Sir Richard is at it again; introducing Virgin Voyages. Virgin Voyages debuts in 2020; Virgin Voyages is an adults only line with many of the unique twists you’d expect from Virgin Brands. Have you flown on Virgin Atlantic? Or, the former Virgin America? Get ready for Virgin voyages’ new twist on adults only cruising.
Fun, hip & not for everyone: Why Virgin Voyages is banking on being different
Fun, hip & not for everyone: Why Virgin Voyages is banking on being different – Posted by Travel Week Cindy Sosroutomo
Virgin Voyages is going to bank on a strong partnership wit the travel trade. They will start with the “Scarlett Lady out of Miami in 2020”. Further, Virgin Voyages target is young at heart adults…read more.
Virgin Voyages released the first pics from its first ship and it looks insane
Sir Richard is aiming to have this ship appear like a wellness retreat. As far as wellness goes, there are exciting new twists on onboard including fitness, and how about a spa with a DJ? Read More
Cruises: New cruise liner to DITCH buffet dining – and have this unusual option instead
Virgin Voyages will do away with buffet dining and formal attire! One of the ramifications of “buffet-less” dining is less food waste as this new cruise line seeks to be sustainable. Get ready to explore 20 different eateries and NO main dining room. READ MORE
Think of some of the best meals you’ve had at the best places. That is what Virgin Voyages is trying to create for their onboard experience. They’ve searched cities all over the world for their best dining experiences! Next, they set up theme dining experiences with Hollywood set designers. Read More
Virgin Voyages Will Build Fourth Ship
Travel Pulse Ana Figueroa (rendering courtesy of Virgin Voyages)
Virgin Voyages now has 4 ships on order even though their first voyage is not until 2020! There are two ships currently under production. Read More
Interested in further developments ? Future booking opportunities to experience Virgin Voyages for yourself? Be sure to contact me! And while you’re reading this, please check out another article about different types of cruise styles.
I recently attend a seminar with MSC Cruises – Is MSC Cruises the Best Cruise Line You’ve Never Heard Of?
MSC Cruises is part of a worldwide financial powerhouse. Chances are you may have never heard of MSC Cruises nor actually sailed on MSC Cruises. In addition to cruising, MSC is a huge container cargo company and a major terminal operator. Before we get into why you really must consider trying them out, I’d like to share a couple of pictures from the seminar.
MSC Cruises Meraviglia
Although, I did not win any ship swag, I’m just happy to win this little Lego of the brand new MSC Meraviglia!
MSC History and Background
Technology leader – MSC is developing a practical man-overboard technology
MSC is a true leader in itineraries serving the world including South America, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, South Africa along with everywhere else you would expect such as Caribbean, Europe, etc.
192 nationalities welcomed aboard
Global Melting pot on-board for both guests and crew
Fastest growing cruise line with multiple new ships coming!
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve- a “Private Island” Experience like no other
Have you been to any Cruise Lines’ “Private Islands? I have, and I’ve visited three of them. Some are better than others but they are a fun experience right off of your ship.
Experience your “own” beach club-like experience with drinks, lunch, and activities. MSC will really shatter-the-mold with their Ocean Cay Reserve.
10 beaches and a lagoon
A pier – so NO tendering required, and a family section close to the pier.
60 Miles East of Miami
Guests will experience seaside restaurants and a tiki bar
Serves as the LAST port of call and ship will stay LATE into the evening featuring entertainment in an outdoor amphitheater.
Yacht Club guests will experience their own second island linked to the main island with VIP butler service
MSC also has a private island in the Persian Gulf: Sir Bani Yas Island; you can explore HERE
Is MSC Cruises Right for you?
Like to travel internationally and meet travelers from all over the world (Italy, France, Spain, Germany and more)
Excellent value for those new to cruising; e.g. Wi-Fi for $79.99 on a 7D cruise for 4 devices.
Retired couples looking for elegance
Frequent cruisers looking for a new experience – YES, MSC honors your loyalty benefits
Multi generational families with varying incomes and preferences
the higher the category you book, the more all-inclusive the experience is for you.
MSC Cruises Status Match Program
Do you have a Loyalty/VIP with another cruise line? hotel?
