Why Is Virgin Voyages So Controversial? We Find Out What REALLY Happens!

[@Wendys_lovinglife]

I LOVE your videos and you two! The visuals and production value is excellent and the content is so entertaining and informative. Thank you!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much Wendy, really kind of you to say!

[@kathleenlaw6146]

"Catch of the day," at minute 8:27, you two are fun AND informative. Thank you !

[@ritzytravelguide]

Ha ha, I did feel like an idiot!

[@lindasmith6072]

So far this cruise looks awesome. So much fun. Also you are some of my fav youtubers . Love your relationship - it's goals. Wishing you every success.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you so much Linda! Wishing you all the best too 😊

[@sandrahansen7301]

My husband and I went on our first ever cruise on Virgin and loved it. Although we weren’t big on the crazy parties and entertainment, we found the value and quality of the included food, fitness facilities and activities to be very worth it and we found many quiet spots to wile away the days with a good book or relax at the spa, so we were quite satisfied. Thanks for bringing us such lovely, informative content. You are some of our favorite KZbinrs and we look forward to all your videos.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Sandra, great to hear from you. Thank you for your lovely comments. We would 100% echo your comments about the gym. My wife reckons it's one of the best at sea. Likewise we loved relaxing in the Dock House, platter of mezze and skewers in one hand, drink in the other 🍷!

[@victorialeachart9578]

I enjoy a couple of other cruising channels but yours is, by far, the most entertaining and the most beautifully presented by you both. I’ve yet to plan my first cruise so I appreciate the useful information, as well. Thank you!😊

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Victoria, many thanks indeed. Best of luck finding, and planning your first cruise!

[@NoelReynolds-t4y]

Good lord, it looks like a promotional video for the island of broken toys. 🤣

[@TravellingLightLisa]

Great to see what you guys thought of the ship. We loved all the courses in Test Kitchen but did have the veggie options. You do an excellent job of showing all the venues. We have enjoyed watching you both experience the ship..we loved it and will hopefully be back soon! ❤

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks very much Guys! I'm sure you'll be back on, in 2025!

[@makkyroll_8157]

Also did you ever figure out how to use the hammock 😂 you sit on it like a swing and then you can extend it more in front and back of you so you’re lying perpendicular on it! Hope that makes sense! It’s very comfy!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Ha, ha yes you are right! Initially I was trying to use it like a beach type hammock, where you lie in it left to right. But by the time I had mastered it, my wife had already died from laughing!

[@camping4ever]

I've been waiting for this 2nd video! Going on our 1st VV sailing at the beginning of February, and I really enjoyed all the details you provided.

[@ritzytravelguide]

That's great. Wishing you an amazing sailing in February!

[@brendaprice3713]

We cruised Virgin in December 2023 and booked our second for April 2025. Absolutely love this cruise line, the size of the beautiful ship and the no judgement atmosphere onboard. I’m 60, hubby 55 and we love the fun, food and people.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Brenda, that's fantastic. 3 months away, lots to look forward to!

[@jacobkrause4094]

Yes been waiting for this one! Thanks for the reviews.

[@ritzytravelguide]

You're welcome, thanks for joining us!

[@tbro421]

Hi Bill. Nice job on Video #2. Your cinematography is outstanding. It’s also nice to see your Mrs in a true co-starring role. I agree with all of your points. The risque shows are not really for me, I’m 71 and just want to relax and enjoy the great food and the excellent value that Virgin provides. So a cruise is what you make of it. Next up I’ll try Celebrity. My best cruises so far have been themed cruises which are great regardless of cruise line and the shows are always going to be exactly what you like. Keep up the great videos. Thank you.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you Tom. Themed cruises can be great fun. I remember, years ago, going on a Murder on the Panama Canal themed cruise, set in the 1930s!

[@antonoosthuizen0322]

not my kind of cruise....but the restaurants look absolutely amazing.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Anton. Yes the restaurants are very good!

[@carolm8003]

Such a humorous informative take.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you Carol!

