I Cruised On Virgin Voyages To See Who It’s REALLY For

[@rada4me]

He could sell ice to eskimos. I'm not interested in cruising. But i watch all his videos. He is so charming and articulate. A lovely person. Always feel happy after watching one of his videos.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks! I’ve always thought I’d make a lousy salesman as not good at fudging the negatives to cling a deal! Really appreciate you watching even though cruising not your thing (yet…)

[@tshampoo7762]

I completely agree! Never cruised, hated the idea tbh before finding Gary’s channel. But he enjoys it so much it’s infectious.

[@danielaamritha340]

so sweeet👏. Best/nicest compliment you can get, Gary! Feel blessed🙏

[@cherylsemrau4375]

There are no Eskimos

[@dinglebarry528]

@@cherylsemrau4375 They are technically referred to as Inuits, Yupik or Inupiaq, this depends on different geographical Arctic locations and spoken language. While the term “Eskimo” is offense to the Native Arctic People (at least in the US), the Native People of the Arctic very much exist. Their skills and knowledge are on an entirely different level. Their customs and languages are being preserved (as much as humanly possible) by talented Native linguists, crafts people of so many varying abilities and skills, artists, authors, and more. Sorry about the lecture! Hope your weekend is wonderful.

[@toddb6576]

Gary, I Uber picked a couple from the port after their VV cruise, and the main points they made in order of importance were 1) No pressure to upsell/Nickle and dime experiences and 2) food quality. It really sunk in the simplicity and no-stress experience they had. Your articulation of these points solidifies my decision to book VV when viruses settle down.

[@6ftNaturalBeauty]

In my opinion, “young at heart means”-- you are not coming with a 1700’s type attitude, you are acceptant of diversity- including racial and sexual preference difference, you are not a perceived Kevin or Karen and you are open to new experiences

[@geordienufc3132]

I'm pleased you told us up front it was a freebie cruise, that makes a huge difference to how much credence I put in to what the reviewer says.

[@riohenry6382]

Why ? He wasn’t particularly flattering. It didn’t make me want to cruise Virgin

[@skyfashion473]

P

[@davidfranco1475]

@@riohenry6382 majority of KZbinrs will only give positive feedback when a provided something free. That's because negative reviews will then most likely prevent them from getting any future freebies from that company from the badpress.

[@primmtravels450]

@@riohenry6382 the spirit of total biscuit would approve of this message

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

I thought that he was very fair in his assessment. Not particularly good or bad. I like the idea of the different dining room options included in the price. If they cruised in my part of the world I would consider virgin. Being adults only appeals.

[@tangatoto362]

It all looks rather nice but….. can you sit anywhere in the sun with a drink and not be “sung at” ? There are some of us on this planet who actually don’t need to be entertained 24/7 😎

[@BardWannabe]

I went as a solo traveler at 48 and had a great time. My main disappointment was that they didn’t make any effort to help the solo travelers mingle, and it started feeling lonely dinning at the restaurants by oneself every night. (In contrast to NCL which will organize optional group dinners for the singles.) Maybe this is something they can change a bit with some feedback. I’m planning to go again in March and will try to be more socially aggressive this time. The food, fitness and entertainment were great. Edit: They now have meet-up events for solo travelers.

[@simonstones1918]

Yes good point. You’d think Virgin would be good at getting everyone involved…

[@davidsmith7926]

@@simonstones1918 Virgins aren't the best at mingling.

[@daonlyboriqua11]

They have a gathering night one for the solo travelers. They also have tons of activities throughout the day where you can meet people. Like their bar crawl. You can meet and mingle at their Scarlet night and Pajama parties too. Have you tried their Korean BBQ restaurant Gunbae? You cant sit alone there They sit you with a group of people and you eat and play drinking games. There’s opportunities on the ship you just gotta utilize them lol I like that they arent overbearing about it and force you into situations like other cruise lines. I can mingle when I want and disengage when I want.

[@BardWannabe]

Yes, when I went on my third cruise in Oct 2022, they had added a first night dinner for solo travelers, and that greatly improved my experience for the whole week.

[@susan3831]

Regent has meetups for singles starting at the beginning of the cruise.

