The Cruise Village team spent a day and night aboard Sir Richard Branson’s newest venture, Virgin Voyages flagship Scarlet Lady.
Despite Liverpool‘s rich cruising heritage, it receives relatively few visits from cruise lines (in comparison to Southampton). So, when a brand new cruise line concept is showcased, not just in the UK, but in Liverpool, it’s an exciting time for us based in the North-West!
Where to begin??? We’ll let Jess Clayton, Marketing Manager, start us off…
Leave your existing conceptions of cruise ships on the gangway, and prepare for a departure from the ordinary!
This ship exudes style. And let’s be honest, it’s been designed to be different – to break away from what we (as seasoned cruisers!) have come to expect from new ships. She hasn’t been created to be “adult only”, to be for “grown ups”, or to be “mature”. Scarlet Lady is a playground for those looking to escape real life for a short time – and isn’t that what a holiday should be all about?!
Imagine lying out under the hot Caribbean sun, on a catamaran net high above the waves below, with the sea breeze keeping you the perfect temperature, whilst looking super cool. Discover the biggest hot tub at sea… perfect for people watching from behind your shades. Exist in a world where you’re encouraged to “save water, drink champagne”, or “lick me till ice cream”. For the likes, there’s too many instagramable hot spots around the ship to mention – from your very own hammock on your sea terrace to the stunning mirrored hallway of the night club.
This ship is hot, and she’s not afraid to let you all scream about it!
I was allocated a Sea Terrace for my stateroom, which was contemporary and quirky. A lovely touch was on entry to your room – the lights came slowly on and the curtains opened to reveal the terrace – very welcoming. The furnishings are functional and stylishly simple, the bed is comfy, and there was a decent amount of room to move about in. Overall I’m a fan, and could definitely see myself in here for a 4- or 5-night Caribbean itinerary (who wouldn’t?!).
Useful info – US and USB plug sockets in the room.
Rather than attempt to tell you about everything that there is on the ship (this would be an incredibly long article if I did!), I’ve asked the team to tell me about their highlights:
Jenny Jones – Cruise Specialist:
I loved the bar area on deck 7 with the old school decks, vinyls and a DJ with loads of chill out areas – very cool. Also the gigantic hot tub for about 40 people to soak up the sunshine! The whole ship had a fun, cool relaxed vibe.
Dom Johnston – Travel Village TV:
Ooo, erm…. favourite venue or feature would probably be the top deck. Obviously the weather wasn’t the best for it in Liverpool, but I imagine, when she’s sailing around the Caribbean, the top deck will be beautiful. The two pools and seating areas were great. I also like that there’s a boxing ring – very different!
Amy Hession – Travel Consultant:
The atmosphere/vibe around the whole ship is awesome, and I LOVED the entrance to The Manor!
Darren Hilsdon – Travel Consultant:
Loved the suites – super quirky and fun; and I loved the fact that there were decent Bose systems in there, and a record player! I liked the main atrium area on deck 7, with the DJ just loud enough to make it comfortable.
Emily Garlick – Travel Consultant:
I loved the DJ on deck 7, it made cool vibe and chilled atmosphere. Sir Richard, you’ve built an amazing ship!!
Gill Williams – Cruise Specialist:
Picking just one highlight is a tough one, as there is so much to love… I really loved the entrance to The Manor – what a photo op!
I also enjoyed the Champagne Bar – the retro champagne glasses are a lovely touch. The artwork on board is amazing too – there’s always something new and unexpected around each corner.
As for food… did I enjoy any of the restaurants/meals in particular? ALL OF IT!! However, the food in Extra Virgin (the Italian) was delightful and excellent choice to suit all tastes.
To Sir Richard I would say – Congratulations on following your dreams; it’s wonderful to see them become reality.
Susan Hilton – Personal Travel Consultant:
Before seeing and experiencing them for myself, I confess that I had my concerns over the cabins, and the comfort of the beds – predominantly because it’s what I consider to be a “bed settee”. I shouldn’t have been worried at all – they were brilliant! And not just my cabin (a Sea Terrace) – the ones I saw were all excellent throughout the ship.
My other highlights were the size and quality of the spa and of course that incredible entrance to the night club (The Manor).
Lyndsay Patterson – Cruise Specialist:
My favourite place on board was Redemption, the Spa – I loved the whole area – glam, swanky and super-chilled.
For me, the best thing about the cabin was the size of the balcony (terrace!) and the hammock.
And the food? I loved everything about our dinner experience in Extra Virgin. It was all delicious – I could dine there again, and again, and…
But don’t just take their word for it… here’s Phil and Paula with their round-up on the “morning after” whilst still on board!
Want to see more photos from our experience onboard? Head to our Facebook page.
