Sunday 23/5/08. SSVirgo Cruise/ First timers. Arrived at Ocean Terminal for check in for the cruise. Deposited luggage and were told to come back at 1.30. Had a walk around the shops in the terminal, then went outside and got our first sight of the SSVirgo up close. Wow, what an impressive ship, we were getting really excited now, it was so big. Back to check in area and there were not too many people, thought this can't be right, but we were right in front of the balcony class section entrance and a few more people began lining up behind us. Hadn't been waiting too long when we were escorted to the customs section and everything happened so fast, rushed through to check in area and in a matter of minutes were walking through the door to be greeted and photographed by the greeting crew. We were up that gangplank so fast, it seemed unreal as there were no other people around, we had visions of everyone madly rushing to board the ship, but it was such a lovely experience.
Into the lobby and greeted again with a welcome drink. Wow! we were speechless, quickly drank our drinks as we wanted to get moving and explore, felt like I imagined it would feel like stepping into the Big Brother house for the first time. We went straight up to the pool deck and ordered a drink, feeling they must not be open yet as no one else to be seen on deck except the crew. It was like we had the whole ship to ourselves that first half hour. Off to check out our balcony cabin, our luggage was already there, unbelievable!! How cool, we were so happy we got a balcony cabin, there is stacks of room and it is really cosy. We found out later that the bed was so comfy and I loved the feeling of getting rocked to sleep ever so slightly every night.
Well by now we were getting peckish, the first place we found was the Bella Vista, a 5 star restaurant no doubt and we were in our shorts and thongs( shoes). As we were the only ones in there, they didn't seem to mind and we feasted on a 3 course late lunch. The food here is top notch and every meal we had was perfect, in proportion and to how it was cooked. The service is really good too. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff. Back to Taverna for a cocktail, then mosied on down to Bellini for another as we people watched the gathering that was growing in the lobby. We must have been about to sail as we had to do the safety drill then out on deck at our nominated stations. All good and well except many people inside still walking around and many didn't even go and get their lifejackets. Hmmm
Cosy cabin with comfy bed and plenty of space. Balcony class is the best.