[@kimberlyhurlbut4819]

I just learned of this cruise line the other week. Its a child-free cruise line. We don't jam with the littles so this appeals to us especially since so many of the other cruise lines are very family focused and this one is more couple focused.

[@scottlowell493]

I don't go on vacation/holiday to spend time with kids. I'll never be caught on a Disney cruise. I also try to cruise when school is in session to minimize their presence.

[@allip4226]

@@scottlowell493 Same here - lazy, entitled parents allowing their kids to run around screaming (and worse) and ruin everyone else’s peace and quiet is sadly the norm these days so I will always book adults only holidays over ones that allow children.

[@philthy903]

I went with a mate (not a couple), precisely because there were no kids. I'm not at ease around kids, and they sense it, so this was just heavenly.

[@rocker76m88]

I've never been on a cruise. But, if I ever get brave enough to try, I will definitely go on this one. Love the idea of no kids ❤❤

[@rocker76m88]

@foxo please do. Have a safe trip!

[@vortexlisa]

I just got back from their Valiant Lady cruise. To me it was amazing. Best few weeks of my life.

[@krystiankowalski7335]

I hate the idea myself. I’m 17 now, but after I turn 18 I’ll never go on a cruise with these restrictions.

[@islaw1898]

I wonder, are there other premium cruises which are adults only and a bit more classic in style?

[@RRLV434]

@@islaw1898 Viking ocean

[@tixximmi]

Food is my number 1. The rest isn't that important. Looking forward with my first Virgin Cruise. If I want exercise, I'll skip the elevators.

[@trgtsk8r73]

My aunt walks the outer decks , like on older ships the outside decks that go around the ship as her exercise

[@karenrobbins6656]

That’s very interesting and informative. My 88 year mother would hate the format but I like the idea of the fitness emphasis and all specialty dining. I’m not a party person either. Maybe I will give the line a try

[@marklewin8]

Went on the Scarlet Lady in April 2022 for 5 nights out of Miami. You can do everything or nothing, party or sleep. Generally 30s to well into their 70s which is perfect for an adults only cruise. Totally non judgmental atmosphere as everyone was there for a good time. Great food, drinks and very sexy vibes. Evening wear definitely adults oriented. Many thongs (women and men) at pools and spas. Topless area upper deck in the back of the ship. Pool areas well populated by day but not overly crowded but that can vary depending on the time of year out of Miami. Great entertainment and cannot wait to go again.

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

Honestly I could see this appealing to me at 25. I don’t want to cruise with kids, and love Celebrity, but this may be even more up my alley

[@matthewgoldberg5068]

Fantastic video! Exactly what I was looking to learn about Virgin. I'm a 55 y.o. male, solo traveler who doesn't want the over-the-top party scene and wants an upscale environment/service. Virgin seems to lack intellectual and non-fitness classes/activities. Any recommendations from the group?

[@JohnnyFuturePast]

I’m 53 going on 35 so I know this will be fantastic for a young at heart guy like me, and I love all the included dining options I think that’s truly amazing and unique! Hoping to sail with Virgin for my Birthday this coming year in 2022! 💙 Great video once again Gary Thank You 🙏

[@dlgregory35]

I like your reply and you saying you are young at heart. I am older than you are and said exactly same thing to my granddaughter and her reply was that is your opinion granddad, but you are in fact your age thats just your imagination. Knocked the wind out of my sails brought me back to reality.

[@JohnnyFuturePast]

@@dlgregory35 I think your granddaughter needs to have a bit more respect for you if you didn’t mind my saying. That’s rather rude!!! Age is a # not a complete identity!!!!

[@judithcrone5869]

@@JohnnyFuturePast I agree . I don't look my age

[@VictoriaGates]

She will change her tune when she realizes that we get older and it's not by choice and who we are inside is still the same despite our body betraying us as it does.

[@JohnnyFuturePast]

@@VictoriaGates Mine is being quite nice to me these days…for now! Lol

[@garytilkin]

Gary, well done. I really appreciate your honest on Virgin providing you with the cruise. I find your videos credible and helpful.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching. I always declare if have, which is not many. But nowadays I think I am going to have to say in all the other videos that I have booked and paid going rate as there is growing scepticism and questions around bloggers, Vlogger and journalists not being transparent that I feel need to declare that too !

