I spent 8 DAYS on a cruise ship crossing the ATLANTIC!

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks so much for watching my video today! To support my channel, please do click that SUBSCRIBE button, and also the THUMBS UP! If you haven’t already, why not check out another video from this cruise, when I explored Madeira? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGTLhGeNn8lnmbc Find PART 2 of this series here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/haebZZyKiK2Hp7c

[@SherryAnnOfTheWest]

I enjoy sea days and although I haven't yet sailed Virgin, I think that would be a great line to do a long Transatlantic. I think the longest uninterrupted sea day voyage was last June from Alaska to Hawaii or maybe in April from Rio to Rome. A couple of yrs ago I did the NCL Prima from Southhampton to NYC and we missed one port (Scotland outer islands) due to weather, but the journey was broken up by a 2-day stop in Reykjavik and a couple of ports in Canada.

[@FraserAtSea]

@@SherryAnnOfTheWest oh, I really like the look of those Hawaii itineraries - plenty time to chill out!

[@Mooses_on_the_move]

I love a good transatlantic! We did one last year and it was so much fun, we are doing it again this year! But yes, not seeing a speck of land in days, it’s a weird experience.

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, I loved it too, but so weird to be out there for so long! I also loved how there just wasn’t any stress to run about and do everything on the ship - you had so long to experience everything! Thanks for watching, and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@Mooses_on_the_move]

@@FraserAtSea that’s exactly it, you get plenty of time to really be able to relax without having FOMO

[@Krypto64]

What a treat to have this video pop up while I’m on a break from my Sunday work shift. Now young man, as for the title, you were not ‘stuck on a cruise ship’, you chose it, you old sensationalist, you! We’re going to have to stop you watching Lisa and Giles… I love a bit of rough seas too, we were on an NCL once and the theme from Titanic came on while people were running for the sick bags. Twenty-nine people left our Iceland Ambassador cruise in March due to the roiling waters. Honestly! It’s funny, when they were launching the first Virgin ship they had a contest to win a cruise on behalf of someone we thought deserved a cruise. I won one and presented it to my friends next door, who sadly couldn’t make it. I suspect they knew more about the ship than me, and made their excuses and left! Seriously, these Virgin cruises are so very specific to a certain audience. I mean, eating from a bowl that looks like a cardboard bedpan. A net-ful of ‘inspirational’ messages! Drag artists leading a gang of OTT cruise director staff in different, yet uniformly unattractive, outfits. Lectures that are far too worthy for a holiday. ‘Can you feel the power of dance?’ Close-up magic. And so much red! But, it’s not you and everyone else, it’s us, we just ain’t party people! I’m chuffed you enjoyed the trip. I was on a Queen Mary Atlantic crossing a few years back and it was deadly dull - I’ve got to find that happy medium! Anyway, top video!

[@Krypto64]

(I have a fear of drag queens after being dragged on stage once by the late Dockyard Doris. Can’t go into it… mind, giant mice, and lady ducks with bows are far scarier)

[@FraserAtSea]

Don’t worry - I actually forgot about that title - I wrote that quickly a few nights ago when the video was uploading. It’s now fixed, ha! You know, Virgin is way more universally agreeable than you may think - I often think it comes across as a young party ship in videos, but it’s a really relaxing experience, too! Thanks so much for staying with me and following along, even when what I’m showing isn’t up your street! ❤️

[@Krypto64]

@@FraserAtSea Well, you’re good company. I was only having a wee tease re: that title. I feel guilty now!

[@Addicted2Ships]

A Transatlantic is on my yet to try list. I loved Valiant Lady even though it was a late replacement for the delayed Resilient Lady. Food at all venues was top notch, as was the entertainment. Stand outs were Razzle Dazzle, The Wake and Duel Reality. "Grab your lifejacket" 😮 What a glitch!!! I can't even imagine how that felt! Thanks for another great vid! 😍

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, I did laugh when editing this video and experiencing that glitch all over again… D’oh! I agree - the food is wonderful onboard - just shows cruise lines CAN do if, doesn’t it? Thanks a lot for watching!!

[@sodiumlights]

VERY much looking forward to your thoughts about the QM2. So many mixed opinions across the board. And I'm going on her Southampton to Hamburg in October.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, my content will be on by then - stay tuned!! 😊

[@corner559]

Recently did a crossing on the QM2 and VERY glad we did NOT do it with Virgin. This just looks like a loud floating night club, and the ship is way too modern looking.

[@iamtoooldtocare]

Try P&O transatlantic 35 day cruise in January or February. From Southampton and back. Most relaxing holiday ever.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh wow - a 35 day would be amazing - I think I could be VERY chilled out on there. One for my bucket list, for sure!

[@TimK2646]

QM2 used to have the Planetarium in the main Theatre and I loved falling asleep every afternoon there amongst the Stars and Planets. This was 2007. I saw WHALES (in the Sea not on board)

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, she still does - it’s such a wonderful venue in there, isn’t it? Thanks a lot for watching, Tim!