MSC Cruised wants you to try them; SO, bring your loyalty status and they’ll match it. John the MSC Voyagers Club at no charge and receive a matching status card, guaranteeing you a 5% discount on any booking plus much more:
Save an extra 5-15% off on select voyages
Top-tier Black Card members enjoy additional benefits like:
Priority boarding and disembarkation
Late stateroom checkout
An invitation to a private Black Card member party
Complimentary Spumante with chocolate dipped fruit
A free one-hour thermal area session in the MSC Aurea Spa & so much more
MSC Dining
You will taste authentic Mediterranean cuisine and gourmet international favorites
There’s a wide selection of specialties in the main dining rooms with many scratch made items including pastas and breads. As this is a true European experience, you will find smaller portions onboard for your to enjoy multiple courses. YES, you can order multiple entrees.
Enjoy the buffet open for 20 Hours a day with multiple display kitchen areas
Enjoy the specialty dining restaurants
Finally, enjoy private dining for guests of the MSC Yacht Club
MSC Current Offers
Contact me to discuss MSC’s current offer and see why MSC just may be the best cruise line you’ve never heard of.
Here is a list of the Top 10 Differences of Small Ship vs. Large Ship cruising according to webinar presented by Variety Cruises covering accommodations, dining, entertainment, itineraries, excursions, and more. We’re going to focus on the small ship difference as big ship cruising get most of the press!
While the demand for big cruise ships continues to increase, there’s also an increased momentum for the intimacy of small ship cruising. (Refer to our River Cruise article.) Similar to the difference between a boutique hotel and a sprawling all-inclusive resort, large ship offerings innately differ from small ships, and the choice is based on YOUR preferences.
Variety Cruises M/Y Harmony G
1) Accommodations Beautifully appointed boutique-style accommodations all have large windows or portholes and many river ships offer balconies.
2) Dining Think intimate, casual meals including delicious local recipes. Smaller ships may restock the pantries on a daily basis from local markets with fresh goods. Many Variety Cruises itineraries are half board—breakfast and one meal—depending on the schedule, encouraging guests to explore the culinary offerings ashore. Why rush back to the ship for a free meal and miss out on the local cuisine and culture?
3) Service & Crew With a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1-to-2, service is about as personalized as it can get. By the first day you’ll find yourself on a first-name basis with the captain and the crew. On the ground, local reps are your personal ambassadors to every region.
4) Services & Amenities Small ships and mega-yachts have inside and outside dining areas, a spacious sundeck, a swimming platform, lounge areas, a bar and multiple observation decks. Some have a spa and fitness center. While there is on board entertainment, your vacation is all about what you experience on shore. The ships aren’t the destination—they’re only the best way to get there.
5) Itineraries Small ships take you to smaller, more authentic ports. The combination of famous with off-the-beaten-track is key, and it’s made possible because of the small ship size (i.e., well known Mykonos paired with Folegandros, also known as the “Secret Santorini”.) Fewer countries are visited allowing a more in-depth experience of the cultures, the communities and the cuisine.
6) Swimming
Compare this to a large ship pool! A quick swim stop in the Aegean Sea for guests aboard the Galileo.
Your captain will drop anchor next to beautiful secluded beaches
or coves (weather permitting), where you can dive right off the yacht
from our modern swimming platforms. Hint: our pool is actually the Aegean Sea!
7) On Board Entertainment Vegas stays in Vegas: Variety Cruises offers a fancy Captain’s dinner, local cuisine night with local dances, daily lectures, a library room, free Internet, delightful daily swim stops, ample sun deck space and more for an enjoyable on board stay. Onshore, naturalists and on board experts help you explore the region through lectures and discussions.
Big ship cruising is great for families with younger kids. There’s never a dull moment between the casino, the Vegas style shows, the arcades, the entertainment teams, the fitness classes, the rock climbing, and much more.
8) Excursions Shore excursions are composed of small intimate groups—no waiting in line. Guests have ample leisure time at each of the ports and are encouraged to explore on their own, with the cruise director’s full help and guidance. Major cruise ships are usually too massive to dock directly in most ports. Time-consuming tenders are employed daily to help hundreds (or thousands) of guests get to shore…and back again.
9) Embarkation/Disembarkation Our yachts usually dock right in the village ports,where guests can walk on and off the ship at their own pace. No massive cruise ports; we opt for private yacht ports all the way. Thanks to their size, large ships are only affected by very extreme weather conditions.
10) Weather High winds may impact scheduled itineraries; some might think this is a down side of small ship cruising. However, our Captains are experts at redirecting the itineraries when necessary in the best and safest way possible, often allowing guests to discover secluded, secret destinations. Variety Cruises, essentially sails with the wind, just like private yachts and sailboats.
Want to more information about Variety Cruises, river cruises, or something else? Start planning your next trip today and complete our travel planning survey below.