[@garytilkin]

@@tipsfortravellers Sorry for not responding sooner. The reality is, either we viewer buy into your comments, or we don't. You have a huge following so it is clear, folks buy into you. Don't change a thing.

[@simonstones1918]

@@tipsfortravellers honesty is always the best policy. Look at our politicians!

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

@@simonstones1918 did you have to mention politicians! I was happy until then. Lol Have a good day from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@GugaandRob]

Thank you for your review. We will definitely have to put this on the list of cruises to try. I love eating great food, but I always wondered if there was enough fun things to do for someone in their 30’s (hubby).

[@toccoa]

TYVM! A third of what you describe is appealing (smart casual, food, tech) but on balance I doubt I will ever Virgin. I think they tried a bit too hard to be different for the sake of being different.

[@tipsfortravellers]

They probably have yes 😀😀😀

[@dlgregory35]

@@tipsfortravellers No matter what the Virgin ship Scarlet Lady looks like inside, outside it is hideous.

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

I love sitting on a barstool, eating, drinking, enjoying nice weather, views, and music. When you think about it, it's not really so much and can be enjoyed on most ships and indeed most places around the world.

[@johnnagustafson9996]

I agree, you are only as old as you feel. And we must remember that people who went to Woodstock are in there 70's now.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great point! I do surprise myself every now and then when I see my name of something alongside my age. That can’t be right ….

[@johnnagustafson9996]

@@tipsfortravellers indeed, as sometimes I reverse my age and think that I am 25...lol

[@matthewdenckla6567]

This review is MUCH appreciated! Thanks for your candor and care in making this video!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear you found it enjoyable and interesting. Really appreciate you watching

[@catherineanderson5355]

you summed up our experience, we headed to bed at the time of when the "party started" (and we're mid 40s). I did miss daytime activities as we're not into fitness. I'd have liked a film or something to attend like a talk (but not selling me items in the shops)

[@janajeffsilvernickelladventure]

Thank You Gary. My wife and I were curious about what it would be like for us. You have definitely helped us feel more at ease about this cruise line.

[@pagaporvista569]

I can't wait to try it out - the food looks amazing! Our priorities are the food and cocktails (we cruise NCL and use the speciality dining heavily). I really enjoy the fitness facilities, not so much my husband - I'll send him to the bar!

[@keonisan]

Fitness rooms are the last place I'd be caught dead at on a cruise, second maybe to the clubs or bars. The dining and relaxation parts are what I enjoyed the most on the cruises I've been on. Being able to relax on the deck with my Kindle in hand.

[@Hawkeye2001]

Great pre-view. The eating options sound appealing, the emphasis on fitness isn't as interesting. I could see myself on-board. Thanks to you and Virgin Voyages for the insights.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and great to hear you found it interesting. Keep me posted if you do give them a try !

[@ps3790]

I have never been on a cruise, and just heard about the Virgin cruises recently and was curious about them. I think this sounds just about right for me. Good video.

[@nomebear]

Cruise ships are not for everyone, but I'm amazed to meet passengers who literally live on cruise ships, taking one voyage after another. I personally don't believe the cruise liners are good for the environment. While at sea what looked like the smog of a city on the horizon was actually the ship's exhaust gas. While on a multi-week voyage with a premier cruise line, a gift from an old friend, four days into the cruise I wanted off of the mega ship, I felt it to be artificial and limiting with the time in each port limited and activities tightly controlled. I greatly appreciate my friend's generosity, but it will be my one and only time on a cruise ship.

[@andreagriffiths3512]

It’s a shame you hated it but, as you said, cruising isn’t for everyone, but I do hope you were grateful and appreciative and didn’t bag your gift to your friend who bought it for you. Maybe a more expedition type of cruise would be more your style?

[@VictoriaGates]

Why on earth are you watching Cruise videos then?

[@andyharpist2938]

@@VictoriaGates welcome to the Internet.

[@andyharpist2938]

I spent a few days in Bergen. I sat and chatted with a lady, in her mountainside appartment and saw a smoking cruise ship funnel, not a few hundred metres opposite from us. She told me, as we coughed, about the cruise ships, below, taking over the town. Later I watched it go..and within a few minutes another one, even larger, was coming in. Some school girls were selling home made cakes for their school on the quai. They sold two to us but not even one to the passengers..who remarked they looked nice but got everything free on board.

