TravelStories Episode 40: Virgin Voyages

Episode 40: Show Notes.

We’re heading back to the high seas! During this episode, Tom shares all the details of his recent trip with Virgin Voyages cruise line, from costs, to rooms, drinking, dining, entertainment, and more. Join us as he gets candid about what he loved, tolerated, and disliked during the trip along with tips for you to get the most out of your booking with them. We discuss the differences between the Virgin Voyages experience and what you would have on Royal Caribbean; from the points-based redemption system to the egalitarian nature of your booking. He even goes into the perks included in your stay! You’ll also hear us touch on the trend of choosing style over comfort or plating over flavor as more businesses start to cater to an Instagram generation. Tom talks about everything from embarking and disembarking to the room service system, configuring his accommodation to suit him and his friend, and more. Don’t miss this informative conversation! Thanks for tuning in.

Key Points From This Episode:

• [00:37] The topic of this episode: Virgin Voyages and Symphony of the Seas.
• [01:04] Tom’s recent experience on the adults-only cruise line, Virgin Voyages.
• [02:48] Points-based redemption using Virgin Atlantic miles.
• [03:19] Costing of the all-inclusive cruise and how it compares to hotel experiences.
• [05:02] Additional costs and inclusions.
• [06:54] The egalitarian nature of the cruise line experience.
• [08:47] Where the five-night cruise started and the ports where it stopped. 
• [09:41] Considering whether or not embarkation and disembarkation have been optimized on this line. 
• [12:21] Details of the cabin and bathroom that Tom stayed at. 
• [13:30] Why the hammocks are such a highlight on the cruise. 
• [12:18] Changing the configuration of the room in order to accommodate changes.
• [17:59] The trend of choosing style over comfort on the cruise. 
• [19:22] Food on the cruise and how it reflects catering to an Instagram generation.
• [23:35] Communal dining and Korean Barbecue on the cruise.
• [25:09] Why Tom recommends making dining reservations.
• [26:45] Details on the plant-based restaurant, Razzle Dazzle, on board the cruise. 
• [28:13] Their best dining experience: the Italian restaurant, Extra Virgin.
• [30:35] The steakhouse which is the most popular option. 
• [32:54] Eating at the fusion restaurant, Agave.
• [33:54] How Virgin’s Test Kitchen compares to Wonderland on Royal Caribbean. 
• [34:54] Buffet and culinary options on the cruise (including an ice cream shop!)
• [39:54] The room service system and how it enabled Tom and his friend to load up on supplies.
• [42:34] What the Bimini Beach Club experience was like for him.
• [44:02] Stopping in the Dominican Republic.
• [45:44] Why opportunities to add spend and get points are limited at Virgin Voyages. 
• [48:14] CocoCay and why it is considered the jewel of the experience.

Quotes:

“The balcony cabins all come with a hammock and normally I would say this is a gimmick and nobody would use it, but I found it to be very comfortable.” — @TktweetsKim [13:28]

“I have to make [a] shout out to [a] venue I spent quite a lot of time at called the Social Club which was this area with bar games [like] snooker, a bunch of board games, and a bar selling bar food.” — @TktweetsKim [38:33]

“[If] you enjoy white sand and blue water, it’s hard to do better than what the Bimini Beach Club provides.” —