In August, Brad and I embarked on an unforgettable month-long Mediterranean cruise aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady. Virgin Voyages has received numerous travel awards since setting sail for the first time in 2021. Our voyage, branded as “WFH – Work From Helm,” offered a unique blend of leisure, work, and exploration. We stayed in a central sea terrace room and received extra benefits like premium WiFi and access to Richard’s Rooftop, all for $9,999 (inclusive of tax). Here’s a detailed review of our experience, from the luxurious amenities to the tight-knit community we formed with our fellow passengers.
Central Sea Terrace Room: Our Floating Retreat
The central sea terrace room was our home for the month, and it provided a perfect balance of comfort and style. The room’s design was sleek and modern, with just the right amount of space for two people spending an extended time aboard. The best part was, without a doubt, the hammock on the private balcony, where we spent hours soaking in the Mediterranean views.
Before sailing we read reviews that said there was not enough storage space and the beds were uncomfortable; however, we found this untrue, thank goodness. We had plenty of storage space for the month and upon our arrival we immediately asked for more hangers and a mattress topper. The bathroom was small but was equipped with all the essentials we needed, including a rainfall shower. We were pleasantly surprised by the subtle luxury, including the daily bottles of water and an iPad that manages the shades, lighting, and television. And because we enjoyed many of the same privileges as the Rock Star guests, it felt like a true upgrade without the additional cost.
Dining: A Culinary Odyssey
One of the highlights of sailing on Scarlet Lady is the dining experience. We had the opportunity to eat at all of the ship’s restaurants multiple times, and each meal was an adventure. Virgin Voyages prides itself on offering elevated dining with no buffets or large dining halls, and it delivered on that promise. The food situation was probably the most, single downside to a month-long cruise on the same ship. We were definitely ready for some additional choices after the cruise ended!
After taste-testing the restaurants, our favorites quickly became The Wake, the most elegant restaurant on the ship, Extra Virgin, which caters to Italian food lovers, and Pink Agave, which offers a Mexican dining experience with a modern twist.
We ate twice at The Test Kitchen, one of Virgin Voyages’ most innovative and unique dining experiences. It’s a concept-driven, experimental restaurant that blends the creativity of a modern culinary lab with a high-end dining experience.
The menu is presented as a list of ingredients rather than traditional dishes. Each course is a surprise, based on those key ingredients, and often comes with unexpected flavor combinations and artistic presentations.
This experimental dining experience is perfect for adventurous foodies who enjoy being surprised and appreciate culinary creativity. It’s more than just a meal—it’s an exploration of food science and a feast for the senses.
Our favorite afternoon hideout was the Dock House, where we sampled Mediterranean-inspired small plates and enjoyed a glass of sangria while watching the world go by. We also frequently visited the Galley, where we could grab quick bites throughout the day, well into the night.
Scarlet Night: A Truly Unique Experience
Scarlet Night, Virgin Voyages’ signature event, is something we had heard about long before boarding. It lived up to the hype and then some. Guests are encouraged to wear red, and the ship is transformed into a floating party full of surprises.
The energy was electric as we moved from one themed area to another, encountering live performances, DJ sets, and plenty of dancing. The highlight for us was the pool party, where everyone gathered on deck to watch the Happenings Cast perform dance routines and splash in the pool. We had the option of attending dance parties afterward, but, yeah, that was a bit too much for us so we would call it a night. Scarlet Night was a memorable evening that perfectly captured the spirit of fun and freedom that Virgin Voyages offers.
Richard’s Rooftop: Our Private Oasis
As we said, one of the perks of the WFH program was access to Richard’s Rooftop, an exclusive deck reserved for those staying in premium suites. And while we didn’t stay in a Rock Star room, we were thrilled to be able to take advantage of this space!
Richard’s Rooftop became our go-to spot for relaxing during the day, unwinding after a busy day in port, and enjoying the champagne happy hour. With its chic, futuristic design and private bar, it was the ideal place to sip cocktails while watching the sunset. We also enjoyed the quieter, more intimate atmosphere, which offered a nice break from the vibrant energy of the ship.
Redemption Spa
The spa on the Scarlet Lady, known as Redemption Spa, is a serene sanctuary designed to provide the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation experience while at sea. It’s located in a sleek, modern space inspired by underwater caves, with soft lighting, cool tones, and a calming atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant energy of the rest of the ship.
The facilities include a thermal suite, saunas and steam rooms, salt room, mud room, hot and cold plunge pools, and heated marble beds.
The spa offers a range of treatments to cater to every guest’s needs, from classic massages and facials to more specialized treatments. It was here, that I’ve had the best massage ever. I enjoyed it so much, I went 2 days in a row! But besides, massages, the Spa includes facials, body treatments, and acupuncture. I also indulged in a mani/pedi as well as a brow wax and tint.
The WFH Community: A New Type of Voyage
What made this cruise truly special was the sense of community we developed with our fellow WFH passengers. Since there were about 70 of us on board for the full month, we quickly bonded and formed a tight-knit group. From attending dinners together to collaborating on work projects during the day, we became more than just shipmates – we became friends.
Virgin Voyages catered to the WFH crowd by providing ample workspace in public areas like The Dock and The Social Club. Whether we were checking emails or hopping on Zoom calls, the Wi-Fi was fast and reliable. The blend of work and play felt seamless, allowing us to explore new destinations without falling behind on our professional commitments.
Ports of Call: Mediterranean Treasures
We started and ended the cruise in Barcelona, Spain. The itinerary included ports of call in Spain, France, and Italy. This was a perfect itinerary for us because we had not spent any time in these destinations along the Mediterranean. We visited Cannes, Ajaccio, Corsica, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Civitavecchia (Rome), and Marina de Carrara. Our favorite destinations were Cannes, Ajaccio, and Ibiza.
Final Thoughts: A Month to Remember
Our month-long cruise on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady was nothing short of extraordinary. The combination of luxurious amenities, excellent dining, the multiple social events where you could choose to be social or not, and an itinerary that took us to some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful cities made this voyage an unforgettable experience.
The WFH program allowed us to stay productive while enjoying the adventure of a lifetime, and the friendships we formed with fellow passengers added an extra layer of meaning to the trip. We would absolutely sail with Virgin Voyages again!