[@FionaSian1]

@@FraserAtSeaI hope the Planetarium is fixed as I was reading it’s been broken for a long time. My friend and I are going on QM2 next May on just a 4 nighter, incl Hamburg so have been doing quite a lot of research on QM2 as I’ve never been on a cruise before.

[@tammy_oh_nevermind]

I would have freaked out more than a little with the muster situation. 🤣 Enjoyed this, thanks!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, looking back, I don’t know how I didn’t - madness. It was such an odd situation so far out across the Atlantic…! Thanks as always for following along!

[@corner559]

Love your video and the narration! But why no cabin tour????????

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! I’ve actually stayed in this cabin type before - you can find my tour here 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIu7i2BubL6KfJI

[@patriciamorash2763]

Hi Fraser: We did a transatlantic cruise in 2019 to Fort Lauderdale. Our experience was similar to yours in terms of two rough days when leaving Madeira and then the seas were quite calm from that point forward. Lots of entertainment and activities on board. Very relaxing (after we passed through the rocky bits).

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, that’s so funny that you had the same experience - I wonder if that part of the water is notorious for the sea behaving badly? Haha, you’ll see how calm it got in my next video! 😮

[@TheSoloMusterDrill]

I did 9 sea days on Symphony OTS at the same time last year AND experienced the 24 hours of rough seas. Not good to realise when leaving the final port in Europe (Cádiz) that the sick bags had been brought out, followed by the Captain announcing the expected sea swells and recommending that everyone take seasick meds 😮 I was happy to find I was unaffected by the motion of the ocean 🌊, although it was a pretty odd sensation to wake during the night and realise there was no need to think about turning over, as the rockin' and rollin' was doing it for me 😂😂 Still enjoyed every bit of the 9 sea days!

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh wow - that sounds like fun on a ship that size - the waves must’ve been really kicking up a swell! I was on Symphony for a 7 night cruise last year and absolutely loved it - I’d LOVE to have 9 sea days on a ship like that - what an experience that must’ve been! Thanks a lot for watching!

[@TWSmith42]

Great vid. How many days out of 8 were the pools closed?

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! You'll see in Episode 2 that they were all re-opened - I reckon they were probably closed for the first 2 (maybe 3) days?

[@TravellingLightLisa]

Thanks for this video. We are now very excited for Scarlet Night. That's if we can stay up past 10pm!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, amazing! Don’t worry - it’ll all kick off before 10pm, so you won’t want to go to bed. Have the best cruise - when’re you booked? 🌊

[@cherifurr3935]

I couldn’t do this trip in an inside cabin on VV-really enjoyed my TA on Oceania Marina April 2022 from Miami to Punta Delgada, though! We had to skip Bermuda due to a storm there, but our sailing was very smooth.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, what a trip that sounds like - that must’ve been amazing! Thanks a lot for coming along for the journey, Cheri - your support is SO appreciated!

[@hazels27]

Hi Fraser, hope you survived the rollers! You mentioned being on Deck 12 which is probably high up, so how did you cope with the motion? Recommendations for reduced sea sickness are lower down and central in ship. Thanks for showing us the fun side of this cruise - if your tartan was the red variety you could have worn it! Nice that all age groups were represented as many would think it was for the younger age. Look forward to Part 2.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Hazel, thanks for watching! I didn’t find the motion too bad in the room, but it was rolling in there, for sure! I totally agree about age representation - I meet so many people who think VV is just for the young ones, so I wanted to deliberately try to discreetly show that it’s for everyone in this video - thanks for noticing!!

[@ballyhigh11]

I seem to recall in a previous video where you review an insider solo cabin that whilst you found it a nice design you weren't that enamoured of it. Did you change your mind after spending 14 nights in one?

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! You’re right - I wasn’t in love with it, but to be honest it’s a decent little room for the money. It’s waaaay cheaper than a full cabin size! Thanks for following along!

[@ballyhigh11]

@@FraserAtSea Thanks for the quick reply! I've access to a pretty unbeatable price on an insider solo for a 6 night voyage out of Portsmouth, so think I'll take the plunge. Did you find the mood lighting helped the room feel not so claustrophobic and 'small'? Also, when dining were you able to request a particular type of table, or was it just whatever was available (I'd prefer one that was slightly more private, as opposed to being sandwiched in between tables on a large banquette)?

[@FraserAtSea]

@@ballyhigh11 hey! Don’t worry - always happy to reply where I can help 😊 Mood lighting helps for sure, yes! Also, dining with VV is pretty good in my experience - they’re always keen to do what they can to make you feel most comfortable!

[@pmduk69]

The ship looks like a red light District on scarlet night!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, this comment made me laugh - maybe that’s what they’re going for 😂 It is VERY red on Scarlet night to be fair! 🐙

[@valerieg5674]

I absolutely love a transatlantic! I've done a couple now and have another 15 nighter booked for Oct 25 on Britannia plus a 35 nighter to the Caribbean on Iona out of and back into Southampton in Jan 26. I was surprised to see so many older people on your Virgin cruise. I'd always assumed they targeted a younger crowd. How did you find them for solo travellers, please?

