The Tales and Travels of Taylor Made PA – Virgin Voyages Pt.1
Published 27.04.2022
Hello!
Virgin Voyages Showcase
Last Month as a certified “first mate” I had the privilege of going to see the new Virgin Voyages “Valiant Lady” whilst she was in port in Tilbury before her Mermaiden Voyage.
Virgin Voyages launch in 2019 with the debut of Scarlett Lady on showcase in Dover. Which I was also lucky enough to attend. Sadly the Mermaiden Voyage was delayed due to start of the pandemic.
So on a sunny March morning I headed to meet the chartered Uber Taxi from London Bridge to meet the ship at Tilbury alongside one of my Premier Travel Homeworkers, Laura. As homeworkers we don’t get to meet up very often, so it was great to be able to meet up.
Embarkation
On arrival at Tilbury we had to show our vaccinated status before entry and then once onboard we were free to tour at leisure.
Prior to the day we had been able to request where we ate for lunch. Although we had been initially booked into The Wake, our booking was reallocated to Extra Virgin, so our first job onboard was to try and get ourselves rebooked into the glamourous Pink Agave.
Touring the Ship
But first up was a tour, after passing by the Tattoo Palour, where you could have a free small tattoo (!), of the Redemption Spa.
With Spa Pools and Whirlpools, Marble Slab Seating along with wood panelled saunas, mosaic tiled steam and salt rooms, all with porthole views. A Rasual and plenty of treatment rooms with a view along with a wide range of treatments and a day pass from as little as £35. I for one cannot wait to go back!!
Walking back through the ship we explored Razzle Dazzle, the forward thinking Vegetarian Restaurant with its Art Deco elements, black and white stripes, silver ceilings contrasting the bright red of the Red Bar.
From there we headed for lunch…
Pink Agave
With brown leather banquets and blue velvet seating, Pink Agave was a decadent looking restaurant serving upmarket Mexican street food. Served in a mix of small plates to share and then main plates.
The food was incredible. Roast potatoes with chorizo and chilli. Mole Prawns. Charred Sweetcorn. And for main the most amazing Pork Pibil served with Corn Wraps. All followed by Chocolate Tacos and Salted Caramel.
I cannot wait to eat it all again!
Touring the Ship
After lunch we headed out to explore more of the ship. Starting off as Test Kitchen. With teal leather booth seating, orange seating and a silver bar with teal high stool seating. It offers Michelin Starred Chefs and Experimental Menus. Served with a range of Cocktails and Masterclasses.
Leaving Test Kitchen behind we bumped into Virgin Voyages Head of Training Luke, who took us for a sneaky peak at The Manor, the ships Nightclub. With black walls and white Lights it offers a glamourous entrance. Offering the perfect Selfie background!
Walking back through The Sip Champagne Bar and up to The Dockhouse Mezze Lounge we headed to see the Cabins. I actually wanted to find the Cabin I will be staying in when I head off on my own Cruise in May.
We are staying in a Sea Terrace Cabin. With its bed which converts from Day Bed to Bed. A Terrace with a Hammock to relax on. A Blanket to snuggle up with. And the feedback that came from Scarlett Lady means there is now Wood Panelling on the walls adding to the ambience. Bathrooms are compact but sufficient. But the cabins are absolutely fine for a weeks stay and compare to lead in hotel rooms.
From the Cabins we headed down to look at Gunbae, their Korean BBQ restaurant with Turquoise booths set with individual BBQs to grill your own food.
Leisure Facilities
From Gunbae we headed up to Deck 16 and take advantage of the spring sunshine with a frozen cocktail whilst sat by the pool. As well as the Pool there is a Wellbeing area with Spa Pool. And private cabanas for hire. Sit back in the sun in the privacy of your own secret hideaway.
From here we walked through the Gym and out on deck where there is a Basketball Court, Running Track, swings and Chill Zones.
Amazing Entertainment
Next up was a visit to the Red Room and the amazing entertainment show “Duel Realtity”. A modern day contemporary take on Romeo & Juliet with acrobatics, dance and music.
It was a spectacular that has to be seen. Incredible. And I absolutely cannot wait to see it again.
Ending the Day.
There was just time to head back up to Deck 15 where there is a variety of eateries for more casual dining. This includes
The Daily Mix – Healthy Bites
Bento Baby – Japanese Bento Boxes
Well Bread – Pastries and Flatbreads
Dinner and Dash – American Diner
Then you have the Sweet Side. Where we indulged ourselves in miniature cakes and cookies. Before getting some fudge for the journey home.
There was just enough time for a last drink before getting the Uber Taxi back to London Bridge.
Virgin Voyages
So, if you didn’t think cruising was for you. Then Virgin Voyages may be the one for you.
Adult Only by Design. With the feeling of being on a Luxury Yacht. And the food from top class Restaurants.
With two ships, a third, Resilient Lady, due in July and a fourth, Brilliant Lady due next year. Virgin Voyages have picked key resorts in their chosen destinations.
Scarlett Lady is based out of the new port in Miami. Whilst Valiant Lady will be based from Barcelona. And when Resilient Lady arrives she will be based from Athens in Summer and amazing Australian and New Zealand itineraries just announced for Winter 2023/24.
All itineraries offer a night in Port in the key destinations. Cannes. Ibiza. Santorini. Giving you the opportunity to spend the evening in the town before heading back to the ship to sleep.
My Own Voyage
I am heading off on the French Daze and Ibiza Night Cruise. We sail to Marseille, Cannes, Sardinia and Ibiza from beautiful Barcelona.
Cruise Only Fares start from just £898 per person.
Fares include;
ALL meals. Chef-curated experiences at 20+ eateries
ALL essential drinks. Drip Coffee, Tea, Water, Sodas and non-pressed Juices
UNLIMITED group fitness classes
And STAY connected with WIFI
So is it time to book your own Voyage?
Drop me an Email jules.taylor@premier-travel.co.uk or book in a time for a call using this link.
https://bit.ly/TaylorMadeHolidayPlanning
Until next time!
