virgin cruise line youtube

Virgin Voyages launched a cruise designed for Gen Z - here's one 25-year-old's verdict

Oct 18, 2021 • 6 min read

Virgin Voyages cruise from Miami to Nassau and Bimini Beach in the Bahamas ©Getty Images

Making waves with its very direct approach to onboarding the next generation of cruisers, Virgin Voyages has finally launched its first of four ships in the US earlier this month. 

As someone squarely in their target demo, a novice cruiser under the age of 25, I accepted Virgin Voyages' invitation to be among the first to check out the new Scarlet Lady. The cruise was one of their new standard routes, four nights from Miami to Nassau and Bimini Beach in the Bahamas ; markedly different from the standard 7-10 night Caribbean trips you'll find on other cruise lines. 

What I found onboard was surprising and gave me definitive answers to the questions many travelers are pondering: Can Virgin Voyages actually bridge the generation gap and be considered cool?

Who is sailing on Virgin Voyages? 

18+ and fully vaccinated? Welcome aboard! Virgin Voyages adults-only scene changes up the attitude and energy of everyone onboard, giving the whole experience an exclusive, club vibe. The ship doesn't lack for anything you'd find on your standard cruise, with plenty of uniquely themed bars (a dozen to be exact), two pools, plenty of hot tubs and a nightclub as cool as any I've seen on more solid ground. The guests on my sailing were from all walks of life and notably younger. 

Will I have to wear a mask on board? 

It's really up to you regarding masks on board as masks are recommended but not required. Walking around the ship, you'd see about one in every 50 people onboard wore masks and all the staff is masked at all times. Though with a sweeping vaccine mandate for all passengers and crew as well as thorough testing prior to boarding from every port, Virgin is hoping to significantly reduce the risk of onboard outbreaks. At this point, a full vaccine mandate is not possible on cruises that include children, which makes Virgin Voyages among the safest travel experiences you can have now.

The new, affordable spring break destination

As soon as the Scarlet Lady departs US waters the drinking age becomes 18 and the ship is ready to party. The pricing for this cruise line is done a bit differently, charging for cabins that have the capacity for up to 3 passengers (or 'sailors' as the line refers to its passengers). With rates that hover around $1,300 per cabin for 4-5 night trips, Virgin is poised to become the perfect upscale yet affordable vacation for a friends group looking to experience some new destinations. 

What are the cabins like? Will I feel comfortable? 

For my stay, I was booked in the Sea Terrace cabin, which is their standard balcony cabin.  Although the bathroom was a little small, I appreciated the extra space in the stylish room. The cabin is high-tech and low-touch with a tablet that centralizes all the controls in the room including the lights, AC, the TV and the window shades. The mood of the cabin changes with a quick swipe as lighting presets add a playful touch with one designed for social media photoshoots and another for hangovers, maybe the most useful feature I found on this party ship. 

My favorite cabin feature? The red hammock on the terrace, perfect for lounging, watching the sea roll by. 

Will I be able to post easily on Instagram while onboard? 

Given that the ship was basically built for social media, Virgin was smart to make WiFi available and free to all guests. Premium and higher-speed WiFi packages are also available for a fee. The highest speed available is $40 for the whole voyage if purchased on the first day. While your social media channels will load perfectly with the free package, and posting is a breeze, working may be a challenge. Most video call services are either blocked by the cruise line or use up too much bandwidth to work as they would on land. Hopefully, you’re not working on vacation, but if you need to make that one important client video call, you may be in trouble.

What's the food like? 

Virgin really excels at atmosphere and the dining experiences at the all-inclusive onboard restaurants are distinct, unique and sexy. Favorites included the fresh Mexican fare at Pink Agave, and Gunbae, a Korean BBQ experience where you’re able to cook some of your own food. Each restaurant also features “Treat Yourself” options for an additional charge, think lobster, steak and oysters. The included food options, however, never left me wanting more. 

Will I have to bring my wallet around the ship to tip? 

There’s no need to tip when you go out to dinner or drinks onboard or at their private beach club (more on that later). This means even when you purchase an alcoholic beverage, you won’t need to add an extra tip and it won’t be automatically added to your account, as it would be on other cruise lines. I wanted to see what would happen if I tried to give my bartender a cash tip one night and they declined to take it. Use your discretion here.

The Beach Club at Bimini: the line's private island oasis

Expect classy, Vegas pool party vibes at Virgin Voyages' exclusive The Beach Club at Bimini, a destination on most of its voyages. The emphasis here is on fun, not necessarily relaxing. The music is loud, drinks are prominent and the free WiFi around the pool ensures easy access to social media. The music is great and goes beyond standard Top 40 hits and Caribbean beats. Plan to stay later into the night for the sunset bonfire, the perfect way to toast a day in paradise. 

Yes, you really can get a tattoo on the ship

That's right, they have a tattoo parlor onboard, Squid Ink, and it's real. Be sure to book ahead as the first and only chance to get your ink at sea fills up fast. 

The shows are actually fun

Every live performance I saw was fun and fully immersive. With at least one live performance nightly in the ship’s theater, there’s a good chance you won’t be able to catch them all.

The highlight for me was the ship's “Untitled Dance Party Show Thing”. The one-of-a-kind variety show makes the audience the spectacle as the space transforms into a dance club. The young crowd went wild for it and so did I; it may be one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen.

What's the overall vibe on the ship? 

Entertainment and performance is the star of the show aboard the Scarlet Lady.  Live entertainment seemingly pops up around every corner of the ship. 

Because of this atmosphere, there is no cruise director, instead, there is a “Happenings” cast made up of several personalities including “the Artist," “the Dancer,” “the Gamer” and more. They pop up throughout your journey and lead to fun and highly interactive experiences.

The Bottom Line

Virgin Voyages is offering a lot to differentiate them from some of the players in the industry, but at the end of the day, it is still a cruise. A very cool cruise though, worth the trip.

You might also like: As Virgin Voyages prepares to set sail, how do its COVID measures line up? As cruising restarts in the Caribbean, the pandemic ensures it's not all smooth sailing Venice formally bans large cruise ships from its historic city center

Explore related stories

Sep 30, 2021 • 3 min read

Lonely Planet writer Zachary Laks hopped aboard Richard Branson’s new Virgin Voyages to see how cruise lines are pivoting to COVID safety protocols.

