Virgin Atlantic’s Brilliant Lady
Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Anne Schrader, Certified Travel Counselor & Certified Luxury Cruise Specialist
It has been quite a while since we reported on an Ocean Cruise Line, but we just returned from a 5-day trip on the second sailing of the Brilliant Lady from New York. The only port stop was the Royal Naval Port in Bermuda.
We took this cruise as part of a business meeting to improve our knowledge of a great CRM (Contact Relationship Management) system by Tern to enhance our ability to work more efficiently with you.
The other part for us was learning about what Virgin Atlantic has to offer you as a possible vacation option.
Overall Impressions
This cruise line is different than any other line we have sailed on in the past. There are no children aboard and the vibe is pretty much fun and loud. Since we both are in our 70s, it probably would not be our first choice for a relaxing cruise; however, I could see how it would appeal to younger sailors (this is the term Virgin Atlantic uses instead of guests to call their folks who sail with them). Tattoos, a variety of lifestyles and amazing outfits were a normal at all times, but especially at night!
A good concept is the variety of different dining options, and I will cover these from our experiences. The food is generally excellent and this is a big draw for considering taking a Virgin Atlantic cruise. They also have edgy theater shows.
Another good feature is that almost all is included—no gratuities for the cruise. Naturally, alcohol drinks are extra and some options in the various eateries had upcharges for select meals.
In a tech touch, you are provided with a red wrist band that opens your room and is scanned for drink purchases. This really solves a problem of constantly fumbling for your cruise credit card like so many other cruise lines.
A not so good feature was the constant waiting in line for the various dining venues, even with a reservation. The problem was only one host or hostess seating 20 to 30 folks, especially with the late time slots (usually 2 seatings 5:45 and 8:00 PM or later). We waited sometimes 20 minutes or so to be seated.
Another negative factor was the noise levels—most folks had to shout to have a conversation anywhere on the ship. Even the staff noticed it, as we could seldom interact without having to repeat anything.
While not Virgin Atlantic’s total fault, the embarkation process was the worse system of any ocean cruise line we have sailed on. No real signage until we finally reach the check in area, no reps from Virgin and you get in long lines that seem never to end despite the fact we had a designated embarkation time.
Brillant Lady
The Brilliant Lady in Port in Bermuda. Photo Anne Schrader
This picture shows how the design of the ship allows it be narrow enough to transit the Panama Canal since the lifeboats are recessed. Photo Anne Schrader
Anne and Hank ready to board.
The ship holds 2,770 passengers with 1048 staterooms (some staterooms could hold 3 or 4, so the max capacity is 2,860), with 17 decks. There are 1,160 staff and crew onboard. One significant design feature is that the ship is small enough to transit the Panama Canal and it will sail all the way to Alaska on some cruises.
Our Stateroom
We booked a Sea Terrace stateroom that ranges in size from 185 to 225 square feet—ours was the XL version with 225 square feet. The terrace had a hand-woven red hammock.
Our Stateroom 11206 Z. Photo Anne Schrader
The bathroom is very cramped with a shower, toilet and sink.
The cramped bathroom. Photo Anne Schrader
The sink area. Photo Anne Schrader
The Shower. There is the wand (shown) and a rain shower head (not shown). Photo Anne Schrader
Our cabin had some high-tech features, with a tablet that controlled the lights, TV and curtains. You can change the lights to mood settings. It is very modern with a cheeky vibe (to use a British term).
The make up area. Photo Anne Schrader
The high-tech control pad that controls the lights, TV and curtains in our stateroom. Photo Anne Schrader
The closet area. Photo Anne Schrader
Deck 7 Food
Deck 7 features a pizza pallor, an ice cream venue (called “Lick Me ‘Till I Scream”—honest, I’m not making that up), and the Loose Cannon venue for hot dogs, pop corn and wings
The Galley on Deck 15
Although there is not a large buffet area like many large cruise ships (it is more like a market-style food hall), there were smaller versions of stations for breakfast, lunch and for dinner. 8 of the 20 total food locations are on deck 15. There was a taco food hall, an Asian Noodle Soup venue, a breakfast station, a burger station, a fresh baked bread/sandwich station and desserts and fruit. The morning bagel station changes to a salad bar. All food is served by the staff
Specialty Dining Venues
Here is a review of our dining experiences during this short 5-day Cruise.
