standards. 👍

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

I appreciate that!

[@catsrus2890]

Thanks, Zach! Another informative, great video. Love the Hammock of Honesty!😃

[@atomicrancher3745]

Very much enjoy your style of vlogging. Always a “like” and an early subscriber. I’ll be a solo sailor on the Scarlet Lady repositioning from Miami to Barcelona in a Sea Terrace cabin. Was interested to learn that all dining venues are included. I know I’ll enjoy that with lots of sea days to try them all. Even at 69, I’m looking forward to doing it the “Virgin way” and letting my inner younger me find himself. You should visit Cuba someday. Fascinating place. I’d love to go back.

[@katrinaassoumou1531]

Wow! it is a beautiful balcony and the water looks so smooth and calm. Amen

[@TonyMcDem]

The more often I watch your videos, the closer I get to turning ON notifications for you. I don’t have notifications on for any of my subscriptions. But if you keep producing such informative and candid videos, I may have to break my own rule against notifications. :-) Keep up the great work!

[@Bum_Hip]

Not to troll or sound mean, I promise… but why subscribe, if you don’t want to be notified if a video is released?

[@TonyMcDem]

@@Bum_Hip I have so so so so so so many subscriptions, I cannot fathom the cacophony of notification alerts on my many devices. I try my best to avoid those pesky and often annoying noises. KZbin is already quite skilled at showing me the latest videos from my subscribed content creators. I am on the app almost all day every day. So it is unlikely I will miss out and KZbin knows my viewing habits very well.

[@lizkotchek928]

I love your channel Zach! I will be on the Celebrity Apex in March for a week long family reunion cruise. My 92 year old mom pays my way since I care for her 5 days a week. I don't know how so many people can afford to cruise all of the time. I'm 57 on disability for having MS. When I was an RN I could go once and a while. I am completely priced out of all cruise lines now. The days when you could find good deals are completely gone now. I have been told to go on Margaritaville since I live by the ports in Florida. No way! That doesn't sound like it would be relaxing and they only do short sailings.

[@Leo-yw5rq]

I have never had any issues with the restaurant for breakfast or dinner since i know how their system works and i always book all mu restaurants as soon as they open up 45 days before sailing and I book bruch as soon as I get onboard. With that being said, i dont het disappointed because i do what all sailors ate supposed to do in order to have a pleasant vacation. If you are not aware kf the reservation system ir you dont want to book in advance because you dont want to, you still have The Galley with a great variety. I still liked your review, we are all different and we all have different experiences. Keep up the great job.

[@lydiab128]

I just got off the scarlet lady today. We had the mega rockstar gorgeous suite and it was amazing. Our mega rockstar agent Allan was the best. Our ship wasn’t too busy thankfully. I agree about the test kitchen it wasn’t great just good. And the same thing happened with the timing for the show we had to tell him to rush out desert and the blue cheese dish at the same time. So if you have a show at 8:45 and you do the test kitchen book for 6 pm!! It takes almost 2 hours.

[@raceboy1971]

Getting off Scarlet Lady later this morning after a 5 day cruise and 2nd time on VV. Test Kitchen is one and done. We skipped it this time. Least favorite restaurant, but everything else is amazing. No staffing issues at all. Service has been amazing. We have booked again for our 3rd cruise.

[@SCOTTIETHOMPSON10314]

So glad you're enjoying this new experience. I hope to try a Virgin cruise at some point - - I'm a Royal Caribbean devotee and would love to try something different!!

[@ceceliamoreno1845]

Your food journey on Virgin will just keep getting better. We really liked the Wake and Pink Agave. Surprised they didn't seat you right away for Breakfast as they clearly weren't that busy. The pizza is fine and the appetizers in the dock is really nice. We had a great time at Trivia games and of course all the exercise options! Have a great time!!

[@darrenmacinnis1931]

Tips for The Test Kitchen: give yourself at least two hours, the alcohol/ non alcoholic pairing really elevates the food, it’s about trying new things and if you don’t like it that’s totally cool. Notes on breakfast: the galley has many options, room service is 24hrs, breakfast in galley until late morning, grab and go heathy eats, and other reservation restaurants does not seem restrictive at all. I never had any issues getting food day or night. staffing issues: while booking my future cruise, the crew member at the reservation desk did tell me that staffing was a key issue in the delayed launch of the Brilliant Lady. But I always try to leave my North American expectations of instant service at home, relax and enjoy, you are privileged just to be on cruise. If I have to wait 30 mins for a pizza that’s ok, I’ll grab a drink and go hang out, chat with other sailors until my buzzer rings. My Greek islands cruise last October seemed to be adequately staffed, no really long waits at all and it was near capacity.