[@VictoriaGates]

@@andyharpist2938 I mean.. I just had to point out OP was wasting his/her time. lol - As for the Bergen experience you had.. not all the cruise passengers will want to buy something at every port that is true but the same goes when I travel by car or plane. Cars have exhaust.. so do planes.. causes environmental damage. If I am traveling on land I pack snacks and food to take with and I might not buy home-cooked goods from kids since I don't trust it. To be fair you could find issues with all types of travel.

[@doncorcoran8920]

My wife and I will be going on Virgin for the first time next week( Oct. 29th) for a shirt cruise. We are both very experienced cruisers. So far the experience with Virgin before the cruise is terrible. The ports of call was changed after we paid in full, with no refund on our money, take it or lose your money. The app sucks, we can't make reservations for our anniversary because everything is full. Hopefully something happens to change my mind, but for right now I think we will be sticking with Viking cruise line.

[@simonstones1918]

Please let us know how it all went Don. Please

[@msheartface5288]

How did it go? Please elaborate x

[@bobzthecat82]

I really dont want to be seeing the colour red everywhere on holiday, especially in the outside areas, I know its a brand, but its so unrelaxing.

[@irenejohnston6802]

The colour red is oppressive and exhausting. Where are the beautiful limpid sea green, aquamarine natural textures?

[@limaim26]

I've never been on a cruise since I've never been interested. I live in Miami, the cruise capital of the world lol... Now, this one in particular really got my attention and after this review I will consider it. Thanks a lot.

[@KansaSCaymanS]

Interesting review. The first time I flew Virgin Airlines I thought: this is a bit different, but I really like it! Sounds like their cruise line conveys a similar impression. 😎👍

[@omnominous4799]

I'm 53, and that ship makes me nauseated. Everything about it looks skewed and disorienting, disgusting.

[@HeatherTravels]

I am still totally confused by this cruise line. This video footage with so many older people in this environment looks bizarre to me. I still find everything about it incredibly off-putting. If they want to be "young at heart", why is it restricted to adults only with such unusual, provocative entertainment? Why are they equating young at heart with weird? To me, that means playful and wholesome. I also think it is one of the ugliest ships I have ever seen, inside and out. It has no cohesive design indoors and outdoors it looks like it's going to war!

[@tipsfortravellers]

It’s definitely a riddle! Which is going to evolve I am sure 😀😀😀

[@crs2385]

I'm sure it has so much variety/entertainment. But i'm just gonna come out, and say it, that ship imo is top heavy in appearance, and ugly. Btw great video, tips, and advice as ever Gary. I plan on sailing on the 14 day round trip on the QM2 in 2023. We're planning it at the moment, and i have watched your videos on Cunard's flag ship, and the other ships within the fleet. Very helpful, and insightful

[@HeatherTravels]

I agree! The only ship that might have it beat for ugliest is Norwegian Epic.

[@crs2385]

@@HeatherTravels Oh God. Just searched that one. Yeah not the nicest looking by any stretch

[@Ukfairgrounds]

@@HeatherTravels epic doesn’t look that bad

[@styldsteel1]

Oh this virgin ship absolutely takes the award in being the ugliest moving object made by the hands of Man. God. It's an eye sore.

[@dlgregory35]

To look at a monstrosity not a ship ugliest thing anybody ever devised. Whoever designed it and I understand they knew nothing about cruise ships should be hung and quartered and how any real cruise person could possibly like that thing must have a problem.

[@Layla-yr5ef]

Do not like this cruise line. Not for me.

[@kaamkmca]

Thank you, Gary, for a very informative insight to cruise holidaying on this ship. Since it's launch, I have been curious about it. I was expecting Virgin to try something different to the others. You have satisfied my curiosity. The varied specialty restaurants sound interesting. That would be worth a try!

[@johnrogers2826]

Holy crap, that whole thing looks soooooo crappy! Wow!

[@lynne4481]

I was invited on the first flight (Maiden Voyage) of Virgin Atlantic in the 80s. It would be great to try this latest, creative iteration of Virgin. Thank you for the detailed review.

