Valiant Lady Pt.1: Our First Virgin Voyages Cruise, Embarkation, Sea Terrace Tour, The Galley Lunch

[@kennethgrossman289]

That gentleman that was giving all the sailors high fives just before the escalator is a nice guy that really loves his job! He was there when my wife and I went on our first cruise last year and I hope to see him again when we go on our second cruise here in 27 days and counting.

[@mike44b]

1:52 Beautiful shot.

[@6093amanda]

Soo many cool things to see 😀😀🥰🤗

[@laurahenshaw3590]

Jay! I have to point this out because it's revolutionary for CPAP users: your cabin has TWO dedicated American (120v) outlets, one on each side of the bed. You may not understand just how unique and spectacular that is. I carry two 6-ft approved extension cords in my carry on for every cruise, so our two CPAPS can function from the typical one or two desk-mounted outlets. Holy CPAP heaven! Wow! WAY TO GO VIRGIN VOYAGES!!!

[@Dm-wf5ro]

You two crack me up always I love how Dee boards a virgin voyages cruise ship with a princess cruises canvas bag

[@mike44b]

11:03 A full house. Greatest cruise port in the world.

[@kimberlyabo]

Thank you for doing this cruise. I have been trying to find videos that shows everything on the ship before I make the ultimate decision for my husband and mine's 20th anniversary. I am thrilled you and Dee did this and will show aspects most other vloggers haven't yet shown.

[@parodeejay]

We try to do all the stuff and a few of the things, ha ha… we definitely kept busy on this cruise and tried to experience as much as we could!! :D

[@TiffPo90]

So excited went on Virgin Voyages I had so much fun!

[@jackieaudus9829]

Glad to see Sir Richard is keeping it British and including Gratuities

[@itsmetiff661]

Just found your channel recently, and you have me in a chokehold. The way I’ve binged is a problem 😂. Thanks for not only sharing your trips, but providing useful information. I enjoy you two.

[@parodeejay]

Thanks so much! We’ve got about a million rerun cruise vlog sets if you find yourself lacking content, ha ha… we try to deliver!! :P

[@dylanseaman5163]

yes new series. LOL thx for always being on it. cheers you TWO.

[@parodeejay]

Thanks for joining our craziness, as always!! :D

[@catherinekayne1071]

I own one of those hammocks in a different color. It’s by yellow hammock. Love it.

[@parodeejay]

That’s awesome! We need one of those for every cruise cabin, hah!! :D

[@thedaviszone5187]

I'm very excited 😊 for a new cruise line experience....well through you!! So let's see this!

[@cruisegal4991]

You two make every new adventure exciting and interesting. As always, great vlog. Thank you.

[@parodeejay]

Thankee! Glad to have you along for our nonsense, as always!! :P

[@ronhudson9102]

So cool, I’ve wanted to see the Virgin world, can’t wait to see your week.

[@parodeejay]

We had quite the adventure and we’re already plotting to book another one, ha ha… woohoo!! :D

[@ryans7153]

"Tap That Hard"🤣🤣 love y'all's reactions

[@Scraghunter]

That muster vid raises cornball to a whole new level. ROFLOL

[@susandowney6386]

Looking forward to this series and your opinions on the ship.

[@parodeejay]

We’ve got a lot to explore! Glad to have you along for the fun!! :D

[@loriporter6167]

Excited to see how you like the Virgin Voyages cruise.

[@parodeejay]

We had a ball overall with this first Virgin Voyages experience… can’t wait to book another one!! :D

[@robertbreding4740]

love the Princess bag!!!!!

[@parodeejay]

We’ve got quite the collection of Princess and Celebrity bags, ha ha… they come in handy!! :P

[@TropicLuv]

How exciting! A new ship to explore and it looks like it’s going to be quite fun! ENJOY - I know you will!

[@parodeejay]

We love when we come across a totally different kind of adventure like this. Woohoo!! :D

[@justmee2477]

Wow, it looks like a different cruising experience. I’m looking forward to the series. Dee, I predict your love of dancing came in very handy on this ship.

[@parodeejay]

There was definitely a lot of opportunity for dancing! Woohoo!! :D

[@dominiquebrown8790]

Been patiently awaiting this series!

[@parodeejay]

It’s quite a different adventure indeed, hah… stay tuned for more shenanigans!! :P

[@kellyrutherford2147]

Looking forward to this series. So far I don’t think Virgin is my thing but fun to see what it’s all about.