May 4, 2020 • 4 min read

Feb 28, 2020 • 2 min read

Aug 30, 2019 • 2 min read

Aug 20, 2019 • 1 min read

Aug 22, 2024 • 11 min read

Aug 21, 2024 • 24 min read

Aug 1, 2024 • 6 min read

Jul 18, 2024 • 3 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 10 min read

Introducing Resilient Lady: Virgin Voyages’ third ship is an ode to womankind

It’s International Women’s Day today (8 March) and Virgin Voyages is introducing a very special new lady to its fleet. Resilient Lady is the cruise line's third ship and is due to set sail in 2022.

The past year has been filled with adversity and adaptation for everyone – but it’s no secret that women have been challenged to rise up more than ever during the pandemic. Virgin Voyages is announcing Resilient Lady on International Women’s Day to symbolise the spirit of its Lady Ships, and to celebrate women and their achievements, strength, leadership and resilience.

Resilient Lady has a bright future ahead of her, as Virgin Voyages’ second ship to sail the Mediterranean (after her sister ship Valiant Lady).

“Sailing in the Med is such an extraordinary experience, and we’re so excited to bring the adventure of a Virgin Voyage to this beautiful place,” said Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group. “I’m so proud of the incredible work the team has accomplished to introduce Resilient Lady.”

Virgin Voyages will offer two different voyages on Resilient Lady in the Med:

Greek Isles Itinerary: Sailors will get the opportunity to immerse themselves in Greek history and culture in Athens before island-hopping to Santorini, Rhodes, Crete and Mykonos. The Greek Isles itinerary will feature an overnight stay in Mykonos, offering Sailors a premier location and access to the picturesque promenade

Adriatic (with Greek Isles) Itinerary: Sailing out of Athens, Sailors will spend their second day at sea before docking in Dubrovnik the following morning. With a 2am departure from Dubrovnik, Sailors will have plenty of time to experience the rich history of Croatia during the day and take part in the active nightlife along the Adriatic Sea, before scenic sailing to Kotor, Corfu and Argostoli

“Welcoming Resilient Lady to our fleet and revealing these amazing itineraries sets the tone for the most memorable summer voyage,”  said Tom McAlpin, CEO and President of Virgin Voyages. “We know the time to travel is on the horizon, and Virgin Voyages is here so that we can keep dreaming of irresistible vacations ahead.”

Resilient Lady is due to set sail in summer 2022. Head over to Virgin Voyages to find out more and sign up for updates.

Check out some of Virgin Voyages’ onboard restaurants

Five dreamy destinations to visit with Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages reveals second ship and destinations

30 Necessary Virgin Voyages Tips You Need to Know For A Successful Sailing

When you sail with Virgin Voyages, you enter a world where cruising rules are redefined. While you may recognize some elements from traditional cruises, these Virgin Voyages tips will guide you through booking, preparing, and, as well as what to expect when you step aboard one of their distinctive ‘Lady Ships”.

We are seasoned cruisers, but sailing with Virgin Voyages felt almost like being first-time cruisers again. It was an experience, from booking the cruise to finding our way around the ship. We were proactive and booked our dining reservations 45 days in advance, which was important to us to be able to enjoy the fantastic dining experiences onboard. Also, connecting to the ship’s Wi-Fi as soon as we got to the terminal allowed us to quickly book our preferred ‘Shore Things’ with the sailor loot we had.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our  full disclosure  for details.

We’re not just sharing tips for a Virgin Voyages cruise; we’re providing you with the necessary Virgin Voyages tips you need to plan a successful cruise.

Table of Contents

Understand the Value of All-Inclusive Rates on Virgin Voyages

Don’t be discouraged by the initial rates; remember, it’s all included on a Virgin Voyages cruise. Most importantly, it will be an ADULT ONLY cruise. When booking my first cruise, I initially found the pricing confusing. Unlike other cruise lines, Virgin’s website shows rates based on double occupancy by default, but you can easily adjust this to ‘per person’ in the filter settings. More importantly, Virgin’s rates inclu de all dining, basic Wi-Fi, gratuities, and even fountain drinks, which are often extra costs on other cruises. When you consider these inclusions, the value of a Virgin Voyages cruise becomes clear.

Not included: alcoholic drinks, spa services, excursions, and some other premium upgrades.

Sofabeds in Standard Cabins

Something that Virgin Voyages does differently—and which has sparked controversy—is using sofabeds instead of traditional beds in standard cabins. The only real beds are found in the Rockstar Suites. Although I initially hesitated, fearing that the sofabeds would be the least comfortable option at sea, the sofabed in our XL Sea Terrace cabin was surprisingly one of the most comfortable beds we’ve ever slept in.

However, sharing the cabin with two or more people can make the sofabed situation awkward. The bed is configured into an L-shape, which means you’ll have to sleep head-to-head, head-to-feet, or feet-to-feet with your cabin mate. A third cabin mate would fit in a bunk. It might surprise you, too, so it’s something to consider when planning who you’re cruising with.

Tip:  Before booking, consider pricing out two cabins instead of one. The cost difference is minimal and could make a huge difference in comfort and privacy, especially if you’re considering cramming into one cabin with multiple people. 

Watch Our XL Sea Terrace Cabin Tour

Book with a First Mate For Extra Perks

First Mates are certified travel/cruise agents with Virgin Voyages. You can book a cruise online, but booking with a First Mate has benefits, including additional perks like Sailor Loot or cabin choices. Their rates will never be more than what you see on Virgin. Someone also acts as a liaison between the cruise line and you, so if you need to make changes, they contact Virgin for you.

Download the Virgin App

Everything on Virgin Voyages operates through their app. Once you create an account with VV and book a cruise, it’s important to download the app. You’ll need it for various essential tasks: check-in, making reservations for dining, experiences, fitness classes, and even controlling the cabin lights. You’ll also receive all your notifications regarding the cruise on that app. So, don’t wait last minute to download it.

Be aware, though, that the app can sometimes be frustrating and sometimes requires patience. It works best on the ship. Despite any hiccups, it will be your primary tool for virtually everything on the ship.

VV Assigns Your Cabin After Booking

When you book a cruise with Virgin Voyages, they’ll assign your cabin number afterward. You can find out your assigned cabin by checking the app or your online account. If the assigned cabin doesn’t meet your preferences, don’t worry—you can call Virgin’s customer service to request a change. If you booked through a travel agent (referred to as a First Mate by Virgin), they can handle the cabin selection or make the call for you.

