Starlet Lady
that key lime and chocolate is not going to eat itself.
This is 21st century food for sure
– I had more avocados in four nights than I’ve had in the last four years.
On a restaurant tour, Virgin Voyages executive Anders Karlsson said: “We like to collaborate with a number of influences … so we can be innovative, creative and experiential.”
THE DRINKS
A fab choice, from the Draft Haus craft beer venue to Sip Lounge, a plush champagne spot, with everything in between.
We gravitated to On The Rocks martini and cocktail bar with its live music, while The Dock and the Athletic Club are nice stern alfresco areas.
Costs are US$ and at the lower end of the scale for usually pricey non-british ships, with the stipulation from cruise line boss Tom Mcalpin there should be dollar single-figure drinks on every tariff. For example, a draught Heineken is about £3.70, with a glass of sparkling wine about £6.50.
More good news is that the included ‘basic bevvies’ are decent – that covers tea and filter coffee, non-pressed fruit juices, the likes of Coke and Fanta, plus filtered still and sparkling water. Barista brews are from about £3.70 and very good.
HIT THE DECKS
There’s a wraparound promenade on Deck 7 and we liked the elevated Runway jogging and walking track on Deck 17, keeping step-counters away from the pool and sunbathing areas.
Cabanas can be hired and there are plenty of Jacuzzis; the actual pool space is limited as it’s more aimed at sitting in the water with a cocktail than swimming.
The highlight has to be The Net, a red catamaran mesh suspended over the stern on Deck 16. It’s about 10,000ft above the sea (possibly a slight exaggeration) and a tad unnerving at first, but once you’re on it’s a bouncy hoot.
WELLNESS & FITNESS
A key feature with the stylish Redemption spa and terrific gyms.
If you want to get off the ship in better shape than you got on, there’s anything from cardio workouts to yoga and medi-spa treatments. If you want to look a bit different there’s Squid Ink, the first tattoo shop at sea. It was doing a brisk trade.
RED AND GREEN
The line is making a real effort to be planet friendly. During the tour with Anders (which also included a visit to the bridge to meet charming and witty Captain Giovanni Schiaffino) I learned that when the ship was being designed, any potential supplier that could not meet Virgin’s strict eco protocols was ruled out.
Examples on board include loo roll and tissues made from sustainable
sugar cane, Sailor bands made from recycled ocean plastic and responsible food sourcing.
ENTERTAINMENT
A lot and it’s diverse – music, comedy, acrobatics, a vinyl record store with DJ, the fun of Scarlet Night (where we met Andy, the ship’s ‘Charmer’ with his mind-bending card tricks), bingo, pub quizzes and more.
Standout for us was the Duel Reality show by Montreal’s The 7 Fingers troupe. It’s a fantastic theatrical circus take on Romeo and Juliet and one of the best shows we’ve seen on a cruise ship: 10/10.
We also took in the hilarious Mr Thing comedy show which stormed the Edinburgh Fringe in 2019.
We missed the Never Sleep Alone sexologist show featuring Dr Alex Schiller, alter ego of US comedian Roslyn Hart, but she was a guest on Mr Thing and truly a force of nature.
THE FUTURE
Scarlet Lady will winter in Miami and Puerto Rico for the Caribbean, then head around the Med from Barcelona next summer.
The line’s second ship, Valiant Lady, will debut in Portsmouth in March and will be identical to Scarlet. Resilient Lady will follow in the Med in July, with an unnamed fourth ship expected in 2023; she could be a new design.
Is Richard Branson on to something with his take on cruising? It’s going to be a fascinating journey as new ships and concepts arrive. Virgin Voyages is not about your age, it’s about your attitude of mind. Watch this space.