[@brandonpico2159]

they would tell me that my pizza would take 30 mins and the buzzer would go off in 15... I'd actually be upset b/c I would be chilling outside under the stars

[@busymom7729]

This is his experience not yours.

[@weeepsalotts723]

30 mins for pizza on a ship is ridiculous. Your standards are way too low, if you think that is acceptable.

[@erynnichole1085]

You can actually eat breakfast in the Galley without a reservation. Diner and Dash which is located in the Galley is open 24 hours without a reservation. You only have to make a reservation for brunch at The Wake and at Razzle Dazzle!

[@mydogwinifredgsd2699]

I really appreciate and trust your honest reviews….. I really feel your trying to shoot it straight. Thank you

[@iriswagstaff]

Pink Agave and Extra Virgin were my favorite for dinner and the Wake for brunch. Loved the hammock. Loved the dock for lunch - the shrimp and steak.

[@suzannecuerrier279]

I've only been on a VV trip once; in the Caribbean on Scarlet Lady. It was a nice relaxing 5 day trip which we enjoyed so much, we booked another trip. I don't remember the service being slow when I was on it, but again, I don't like to rush my meals and I'm okay with waiting a bit for drinks or ice cream. (Although, my waits were not long, if at all.) We didn't even bother with the Test Kitchen because my husband is just not into adventurous eating at that extent; so I will never experience that one. All in all, I believe there is something for everyone on all cruise lines. Thanks for your honest review.

[@brantthompson199]

We were on Scarlet Lady for our first Virgin cruise Nov 2023. We loved it. The adults only experience is very enjoyable. We had great service and found the food and bar service to be really good. We did observe long lines at the pizza place as well as the ice cream place depending on when we went by there however, I think they were both very good. The ship was super cool and never felt crowded. The old school included arcade was fun. Also, we did the Grog Walk and met other sailors as it was a mingling type of event with trivia. Razzle Dazzle was our favorite restaurant. Didn’t have brunch there but we are gonna try it for our upcoming cruise. We haven’t tried Test Kitchen yet either but we are also going here on this next one. Virgin is definitely not for everyone but it is our new favorite experience. Hopefully our upcoming cruise is just as good as our first. Happy sailings!

[@michelleb749]

I definitely wouldnt want to have to schedule my breakfast. The service issues would also be a concern.

[@wrh41]

Informative video! I’m not interested in competitive cruising, where you have to compete for reservations for everything.

[@roseardanaz]

The more videos I see for Virgin, the more it does not appeal to us. It looks very sterile, and cafeteria like. We do enjoy more atmosphere, especially with the food venues. The food does look good, but we do look for more. Thanks for taking time to review your experiences.

[@vamanostomas9380]

That is exactly how I though it looked before I went on my Virgin cruise (sterile/cafeteria). Luckily in person it does not feel that way at all.

[@christiandiablo9499]

I agree with Rose. Does look very "middle school cafeteria-ish" But we're trying it in September! @@vamanostomas9380

[@mjm2253]

Hi Zack . I think the dinning room rez procedure is because food is prepared by order not front prepped like mass catering MDR . Thank you for your vid! Can’t wait for my VV cruise in March

[@CruisingTipsDotCom]

I've noticed crew staffing as a real issue on several sailings lately,. I was on Carnival Venezia a week ago, and there were long lines everywhere, bar service in many places was incredibly slow. Moreover, the crew SEEMED stressed, tired and overworked. I actually saw one bartender be surly/snappish with a guest who questioned the ingredients in their cocktail. Meanwhile, love the "Honesty Hammock." You need to take one on every cruise with you, make it a thing. Which you can then sell in your shop! #YouAreWelcome

[@danac3496]

Love your videos and watch them as soon as you post! Your cruise on Valiant Lady is particularly interesting to us as we will be sailing it in two weeks from now, but out of San Juan. We are sooo excited! I booked all dinners and most breakfasts 45 days in advance. You are right, breakfast booking is odd. To me it cuts out part of the luxury experience. But going to the restaurant and asked to turn around would be really upsetting to me, so I booked to protect myself from unpleasant surprises. If you can, please let us know about other entertainment options besides the main act. Also, how difficult is to book the shows if you get on board by 2:30 pm for instance? Thank you!