Here’s a personal tip from our experience: When we first booked with Virgin, we were assigned an XL Sea Terrace cabin. After looking it up online, we realized it didn’t have a hammock, which we really wanted. We called customer service, and they happily changed our cabin for us. So, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need something different. If you booked with a First Mate, you’d contact them first.

Status Match for Extra Perks

If you carry loyalty status with another cruise line, take advantage of  Virgin Voyages’ status match program  to earn ‘Blue Extra’ perks and join their exclusive Sailor’s Club—even on your first or second cruise. This offer is only available until December 31, 2024.

Last year, we utilized our  MSC loyalty status  to obtain ‘Deep Blue Extras’ on our first Virgin cruise. Initially, we had to status match our Hilton Gold status with MSC. Once that was established, we submitted our MSC status to Virgin, and the process was surprisingly smooth. Sadly, Virgin stopped allowing status matches from MSC anymore.

Elevate Your Cruise Experience with the Splash of Romance Package

If you want a smoother start to your cruise, think about adding the Splash of Romance (SOR) package to your booking. With this package, you’ll board the ship right after Deep Blue Extras and Rockstars, which means you get extra time to enjoy the ship. This is a big plus if your check-in time is later, like 3:45 PM.

But the Splash of Romance package includes more than early boarding. You also get a 3-hour thermal spa pass and a bottle of champagne.

Please note:  The Splash of Romance package is an additional cost and limited availability, so be sure to add it to your reservation early.

Curious About RockStar But Think It’s Too Pricey? Try Bidding on an Upgrade

Cruising as a Rockstar or Mega-rockstar has its perks, but let’s be honest, it can be pretty pricey. If you’re feeling lucky, you can try to score an upgrade by submitting a bid for one of these swanky suites. It’s called a Level Upgrade, and while it’s not guaranteed you’ll win if you do, you’ll get to enjoy all those Rockstar benefits without the full price tag. It’s a great way to possibly elevate your experience without breaking the bank .

Check-in and Pick a Boarding Time as Soon as Possible

The Virgin Voyages app lets you check in almost immediately after booking to secure the earliest boarding time at the port. Check-in for other cruise lines typically opens much closer to the departure date. We could check in months in advance, which streamlined our boarding process and got us started on our vacation without any delays. The earlier you get on the ship, the more time you have to start your cruise and get reservations for things.

Book Your Restaurant Reservations 45 Days Before Embarkation Day

For Virgin Voyages, the window to book your restaurant reservations opens 45 days before your embarkation day, right at midnight EST. If you’re a Rockstar, you get a little extra leeway with reservations opening 60 days prior. These slots fill up fast, so I recommend setting a reminder on your calendar to make reservations at 12:01 AM EST on the dot. This ensures you get the preferred dining times without the stress of finding out they’re already booked.

However, if everything is booked by the time you try, don’t worry. Once you get onboard, you’ll have another opportunity to make reservations. Just do this as soon as you embark, ideally on the first day. Afterward, walk-in options may become scarce, and you might have to settle for less convenient times. The effort to book early is well worth it—the food at the sit-down restaurants is outstanding and a highlight of Virgin’s cruise experience.

• You can only reserve a restaurant once during a sailing of 6 nights or less.
• Keep in mind that sit-down dinners do last about 2 hours.

VV Does Brunch

Don’t miss out on a fantastic brunch experience aboard Virgin Voyages. The Wake and Razzle Dazzle both offer brunch throughout the week. We recommend booking a brunch on sea days when you can relax and enjoy your meal without a rush, or consider making it your grand finale with a final brunch on disembarkation day .

Follow the Ship’s Happenings Cast on Instagram

Each Lady Ship has a dedicated ‘Happenings Cast’ on Instagram, and we highly recommend following them. These crew members provide constant updates, activities, and fun around the ship. They’re a wealth of tips and knowledge that can greatly enhance your experience aboard by giving you insider info and highlighting can’t-miss events and activities.

• Scarlet Lady’s Happenings Cast on IG
• Resilient Lady’s Happenings Cast on IG
• Valiant Lady’s Happenings Cast on IG
• Brilliant Lady’s Happenings Cast on IG

What to Pack for Virgin Voyages

While our general cruise packing list is always a good starting point, there are a few Virgin-specific items you’ll definitely want to bring along:

• Refillable Water Bottle:  Virgin Voyages does not provide disposable water bottles on board. They highly recommend bringing a refillable water bottle as plenty of water stations are around the ship, and you can always ask for water at the bars.
• USB-C Wall Plug-in:  The cabins are well-equipped with electrical and USB-A ports but lack USB-C ports. A charging port will be necessary if your devices require this type of connection.
• Hanging Toiletry Bag: Another item we highly recommend, especially if you’re staying in a Sea Terrace, is a hanging toiletry bag. The bathrooms can be a bit cramped, with limited storage and shelving, so having a hanging toiletry bag will keep your essentials organized and easily accessible.
• Pajamas for the Pajama Party: Pack a pair of pajamas or comfy loungewear that you love for the Pajama Party on the first night.
• 80’s VHS Fitness Class Outfit:  For a blast from the past, pack an 80’s themed workout outfit for the 80’s VHS fitness class. It’s a fun way to sweat it out with some nostalgic flair.
• A Red Outfit for Scarlet Night:  Scarlet Night is a signature event on Virgin Voyages, so bring a red outfit or at least a flash of red to join in the fun.
• Gold Outfit for “We Fancy” Night:  Not all itineraries include a “We Fancy” night, but if yours does, a gold outfit or a fun gold accessory will have you fitting right in.

No Need to Print Luggage Tags

One cool thing about Virgin Voyages is that you don’t have to fuss with printing out luggage tags before you sail. Just show up at the cruise port, pull up your cabin number on the Virgin Voyages app, and hand it over to a porter. They’ll sort out your luggage tags right there. It’s easy and one less thing to worry about before departing.

Just a heads-up:  The porters aren’t Virgin employees, so they will probably expect a tip for their help. A small tip can go a long way toward ensuring your luggage is well cared for.