[@vicbitter57]

Love you guys, keep up the good work, Virgin looks interesting lol😂

[@ritzytravelguide]

It's certainly that 🤣

[@tracimorgan3695]

I Love VV getting ready for our 3rd sailing!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Fantastic!

[@JLbigadventures]

Hey Bill I love that the hammock provided basically the same exercise opportunities as the gym. I dunno the whole vibe reminds of a Pride weekend in the nineties-maybe not for us. Thanks for the honest comments. We're going to be trying the Explora 1 in March-maybe more our speed.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Ha ha, I love the slant you put on that..the hammock provides the same exercise opportunities 🤣😂 It wasn't supposed to! Explora 1 will be amazing. What a treat!

[@skycaptain3344]

Another stellar video! Really felt like I was onboard with you, not just a quick ship tour. That said, I fall into the last category - Virgin is not for me! Thanks for sharing your journey with us

[@ritzytravelguide]

Yes, Virgin is very polarizing. A lovely hate relationship for many people

[@stalyirmangin6249]

Hi!!! New subscriber, here! Planning my first cruise and your advice is invaluable! Thank you ever so much! Bill, I utterly LOVE your sense of humour! Virgin Cruises look GHASTLY! The decor is quite gouache in places, but considering what it’s marketed as… The food looks exquisite! I’d love nothing more than to escape my teenagers and international waters seem the best place; but not with Richard Branson! I mean…I have ADHD and it all looks a bit…much! 😂😂😂😭😭😭 Bon Voyage, lovely, lively people!!! 😘🫡🌈

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there! Thanks so much for your comments, very kind! Wishing you the best of luck finding the right 1st cruise.

[@pamelaebarnes]

I booked a last minute solo cruise in June 2024. I ended up making friends with some great people. And now we are doing the Greek Island Glow together in 2025. I like that you can do as much, or as little, as you like. I'm excited about the changes to Razzle Dazzle.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, yes are you referring to Lucky Lotus, which Razzle Dazzle changes into, in the evening? That's a great idea

[@pamelaebarnes]

@ritzytravelguide Yes! Is that on all ships? Or only being rolled out slowly?

[@ritzytravelguide]

Starting on 1 first. Then if successful, rolling out to all

[@makkyroll_8157]

Hey! I recognize Chris the Sailor! I met him on my first VV cruise! Legend!

[@kategibb5245]

Love your videos Bill, they are a joy to watch,so informative and so witty Virgin ships look beautiful for the most part,food looks good, apart from the Test Kitchen, but at 76,too high octane for me.Ill stick with Celebrity.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you Kate. We love Virgin too, one of our absolute favourites!

[@TyTyHawaii]

Waiting for Part 3!

[@shabebeb7445]

Definitely some great options. The entertainment was not to my liking but can’t please everyone. Great review overall

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thank you!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Truly entertaining, humorous review. The ship looks quite different than anything else and that's a plus to me. It seems like it has great food and there's no upcharge for it. It seems campy. I need some quietness to maybe it has that. It's not romantic. It's fine however I don't know how large this line can get. They may have to stop at 5 ships.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Benjamin, it's an interesting topic on how many ships Virgin can roll out, without changing the concept. The first 3, (and most likely the 4th) are near identical. No tweaking, no adjustment. An exact copy and paste.

[@jabbathehut656]

great video. We are on our firts virgin cruise in June on Resilient Lady. Usuallycruise with Celebrity so this will be different. Doubt I will do the sail away party or red night, as we are more likely in one of the bars usually well sozzled by about 8pm. The food looks immense.

[@ritzytravelguide]

I think a lot of people are well sozzled in the bars by 8pm 😂. The food is immense.

[@jabbathehut656]

Thanks for the reply. Made feel good knowing we won't be alone at 8m.