[@parodeejay]

We were excited for so many new and different things on this line!! :D

[@bellaportaustralia]

Can't wait for vv to come to Australia. Great video. One of the best for vv. We watch all of your videos. ❤️

[@parodeejay]

That’ll be awesome! I know they have plans to hop into that market for some fun. Woohoo!! :D

[@ronniesquires]

Awesome video. ❤️ Thanks again guys. Looking forward to the next segment. 😀

[@parodeejay]

Thankee thankee!! :D

[@mawnay3575]

I love the safety video it really funny i hope u guys have a great cruise on this beautiful ship

[@parodeejay]

We always love seeing the safety drill made somewhat “fun” ha ha… that was a rockin’ video!! :D

[@harrietwalker9064]

Can't wait to see this cruise ship through you and Dee's eyes 🚢🚢

[@parodeejay]

We’re excited to show off all the stuff & things!! :D

[@AshleySlots]

Virgin Voyages looks Awesome! Now it’s a toss up for us to travel on Carnival or Virgin for our first cruise! Love the video!

[@parodeejay]

Ah, totally different vibes and price points too. That’ll be an interesting choice to make!! :D

[@carolynrodriguez557]

Thanks for your Amazing review!! I love watching you guys! We’re leaving from Miami on this ship 3/11. Can’t wait!!

[@yarnmoods]

Looks awesome! I’m kinda shy and embarrass easily so I’m not sure this is the ship for me but it does seem fun, beautiful and unique.

[@barbarap5278]

Interesting ship. Enjoy your cruise...

[@parodeejay]

Thankee thankee!! :D

[@N1ftyNick]

The buffet seems like an old automat in NY. Boxes of this and that. Plastic Fantastic.

[@Motley365]

Think i'm a bigger fan of the feel of Celebrity Beyond. Have a good trip guys

[@parodeejay]

Definitely two totally different styles and aesthetics for sure!! :D

[@thebariatriccouple5022]

I can’t wait to see what you guys think about VV. It’s a little wild and totally different!🎉

[@parodeejay]

Agreed, but we loved the overall vibe, and the food can’t be beat!! :P

[@MomDocTravels]

We sailed from Miami and parked with safe cruise parking!! It was great!

[@parodeejay]

We loved the option of half-price parking, and we’re using them again next week! Woohoo!! :D

[@geofflara1]

Oh my gosh! I too loved Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Nintendo! This ship looks incredible.

[@parodeejay]

I can’t tell you how many hours were spent on that dang TMNT game in my youth, ha ha… loved it!! :D ~Jay

[@johnathanmcfadden8978]

The safety video is the same style they used on their airline. Virgin America and probably use on Virgin Atlantic.. 🤣. Always loved it.

[@jeffm5028]

How cool! We were on that sailing with you.

[@parodeejay]

Woohoo, hope you had an awesome cruise!! :D

[@NauticalNurseNancy]

They have my photo on their ahoy sailor cards in the closet!! I'm riding PENELOPE the pool float flamingo, LOL!! This sure is exciting for you guys!! I hope you enjoy the amazing Celebration this week with our fun cruise buddies, Sara and Bob (Cuse Cruisers!!)

[@campdaan]

Love you guys ! I hope you spend a few minutes with Lucy, from Cruising as crew.

[@parodeejay]

She was gone when we sailed!!

[@doziershaw9765]

We left the same day on Grandeur of the Seas which was docked by the Virgin ship, parked in the port of Miami garage at terminal G which I think was $28/day for 5 days or less and $25/day for longer trips. Short walk to and from ship so very convenient

[@parodeejay]

Aha, nice! My brain apparently called you guys Explorer… oops. Hope you had a great cruise on what was our first ever Royal ship!! :D

[@dimplestraveldiary8954]

Jay & Dee!!! Hi y’all! I was your ship neighbor in Miami on Carnival Spirit! We had an early sail away after 3:00 pm. Looking forward to seeing your take on Virgin. It’s on my list of ships to try.

[@parodeejay]

Woohoo! Hope you had a blast on Spirit!! :D

[@dimplestraveldiary8954]

@@parodeejay I had a great time, thank you! Love the ship! Enjoy your adventures❣️

[@etrammell425]

You mentioned The Red Book. The one I remember was a directory of hotels and resorts. It was a guide listing US, Canada and International hotels with their prices and amenities. Travel agents used that along with the OAG ( Official Airlines Guide). Those have been out of print for quite awhile.

[@parodeejay]

Funny! What I remember was a magazine you could get at the grocery store called Redbook, sort of like Better Homes & Gardens or similar publications. No recollection of what the content of Redbook was though, hah!! ~Jay

[@etrammell425]

Oh, that Redbook. It was similar to Ladies Home Journal which was in competition with Good Housekeeping magazine.

[@felixchu7656]

First day looks amazing: The bracelet and the food.... going to wait for your thoughts on the entertainment in the next few videos. I am more used to royals type of entertainment.

[@debbiegibson3604]

I'm anxious to see all of your future vlogs. I want to see how much of a party cruise it is. I'd like to try Virgin because they don't allow children, but we are not party people.