Boarding Process: What to Expect

Boarding with Virgin Voyages doesn’t start until around 2 PM, and they are strict about adhering to scheduled times. Priority boarding is given in stages: Rockstars are first, followed by passengers with Deep Blue Extras (DBE), and then those with a Splash of Romance (SOR) before general boarding begins. If your check-in time is later, say 3 PM, and you arrive early at noon, expect to be asked to return closer to your designated time or stand in line at the designated boarding time and wait.

We recommend arriving about 30 minutes before your scheduled check-in time. If you’re a Rockstar, DBE, or SOR, you might find that the time listed on the app isn’t accurate—you can and should arrive earlier, around 1 PM since you have priority boarding privileges.

Once they let you in, you’ll go through security and check in with a rep who will hand you a band for onboard charges. Then, you’ll be on your way to the terminal to await boarding. Boarding is called by groups, starting with Rockstars.

Goodbye Cruise Cards, Hello Bands

Virgin Voyages has ditched the old-school cruise cards and switched to super convenient bands. These wristbands act as your keycard for everything onboard, making it easy to keep everything you need literally on hand. We loved the convenience of not having to dig around for a card.

You can recycle the bands at the end of your cruise, but I hung onto mine as a keepsake from my first Virgin cruise. It’s a neat little reminder of a great cruise.

Book Shore Things 120 Days in Advance

Got your heart set on a specific shore excursion? The most popular ones can fill up quickly. You can start booking Shore Things 120 days in advance if you’re a Rockstar 145 days.

If you want to use Sailor Loot, you have to wait until you’re connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi. When we entered the cruise terminal, we connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi because we were eager to book the “Swimming with Sharks in Bimini” excursion. The morning tour was already booked, but we got the afternoon tour.

Have trouble with the app? Head to the Shore Things desk as soon as you board deck 7.

Book Popular Activities and Entertainment Upon Boarding

As soon as you step on board, one of the first things you should do is book all the popular activities and entertainment you’re interested in, whether included in your cruise fare or require an additional fee. This is a key reason to get on the ship as early as possible. Many of Virgin Voyages’ venues are relatively small, meaning they fill up quickly. Securing your spot immediately ensures you won’t miss out on any fun or experiences you’re looking forward to during your cruise.

No Drink Packages, But There Are Bar Tabs

Don’t look for a drink package on Virgin Voyages; they don’t offer them. Instead, alcoholic beverages are sold a la carte, meaning you pay for each drink as you go. But here’s a cool tip: you can set up a Bar Tab before you board. If you load $300 onto your Bar Tab, Virgin throws in an extra $50. It’s non-refundable, so you lose it if you don’t finish it on the ship. If you don’t opt for a Bar Tab, any drinks you buy will be charged to your cruise account or deducted from your Sailor Loot.

Come as You Are Dress Code on Virgin

Virgin Voyages takes the whole “Freestyle Cruising” thing to a new level. There aren’t any strict dress codes, and they ask that you skip the swimsuit at dinner. They’ve got some fun theme nights, like Scarlet Lady, but joining in is totally up to you. You can dress how you like and focus on having a good time. It’s all about being yourself and enjoying the ride, so packing should be a breeze.

While the ship had a relaxed vibe, I thought everyone was pretty well dressed at night at dinner.

Fitness Classes Are Included

Unlike most cruise lines that charge extra for fitness classes, Virgin Voyages includes them in your cruise fare. If staying active is part of your cruise goals, you’re in the right place. You can join as many classes as you like without worrying about additional fees. Just remember to book them as soon as you board because they can fill up quickly. Walk-ins might be an option since sometimes people don’t show up at the last minute, but it’s not guaranteed.

Important Note: If you book a class and fail to show up without canceling, Virgin Voyages will charge a $10 no-show fee to your account, which they donate to charity.

Also, it’s worth noting that you won’t find typical frozen drinks like mudslides on the ship. Virgin Voyages offers a variety of crafted cocktails, which are a step up from the usual cruise drink fare. This is perfect for those looking to try something a bit more sophisticated and unique.

You May Want to Upgrade to Premium Wi-Fi

If you need a reliable and fast internet connection, consider upgrading to Premium Wi-Fi onboard. The basic Wi-Fi was a bit sluggish for us, so we switched to the premium option, and it made a world of difference. It’s worth it, especially if you need to stay connected for work, streaming, or just sharing your cruise moments on the go. When we sailed, the upgrade cost was $99 for the five-night cruise.

Be Food Adventurous

The food on Virgin Voyages is some of the best we’ve had at sea—perfect for foodies and anyone who loves good eats. Their food is generally creatively fun, high quality, and gourmet. Sure, they’ve covered the basics with pizza, hot dogs, and sandwiches for those who like to stick to what they know. But if you stick only to those, you’re missing out. On our cruise, we saw too many people looking skeptically at other folks’ plates or sitting in The Wake for brunch, wishing for something a basic Grand Slam Breakfast (they can go to Diner-and-Dash at the Galley for that). Remember, you’re not at Denny’s. Virgin Voyages offers unique, delicious options that are well worth trying. So try something different—you might fall in love with it!

Avoid Lines at The Galley, Raise the Flag

The Galley on Virgin Voyages isn’t your typical cruise buffet—it’s a food court where you can skip the lines. One of the coolest features is the ability to raise a flag at your table when you’re ready to order. You don’t have to queue up unless you grab something quick, like a dessert or a bento box. Standing in line to order isn’t unnecessary and adds to the crowd. Try to avoid it.

Every time we raised the flag at our table in The Galley, servers quickly took our orders, and our food arrived shortly after. It’s a great way to enjoy your meal without the hassle.

Foodie Tid Bits You Should Know: Diner & Dash in the Galley is your all-American diner, open 24/7 on the ship. And to-go, boxes of snacks are always available at the entrance of The Galley and at The Dockhouse exit.

Navigating the Lady Ships

All Lady Ships by Virgin Voyages share a similar design, but getting around isn’t always intuitive. Reviewing the ship’s deck plans before you set sail to save time otherwise spent wandering is wise. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the key areas:

• Sailor Services: Located on Deck 5 Mid-Ship for all your assistance needs.
• Shore Things & My Next Virgin Voyage: Find these on Deck 7 to plan excursions and future trips.
• Main Connector to Lower Decks: To move between decks 6, 5, or 4, head to Deck 7. From here, it’s the most direct route to those lower decks.
• Social Hubs: Deck 7 has bars and eateries, such as the Pizza Palace, Ice Cream, and Grounds Club.
• The Galley: Visit Deck 15 Aft.
• The Manor Entrance: Surprisingly located within the Casino on Deck 6.