[@tysona23]

The hammock is a chair.😂 I love the safety video. Its fun and definitely catches your attention 🎉 hoping to sail on scarlet lady in July ❤ we di Resilient lady for iur honeymoon

[@ritzytravelguide]

Good luck with Scarlet Lady

[@manax8775]

Looks fun

[@marshillmike]

Taking my first Virgin cruise, although I've been on half a dozen other lines and hundreds of days at sea, this ain't Cunard, a 14 transatlantic. this was very helpful as well as entertaining. Thanks, that got a like and subscribe

[@ritzytravelguide]

That's great, glad you enjoyed it!

[@madameyong2765]

I’m sailing August 2026 and I will be 66 years old by then 😂. I will skip the Sailaway Party as I don’t drink alcohol and using a Walker might get stuck around stairs 😮 Ha!! The hammock!! I will be like a caught whale 🐳 too much of a challenge getting on and off it 😅 Definitely, there for the food and shows 👍🏻🥘🍱💃👯‍♀️

[@ritzytravelguide]

Plenty of time between now and then to dream of the food!

[@VindicatorFSX]

What happened to The Wake? I thought in the other video you said that was your favorite restaurant.

[@ritzytravelguide]

We like them both, very much. (Wake and Extra Virgin.) Hard to pick between them!

[@clivehewins]

High really love your guides to the ships thank you! Very minor point......Aft is a direction not a location. You can walk to the Aft end of deck 14 you cannot walk to The Aft .....there us no such place. The extreme Aft end of the ship us the stern. Its like you can't walk to the forward (For'd). It's a direction not a place 😅 cheers i'm Just a Salty Old Matelot. You're very brave doing Virgin!😂

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, that's very interesting thank you. I enjoy nuisances of nautical terms!

[@clivehewins]

😂 honestly don't mean to be a nuisance, really really really love your videos, hope your going to go on Arcadia now she's been in for refit

[@ritzytravelguide]

@clivehewins Hi there. I hadn't realised Arcadia had been in for a refit? Has much changed? Would you recommend we go on?

[@BlaineShire]

That was the safety video?

[@ritzytravelguide]

More of a rock video!

[@BlaineShire]

@@ritzytravelguide seems that way. I sent you a message through Instagram

[@madameyong2765]

Is the music really loud?! Do I need ear plugs? 😂 Does it get smelly in such a big crowd😜

[@ritzytravelguide]

The music can get loud. But there are always alternative venues on-board to retreat to. Don't recall it being smelly!

[@EARDRUMASSASSIN]

It’s not smelly because there’s no kids. Lol

[@theedoreM]

I said it last video and it still applies: this cruise line is not for me. Egads! I wouldn't go if it was free!

[@ritzytravelguide]

😂 I'll add you firmly to the no column!

[@jsmith1071]

You are missing out!

[@eboone1977]

Your loss. It is so peaceful.

[@simongreasley8643]

I didn’t last many minutes before deciding the same.

[@rowenro7046]

Fabulous. You guys are my fave travel “tubers”.

[@blessednettie69]

I love your videos! Virgin is not the cruiseline for me. Beautiful ships, but No. 😊

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, thanks for your thoughts 😊

[@2226robin]

We are an old couple, we like production show and ballroom/Latino dancing, we don’t like a wild and loud party, is the Virgin Voyager good for us ? Thanks You.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there. For your specific requirements, Virgin may not be the best fit. For a variety of reasons: 1. There are shows in the Red Room, but not the typical Broadway or West End production shows. 2. You do get lots of live music on Virgin, but not Ballroom. 3. There is a dancefloor in the Manor, but that's largely for club, contemporary style parties and dancing. A better fit for your requirements would most likely be: Holland America, Princess, Cunard, Fred Olsen, P&O, and some of the Celebrity Ships. Hope that helps

[@JeanineWoolet]

I love Amsterdam.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Beautiful isn't it!

[@chak06880]

And this is an “adults only” cruise. It looks the opposite, especially the childish furniture. Plus, every ship looks the same, offers same menus, same shows, parties etc. How does VV get repeat pax with sameness? Thanks again Bill for extending yourself.

[@ritzytravelguide]

A pleasure John, many thanks for your comments.