Gunbae
This is a Korean BBQ venue, with 6 people are seated around cooking stations in a half-circle seating arrangement. The meal is supposed to start with a drinking game with an included shot of Soju. The waiter tried to explain the dishes, but it was so loud, we couldn’t really understand. To make things simpler, he just brought us almost everything from the menu from the favorites from serving others. We liked the small bites course of crispy chicken and the seafood pancakes. You could also get noodle dishes, or spicy rice cakes.
Next was the chef’s combo of short ribs, pork belly and shrimp prepared at the table. My favorite was the bulgogi, again prepared at the table. I had rice to go with meat courses and Anne had Kimchi rice.
My grade B, as the food was good, but the noise was overwhelming.
Gunbae Korean BBQ entrance. Photo Anne Schrader
Pink Agave
This is Virgin’s Mexican themed restaurant. It was surprisingly good and a different twist on most Mexican restaurants. I started with a classic, the chicken enchiladas. The next larger plates were excellent. Anne had the artichoke marinated smoked pork, while I had a thin ribeye steak covered lightly with a chili cheese sauce.
Our grade A- as the noise was less than other venues, even with a DJ towards the end of our meal with salsa music, and the food was very good!
Anne in Pink Agave. Photo Hank Schrader
Extra Virgin
My favorite restaurant was the Italian Extra Virgin. We started with a charcuterie board. I then had 5 meatballs as an appetizer, then splurged on chicken cacciatore and pasta (it was a lot of food). For dessert my choice was the tableside created Affogato expresso that covered whisky crema vanilla gelato.
Entrance to Extra Virgin. Photo Hank Schrader
Charcuterie board Extra Virgin. Photo Anne Schrader
My meatballs starter. Photo Hank Schrader
Anne’s salad. Photo Anne Schrader
Anne’s Pasta dish. Photo Anne Schrader
My Chicken cacciatore. Photo Hank Schrader
My Pasta Ragu. Photo Hank Schrader
This great bottle of wine was well worth the extra cost. Photo Anne Schrader
A+ here, and we could talk to each other and our newly made single friend at the adjacent table.
The Wake
The Wake is billed as a modern twist to the classic chophouses. We were looking forward to this restaurant especially for their signature seafood tower platters, but sadly the chef said the seafood was not up to par. Anne was very disappointed, so enjoyed her drinks.
I had the Razor Clam Chowder as a starter and then a 7-oz. Filet Mignon with a twice baked potato and caramelized onion.
My steak was served with roasted garlic. Photo Hank Schrader
My twice-baked potato dish. Photo Hank Schrader
Desert to finish off the meal. Photo Hank Schrader
My food was excellent, with a B+ grade but the evening was quite a disappointment overall. Anne would go with a D.
Our Final Thoughts
It was a different experience but overall, it was a little disappointing to us. If you are looking for a lively time, this ship is designed for you. The quality of the food might be just enough to make you consider taking a Virgin Atlantic cruise, as most is already included in the cruise fare. Just remember to book the specialty restaurants early as possible to avoid disappointment!
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When you are spending your hard-earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip. You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience. And, you want someone who can help you with the decision-making process. We think we have all these qualities.
Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you with high quality, expertly planned trips. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@visitdd.com . We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
ANNE has earned a degree from the University of Houston in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Serving as the President of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC, since 2016, she is uniquely experienced professional travel advisor with over 26 years’ experience in the travel industry. Among her numerous certifications, she is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) by the Travel Institute, considered the gold standard in travel agent certification and she is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well Luxury Cruise Specialist also from CLIA. Having traveled often to Europe since 1989, she has expanded on her certification as a Destination Specialist in Western Europe (DS) with extensive first-hand experience in luxury vacations. She holds numerous other specialty designations from individual vendors. An expert photographer, she delights in capturing the true essence of destinations to share with all.
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 53 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). His last major certificate is a Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certificate earned from the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
CLIA Riverview Certificate
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Riverside Luxury Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Brit Agent