Make it a Movie Night in Your Cabin

Who doesn’t love a good movie night? On Virgin Voyages, movies are free and included with your cruise fare, and there’s a huge selection to choose from—everything from classic films to the latest blockbusters. For the full experience, swing by the Social Club to grab some freshly popped popcorn, or hit The Pizza Palace for a slice or two (or maybe even both). Then head back to your cabin for a cozy night in.

Join in on Theme Nights and Events—You Might Be Surprised

If you’re on the fence about joining in on Virgin Voyages’ theme nights and events, give it a shot—you might be pleasantly surprised! As someone who usually keeps to myself, I decided to dive into the fun during Scarlet Night by dressing up in red and heading to the pool party. It turned out to be a blast! Participating can enhance your cruise experience, giving you memorable moments and maybe even helping you make new friends.

Don’t Debark Without Purchasing My Next Virgin Voyage

The My Next Virgin Voyage (MYNV) program is a step up from typical cruise vouchers. It acts as a placeholder for your next cruise, locking in whatever promotional offer they have onboard that week. Here’s how it worked for us: On our last Virgin cruise, we put down $300 towards MYNV, which guaranteed us $600 in sailor loot for our next cruise if we booked within the next two months. Plus, the $300 went towards our deposit. Remember, if you book after those two months, the sailor loot drops to $300.

You can purchase this directly from the My Next Virgin Voyages desk on Deck 7 or through the Virgin App. You’ll need to provide a credit card when buying it, but it won’t be charged to your onboard account. We chose to buy ours at the desk because they provided immediate answers to all our questions and even gave us a PDF of all upcoming cruise itineraries to help us plan our next adventure. However, purchasing through the app is convenient if you know what you want.

You Can Debark the Ship as Late as 10:30 AM

No early morning rush to leave the ship here. Virgin Voyages lets you debark as late as 10:30 AM. That means you can enjoy a leisurely brunch before you say goodbye to the ship—just remember to book it early in the week to get a spot.

Debarkation on Virgin isn’t much different from other cruise lines, apart from the more relaxed check-out time. You can carry your own luggage off early with the self-assist group or pick a debarkation time slot under ‘Shore Things’ in the app a couple of days before the end of the cruise. If you’re not carrying it off yourself, just make sure your luggage is outside your cabin by 10:30 PM the night before.

We went for a later debarkation and kept our luggage with us, which meant we could sleep in a bit on that last day.

Virgin’s Website is a Wealth of Knowledge

I’ve found that Virgin Voyages’ website is way ahead of the curve compared to other cruise lines. It’s packed with answers to almost all your FAQs, plus loads of tips and insights about cruising with them. They even have some cool videos that give you cabin hacks and other handy cruising tips. It’s totally worth taking a bit of time to dive into their site. Also, don’t forget to follow them on social media for the latest updates and some extra tidbits.

What Gives Virgin Voyages Its Edge

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

• VV Scarlet Lady: Cruise Review
• How to Book Shore Excursions on Your Own

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Virgin Voyages Tips | 10 Things to Know Before Your First Cruise

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: January 2, 2024

If you’re sailing with Virgin Voyages, you should be prepared for sun-soaked days, fun-filled nights and flavor-packed meals. But you should also be prepared to do a bit of prep in advance if you want to take your cruise to the next level. In this post, we’ll share our 10 best Virgin Voyages tips to help you get the most out of your cruise.

I recently returned from a 5-day Virgin Voyages Dominican Daze Cruise on the Scarlet Lady . Before this trip, I had only cruised with Disney Cruise Line, and the Virgin Voyages experience was very different. (If you’re interested in how those two cruise lines compare, be sure to check out our post on Disney Cruise Line vs Virgin Voyages .) I learned so many things from my first Virgin Voyages cruise, and I’m sharing it all here.

Follow these tips and you can be sure that you won’t miss out on any of the fun (or food) onboard. The best part about these tips is that most of them can be done before your trip, so by the time you board you can sit back and relax.

Disclaimer: My Virgin Voyages cruise was graciously gifted by our trusted travel advisor, Lauren Quirk, from  Travel With Character . This post is not sponsored by Virgin Voyages or Travel With Character, and I do not receive any compensation in exchange for this post. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

1. Complete the “Before You Sail” tasks ASAP.

As soon as you book your Virgin Voyages cruise (or as early as 120 days out), download the Virgin Voyages mobile app and complete the “Before you Sail” tasks. You’ll need the app for a few different things before and during your cruise, so you might as well get it now.

The “Before You Sail” task list has seven steps and takes about ten minutes. It includes things like confirming your passport information, taking a security photo and linking a credit card to use onboard. Most importantly though, this is where you can schedule your embarkation time. (Aka the time you can board the ship.)

It’s important to book your embarkation as soon as possible, because the best boarding times can book up quickly. What are the best embarkation times for Virgin Voyages? The earliest ones, which leads us to …

2. Schedule the earliest embarkation time.

I’d strongly recommend booking the earliest possible embarkation time for your Virgin Voyages cruise. On my cruise, this is 2 PM.

Early boarding has many benefits. Most obviously, you will have more time on the ship, plus shorter queues in the terminal. Most importantly though, early boarding means earlier access to registration for onboard activities. (We’ll talk more about that in tip #6.)

The embarkation experience will vary based on the port you’re sailing from. If you’re sailing from Miami, Virgin Voyages’ Terminal V is very well organized and boarding is quick and orderly. We were scheduled for earliest boarding group, and we were on the ship 20 minutes after we arrived at the terminal.

Boarding times are pretty strictly enforced. There are queues outside the terminal for each boarding time. If you arrive early, you’ll have to wait with your group for your time. You will not be able to board early if you arrive early.

3. Book dining reservations as soon as they open.

Meals are included on all Virgin Voyages cruises. That includes food from all quick service and table service restaurants onboard, as well room service. While all of the food onboard is pretty good, the very best, chef-curated meals can be found at the table service restaurants.

These high-end dining establishments are one of the selling points on Virgin Voyages, but actually getting a table at them takes a little bit of effort.

Virgin Voyages does not automatically schedule any meals for you. That means you’re not guaranteed a chance to dine at every (or any) table service restaurant onboard. You need to proactively make a reservation if you want eat at these table service restaurants.