[@swjumbo747]

Another great video Bill. Most enjoyable and fairly balanced as always. I’d always advise against flying on the day of the cruise but am doing exactly that in a few months! Living dangerously eh? We were hoping to hear your dulcet tones at karaoke. Thanks as always and looking forward to the next one.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi there, it was certainly nail biting concerning the incoming flight. It was EasyJet, from Edinburgh the night before. 10pm flight cancelled. 7am next morning. full. Scrambled to get a midday flight out. Then raced to Portsmouth! Not a particularly leisurely start! Needed a few sparkling wines on deck to calm down! I don't think anyone should be tormented with my karaoke singing!

[@Jeff-cz3oz]

Thought maybe part 2 would change my opinion. NOPE. Definitely not my kind of cruise.

[@EARDRUMASSASSIN]

Good. Go on cruises w crying kids and crappy food. Leaves more space for others that want to party

[@jasonhamilton7023]

Thanks Bill for another great video review, and a well balanced one. Virgin Cruises do look like debauchery on the seas and if that’s what people are into, then they appear well catered to.

[@ritzytravelguide]

Thanks so much Jason

[@soniacollicoat]

Nope, not for me!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Righty ho 🤣

[@EARDRUMASSASSIN]

Good party poopers aren’t welcome

[@sq1rlsqu4d]

Relatively new viewer here and enjoy the channel, but those AI generated background images make my brain hurt 🤯

[@ritzytravelguide]

Really? I'll try a more soothing one next time... perhaps a zen spa!

[@mikeandgayle]

We enjoy your videos, but it seemed like you presented mostly a one -sided aspect of Virgin Voyages that's very different from our experiences. I suppose it could simply be a difference of European vs US/Caribbean market as all our voyages have been in the Caribbean? We're in our late 50s/early 60s and we're headed off on our 7th VV next week (31 total cruises with more booked this year already). We've found Virgin's ships to be like 2 separate ships in one. In addition to the great food, all inclusive pricing and no kids running amok everywhere, there are many quiet areas throughout the ships where you can just hang out, people watch, grab a snack, play cards or a board game...whatever you want. And unlike on some other lines we've been on, we find the 'do what you want - no judgment' atmosphere to be refreshing. No worries about what you're wearing to dinner or the shows, no rush to get to assigned dining, and great fitness options, too. While there are a lot of younger party folks onboard, they are respectful and fun, and if you don't want to go crazy, no one cares...you be you! While some of Virgin's entertainment is definitely eclectic and non-traditional, we're not party people, but enjoy the roving performers and carnival atmosphere of Scarlet Night. Bingo with the Diva and the Ship Show were all very enjoyable, too. And Dual Reality is as good as any other Cirque type show we've seen on land or sea. So don't fear Virgin's wild side - Wild or Mild, Virgin is what you want it to be!

[@ritzytravelguide]

Hi Mike and Gayle, many thanks for your detailed and comprehensive comments. It's always great to hear from people. We very much try not to be one sided, and be as fair as we possibly can. I do agree with a lot of what you have written, and tried to mention it in quite good detail. Particularly about the amazing restaurants aboard, fantastic gym, the fact it is largely all inclusive with it's pricing, and the great staff. All of these were superb. Concerning the aspects we were surprised about, I feel it did accurately represent the 2 Cruises we were on. I do think though, you might be onto something concerning the product Virgin offers depending on the port you sail from. In your case the Caribbean, and ours in Northern Europe. Virgin would not be the first cruise line to offer different products, tailored to the region they are operating from. Once again, many thanks again for your thoughts.

[@joycelynndechert4307]

No thank you. I would not even consider going on this cruiseline. 🤢🤮

[@ritzytravelguide]

Counting you out 😂

[@EARDRUMASSASSIN]

Good. Go on dirty Disney and get gross food and deal with bratty kids and worst parents.

[@BlaineShire]

Virgin is not my kind of cruise line!

[@thomasdeansfineart149]

We’re going on Valiant Lady in January. You’ve prepared us well! Thank you for your terrific channel. 🙏🙌🫶

[@ritzytravelguide]

Wishing you a great cruise in January!