Okay, so I’ve spent some time researching these cruises and I know they’re unique. Setting aside travel plans, I’m in charge of organizing a cruise for a group of adult friends and relatives. We have people in their 30s and 60s, married and single, gay and heterosexual. Though not a sun worshipper per se, neither is it a party animal either. My problem is that while I have had trips on Carnival, Royal, and NCL, for some of the group, this will be their first time cruising.
I would appreciate hearing from experienced cruisers to help me decide which trip would be the best to schedule.
Make a list of the pros and cons for each and provide it to the group. Allow them to make the decision so you won’t be held responsible if you’re unhappy with the vacation.
Some customers of Virgin have complained about the lengthy wait times and difficulty in obtaining reservations for some restaurants. Large gatherings may also make it more difficult to get everyone seated at the restaurant at the time they choose. Virgin doesn’t appear to do well in groups larger than eight.
Celebrity provides a more conventional eating experience, complete with a main dining area, buffet, and specialized dining that is priced extra.
@Banice Virgin has my vote. The issue with the restaurants is that you can’t walk to your room or get a drink; you have to reserve them as soon as you board the ship. Make your restaurant and time reservations by going to the restaurant reservation area. That is the main drawback with Virgin; it is a PIA. If you have reservations, you’ll never have to wait in a huge line. Though the website has several bugs, you might be able to make reservations before boarding the boat.
@Banice Actually, depending on the size of your group, on either, if you use a Travel Advisor (no cost to you, the cruise lines pay them commissions. they can help you get seating together as much as possible–it that’s what the group wants. A TA can take a lot of the headache of organizing a group off your shoulders too.
Also, you can link the reservations so people can make reservations together as they wish, or not. On neither line will you get a table that seats more than about 8. But you can usually get tables near each other.
Virgin does not have a traditional buffet but more of a food court where food is made to order. Fresher food and less waste. Over 20 places to eat not counting the food court.
@Banice Everybody takes reservations. A third of the reservation slots, which you may book using the app or a TA, open up in advance, if my memory serves me correctly. The remaining reservation slots open up upon boarding. As soon as you board the ship, you must make dinner reservations. Booking restaurants at the times I chose has never been an issue for me on any of my several Virgin Cruises—as long as I do it as soon as I board the ship.
Both are good choices. Lately whenever I price out similar itineraries between the two, they come out about even. The key is to compare apples to apples. Be sure to factor in the fact the Virgin price includes all gratuities, fitness classes, wi-fi, and no specialty dining charges. If you think you will want to do a lot of specialty dining that can add up to making a big difference.
Both are fairly upscale but the Virgin vibe is fun, friendly, open and accepting. The LGBTQ guests will be fine on either but will feel especially welcome on Virgin.
If anyone on the group has high loyalty status on another cruise line, they might qualify for a status match with Virgin and get a few perks.
Virgin has better cuisine and would be a more inclusive cruise for LGBTQ people, so I would go that route. Additionally, first-time cruisers would undoubtedly enjoy Virgin—I’ve heard this enough times while on one of their ships.
I feel like a lot has already been said that I agree with but I’ll throw in my two cents. I vote for VV. It’s a super fun cruise for first timers and the welcoming and inclusivity vibe of the ship’s scene will make it a very good choice for your group. Plus it’s adult only (18+) so you don’t have the kid element since you are all adults. The entertainment is different from a traditional cruise so the people who have cruised before will hopefully enjoy a different slice of fun. When I cruised on Scarlet Lady I was really surprised by the eclectic mix of people of all ages. I was not expecting such a large age range. Full disclosure I’m a TA but others have already said, book with a TA who can create a VV Circle for your group and be your advocate and get you all the perks, connect your group dining as much as possible, link you for shore excursions, whatever you need that can be done in advance. There are a lot of VV specialists in here. Enjoy!!!
Complete Ascent. And done, brave lady VV. VV all day long. The food, atmosphere, and entertainment were all much better, and the other passengers were more laid back and enjoyable. And the staff had greatly improved.