Dining reservations open up 45 days before your sailing date. The exact time reservations open up reportedly varies, but it is typically around midnight in the departing port’s timezone. For example, if you are scheduled to sail on December 16, 2023 from Miami, your dining would open just after midnight ET the morning of November 1. You could potentially start checking the website in the late evening hours of October 31, around 11:30 PM, because sometimes they open early.

That said, the reservations don’t book up instantly. Unless you have a large party and are really set on a specific restaurant on a specific date and time, you probably don’t need to stay up till midnight to book your reservation. You should definitely plan to book in the morning of the day reservations open, though, for the best selection.

If you happen to miss the reservation window, don’t give up hope. All of the restaurants do have limited space for walk-ups and same-day reservations. This will just take more time and effort. There is also quick service dining available at all times.

4. See if you qualify for Deep Blue Extras.

Virgin Voyages is a relatively new cruise line, so they don’t have an established frequent sailor program just yet. While they build that up, they’re offering a collection of perks to seasoned sailors called Deep Blue Extras through the end of 2024.

Deep Blue Extras are pretty good, too. The perks include a $100 onboard drink credit, $10 per day specialty coffee credit, some complimentary laundry services and a free upgrade to premium wifi. You’ll also have access to a dedicated Sailor Services rep onboard, expedited boarding and a special happy hour.

Anyone who sailed with Virgin Voyages in 2021 (Sea-Blazers) or has sailed twice in 2022 and 2023 (Sea-Rovers) will receive Deep Blue Extras. If you qualify, these rewards will automatically be applied to your next sailing through 2024.

4.5 (Bonus tip!). Don’t tighten your Deep Blue Extras bracelet.

If you do qualify for Deep Blue Extras, you’ll get a special bracelet when you check in at the terminal. This one is a ribbon style bracelet with a one-way clasp — meaning you can tighten it but not loosen it.

If you put this bracelet on, make sure that you keep it loose enough to slide on and off. You don’t actually need this bracelet for anything, and all the perks are connected to your other NFC band. I think this is literally just to demonstrate your status on board.

I slipped mine off right away and just kept it in my purse, but I didn’t actually need it.

5. Use a hair tie for The Band.

When you check in at the terminal, they will give you a bracelet to use during your cruise. The Band is a contactless device that you need to use for pretty much everything on board. It serves as your room key, ID and credit card onboard, and you are required to tap it every time you get on and off the ship.

The NFC device itself is plastic with two attached loops. It is on a rope bracelet that wraps around your wrist twice and attaches with a small metal anchor. As you would expect from that description, the bracelet broke immediately.

Since the tap device is so important for your cruise, I’d recommend bringing a backup bracelet for it. A hair tie is the perfect solution. Slip the hair tie through one of the loops on The Band, and then pull one side of the hair tie through the other side of the hair tie to create a loop knot. Then you can wear the hair tie around your wrist and The Band won’t go anywhere.

Also, any small bracelet that can fit through these loops will do the trick.

6. Sign up for activities in the app as soon as you board.

As soon as you board, connect to the ship’s wifi and open the Virgin Voyages app. At this point, you will be able to see the full itinerary for your cruise and begin signing up for activities. To sign up for an activity, click “Add to Agenda.” (Hearting an activity doesn’t officially sign you up for it.)

Some events are “ticketed,” meaning that there is a cap on how many people can participate. Some ticketed activities have an additional fee (like cocktail classes or coffee tastings), while others are free (like yoga, spin classes and select stage shows). For ticketed events, you’ll need to tap your bracelet in order to enter.

You should sign up for all of your ticketed events as soon as you board, because some ticketed events fill up quickly. If any of these activities are important to you, be sure to check the itinerary and sign up quickly or you may miss out.

Other activities on board (like fitness classes, bingo and parties) are not ticketed. There is no formal cap on who can attend and they don’t check to see if you’ve registered before they let you participate. For these activities, adding them to your agenda is just to keep you organized.

Unfortunately, the Virgin App isn’t great and it’s even worse when everyone is using it at the same time. We experienced the app crashing, spinning and logging us out numerous times on both the basic and premium wifi. So I’d recommend heading to a bar and grabbing a drink for this process so it feels less annoying.

6.5 (Bonus Tip!). Link your party in advance.

Passengers staying in the same room should automatically be connected with each other in the app. That means that anyone in your cabin can register anyone else in your cabin for activities.

However, if you are traveling with friends or family in other cabins, you will need to manually connect them. You can complete this step at anytime, but ideally you should do it before you board. That way, anyone in your party can start booking for the entire party right away.

7. Plan for any in-person registrations.

While most things onboard can be booked in the app, there are a handful of sign-ups that have to be done in person on the ship. These are things with individual time slots, like tattoo and spa appointments and private karaoke registration, and they will be noted as such in the app. If you are set on any of these services/activities, do some research in advance and plan your first day accordingly.

For example, the tattoo parlor opens after the ship has left port and reaches international waters, often around 6 PM. The line for tattoo appointments forms early and gets long very quickly. Appointments on the last cruise day usually book up first, but they’re usually fully booked within a couple hours. If a tattoo is a priority, plan to be there about an hour before it’s scheduled to open for bookings.

Spa appointments book up less quickly, and karaoke spots usually open up daily. There might be other in-person registrations, but these are the three I know about. This is just something else you’ll want to take care of early for the best choice in times.

8. Skip luggage service when you board.

Most Virgin Voyages cruises have a luggage service available at embarkation and debarkation. The exact details vary based on your port, but here’s how it works at Terminal V in Miami.

There is a luggage check location outside the terminal. You can leave your bags here and then they will be delivered to your cabin that evening. The timing can vary, but on my cruise they were scheduled to be delivered by 6 PM.

This service can make it easier to navigate the terminal and board the ship without having to deal with your bags. This can also make security a bit easier. If you do use this service, just make sure you keep everything with you that you’ll need before 6 PM (including swimsuits, make up, meds, etc.)

It’s a good service, but I would actually recommend you skip luggage check when you board.

The main reason for that is because rooms are typically ready as soon as you board. On other cruise lines, that’s not the case, so you want to check your bags so you can enjoy the ship without lugging them around. But on Virgin Voyages, you can usually drop your bags in your room right away. This is easier than having to pack a day bag and then waiting for your bags to be delivered.