[@parodeejay]

Funny, we found it to be almost the opposite of a party cruise on our sailing. We were only half full, but most folks spent the day reading books, playing board games, and other raucous things like that!! :P

[@debbiegibson3604]

@@parodeejay That sounds good to me. Thanks!

[@anitapickens7377]

I didn't get party vibe on the ship. It was fun and relaxing. The big party night was Scarlet night!

[@dianerivera3222]

We were on Jewel and saw your ship a couple of times. In Costa Maya we could see her from our balcony. Costa Maya was busy.

[@parodeejay]

Nice! We hopped down for a day on the beach at Mahahual that day. Hope you had a great cruise!! :D

[@dianerivera3222]

@@parodeejay 13 night b2b.

[@bgood424]

I understand parking on a budget but you can’t beat getting off the boat and getting to your vehicle in minutes over having to wait on a ride off site. Just my preference and I’ve been fortunate to afford it.

[@parodeejay]

True, it’s always cost versus convenience, hah. For us, half-price parking in Miami when we cruise for three to four weeks at a time is amaaaaazing!! :P

[@martymcfly256]

We parked at Safe Cruise Parking before. Overall it's a good option, but neither my phone GPS nor my Toyota Nav could find the location. Both kept sending us onto I-95 north. So, if you're using them, ditch the GPS and study the map of the area around where they are located.

[@parodeejay]

Yesssss, we circled the block once or twice before we ended up finding the entrance, ha ha… I wanted to be very specific about how to get there once we found it, ha ha… :P ~Jay

[@raymondstockman1688]

CPAP machine compatible rooms. Thank you.❤

[@jackiebyers3424]

22:00 Did they have Centipede? That was my favorite. I also enjoyed PacMan.

[@parodeejay]

Ooooh, I loved Centipede on Atari! Don’t recall seeing it onboard. Dang!! :P ~Jay

[@rj4356]

Love the episode thus far! Is the music that loud, everywhere you walk on the ship? Otherwise, looks 👍 . Thanks.

[@parodeejay]

Mostly just on embarkation day. It seemed to calm down after that, fortunately!! :P

[@amybrock2592]

The over-the-top noise especially piped music might be a deal-breaker for me, or I'd have to take a lot of breaks in the cabin. The food options look great! I'll be paying attention to how taller and larger cruisers do on Virgin.

[@Dee-of-ParoDeeJay]

The music did die down after the first day. We find a lot of cruise lines pump up the volume on embarkation day to add excitement.

[@amybrock2592]

@@Dee-of-ParoDeeJay thank you so much for the reply, Dee! That's good to know! I get having lots of music to pump folks up for sailaway; I was just concerned that level was the norm all cruise. :) I'm looking forward to the future installments of your adventures.

[@parodeejay]

@amybrock2592 A lot of the furniture and seating elements were quite low, both in the cabin and in public spaces. Otherwise, nothing super inconvenient to report. We loved the food and overall vibe sooooo much!! :D ~Jay

[@amybrock2592]

@@parodeejay thank you so much for reporting that! The squishy chairs in Eden on Apex had that issue, I remember! The firmer seats there were easier to launch out of, at least. I'm glad to hear the rest of the ship was non-issue!

[@Scraghunter]

BTW, that was not Explorer. That's a Vision class with just two decks of balconies. Explorer is a Voyager class with quite a few more decks of balconies. :)

[@parodeejay]

Turns out it was Grandeur, ha ha… ooooops!! :P

[@Scraghunter]

@@parodeejay All good, ya'll had the ship you were on to pay attention to lol

[@2cute1230]

That hammock looks hard to get in and out. There were some questionable sculptures at escalator.

[@parodeejay]

For me, it would be the getting out mostly, ha ha… Dee loved it, and we may end up ordering one for our porch at home someday!! :P ~Jay

[@bettahalfofme6658]

I hate that I have a year to wait, booked for next December for Birthday.

[@parodeejay]

Ooooh, fun… it’ll be worth the wait!! :D

[@tracygraves8566]

Thanks for sharing safe cruise parking- how did pickup go? We have a 12 day cruise leaving 12/21

[@parodeejay]

It was amazingly smooth! We got picked up from Terminal B after NCL Prima, and they showed up at the taxi zone to pick us up within about 10 minutes of us getting there. We enjoyed the overall service and are using them again next week!! :D

[@sabrinalavdisarnold825]

If we can ever ditch the kids, Virgin Voyages seems fun. It might be a decade or so...😆

[@parodeejay]

It’s definitely different, but we had a blast!! :D

[@MzKat]

Did you have to make an appointment with Safe Cruise Parking prior to arriving? Cruising out of Miami for the first time at Christmas.