[@palladwr15]

Grossly overshadowed balconies to suites. Strange food options. Gimmicky decor. Very grey decor. Went on a three day cruise but would never book it again.

[@glennisbriant5676]

God almighty. A floating petri dish. Bloody awful looking ship and annoying group activities. Ghastly.

[@huwlewis9059]

Easy peasey for me - after a (very) bad experience with another Virgin company, and zero effort from the company or Virgin corporate to acknowledge and remedy the problem, I avoid anything with Virgin in the name. So count me out!!

[@StephenandAndie]

This is really informative! We just went on our first cruise ever (Majestic Princess, to Alaska), so we're still learning about the whole cruise culture and cruise industry. We've been curious about Virgin and wondered some of the same things you pointed out in this video, so thanks for shedding some light!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and great to hear. Hope Majestic Princess was fantastic. I’m on in June Anchorage to Vancouver

[@StephenandAndie]

@@tipsfortravellers It was great, especially the entire crew. Some aspects of the food offerings were slightly less than our expectations, while some were higher. Overall, we had a wonderful first-time experience and quite like Princess as a whole!

[@debbieball900]

Watched the Cruise on tv. Really don't fancy a virgin cruise. All looks a bit fake and forced .

[@robertivanovs8471]

maybe it is me...but l felt the decorator of the ship was cold.

[@larsthorwald3338]

Maybe you could do a video about the best cruises for fossilized English queens. hahaha

[@LyfaLeeZhure_DavidShawn]

Thanks for this vid, Gary. Early November, I booked a suite with a balcony and hammock. 8 days, 4 ports in the eastern Caribbean. Airfare and all...$4K out the door. Like yourself, I'm NOT a party animal; this is gonna be more of a "fact-finding mission"...I'm a veteran Vegas entertainer whose career didn't quite get to the level it SHOULD have. No desire to work on a boat; I have my sights set more on the 4 different ports...the resorts--especially Virgin's private island.

[@MyPhilw]

Not for me , I don’t like the deco , dinning, whole set up , sky princess for me

[@tipsfortravellers]

I’m on Sky Princess right now. Definitely rather different 😀😀

[@MyPhilw]

@@tipsfortravellers Myself and wife went last weekend for first time , for my wife’s 50th , had a brilliant time and was very impressed , staff couldn’t do enough for you , I think we have the bug now and have been watching your videos lol , only annoying thing was had some idiot out on there balcony talking and banging seats at 3am one night

[@tipsfortravellers]

That would have driven me nuts 😀😀

[@MyPhilw]

@@tipsfortravellers haha lol it did until I blew my top 👍

[@MyPhilw]

@@tipsfortravellers had my revenge the next morning as we get up early , what’s the point of laying in bed all day you miss too much , so started banging the patio door and banging chairs 😂

[@pohanahawaii]

The red/blue color scheme is really turning me off though, kinda jarring.

[@jeremywhite7654]

10:13 As someone who likes to play board games with the family on cruises, that's the best stocked board game library I've ever seen on a cruise. Whoever bought it knew what they were doing.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great point!! It really is !

[@davidseddon2690]

I spotted that too - at 10.3 We are all board gamers in the house and seeing things like Ticket to Ride, Dixit, Splendor and Codenames means someone knows what they are doing - not just Monopoly and Scrabble for a change :)

[@davidbenner2289]

Virgin Voyages seems to be best for me. And I'm 68 years old! I've been on two cruise liner voyages in my life. Both trans Pacific, East Asia to California. 1960 and 1971.

[@l.faraday8767]

Another great update Gary. I always assumed that the crowd on cruises would be older because of the expense. When I was in my 20’s and even 30’s I couldn’t afford cruising.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching as always. I really appreciate it. That was always my theory too 😀😀

[@ameliaerin1544]

Agreed but the young people have credit cards today!

[@maxgong009]

My friends and i are going. We have a group of 8. We are in our late 20s and early 30s. Lol afford cruising ? The price is pretty cheap, but they are right. It's the last horay before having kids .

[@evercuriousmichelle]

I’m 32 and can’t afford to cruise, I also would rather spend my money on a camping trip than a cruise. If someone offered me a free cruise Virgin would be my first pick though!

[@stuartlee6622]

I wouldn't be caught dead on that, darling!