The Miami terminal is also easy to pull your bags through. The entire route is accessible by elevator, escalator, and/or ramp, so you won’t have issues with stairs. You do have to go through security, but you don’t have to remove anything from your bags like at the airport. If you have an early boarding time, this process can take less than 20 minutes.

8.5 (Bonus Tip!). Do use luggage service if you have a late debarkation time.

Similarly, Virgin Voyages also offers luggage check service on your debarkation day. You can leave your bags outside your door the night before you disembark, and then pick them up just before you exit the terminal. There is a cutoff time, but it’s usually around midnight.

This service does actually make sense if you have a late debarkation time. Most itineraries allow you to stay on the ship as late as 10:30 AM. However, access to the rooms is usually cut off before that. That means you have to keep your luggage with you.

If you plan to leave the ship late and want to have a relaxing morning, you don’t want to be lugging your bags. In this case, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the baggage service.

9. Pack the essentials.

This is not a complete packing list, but there are a few things you should be sure to pack for your Virgin Voyages cruise.

• Passport. There are some ways around this, depending on your itinerary, but it’s best to have it on you when cruising.
• Scarlet outfit. There are a few cruise parties and events, some of which vary by season, but the highlight of every Virgin Voyages cruise is Scarlet Night. Everyone wears red and there are a few events around the ship. It’s really fun and everyone gets into it, so this is the one onboard event you should definitely plan for.
• Sunblock and aloe. I’m usually pretty firmly in the buy-it-there camp, but that’s not always possible on a cruise ship. The stores onboard are only open when the ship is at sea and they are closed when the ship is at port. You might not always be able to buy these important items onboard when you need them.
• Portable charger . Virgin Voyages offers free wifi for everyone, so you might be on your phone more than you think. Plus, you’ll probably be using the app a lot to check the day’s schedules. A portable charger is nice to have in your bag. There are also many outlets around the ship, so you can also just bring an extra cord to keep with you.

10. Plan your flights properly.

If you are flying on either side of your cruise, selecting the right flight times is a delicate art.

Regardless of what port your sailing from, I would recommend flying in at least one day before you sail. Even if you don’t board until late in the afternoon or evening, I still wouldn’t recommend flying in the same day as your cruise departure. There’s always a chance that your flight gets delayed, you get rerouted, your bags get delayed, etc. You don’t want one bad travel day to cost you your entire cruise if you don’t make it there in time.

That same rule of thumb does not necessarily apply to your departure flight. It’s rare (but not impossible) that your cruise disembarkation will be drastically delayed. You can usually plan to fly out the same day that your cruise is scheduled to arrive. This of course varies based on your specific itinerary and port.

If you’re sailing from Miami, Virgin Voyages officially recommends booking a flight no earlier than noon on your arrival day.

Based on my recent personal experience, though, I would say that you could make a domestic flight as early as 10 AM. My disembarkation was scheduled for 8 AM, but I went down at 7:30 AM and walked right off the ship. There were no lines in the terminal, and I was at the Uber pick-up area by 7:42 AM. I arrived at the Miami airport at 8:02 AM and was through PreCheck security by 8:17 AM.

Everything might not always go that smoothly. However, I just wanted to share an actual timeline to help give you an idea.

Final Bonus Tip: Work with a travel advisor.

As I mentioned before, this trip was graciously gifted by our travel advisor at Travel With Character . We always work with them to book our Disney vacations , but this was my first time working with them on a cruise. I got to experience first hand what it was like to have a dedicated travel advisor help with my cruise vacation, and it was a dream.

They stayed on top of all of the timelines I mention throughout this post, and sent out reminders for each task to make sure nothing slipped through the cracks. Not only did they make the cruise planning a breeze, but they also helped plan my hotel and activities in Miami before the cruise, and they quickly found a third-party tour provider when our cruise itinerary changed last minute.

If you want your travel planning to be as stress-free as the cruise itself, I’d highly recommend reaching out to Travel With Character. (And no, they’re not paying me to say that.)

Sold and serviced by Agent USD i

You are seeing this because you have clicked on a link that is being serviced by Agent USD. If you don't know them or want to opt-out, click here .

• +18877996677

Now We're Voyaging Together

New love. Old love. The big birthday. That well-deserved raise. Or just… because.

Celebrate with Virgin Voyages

Looking for something extra-special to dial up your celebration? From birthday getaways and 30-year wedding anniversaries to finally celebrating that promotion you got at work, our experiences are built around making your celebrations epic, so we’re adding even more ways to make them extraordinary.

Make an (even bigger) splash

The package

A Splash for your Bash

From extra bevs to secret bites, celebrate in style. Whatever you’re celebrating, you can now add A Splash for Your Bash package to your booking — which includes: ★ Bottomless brunch event ★ A revelrous dinner party with curated beverages and desserts, and your complimentary bubbly will be upgraded to Moët & Chandon

THE DETAILS

A Bottomless Brunch Bash

As part of A Splash for Your Bash, you’ll get: ★ A complimentary bottomless brunch drink package per Sailor at either The Wake or Razzle Dazzle ★ For those who don’t drink alcohol (or can’t just yet!), non-alcoholic options including Noughty Sparkling Mimosas, Heineken 0.0%, and non-alcoholic Bloody Marys

Elevated Celebratory Dinners

With an enhanced family-style, chef-curated menu, complimentary curated beverage packages (with mocktail options, too, of course), and desserts — just for you and your dinner party, our celebratory dinner plus-ups make the experience of dining together (even more) memorable.

From big to small, we’re here to help you celebrate it all.

Anniversaries.

From 57 years together to a brand new fling.

Bachelor(ette) parties

 Let us bring the bling before the ring.

Age is just a number… but it’s better celebrated at sea.

Family Reunions

Because let’s be real, families can actually be enjoyable when you’re on vacay.

Friend Trips

Early morning or greeting the morning after a night out, we have something for every personality.

Literally… anything

Your new job. A new friendship. A babymoon. No reason is too small or obscure to reward yourself with a getaway.

BOOK. SHARE. TOAST

Sail and celebrate together

When you’re onboard celebrating with your crew, we make it easy to book, link your reservations, and dine together — and get perks for doing it. When you book and link your reservation with your fellow Sailors, you’ll get dinner concierge services (for group dining of 13 or more).