[@parodeejay]

Yes, it's easiest to book ahead of time on their website. We enjoyed having a half-price option for Miami sailings versus paying the port parking prices, and we're using them again next week!! :D

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

I’m excited to see the VV videos

[@parodeejay]

We’re excited to share this series especially. Such a different yet fun cruise experience for us!! :D

[@melecehall6780]

I have a question! When you book a cruise that has Gratuities included, like Virgin Voyages, who pays the crew their tips? The cruise line? It just doesn't sound right that they wouldn't get tips?? Maybe I'm missing something? 😁

[@ceezee9179]

Is there a fridge in the room?

[@annahendrickson5299]

happy firday

[@rhondafair1412]

We were recently on Scarlet Lady and experienced terrible connection to book our shows! Did you have any problems on Vallant Lady? Thanks

[@parodeejay]

No, the connection on Valiant worked pretty well for us overall with both the app and being able to use general internet.

[@kylecaswell1969]

Why are you unable to record the casino while its active? I understand the card games due to cheating but why can’t they record the slots and stuff? Just curious

[@parodeejay]

Most cruise lines have signs posted about not recording video in the casinos, though some photos are okay. When we met Chris Wong onboard Odyssey Of The Seas, he mentioned that you’re not allowed to video or take photos of people while they’re gambling. Not sure of the reasoning, other than just general privacy sake!!

[@kylecaswell1969]

@@parodeejay ahhhh i see, that makes sense! Thanks for the quick reply!

[@alk61695]

11:10, that is actually Grandeur of the Seas, not Explorer.

[@jackiebyers3424]

I assumed he identified them with cruisemapper, so I have to side with Jay!! 😁

[@alk61695]

@@jackiebyers3424 that is 100% not the Explorer. The Explorer is much bigger than that.

[@parodeejay]

@alk61695 Well, shoot… pretty sure I checked CruiseMapper first so as to have my facts straight, hah. But it appears our old girl Grandeur may have indeed been our neighbor there that day. Oops!! :P

[@alk61695]

@@parodeejay that was indeed your old girl Grandeur next to you in port.

[@lucasparker4548]

I have to be honest; I’m a little underwhelmed with the first vlog on Virgin. Not with you guys of course but with the ship. I expected more of a luxury feel, and I just don’t see it. Perhaps because this followed the Beyond series which was the most luxurious ship I’ve ever seen. Great works guys though trying so many different lines

[@parodeejay]

I don’t know that Virgin was really trying to go specifically for a luxury look, so in that aspect it definitely doesn’t compare to Celebrity. I think their intent was to bring a more all-inclusive upscale experience to cruising, such as making all their dining experiences feel like a specialty restaurant but making them free of charge. Little things like that!! :D

[@denised1704]

How long was the ride from shuttle parking to the terminal?

[@parodeejay]

Felt like about a five minute ride to the actual port, then they start with Terminal A for drop-offs & pickups, making their way alphabetically down through G to V, so we were end of the line for this loop. Maybe 15-20 minutes all told for us to get down to the Virgin terminal at the end.

[@denised1704]

@@parodeejay wow not bad at all especially since I will be at terminal A. I forgot to ask, how was the whole pick up process at the end of your cruise? Did you have to wait long for them to pick you up to bring you back to your car?

[@2cute1230]

The room furniture looks like cheap Ikea. The status match is nothing much to speak of. My daughter was on Scarlet and had some real stories to tell of what she saw and happened to her and her friends. VV was not happy.

[@parodeejay]

Our status match was from Carnival diamond level and actually gave us some nice perks. The furniture and storage in the cabin was our main disappointment. But overall, the food and entertainment blew us away!! :D

[@musclebabies]

Is it your camera making the weird annoying sound the whole video??

[@parodeejay]

We hadn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary, though we did get a “new” camera recently of the same old model we always use. All the settings are the same as always, but hopefully something hasn’t gone wrong with it mechanically already… yow!!

[@musclebabies]

@@parodeejay just noticed a weird sound throughout the video we haven't noticed in past videos. Still love it tho lol

[@harryplaza98]

You kept talking about the buffet, you should have known better that they're is no buffet on Virgin. Everything is fresh and prepared to order. Most of the food is served to you, not help yourself type. Good video though.

[@johnmys5am]

Jay, are you loosing weight? Looking good Bro.

[@parodeejay]

Eh, trying as hard as we can to at least maintain, ha ha… we tend to be more active while cruising, which offsets the extra salt and fat intake when we aren’t preparing our own meals!! :P ~Jay

[@Dangic23]

I don’t like your vlogs, but definitely watching this entire series

[@Dee-of-ParoDeeJay]

Well thanks for your honesty. Hope you enjoy the vlogs. We are who we are hope you find the information you are looking for.

[@cruisegal4991]

I differ, have watched many travel vlogs and these people are truly the best.

[@skeletor9121]

@@cruisegal4991 I have to agree with you. Their vlogs regarding cruising are the best in my opinion. Very informative and enjoyable. I feel as if I experienced their same vacation cruise. Keep it up.