We Tried Virgin Voyages As a Traditional Cruiser | Here's What Shocked Us
Brilliant Lady Cruise ShipCelebrity Cruises Cruise LinePrincess Cruises Cruise LineRoyal Caribbean Cruise LineVirgin Voyages Cruise LineHolland America Group Cruise Company
Our honest Virgin Voyages Brilliant Lady review — from traditional cruisers who normally sail Princess, Holland America, and Celebrity Cruises.Virgin Voyages made major changes in October 2025, including removing gratuities from base fares ($20/day prepaid, $22/day onboard). If you're used to traditional cruise lines, there are a lot of surprises here. We share everything we learned the hard way. WHAT WE COVER: • The new 3-tier Virgin Voyages pricing system explained • Bar Tab breakdown — bonus tiers, how much to load, and how to avoid losing money • Dining reservation strategy — how many you get by cruise length and our recommended night-by-night order • Embarkation day: why your boarding time matters and what to do first • The Galley food court vs. traditional cruise buffets • Entertainment: Dual Reality, Murder in the Manor, Scarlet Night, and live music venues • Cabin surprises — the tablet control system, hard beds, and what's NOT provided • App tips: what you MUST manage through the app • Hidden gems: Sun Club Cafe on Deck 16 and the included Social Club snacks RESTAURANT REVIEWS: 🍝 Extra Virgin (Italian) 🥩 The Wake (Steak & Seafood) — our #1 pick 🌮 Pink Agave (Upscale Mexican) 🔥 Gunbae (Korean BBQ) 🧪 Test Kitchen (Experimental) 🍷 Rojo by Razzle Dazzle (Spanish Tapas) YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED: ➡️ Is Virgin Voyages good for travelers 50+? ➡️ Is it too much of a party cruise for traditional cruisers? ➡️ Is Virgin Voyages worth the money vs. Princess Cruises or Celebrity? ➡️ What is Scarlet Night REALLY like? ➡️ How does the dining reservation system work? Whether you're planning your first Virgin Voyages cruise or deciding if Brilliant Lady is the right fit, this honest 2026 review covers everything traditional cruisers wish they knew before boarding. CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Are We the Right People to Review Virgin Voyages? 0:44 - The New 2025 Pricing System Explained 1:10 - Bar Tab: How It Works & Is It Worth It? 3:06 - Boarding & Dining Reservations: What You Must Know 3:58 - Extra Virgin (Italian) Review 4:27 - Test Kitchen Review 5:34 - Gunbae Korean BBQ Review 6:33 - Pink Agave Review 6:51 - Rojo by Razzle Dazzle Review 7:18 - The Wake Review (Our #1 Pick) 7:40 - Dining Rules Every Traditional Cruiser Needs to Know 11:34 - Our Recommended Night-by-Night Dining Order 13:40 - Embarkation Day: What's Different on Virgin 14:49 - Cabin Surprises (Beds, Robes & the Tablet) 15:35 - Sail Away Party: Don't Miss This 17:30 - The Galley Food Hall vs. Traditional Buffets 22:00 - Hidden Food Gems: The Dock, The Social Club & More 26:05 - Entertainment: Shows, Red Room & What's Missing 32:42 - Scarlet Night: Everything You Need to Know 33:54 - App Dependence: The Biggest Adjustment 34:36 - Disembarkation Day 35:29 - Our Honest Verdict: Who Is Virgin Voyages For? ⚓ Subscribe for cruise tips, Alaska cruise guides, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and honest cruise advice for travelers 50+. https://www.youtube.com/@cruisingwithkristie?sub_confirmation=1 25+ CELEBRITY CRUISE TIPS You Need to Know BEFORE You GO! https://youtu.be/bVtPMotV8H0?si=Z1xfUURRtUMYlG1E Some of the links in this description are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. Thanks for supporting the channel! Red Dress https://amzn.to/4dR7IHx Red Shoes https://amzn.to/4355WxH Men's Red Polo https://amzn.to/4fchuGN Cruise Essentials 1. Magnet hooks and Strong Magnets https://amzn.to/3OngyQP and https://amzn.to/47ZZUQn 2. Hanging toiletry bags https://amzn.to/4kxxGSu 3. Travel sized containers for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. https://amzn.to/4k4HWS4 4. Elastic Sleeves for leak proofing https://amzn.to/3rUKEn6 5. Foldable mesh hampers https://amzn.to/45d224R 6. Non surge protected power bars https://amzn.to/3rWPIrd 7. Mini fan https://a.co/d/0cA7zcWk 8. Motion detector night light https://amzn.to/43XLX1U 9. Poo-Pouri Toilet Spray https://amzn.to/3s0xVPD 10. Bonine Non-Drowsy Motion Sickness Medicine 11. Luggage Tags https://amzn.to/3OF2LpV 12. Downey Wrinkle Release https://amzn.to/3Ks6nsV 13. Packing Cubes (LOVE!) https://amzn.to/3Kps2Sw 14. USB C Charger Block (LOVE) https://amzn.to/4ctb15m Space Saver Bags https://amzn.to/3HzWryT Belkin BoostCharge Pro Flex Braided USB-C to USB-C Cable (3M/10FT) (Make sure that you have plugs for USB-C if you are purchasing this cable) https://amzn.to/4c7uHwk Anker Portable Charger https://amzn.to/4uPSGt1 Gear Tie Reusable 3-Inch Rubber Twist Tie https://amzn.to/3PcmU6O Luggage Scale https://amzn.to/48Jpo3e Travel Toothbrush Head Covers with Suction Cup https://amzn.to/49WzuyM Travel Toothbrush Head Cover for Oral B Electric or Regular Toothbrush https://amzn.to/4389ApN Steripod Razor-Clip-On Razor Protector https://amzn.to/3IqA38p Great Sunscreen for Face https://amzn.to/4dro4Gs