After spending Thanksgiving on Carnival Jubilee out of Galveston with a million kids and trashy adults, this virgin Virgin experience was AMAZING!! We went out of San Juan and flew in the night before staying at the San Juan airport – very convenient, clean, and simple. We did purchase the Splash of Romance package which got us priority boarding right behind rockstars with no queues and waiting – We walked right on. The rooms are basic but functional. You walk in the door and the lights come on and the drapes open. The balcony has two chairs, a small table and the famous red hammock which is a delight to sit out on. Storage was fine, bathroom small like all the other ships we have been on. Room steward great! He provided Ice each day and kept the room spotless and towels replenished.

Things we loved. NO ANNOYING ANNOUNCEMENTS! Everything is in the ap – we do not need someone blaring over the intercom where bingo is or the time of the shows. The bracelet is your “sign and sail” card. I do not have pockets in my bathing suit so not having to keep up with that key card is so nice. The shows (while very adult themed and sometimes raunchy) were outstanding. They have people of all shapes and sizes as part of the entertainment group. Dancing great, voices beautiful and well-orchestrated choreography. NO KIDS!! Tips are included and you do not have to sign and waste a piece of paper every time you get a drink. The restaurants and food for fantastic everywhere. Even in their Galley which is like a food court. Not a typical buffet where you see people with mounds of food that is wasted. We run from buffet food on other lines but the galley here was excellent. Another Rose dinner show was an extra $50 and worth it. The show was great, the food was perfect and the cocktails paired with each course along with all the rose’ you can drink made this a no brainer to go see. The sail away party – although it happens hours before the ship leaves was a party with fun music and all you can drink rose’. Super fun energy. Scarlett night was a spectacle to be seen for sure! Everyone is dressed in red from dresses to suits, to Halloween costumes (red of course) to red casual wear. The whole ship is red, the 7th floor is full of shows, music, red decorations. It was a blast. LOTS of places to sit with comfortable day beds and loungers all across the ship.

The splash of romance gave us priority boarding (and rooms are ready when you get on – no hanging out with your carry on to be able to go to room), pressed juices at the pool bar every morning, a shake for champagne (which is cool and fun), a 3 hour session in the thermal spa, an hour long party with cocktails and little bites of dessert delivered three times to the cabin (just eh). We missed the party as you do not get that information until you board and we had a virgin sponsored excursion that day that did not get us back until almost 5:40 and the party was 5 – 6. I think that’s terrible to have a party while people could still be out on the island on one of their tours. Overall, it was worth it for the boarding, the spa and the juices. Read more