How to start the celebration

Whether you're looking to book a celebration with your crew or purchase A Splash for Your Bash, here's what to do next.

Booked and ready to celebrate with your crew

If you've already booked and would like to link your reservations, head to My Account to share your personal link.

Not booked, but want to celebrate with your crew

If you haven't booked your sailing yet, check out our epic itineraries , select a voyage, and once you’ve locked in your vacation, you’ll receive personal links to send to your fellow Sailors.

Purchase A Splash for Your Bash

To manage your booking and lock in our newest curated dining and bev package, create or sign in to your Virgin Voyages account.

• Entertainment
• Newsletters

Texas man arrested at Port Everglades, accused of raping woman on cruise

Sanela Sabovic , Reporter

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A Texas man was arrested in South Florida over the weekend accused of raping a woman on a cruise ship.

The suspect, Juan Campos, and the victim were on a cruise last week when she told authorities he raped her.

Campos, 28, was arrested as he got off Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas at Port Everglades and remains at the Broward County Main Jail.

His attorney says when the victim said stop, he did.

“It was a normal cruise, he was with friends, they met some people on board and next thing you know, he’s charged with this crime,” said attorney Ed Hoeg.

Both Campos and the victim, a 20-year-old woman, were aboard the ship last week.

According to an arrest report, on Aug. 28 around 2 a.m. they were engaged in close physical contact.

“It sounds like they were making out, it started going a little too far, when the lady said ‘stop,’ when she verbally expressed ‘stop,’ he stopped,” said Hoeg.

The arrest report states that the victim was penetrated with an unknown object against her will, going on to say, “In the feeling of pain, the victim placed her hands on the defendant’s shoulders, pushed him and told him to stop and it hurts.”

Per the report, the victim told deputies that Campos tried to have her perform oral sex on him, but was unsuccessful and tried to penetrate her again, but was also unsuccessful.

“That’s not the way I read it, otherwise they would have charged it with force or using violence,” said Hoeg. “As the police themselves put it on here, it’s sexual battery, no force or violence.”

Local 10 News has learned that Campos is from Houston and comes from a law enforcement family.

“The family says this guy has no criminal history, he’s a great kid, he was on a vacation and they are shocked by the allegations,” said Hoeg.

A judge granted Campos a $20,000 bond.

Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Sanela sabovic.

Sanela Sabovic joined Local 10 News in September 2012 as an assignment editor and associate producer. In August 2015, she became a full-time reporter and fill-in traffic reporter. Sanela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in radio, television and film from DePaul University.

Recommended Videos

Man allegedly drugged wife's dinner then invited more than 50 other men over to rape her

Some 51 men are accused of raping Gisèle Pélicot, a mother of three, after she was allegedly drugged by her husband at the family home in Mazan, a commune in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

• 16:23, 2 Sep 2024
• Updated 16:37, 2 Sep 2024

A mum who was allegedly raped by multiple strangers after being drugged by her own husband today faced them all in a packed court room .

Gisèle Pélicot, a 72-year-old French woman, waived her legal right to anonymity on Monday at the opening of the trial of Dominique Pélicot, 71, and 51 other men.

All are accused of aggravated rape in a trial at the Vaucluse Criminal Court, in Avignon, which is due to last for four months. Twenty of them, including Pélicot, are in custody, while the others remain on bail.

Asked to confirm his name and address at the start of proceedings, Pélicot said: "My home is prison, you know it". Ms Pélicot, a mother-of-three, was supported by her adult children as she stood in the public gallery, listening to evidence.

The family home, in nearby Mazan, allegedly became a crime scene over almost a decade, when streams of men were invited to attack Ms Pélicot. Her husband is said to have used an online platform called coco.fr to contact them between 2011 and 2020.

Detectives have listed a total of 92 rapes committed by 72 men, 51 of whom have been identified.They are all being tried alongside Mr Pélicot , a former employee at French utility company, EDF.

In evidence from previous hearings, he said all the men who slept with his wife ‘knew she was drugged’ without her knowledge. Pélicot said ‘all had free will’ and ‘could have left the premises’ at any time.

Presiding Judge Roger Arata announced first thing on Monday morning that Ms Pélicot would be granted her wish for ‘full publicity’ until the end of the trial.

"Proceedings will be public," said the judge, who is president of a bench composed of five professional magistrates. Ms Pélicot’s lawyer, Antoine Camus, said: "She could have opted for a closed trial, but that’s what her attackers would have wanted."

Despite this, it would be a ‘horrible ordeal,’ said Mr Camus, adding: ‘For the first time, she will have to live through the rapes that she endured over ten years.

The Pélicots shared a large family house and – outwardly – were highly respectable pensioners with family members who visited regularly. Neighbours spoke about them as ‘lovely people’ who held parties around their swimming pool, in a well-kept garden, according to court evidence.

In fact, Pélicot was allegedly a serial rapist who moved his family from greater Paris in 1991, and later allegedly set up the sex ring. It involved advertising on a site for ‘partners’ on an online forum called ‘Without Her Knowing’.

Participants would discuss performing acts on unwitting partners, and then film their depravity, before storing the videos on a USB drive dubbed ‘Abuses’. In Pélicot’s case, the data eventually fell into the hand of police, who confirmed it enabled them to identify the 92 cases of rape. Of the 83 men involved, 51 aged between 26 and 73 were identified and arrested by the police.

Pélicot is said to have sedated his wife by putting tablets of a powerful anxiolytic drug into her evening dinner. He then invited strangers from the online forum into the couple's bedroom, so that his wife could be raped while unconscious. All were told to wash their hands, and not to wear aftershave, so she would not sense they were strangers.

Investigators only learned about the horror in 2020, when Pélicot was arrested in a supermarket in Carpentras for filming up the skirts of other customers.

When police searched his camera phone, and equipment kept at his home, they found all of the abuse images. Alleged rapists involved in the case include civil servants, ambulance workers, soldiers, prison guards, nurses, a journalist, a municipal councillor, and truck drivers.

A fireman accused of raping Ms Pélicot wore his uniform during the attack, one video shows. The fireman's computer contained 728 images of children being sexually abused, say prosecutors.

Some of his accomplices claimed they had no idea the sex was not consensual while one denied it was rape, saying: "It's his wife, he does what he likes with her." The trial continues, and is due to last until December 21.

MORE ON Crime France

Get email updates with the day's biggest stories.