[@FraserAtSea]

Ah, those longer P&O trips do look dreamy - perhaps one day for me…! The age on here was really different to what I expected too - very varied, and they’re awesome for solo travellers now!

[@FraserAtSea]

I’ve actually posted an article on my website about solo cruising with VV that you’ll maybe find useful! www.fraseratsea.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-cruising-solo-with-virgin-voyages

[@valerieg5674]

@FraserAtSea Thanks for that, Fraser. Very helpful.

[@stephenm8818]

The most consecutive sea days we have done was 3, we enjoyed those but unsure how 8 would go ? The idea of gaining hours on a east to west TA is attractive tho ! No jet lag !! 😊

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, I adore that aspect of a transatlantic - it’s amazing how the time changes a little every day or two. That said, it’s also pretty confusing if you don’t keep on top of it, haha!

[@stephenm8818]

@FraserAtSea yeah suppose you'd need to ! 👍 Tho on cruise you are used to dealing with ship time vs home time vs local time too.

[@lizabrozdowski4410]

Fraser which deck were you on? I'm in an inside solo cabin on deck 13 on Resilient Lady. Im hoping it doesnt feel too ' rolly' Do Virgin have an outside live stream on the tv?

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey! I believe I was on Deck 12! Don’t worry - I genuinely think you feel it everywhere when the ship ‘rolls’ like it did these days. I’d reassure you by saying I’ve never felt it like that on any cruise, so you should be alright! Have the best cruise - I’m jealous you’re going on!!

[@FraserAtSea]

Also, yes to the live stream - you can watch the video outside on your cabin tv!

[@johnkean6852]

Looking for Scarlet O'Hara but there are no curtains / drapes so l expect she had a night off? For entertainment/educational purposes only.

[@FraserAtSea]

😂

[@atomicrancher3745]

I’m going the opposite direction on Scarlet Lady next Spring 2025 when she repositions. This gives me an idea of what I might expect. You never mention what dates you’re cruising which would be helpful for viewers. I assume this was a Fall 2023 repositioning. Not a complaint, but is not publishing these vlogs for 6-10 months after they happen purposely done? Just curious. Loyal fan!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey hey! So this was October 2023! The reason for the delay is because I was on so many ships in quick succession last year. I commit to 2 videos each week (I wouldn’t have time to do more), so this means my content has been pretty delayed. Don’t worry - getting ‘caught up’ now - I promise! Thanks so much for sticking with me!

[@patriciadalton4545]

Why is it taking 8 sea days We gave done that journey a few times on P&O and took 6 sea days going across each way

[@FraserAtSea]

They all vary depending on where they come from/are heading/their schedules. Some take less and others take more!

[@kp8740]

Muster stations? In the middle of the ocean? 😬😳😱

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, I know - I was horrified 😂

[@johnkean6852]

Rediculous amount of red light areas! For entertainment/educational purposes only.

[@FraserAtSea]

There were a lot on Scarlet night - that’s for sure!

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea tee hee :)

[@michellelyon3149]

Please timestamp the videos! I get very confused on when you actually took the cruises! Thank you

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, I get this feedback a lot - this was October 2023 😊

[@FraserAtSea]

If there are any you’re unsure about, pop a comment on the video and I’ll confirm for you! 😊

[@lynnfranklin5098]

Sea days Best Days

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, I totally agree - I’m so relaxed after a sea day!

[@johnkean6852]

First video of yours where you played no background music. Not a complaint, just an observation. For entertainment/educational purposes only.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hope you enjoyed, John!

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea always enjoy your vids Fraser a given

[@johnkean6852]

Not one song from Helen Reddy! 😢 For entertainment/educational purposes only.

[@FraserAtSea]

🎶 😊

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea :)

[@vincentclausen2250]

lol talk about chaos. Lol

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, I know! 😂 🎊

[@johnkean6852]

No Chris de Burgh ... 🎶🎼Lady in Red?🎶 ⭐♥️🥂🏓🎈🥊♥️♦️🍎🍅🍓🍒🍉🍫🍬🥤 For entertainment/educational purposes only.

[@FraserAtSea]

😂 💃🏻

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea : )

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea :)

[@ScottLara]

#NavyVeteran

[@FraserAtSea]

😊

[@johnkean6852]

Were you invited to the secret bar? For entertainment/educational purposes only.

[@FraserAtSea]

Not on Virgin, no! 😔

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea one day hopefully

[@johnkean6852]

Roses are red African hybrid violets are red too Jam is red and So are you ... ( ... when you heard some of the jokes from the Drag Queen?) 😂 Trying to be witty, failing ... ok l'm going For entertainment/educational purposes only.