[@jeffuzzle396]

I really can’t believe how incredibly ridiculous some people can be! I’ve seen several videos addressing the Same subjects. Let me just say that Most people want to go on Virgin because there are no children and their “inconsiderate parents” on board! All of this “do I have to be a model” crap is crazy. Who cares what other people “look like” on the ship. Go and have have a good time or choose one of several other cruise lines to take your vacation! SMH🤦🏾‍♂️

[@kevster1007]

Seems a bit full on so the lower end of the cruising market IMHO

[@williamevans9426]

"The Wake" dining outlet - hmm! I presume there was a fake body wrapped in sail-cloth, which was ceremonially dropped overboard before each dining session? (Joke!!)

[@tipsfortravellers]

A few people have mentioned the unfortunate connection on the name. It hadn’t crossed my mind until then as I must be too much of a ship / cruise geek to have the wake of the ship the only connection I made … I wonder if anyone on Virgin side made the connection…

[@denizalgazi]

LOL 👍!

[@maxgong009]

Haha my friends are I are in our late 20s and early 30s. We were hoping for a younger crowd for sure 🥴 . The one last party before getting married and having kids.

[@monkeyb1820]

You'll find an overall younger crowd on a 4 or 5 night Carnival cruise. They used to have an awesome excursion where they take you out on a pontoon boat to do some snorkeling, and it includes unlimited beer (they might still have it, I don't know). That was a fun time. After a little while, you're partying it up with people you don't know at all. Virgin's earlier marketing was that it was for 20 and 30something hardbodies, but the reality is that the people that can actually afford to go and who are not burdened with work/kids are moreso in the 50s-70s age range.

[@lklpalka]

YES to the Virgin cabaret style entertainment venues....I'd rather enjoy the considerable entertainment skills of one or two very talented performers than a glitzy stagefull of semi-gifted doing those dated Vegas style revues which I totally avoid. Based on your take, this looks like something we'd like to do. YES to the food also, and the diversity - in every way that word means. Thank you Gary. Unvarnished, a bit edgy, and always honest.

[@lisalister8002]

I don't think I would like the sexual themes.

[@Captn-Stan]

Just does not look enjoyable to me. The format is not my cup of tea. I am 72 and would take Celebrity over Virgin. I am glad you had a good time, I mean you had to, it was free! lol

[@amybradley5821]

Hate their cabins and I always get a balcony and stay in room unless in port. It’s a no for me.

[@dorischwaiger6643]

Gary, from your video it looks like the 50-60’s crowd is very prevalent

[@tipsfortravellers]

Definitely!

[@loumello8813]

Your recap is excellent and may convince me to give them a try. I love the fitness aspect and the food does look quite good and a lot of variety, Thanks much.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching! You back from Apex? How was it ??

[@loumello8813]

@@tipsfortravellers yes,we got back Saturday at 1 am. It was a great cruise and the ship is absolutely amazing. Only 501 passengers with a capacity of 2900. It was like our own private yacht.

[@carolhether]

Thank you for posting this. I am definitely a traditional type cruiser, therefore nothing you showed appealed to me. The red everywhere was too much...how much can you exercise in one day...no main dining room.....and seeing people make out on stage, ugh 🤦‍♀️ I’ll stick with Princess, Royal, Celebrity thank you very much!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Good to hear it helped! It is also good to hear when I’ve helped people know what’s not for them. Really appreciate you watching this !

[@ajsweetie22]

Gary, wonderful as always! We were very curious about this line and really needed to hear this.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for your advice. I hope I will enjoy now that I am 57 years. And it sounds like I will be at the health club area doing the cardio and the walking on the run/walking trail.

[@mikedennington8856]

The oldies are the usual ones who can afford the prices.

[@tipsfortravellers]

I agree ..!!!

[@PRTEEGRL]

So true!!! I rudely stated that only old people drive Cadillacs in the presence of my mom. She PROMPTLY told me that that’s because they are the only ones that could afford them!😳 I learned my place and never stepped out of line again!! 😂😂😂

[@cGousha]

Have you heard anything concerning a loyalty program for Virgin? There was some talk in 2019 about setting up the Virgin Red program across ALL of the Virgin brands, but I’ve seen nothing since. Along with that, I’d love a full video around the question: are the cruise loyalty programs worth it?