[@Deadeyebcf1]

Bummer you had issues with service. I’ve been on two cruises with Virgin now and haven’t had any issues. I was also fortunate enough to have my first sailing in one of their suites which was absolutely amazing. Currently looking to go on a third with them.

[@grigsbywhite3309]

Virgin wasn’t for us. We found the service to not be on par and was even told from a couple of bars that they didn’t have Jack Daniel’s and we needed to go to another bar. Never have we had that type of service before. We had issues with the bar tab and customer service was not able to help us. My husband had to order all the drinks for the trip or we would be charged. We spent a day in Bimini and the ship service basically shuts down as the crew goes to the beach club to work for the day. We had heard all about the food which fell short for us. I would have to go to the Galley for something to eat afterwards just to not be hungry all night. The only plus for me were the parties but they all started really late. To each their own but we will stick to our luxury ships with great food and service.

[@carolm8003]

What is the best times to try for dinner reservations? Confused how you know without entertainment schedule in advance? Am I missing something ? Enjoyed your take

[@markfromlodz]

I forgot to mention this in the last video, but I hate myself for loving all the punny names of the restaurants and shops. Thoroughly enjoyed this video, and after your Celebrity revelation, it's definitely one to consider (if I can ever save up enough).

[@derekmorrison4191]

Love your reviews 👍

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Glad you like them!

[@daqiao]

Hi Zack going on my 1st VV in the summer around the med .I am a usual Celebrity cruiser but fancied a change .You mentioned slow service what length of time do you you consider slow dinner service ? I am European and tend to spend at least 1 to 2 hours over dinner. Just trying to time shows and dinners !! any advice thanks enjoying your videos and honesty hammock !! lol

[@barriegrunewald3348]

My first cruise was with virgin only a sea terrace not an XL like you but I’m a big guy had no issue with shower like you alluded too it’s much bigger than NCL who was my second cruise I’m booked on 2 more virgin cruises as I think it’s so great. I really enjoyed test kitchen I had menu a and b as there 2 different ones. I was also on longer cruise so could experience it. I think you are being unfair on it you have to give it about 2.30 hours to be sure so bare that in mind. If you ask server to be quick as you have a show they usually accommodate you I’d also say you must have pairings with the meal it really elevates it but also they strong so gets you drunk lol. The test kitchen I’s not for everyone though it’s experimental food so be warned but I loved it. Clearly not everyone does though but plenty of other options !!!

[@EZ_ZZ]

So can we buy the Zach the traveling man honesty hammock shirt now? 😍

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

😂 I need to get on that!

[@wesleybrown9734]

Virgin seems a bit disappointing compared to the service and food on Celebrity. Reservation required for breakfast? Give me a break.

[@loriwelln7321]

Breakfast reservations is a BIG NO!!! How do you even know when you’re getting up?

[@brandonpico2159]

we did the Scarlet Lady a couple of weeks ago and got into Razzle Dazzle + the Wake pretty easy for brunch/breakfast with no reservation.

[@traceymarshall5886]

You book the last sitting at 12 noon or 12.30. If you miss it your reservation is given to other people after 15mins. If you get up early you can go to the galley. The galley is 24hrs and you can get breakfast at 4am in the galley. You can also order breakfast by room service

[@kimp8869]

Hi Zach so do you have any advice for booking a cheaper last minute cruise? We originally had a NCL cruise booked for June 2024 but had to cancel now it seems we may still be able to get away. Which cruise line would you recommend to the Caribbean for best last minute deals

[@domenicoverdone928]

Is there a buffet area on Virgin or it like a river boat set eating time ?

[@brandonpico2159]

no buffet, but they have "The Galley" which you can get pretty quick eats that are all pretty quality. But the top places for dinners you should try to book those in advance once you are able to (in the app).

[@davidc5191]

Looks like scallops, not scallions, at 2:15

[@krogers104]

Seems like if the ship is rocking a bit, a tattoo might not be a good idea, lol.

[@lisalopez4731]

Virgin is not for me. I’m an avid swimmer who thrives on good service and a beautiful classic ship. There’s no way I could give up all 3 things. What a shame!

[@bsg111987]

lol sure Jan.

[@streetspiritlondon]

Thanks for these videos. Would really like to go on a virgin voyage cruise but they clearly have no interest in solo travellers as they want to charge me a 100% surcharge for a regular room on a 7 night cruise around Europe. No discount at all, which is strange considering the costs involve all the meals and I’ll only be eating for one. Even more weird is that virgin charge more for the solo rooms then they do for regular rooms.

