ITTN’s Shane Cullen is onboard Resilient Lady as part of the UK Virgin Celebration Voyage from Portsmouth for a 5-night cruise. The fam trip is hosted by Matt Lebbern, Sales Manager – Europe & New Markets (Virgin Voyages).
Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages
The first evening of the cruise, guests were treated to flamboyant festivities as part of a Sailaway with Nirmal Saverimuttu, CEO of Virgin Voyages.
He thanked the audience for attending and gave a shout out to the dedicated crew, “Thank you so much for all you do for us here at Virgin Voyages and we are so so thankful to co-create this brand with you… Thanks to all of you. Thank you. Those of you, how many first time to Virgin out there?” a rapturous cheer from the belly of the ship suggested many.
“Wow. Welcome to Virgin. Thank you for giving us a go and we hope to set sail The Virgin Way” together with you. It is a very special voyage because we’re celebrating all things Virgin. We’ve had a wonderful history of Virgin for 50 years now and we have Richard [Branson] and Boy George joining us tomorrow to celebrate.”
“Now, a Virgin celebration wouldn’t be a Virgin celebration without acknowledging the one thing that makes Virgin special. I’ve had the privilege of working for Virgin for 17 years and the one thing that’s consistent in any Virgin experience is our crew. So big shout out to our incredible crew… I know for one thing, for sure, this wouldn’t be what it is without our cast and all of the Virgin crew around that make things happen.”
“So thank you crew for all you do around the world. Now I just came from Valiant. We had a hell of a celebration party out there but I was told that this ship knows how to party so we’re going to lift it up another gear. I hope you have another good night, and here’s to you for treating yourself to a kid-free holiday that you all deserve.”
Cocktail Reception & PJ Party
After the Sailaway Party, the UK and Irish travel trade members had a cocktail reception with the sales team and the “Happenings Cast”. At Virgin Voyages, the company does not have a single cruise director but a team of directors aka the “Happenings Cast” which is a group of entertainers, artists and performers.
A PJ Party followed with attire ranging from less than modest to comfy loungewear (I opted for the latter)!
“Sea” the Cabins Onboard Virgin Voyages
The concept for the cabins onboard Virgin Voyages is “superyacht-inspired design meets unrivalled relaxation”. There are a range to choose from including:
- Sea Terrace (185-225 sqft) – fits 2 – 4 people. Offers a balcony with nearly all having a red hand-woven terrace hammock. Once you manage to sit into it, it’s surprisingly relaxing.
- Sea View (130-190 sqft) – fits 1-3 people. This is a cabin with a porthole view. This could be ideal for solo travellers or a couple and even fits three with a pull-down bunk bed.
- Insider (105-177 sqft) fits 1-4 people.
I’m staying in a Sea Terrace room which is well-appointed, cleverly designed and spacious. It has beautiful nautical nods in its furnishings and the splash of Virgin’s iconic red is really eye-catching.
They have a handy guide to show various room configurations which makes bookings easier.
Rooms have a tablet which controls lighting, curtains, air-conditioning and the television. This is pre-set with various different moods to choose from. For example, Zen has closed curtains, and turquoise lighting while Photo Shoot gives bright white lights and open curtains – a nice touch. The bathrooms are well-designed and compact while the showers are spacious and powerful.
RockStar Quarters – Suite dreams are made of this
These suites cater for 2-4 people and range from 352 to 2,147 sqft.
If you’re into exclusive access throughout the ship, RockStar Agents at your beck and call, marble-clad bathrooms with premium amenities and spaces conceptualized by world-renowned designer, Tom Dixon, then let’s talk suites.
Elevated living on board comes with elevated access. RockStar status starts before guests even set sail. They have access to early boarding through a VIP entrance, priority access to booking, and 24/7 access to RockStar Agents answering any and all of their needs.
In addition, booking a suite unlocks access to Richard’s Rooftop; the exclusive deck where elegance meets exuberance. A lavish, elaborate and members-only outdoor space for stargazing parties and pre-dinner cocktail hours for you and the other rockstars.
Mega RockStar Quarters
This is how the other half or rather 1% live presumably. These suites are the most exclusive, top-tier luxury living on board — granting guests prime access, 24/7 agent attention, a bottomless in-room bar, complimentary parking at PortMiami’s Terminal V, and more. Virgin Voyages’ Tom Dixon-designed suites boast large marbled bathrooms with Peek-a-Boo showers, hand-woven terrace hammocks, and outdoor Peek-a-View showers for when rinsing off requires a little help from the moonlight.
The cabins are also full of planet-friendly products and natural materials, automatically conserve energy when guests aren’t in them and delivery service is round the clock with their #NoStomachLeftBehind.