[@cGousha]

Found Gary’s Loyalty video - Feb 20, 2020. That gave me the general regard. Now to find out whatever happened with the Virgin Red program…

[@annaeubanks7080]

I've watched many of your videos and never thought Virgin would be for me, or doing a solo cruise. Saw the video, saw a Virgin sale, and off I went solo. It was FANTASTIC! I think the food alone is worth giving it a try. I'm taking my husband next year so he can see what I was going on about! Thanks for taking a look and showing that preconceived notices of what the line might be about doesn't necessarily mean it's not for you!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear this. Agree. The food is a big strong point

[@samantha1877]

I want more information on solo traveling on any cruise ships

[@ajrp73]

I am solo traveling on VV next month for the first solo trip in my life! Little nervous but remind me 11/18 to give you a review.

[@nancyt2539]

Thanks for the update Don - looking forward to seeing more of the ports in Alaska. For this testing that is required - is that only when flying home to Canada (or any other countries outside the US)?

[@vittoriovuocolo2438]

Your comment is on the wrong youtube channel.

[@lauramipe2955]

I am in my mid 30’s. My husband and I just came back from our first cruise and we were expecting to see more couples around our age. We were disappointed when this didn’t happen, and it makes sense. We don’t have any kids and our priorities in life at the moment are career and traveling. Most couples our age parents of young children that have no time to think about cruising. I was thinking maybe Virgin Voyages might be different, so we will have to see.

[@saltystuff8080]

You were just on the wrong cruise line. Disney has loads of 30 year olds….yes usually, but not always with our kids in tow. 😂

[@travelbydiane-allinclusive817]

I’m 60 and cruise Scarlet Lady on October 10th. Thank you for answering the big question about age !

[@tipsfortravellers]

Fabulous as you will be in of the first to be sailing where she was intended to be!! Please let me know how you get on and think 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnfromberkeley]

So, what were you listening to in Virgin Records back in the day?

[@evgeny9965]

The whole thing looks horrofying!!!

[@truthseeker3909]

That is a horrible design for a pool!

[@brianfoster4434]

Well, I'm happy they have defined their brand and are sticking to it. I'm yet to go on a cruise... still researching. But, from a marketing point of view - I know if you try to be all things to all people, you will fail.

[@vontravel]

I feel better about Virgin after this: originally the cabin bed, size of bathroom and lack of swimming pools somewhat horrified me, but I do appreciate this assessment. But if I met Richard Branson I would express my mild alarm that he did not insist on a LPG fuel designed engine. Surely we can NOT afford to continue indulging with diesel?! Michael

[@tipsfortravellers]

Good point on the fuel etc.. Coming in new it would have been a big part of the story and type of people they trying to attract

[@richardhodds7812]

Modern ships have state of the art Engine Rooms and Bridges, my grandsons would feel at home steering the ship.🤣 You would be very surprised how efficient they are.

[@bohemianlucy4726]

I'm not really a fitness person but honestly the lack of nonfitness activities doesn't really bother me to be honest. Even though I've never actually been on a cruise I don't feel like I would be signing up for a lot of activities anyway, I'd be more happy to just hang out in the pool or explore the ship and see what's being offered as opposed to being expected do a certain activity at a particular time

[@Ukfairgrounds]

Still can’t get over that ridiculous pool size 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@allenshepard7992]

Was there a library? A place to play cards? Some people are introverts. What about a bar ? I like the "play ground" feel. Kind of 60's white collar hippy

[@Crusader1984]

LGBT? Count me out no thanks!!

[@Diana-007]

So glad you reviewed Gary, definitely not for me had hoped it was just the ships awful decor and colour, but no it’s trying too hard - looks grim, but everyone to their own and I hope those who choose this line have a wonderful time. 🥰

[@karenglaicar5486]

Thanks for the info, great details. I also thought differently. Now I will consider cruising with Virgin. Thanks and take care.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Great to hear you found this interesting. Really appreciate you watching

[@Tzvi092]

regarding pricing... You said they are "premium" and then went on to mention all the items that were included. This prompts the question: compared to regular pricing on a RoyCar/Carn/Prin,etc ship and adding in what are extra for them like non-alcoholic drink pkg, wifi, specialty dining, gratuities... is it really all that more? (airline parralel: for me economy plus a second suitcase is less than $200 cheaper than prem econ (12 flying hr trip) so no brainer there when you factor in miles and tier points)