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

Most all cruise lines charge double for solo cruisers staying in a standard room. It's not a great policy, but that's just the way it is.

[@kristiboyer1625]

Are the treats at Social Club included or extra?

[@christiandiablo9499]

included

[@brandonpico2159]

When did you cruise? If this is anywhere within the past four weeks, the whole world is sick right now. Sure, VV should have a solve for that, but lots of folks are cold, flu, (the other thing) right now... perhaps that's why you felt a staff shortage.

[@chrismccarty3738]

What is the casino like?

[@christiandiablo9499]

it's pretty small on all Virgin ships

[@BostonHeather]

I think I like to be more spontaneous with my meals

[@kennethpreston9813]

Thanks for saving me a trip on Virgin cruise lines. After seeing your review, I have no interest in sailing with Virgin.

[@ShadyBootz13]

All Tea no Shade... Gurl what's up with those frames? Where did they come from? I don't like em on you, but if you do... rock it sister. Also your content is pretty decent and you're starting to find your cadence. So far you're not my #1, that's still Emma :) but you're a solid #2.

[@Tarbjac]

Any else been hearing a bunch of static sound in his videos? Not sure what’s causing it.

[@traceymarshall5886]

What is great about virgin is people either love it or hate it. If people like traditional cruises...they might hate virgin. Which is ok because people who cruise on virgin want everyone there to be really loving their time on board - if people know they will hate it they should not go. As for the service...we always had great service on Valiant although she was born in Europe and spent the start of her ship life in the Med. So for us Europeans we love the stand back geniune relaxed service. As an irish person i hate the fake in your face all the time american service....so valiant lady has been moulded by us Europeans and we love that relaxed type of geniune service that is not fake. If we needed people we did an irish nod and irish 1 finger wave to get their attention....So you have us Irish people to blame for Valiant ladys service...as we were the ones who trained them 😂😂😂😂

[@cesiliaduarte1781]

Big lines, non appealing shows, no drink packages, expensive fares. I don't know, the food seems amazing but I feel like that would be the only thing I want from virgin vogages.

[@Bum_Hip]

I love the MAGA filter Virgin has. I mean we’ve got to get the “Drag Show” word out there. This is a dream cruise line to me. No kids, and no MAGA nuts! That’s worth whatever shortcomings Virgin may have.

[@christiandiablo9499]

I'm beginning to think i'm really gonna like my Virgin cruise!

[@hollykimmey4809]

Not for me with all that waiting

[@sailorman8590]

This cruise line is cursed and has been for sale. Take your money somewhere else. You have been warned!

[@donaldduck9046]

The worst company in the world buyer beware

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

It would probably be helpful if you could expound upon this a bit more.

[@donaldduck9046]

@@ZachtheTravelingMan losing all my expensive luggage and still Virgin still has not found or compensated for 16 day trip of items we had to purchase to survive ordeal not to mention items lost in incompetence by Virgins part , second purchased upper class and did not fly upper class which would be classified as fraud buyer beware no answer since horrible trip in September from Virgin , third which is a cultural problem with the shitty company is the operational inefficiencies which I’ve experienced more times than not this this disgusting company which initially lead to all of these said problems , planes are Constantly late , employees are more interested in playing vs making sure they provide the MINIMUM service and/or product that the customer pays for forget about destroying memories for families which they can never get back ….just facts off the top of my head …. September trip Virgin has yet to respond or rectify the issue …..so when I say buyer beware watch out

[@nathanbannister8502]

You don't sit at "the very aft of the ship", what you should be saying is "at the stern". Aft is directional. It means toward the stern. Every cruise channel says it wrong. I will correct them too! "At the aft" makes it sound like you have no idea what your talking about. "At the stern" makes sense to anyone who knows better. As a cruise ship expert, you should understand the nautical lingo.

[@BostonHeather]

So when the cruise map shows “forward” and “aft”, the cruise ships are all wrong?

[@davidmarsden305]

You're probably correct, however to the average cruiser, people know, forward, aft, starboard and portside, let's not complicate it any further, the next thing would be zip codes, don't want to go there😜😁

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

We are talking about a cruise ship and that’s the lingo used by ALL the cruise lines. FWD, MID, and AFT. Guess I know more about it than you thought!

[@femalejaysfan]

Those fruit to-go boxes look awesome. I wish celebrity had that sort of thing.