[@kiha6702]

Gary, I loved all the different and smaller dining options. I'm not a gym enthusiast, but can see how that is a must on a cruise like that🤪😂 Nobody wants to ROLL down the gangway after a cruise like that😆😆I enjoy your videos👍👍 (never been on a cruise YET)😉

[@elliottpaine9259]

So the activities you do on a cruise are all the same ones you can do at home, or in a city? Dancing, swimming, exercise, bars, and shows.

[@mrbutch308]

OMG! Who is that lady at 10:23?

[@missybridwell9200]

As a regular cruiser, you just saved me money. Thank you for the great detail. Virgin, definitely isn’t for us.

[@jerometrembley1408]

If I could ask, what turned you off?

[@lorraainekeith2448]

Me too not for me

[@StormBringer-]

I’m not a party person but I do t want to be around a bunch of older cruisers. I’m 60 in Dec and my twins can’t keep up with me and they just turned 18

[@livingthedream923]

The price wouldn’t bother me. I’d gladly pay more for a child free vacation.

[@globalnomad3488]

I agree with review apart from one thing. I did a 14 day repositioning from Barcelona to Miami with VV. Although the itinerary included visiting several interesting ports there was zero cultural enrichment on board. Al VV wanted to do was to upsell excursions.

[@philthy903]

Thanks for this :) Took my first-ever (and so far, only) cruise, on Resilient Lady in March 2024, from Melbourne to Auckland. I'm looking at cruise channels on KZbin so I'm guessing it won't be my last cruise :) Package included air fares, hotel in Auckland, and a generous drinks package. I too was hesitant over the age thing (I'm 60 this year, and expected to be surrounded on the cruise solely by people half my age intent on partying their butts off), but after half an hour overlooking the pool deck I was in my element. Not in a pervy way, you understand, but just loved seeing everyone - of all ages - so relaxed so soon, and enjoying the epic daily DJ session. I wasn't into all the fitness venues, but we made a point every day of doing three laps of the ship while demolishing the drinks package :) The shows and food were the highlight for me. So many superb offerings for free, and we took in one premium (i.e. pay-for) restaurant and one premium show, both WELL worth the outlay. Would certainly recommend this for a first-time cruiser like me.

[@seltaeb9691]

In a storm I don't fancy my chances on that thing. It's not a cruise ship, more a floating town in a mall at Xmas time.

[@ahphong2904]

Imagine your job is to travel in luxurious Cruises at their expense. This guy doesn’t need to imagine. He is living the life many of us only dream of.I want his job! 😁😁😁

[@jjcross3560]

Virgin Voyage s : Is the Motel 6 of Cruise Ships. I will never Cruise this line.

[@AnthonyWilliams-dc5ez]

Great video Gary! I’m 62. Always wondered about Virgin.

[@DebraSmith-dl2yz]

Just returned from a Scarlet lady cruise for 5 days. Yes, this ship is beautiful, with wonderful food and excellent service. The staff are terrific! I do however disagree about the party aspect you claim was not an issue. It was for our experience. Our cabin was on the 13th floor ,at least 3 decks below the pool deck. On scarlet night the late night party nearly shook our cabin apart and and could be heard even with noise canceling headphones on! The decible level was painful. The music played at the pool deck daily and trying to relax in a $250.00 cabana was impossible. I feel the age on our cruise was significantly younger, therefore the music was not our taste.

[@portermj]

That board game cabinet looked really well stocked! Did you get a chance to play any games? As a solo traveler, it seems like they would be great icebreakers.

[@marybeal1024]

This was very informative. I was thinking of going to a Virgin cruise, now I know this is not for me. Watching most of your videos I can barely see any accommodations for mobility impaired people.

[@QuintusAntonious]

This is completely frivolous and subjective, but I've really appreciated how you've been switching up your tie-in video pitch to be a bit more inviting and friendly instead of "Right now" which is more like a command. Your videos are always a joy to watch, especially having grown up cruising myself!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching to the end to see it!! And good to hear. It’s definitely better approach 😀😀😀